Villa Park Village President Kevin Patrick served as one of the “Cool Readers” during the Friends of the Villa Park Library’s 2026 Read-a-thon on Saturday, Aug. 1. The 12-hour community event celebrated literacy, storytelling, and supporting the Villa Park Library. “What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday,” stated Patrick. “It was a pleasure spending time with so many wonderful children and families, sharing stories that have meant a lot to me over the years.”
The books Patrick read included: Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter; The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak; John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith; Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems; and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (illustrated by Ray Cruz).
“The books I chose weren't random, they were all favorites in our home when my own boys were growing up,” added Patrick. “Reading them again today brought back a lot of great memories, and it was fun seeing a new generation laugh, participate, and fall in love with these stories just like my kids did. Thank you to the Friends of the Villa Park Library, the Villa Park Public Library, all of the volunteers, and everyone who came out to make today's Read-a-thon such a success,” added Patrick. “Events like these remind us that reading doesn't just build literacy, it builds imagination, confidence, curiosity, and community.”
