Escalon Library officials are reminding everyone in the community that the Winter Reading Challenge continues throughout January, running through Friday, Jan. 31. Open to all ages, it’s a way to keep up your reading skills over the winter and participate in the Winter Reading Challenge. All you have to do is read books to win prizes. Logs can be submitted in-person or online. The more you read, the more opportunities you will have to win the prizes. Visit the library at 1540 Second St., Escalon, to pick up your log and check out the prizes. For more information, visit the Winter Reading webpage. https://www.ssjcpl.org/programs/winReading.html

There are also some special activities on the library schedule in January, including an opportunity for adults to create a ‘Junk Journal’ on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Registration is required for the 10 a.m. program. A Junk Journal is a handmade book of mixed items; usually recycled/found materials and ephemera. The pages can be used to write, draw, paint or record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration. Junk Journaling allows for unique creative expression and a chance to create a one of kind keepsake. Basic supplies provided but attendees can also bring any of their own materials such as magazines, paper, cards, etc.

Youngsters will enjoy an event on Friday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m.; a fun-filled Winter Mess Fest is designed especially for kids, ages one to four. Participants will explore winter-themed sensory activities perfect for getting messy while embracing the winter spirit.

Registration is required for a special program set for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 3:30 p.m., open to students in second through sixth grades. Join Escalon library and the Modesto Children’s Museum and hold on tight. This open inquiry, engineering design workshop is filled with ups and downs as you explore the engineering process, communication, and collaboration. After exploring the physics behind the thrills, kids will build their own marble roller coaster around chairs, through desks, and across tables. With limitless flexible track, supports, and marbles, if you can dream it, you can design it, build it, test it, and redesign it until your coaster is ready to thrill.

On Monday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m., volunteers can meet and read a book to a therapy dog. Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) companions are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as reading companions. Children and teens can practice/improve their reading and communication skills in a unique and fun environment, free of performance pressure and judgment. No registration necessary.

Adults can take part in a holiday stress busting working on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m.; relax and refresh while listening to an audiobook and making a diamond painted snowman coaster. Registration is not required. First come first served. Limited supplies.

Rounding out the busy month, the Student Garden Club has a meeting scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m. Help grow and sustain the library community garden. Attendees will get hands-on experience planting, cultivating, and harvesting while learning about sustainable gardening practices. Together, they will create a beautiful green space and contribute to the environment and the local community. The club is recommended for second through eighth grade students of all skill levels.

For more information about any of these programs or the regularly scheduled events such as storytime, English conversation practice, chair yoga and more, stop by the library.