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Held annually in honor of Claire Rubini, who passed away from a heart condition in 2000 when she was just ten years old, the event embraces her favorite activities making crafts, dancing, and above all, reading.
Claire’s Day will feature friends from the Toledo Zoo, YMCA parachute games, hands-on children and family activity areas and visits from the Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries Ready to Read van, WGTE’s Raising Readers van and so much more!
All activities are FREE and the public is welcome to join in the fun to experience how reading helps children succeed in life. It is also a time to learn more about literacy programs for the summer and to make reading part of your daily life.
According to Board Chair Brenda Lee, “Claire’s Day is not only an opportunity to enjoy a day of literacy, but it is also a great way to spend the day as a family. When children read, it makes all the difference in their ability to succeed. The C.A.R.E. Awards are proof that all things are possible. Because of very generous donors, we are able to bring this amazing festival to the Maumee Library and our community.”
The highlight of this year’s Claire’s Day will be the Claire Awards for Reading Excellence (C.A.R.E. Awards) honoring close to 700 children who have increased their literacy skills. Sponsored by Lockrey Manufacturing, The Anderson’s, Toledo Spring, The Blade, and O-I, the children will be honored in a ceremony with all of the pomp and circumstance of graduation.
Each child will be given the opportunity to meet with their favorite author to receive an autographed book for their at-home libraries. Over 10 area school districts are participating including: Maumee, Sylvania, Springfield, Defiance, Swanton, Genoa, Toledo Catholic Dioceses, Bennett Venture, Northwood, and Washington Local Schools.
In addition, Toledo Public Schools will be honoring over 300 children and because of the generosity of our donors, bus transportation is also included for families who otherwise would not have been able to attend.
All 9 authors/illustrators will be on hand with their books for sale. The public can come meet the authors, spend time with them during “sit a spell,” and take photos, and get signed autographs. We will also have culinary arts students from Washington Local Schools grilling hamburgers, hot dogs and other fun festival foods.
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