
PUBLIC LIBRARIES: THEY ARE CORNERSTONES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES
The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library definitely provided daycations to community members this year by giving them opportunities to seek entertainment, education, relaxation, and FREE books to quench their desire to read and FREE databases to perform research.
In the past fiscal year, there were over 1.5 million visits to the Library and nearly 2 million books were checked out. The Library presented over 2,300 programs that attracted over 53,000 toddlers, tweens, teens, adults, and seniors.
Clearly the residents of San Joaquin County continue to cherish and use their public libraries, sustaining the important role that libraries have as anchors in communities and enjoying the exciting things that are happening every day for FREE.
Here is a very small snapshot of activities that were held throughout 2009.

We wish to thank the dedicated efforts of
our staff, advocates, volunteers, and donors
who help make the library a successful and thriving organization.

MAKING THE SEASON MERRY AND BRIGHT
Make the season a little more merry and bright for the Friends of the Stockton Public Library.
The Friends of the Stockton Public Library gratefully accepts cash gifts as well as book donations. Your donations directly impact not only the Stockton branches, but all the branches throughout the county. By bringing more books and dollars to our public library, you have the potential to make a difference in the lives of the people within our communities.
Your dollars buy books, provide fiscal support to literacy programs for all ages, and contribute to cultural education through performances and speaking engagements and so much more.
The Friends of the Stockton Public Library is a 501c(3) corporation, and your contributions are 100% tax deductible!
To donate monetarily, you can choose any dollar amount that is within your budget and mail a check or money order to:
Friends of the Stockton Public Library
P.O. Box 77933
Stockton, CA 95267-7933
You can also donate by bringing books and other materials that we can sell in our bookstore.
Donations of Acceptable Material:
-
Books on Audio Cassette
-
Hard Bound or Soft Bound Books
-
Compact Discs
-
Sheet Music
-
Books or Movies on DVDs
-
Rare Publications (antique books, first editions, etc.)
Items That May Not Be Donated:
-
Readers Digest Condensed Books
-
Business Books – published more than 10 years ago
-
Computer Books – published more than 5 years ago
-
Textbooks – published more than 10 years ago
-
Encyclopedias – published more than 10 years ago
-
Magazines
-
Homemade audiotapes, video tapes, CDs or DVDs
Where to deliver donations:
Come to the Friends of the Stockton Public Library Bookstore located at 1724 W. Hammer Lane, Stockton. For directions or questions, please call (209) 476-9033.
Hours of Operation are:
Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While you are the bookstore feel free to browse our selection. Tell your friends about us. We are the best bargain in town for used books!
Wishing you a Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
RETURN TO TOP

THINGS TO DO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library celebrates culture and music. Not only do all 13 branches of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library have an assortment of materials such as books, CDs, DVDs and more that celebrate the diverse cultures existing in our nation and across the world, but we also have programs that educate and entertain audiences of all ages.
This holiday season there are many opportunities to enjoy music, dance, and storytelling at branch libraries. See what's happening in December, and make a date with friends and family to gather at the library for fun! Enjoy a great program at the library, then head out for a cup of cocoa, christmas shopping, or a movie!
Saturday, December 5, at 11 a.m., at the Escalon Branch Library your ears and eyes will be delighted as you watch and listen to the San Joaquin Bell Ringers in Concert. Enjoy a delightful holiday concert featuring eight talented musicians who create a beautiful sound experience. Please note that the Library will be closed on this day, but the Elkholm Room WILL BE OPEN for the concert. This is a pefect event for every age, and refreshments will be served.
Saturday, December 5, at 2 p.m., at the Tracy Branch Library enjoy live entertainment featuring the famous Kalaikoil Dance and Arts Troupe of the East Bay. This performance will showcase East Indian dance and musical arrangements.
Monday, December 14, at 3:30 p.m., at the Linden Branch Library there will be a fun Fratello Marionettes play titled "The North Pole Review." Be dazzled as these marionettes dance and talk themselves into your hearts. This educational and entertaining event will have both kids and adults smiling and giggling. Don't miss it!
Monday, December 14, at 7 p.m., at the Ripon Branch Library everyone is invited to join library staff for an evening of seasonal songs and angelic voices. Sweet Harmony, a local women's a cappella chorus, will be singing, and special guest peformers will share their musical talents. This program is appropriate for the entire family.
* For any of these programs, it is recommended that you arrive early as seating is limited. Come grab a cup of coffee and a seat at any (or all) of these special seaonal performaces.
** These programs are just a sampling of what the various Friends of the Library groups sponsor for the Library and for the community. Special thanks to Friends of the Stockton Public Library, Friends of the Escalon Memorial Library, Friends of the Ripon Library, and Friends of the Tracy Library.
RETURN TO TOP
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO *AFTER* YOU VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!
IN STOCKTON:
Community Centers in Stockton - Community Centers provide a safe place, healthy activities, and educational programs for all ages. Not only are people invited to walk in during our hours of operation for a spontaneous look around, but we also encourage planned participation in the vast assortment of programs we offer. Learn more about the upcoming Winter Discovery Day Camps that will run December 21, 2009 through January 1, 2010. Let us educate and entertain your children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at any of Stockton's three Community Centers. Children will be in age-appropriate groups, in a safe environement, and participating in structured and educational programs that disguise themselves by being FUN! Prices can't be beat at only $80 a week. Learn more by visiting the City of Stockton's Day Camps website.
Golf Courses in Stockton - Enjoy the mild winter days by getting out on the golf course! Swenson Park Golf Course and Van Buskirk Golf Course are offering winter golf specials! Great prices starting as low as $9.00! Learn more by visiting the City of Stockton Golf website.
Children's Museum of Stockton - The museum offers lots of indoor fun. An educational experience from the moment young visitors step through the door, the museum features hands-on, play-based exhibits to enhance a child's understanding of how the world works. Hours of operation and prices are detailed on City of Stockton's Children's Museum website.
For more options for activities and events visit the City of Stockton's website.

WITHIN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY:
City of Escalon - Escalon is an attractive city of 7,163 persons. The city is surrounded on all sides by scenic agricultural land and open spaces. Learn more about their events and programs online.
City of Lathrop - On December 3, at 6:30 p.m., the City of Lathrop will be hosting their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, but that's not all they have going on! The 2009/2010 Winter Activity Guide is also available online.
City of Lodi - City of Lodi's website offers a great deal of information about services, programs, and events that are available for community members to attend. For instance, on December 3, at 6 p.m. they will have their annual Parade of Lights!
City of Manteca Parks and Recreation - The City of Manteca's 2009/2010 Activity Guide is available online for community members to browse by activity and age range.
City of Mountain House - Take advantage of a sunny day by visiting one of Mountain House's city parks. Playgrounds and designated tot lots offer children a fun, safe place to play!
City of Ripon - Looking for a place to go that will be fun and educational? Visit the City of Ripon's Clarence Smit Museum or the Veteran's Memorial Museum. To learn more about the city's museums and parks, visit online.
City of Tracy - The season is officially kicked off for the the City of Tracy at their Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5, at 6:30 p.m.; however, more fun is to be had by checking out their Parks and Recreation website!