C.A.R.E. Awards
Claire’s Award for Reading Excellence
C.A.R.E. Awards recognize K–8 students who have struggled and demonstrated marked improvement in their reading skills over the course of a school year. Your nominee should not be the best reader in the class, but the student who has made the most reading improvement in your classroom.
May 2, 2026
Claire’s Day Toledo
Claire’s Day Toledo is a joyful celebration of life, literacy, and community. As part of Northwest Ohio’s largest children’s book festival, the event brings together families, educators, authors, illustrators, and thousands of young readers to honor the legacy of Claire Lynsey Rubini and her love of learning.
Attendees can enjoy author and illustrator presentations, hands-on activities at the popular Creation Station, and the inspiring presentation of the C.A.R.E. Awards (Claire’s Awards for Reading Excellence), recognizing more than 1,300 of the area’s most improved K–8 readers. Claire’s Day is a powerful reminder of the impact encouragement, access, and a love of books can have on a child’s future.
Main Library
325 Michigan St, Toledo, OH
May 16, 2026
Claire’s Day Maumee
Celebrating its 25th year, Claire’s Day Maumee continues the tradition where it all began in 2002. As Northwest Ohio’s largest children’s book festival, the event welcomes families and schools for a vibrant day dedicated to authors, illustrators, and reading excellence.
Featuring engaging literary presentations, interactive activities, and the heartfelt C.A.R.E. Awards ceremony, Claire’s Day Maumee celebrates the region’s most improved readers and the joy of discovering stories. Each year, more than 20,000 students benefit from Claire’s Day programming—making this festival a cornerstone of literacy in our community.
Maumee Branch Library
501 River Rd, Maumee, OH
May 15, 2026
Claire’s Night
An Evening to Celebrate Literacy & Legacy
Claire’s Night is an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the heart and mission of Claire’s Day. Bringing together community leaders, sponsors, educators, and supporters, the event honors 25 years of impact in children’s literacy across Northwest Ohio.
This special night pays tribute to Claire Lynsey Rubini’s legacy and the movement her love of reading inspired. As the region’s largest children’s book festival continues to reach more than 20,000 students annually and celebrate over 1,300 C.A.R.E. Award recipients each year, Claire’s Night reflects on that impact and looks ahead to the future of literacy in our community.
Sapphire Room at the Malawi Event Center
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH
C.A.R.E. Award for Reading Excellence
C.A.R.E. Awards recognize K–8 students who have struggled and demonstrated marked improvement in their reading skills over the course of a school year. Your nominee should not be the best reader in the class, but the student who has made the most reading improvement in your classroom.