11th Annual Claire’s Day
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Claire’s Day is a free family book festival held annually in honor of Claire Lynsey Rubini who passed away from a heart condition in 2000, when she was just ten years old. Claire’s Day embraces all of her favorite activities, including telling stories, dancing, making crafts, but most of all, reading.
The Claire’s Day Inc. mission is to inspire children of all ages and their families to be lifelong readers through exposure to a variety of literary opportunities and experiences.
Claire’s Day Inc. is a 501(c) 3organization, and through the efforts of a part-time executive director and volunteers, plans and coordinates a variety of events and activities the week leading up to the book festival. These events include visits to area schools by authors and illustrators; a grant program to benefit schools and libraries, and Claire’s Night, a fund-raising event for adults.
Claire’s Day is held on the third Saturday in May at the Maumee branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 501 River Road, Maumee, Ohio. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 19.
The Claire’s Day book festival features children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country. The authors and illustrators meet with young readers to discuss their craft and sign their books. The day also includes storytellers, live music, and hands-on activities.
A highlight of the day is the C.A.R.E. Awards (Claire’s Awards for Reading Excellence), which are presented to students recognized by their schools as being the most improved in their reading skills. Principals from the greater Toledo area may nominate students in grades 1-8 for the awards.
Claire’s Day grants are awarded to schools and community hosts to help offset the costs of the authors’ and illustrators’ appearances. Schools are responsible for paying the guest speaker’s honorarium, and Claire’s Day Inc. is responsible for any expenses incurred during their visits. Several hotels in the community have partnered with the organization and provide complimentary guest rooms.
Claire’s Day Inc. has given $2500 annually to the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Legacy Foundation. These funds are earmarked specifically towards the purchase of books written or illustrated by the upcoming Claire’s Day participants. Following the 2011 event, the organization has given $25,000 worth of books to the community through this effort.
Author Presentation Schedule
Teen Tent
10:00 – Carrie Harris
12:00 – Linda Gerber
2: 00 – Brandon Marie Miller
Study Room
11:00 – Tricia Springstubb
Auditorium
9:30 Will Hillenbrand
10:30 Debbie Taylor
11:30 – David T. Greenberg
12:30 – Marlene Kennedy
1:30 – Ruth McNally Barshaw
2:30 – Paul Orshoski
*When not presenting, authors will be available to autograph books in the Barnes and Noble Author Tent!!