“Claire’s Day was born out of a desire to honor my daughter in a positive way, that was true to her and who she was. How does one capture the essence of a lively, high-spirited, purple-loving little girl who was never far from a book?” Julie Rubini

What started as a one-day event to honor Claire Lynsey Rubini who passed away from a heart condition in 2000 at the age of ten, grew into a week-long series of events, culminating with Claire’s Day, a free family book festival. The festival hopes to inspire children and families to become lifelong readers. Now in its fifteenth year, it impacts over 15,000 children annually.

Originally, Claire’s Day was organized completely by volunteers. Last year the organization merged with Read For Literacy whose staff organizes the festival and works with a volunteer committee to bring the events to the community. A few of these events include author/illustrator school visits and grants or books for school libraries, a special reading awards program, and literary-themed crafts. In addition, books can be purchased and autographed by the authors and illustrators, along with food, t-shirts, and other book items. During Claire’s Night, attendees have the opportunity to mingle, eat, and drink with the authors and illustrators and participate in live and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting the programs.

Claire’s mother, Julie Rubini, is here to tell us more about the event and Claire.

Julie, this sounds like an incredible event. How can authors and illustrators wishing to participate get involved?

Julie: They can go to www.clairesday.org, click on the Authors/Illustrators tab where they will find the Author Submission Policy information.

I’m sure a lot of people want to help, but cannot attend. Is it possible to make a donation, either monetarily or with an item for auction?

Julie: Yes! On the website, click on “be a sponsor.” There are instructions how to do so. Contact information is also on the website. Read for Literacy, our parent organization, is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

Have you thought about expanding Claire’s Day to other cities?

Julie: We have had many discussions over the years about our dreams for Claire’s Day, including both expansion in year-long programming locally, as well as creating a template for planning a similar event in other areas. I would imagine that both could be achieved. If a community or library is interested in considering establishing a Claire’s Day of their own, contact us.

One event that touches me deeply during Claire’s Day involves the Claire’s Awards for Reading Excellence (C.A.R.E. Awards). Can you tell us about that?

Julie: C.A.R.E. Awards are given to children who were nominated by their principals as the most improved readers in their schools. It began with just 25 recipients. This year we are giving over 1000 C.A.R.E. Awards.

Wow! What an incredible confidence boost for kids. 

I’m sure it is difficult to pick one memory from these events, but was there one in particular that stood out to you?

Julie: Gosh, it is so hard to evoke just one memory, for there have been so many beautiful moments throughout the last fifteen years. I think the most touching memories involve parents taking the time to thank us for what we’ve created in Claire’s honor. Or having her classmates and friends come volunteer, or just show up and give us hugs. The most significant include being with Brad, Kyle and Ian at various times through the whirlwind of activities during the day. Their hugs and smiles are a reflection of all of us working together to not only survive our loss of our dear daughter and sister, but to really live. She was a very passionate child, and I don’t believe she would have wanted anything less for us.

I’d like to learn more about Claire. Did she have a favorite book or author?

Julie: Claire loved different authors and illustrators throughout her short, but beautiful life. Denise Fleming, an author and illustrator from Toledo (and who was with us year one and back this year!) was one of her early favorites. She loved Shel Silverstein, Tomie dePaola, and Peggy Parish’s character, Amelia Bedelia. I could go on and on with books that she read to her younger siblings, recommended to her classmates, and often used as an excuse to get out of chores. But, her absolute favorites, created just before she left us, were J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter adventures. I was to surprise her with the fourth, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when she came home from camp. We chose to bury it with her. She may be gone physically, but her spirit and love for reading and books lives on through our special tribute to her.

What an amazing way to honor her. Kids who attend the festival, or are impacted through books, school visits, or awards, will remember that forever.

What is the date and address of Claire’s Day for this year?

Julie: Claire’s Day is always the third Saturday in May. This year it is Saturday, May 21 (Brad’s and my 28^th anniversary!) at the Maumee, Ohio Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee, OH 43537.

Claire’s Night is the evening prior, Friday, May 20 at Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Main Library, 325 Michigan, Toledo, OH 43604.

If you are lucky enough to be in the area, please attend. I know you will have a wonderful time as you support reading.

Thank you very much, Julie, for sharing your daughter’s love of reading with The Winged Pen and kids and families everywhere.

A third degree black belt in taekwondo, HALLI GOMEZ teaches martial arts and writes for children and young adults because those voices flow through her brain. She enjoys family, outdoors, reading, and is addicted to superhero movies. You can find her on Twitter.