Beth Bales: Judges Read Bedtime Stories, Not Verdicts

For most people, probably, being in a is not a positive experience. It could be a divorce, it could be a speeding ticket, or a criminal proceeding. With the exception of a wedding or a few other legal matters, a courthouse visit is most likely a stressful one.

But not Wednesday evening. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Kane County Judicial Center will be open for fun, as the Kane County Law Library and Self Help Legal Center once again hosts its annual “Family Reading Night with the Judges.”

The event is geared to children in second grade and younger. And they’re urged to come dressed for bed, in their comfy pajamas and/or robes. 

This year, Judges Mark Pheanis, Edward Schreiber and Bruce Lester will be reading their favorite bedtime stories to those in attendance. And they’ll be shucking their judicial robes for something a little more comfortable—pj’s, according to Library Director Halle Cox. 

Participants can visit the courthouse, tour a courtroom, have snacks and meet the judges, she said. “It’s a really great way for the general public—and a lot of people have never had the chance to be inside the building, to be exposed to the courtroom and judiciary in a positive way,” she said. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

The event takes place in the Law Library and Self Help Legal Center, on the second floor of the Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles. For more information, call the center at 7630-406-7126.