Meet the Residents: Kaye and Randy Patterson, Champions of Literacy and Community
Longhorn Village residents Kaye and Randy Patterson have created a legacy of literacy and community, one book and one child at a time.
Through their leadership with BookSpring, they’ve helped distribute over a million books to kids from under-resourced backgrounds, fostering a love for reading and opening doors to brighter futures for countless families in Austin and beyond.
“For us, reading is more than a pastime — it’s a gift that sparks curiosity and fuels imagination,” said Kaye. “Instilling that love of books in children has been one of our greatest joys. Watching young minds grow and thrive through stories is endlessly rewarding.”
The couple’s journey with BookSpring began in 1977 when the organization was called “Friends of Reading Is Fundamental of Austin.” Since then, they’ve been integral to BookSpring’s evolution into a Central Texas literacy powerhouse. Through its partnerships with schools, medical clinics and community groups, BookSpring works to ensure every child — regardless of their circumstances — has access to books and the motivation to read.
The organization’s mission resonates deeply with the Pattersons, who recall fond memories of library trips and reading by flashlight after “lights out.” “Our parents instilled in us a love of reading,” Kaye said. “That carried through to our daughters and, now, to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Seeing their enthusiasm for books affirms the choices we made to prioritize reading as a family.”
Annual Holiday Book Drive Underway
Longhorn Village is joining Kaye and Randy in their mission to promote literacy by hosting a children’s book drive. Each year, residents and Steiner Ranch community members donate hundreds of books, making the season a little brighter for area children.
Community members are encouraged to drop off gently used or new children’s books in Santa’s Mailbox outside Longhorn Village’s independent living entrance at 12501 Longhorn Parkway. Area kids are also welcome to mail their letters to Santa in the same festive red mailbox.
Residents will also encourage their families to contribute books during holiday gatherings. Once collected, they’ll sort and prepare the books for distribution through BookSpring. The organization will wrap and deliver them at school events so children of families in need can receive a gift that helps ignite their imaginations and love for learning.
Become Part of Something Bigger
Longhorn Village is home to a community of fascinating individuals — professors, engineers, attorneys and lifelong learners — each bringing unique interests and experiences. Residents come from near and far, from neighborhoods around our campus to states as distant as Virginia and California. No matter where they’re from, everyone is welcomed like family.
Kaye and Randy’s story is just one example of how residents are the heart and soul of our community, and how Longhorn Village fuels residents’ passions, celebrates their interests and brings people together.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to continue exploring new passions, forging connections, and feeling a sense of pride and belonging. We embrace living well, dreaming big, laughing often and seizing every moment.
“The spirit of giving and collaboration here is extraordinary,” Kaye said. “It’s heartwarming to see our neighbors rallying around causes like BookSpring.”
Learn more about how retirement life at Longhorn Village creates moments of joy and plants seeds of imagination, learning and discovery. Call us today at 512.503.8288 to explore everything our community has to offer.
Featured Image: Lucigerma / Shutterstock