Cook Memorial Public Library District's Summer Reading Club Registration is Now Open and Kicks Off With an Appearance by Ryan Garcia of 366 Random Acts of Kindness on June 12.
Spend the summer camping out under the stars of imagination as you DREAM BIG and READ at the library! The summer will be filled with stories, music, adventure and excitement for children and families, beginning with the Summer Reading Club's Kick-off Event on Tuesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at the Aspen Drive Library, 701 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills.
Ryan Garcia of 366 Random Acts of Kindness fame will be at the library sharing his experiences and helping others do the same! New dad Ryan Garcia vowed to teach his daughter the importance of giving back and pledged to commit random acts of kindness all 366 days of this leap year. He began his blog, "366RandomActs.org" to chronicle each day and has received world-wide attention. To date, Ryan has given away free hugs and a Nintendo Wii. He has raised awareness for a cancer patient, became a pen pal for a sick child, bought lunch for a group of firefighters from Engine 4 in Chicago and much more.
According to "CBS Chicago", Garcia has garnered an international following and has received phone calls, emails and social media outreach since beginning his mission. "There are people who are following in 18 different countries," said Garcia in a Huffington Post article. "The feeling and warmth I've gotten back has just made it great for me." With many days ahead of him, Garcia is asking that people share their ideas for random acts of kindness with him. Check out his blog and send him ideas at 366randomacts.org.
After his presentation at the library, participants are welcome to commit their own "acts of kindness" by making cards, writing letters, or planting flowers for those in the community who need it. All families are welcome but registration is required. Call (847) 362-2330 or visit webres.cooklib.org to register. Please consider bringing a new book, paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware or paper towels to donate to the township food pantries.