Claire's Day book festival spills over into night

5/14/2004

Claire's Day has expanded to include Claire's Night as the three-year-old local children's book fair continues to grow.

The project was started in 2002 by Julie Rubini of Maumee as a tribute to her late daughter, Claire Lynsey Rubini, who died suddenly at age 10 while she was attending camp.

The event features children's authors and illustrators from across the Midwest and includes workshops, demonstrations, storytelling, book signings, musical entertainment, and hands-on activities.

Organizers say this year's Claire's Day - scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd. - has the most prestigious lineup ever.

Participants include J. Patrick Lewis, the author of 37 children's books; Michael J. Rosen, the author, editor, or illustrator of more than 50 books for children and adults; and Wendy Anderson Halperin, who has illustrated 18 books.

Others scheduled to appear tomorrow include Christopher Canyon, Beverly Croskery, Claire Ewart, Joyce Harvey, Dandi Daley Mackall, and Paul Many. A schedule of Claire's Day speakers in the library's auditorium, storytime room, and storytelling tent is available at www.clairesday.org.

The authors and illustrators will have signed copies of their books available for purchase at Claire's Night, scheduled from 7 to 10 tonight in the Wintergarden at the Main Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 325 Michigan St. in downtown Toledo.

Admission is $65 per person, tax deductible, with proceeds going to support literacy programs in the community and the library system, and to sustain Claire's Day.

The featured speaker at tonight's event will be Toledo native Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist.

Claire's Day takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd. Admission is free. Information: 419-893-8429 or www.clairesday.org. Claire's Night runs from 7 to 10 tonight at the Main Branch Library, 325 Michigan St. Admission is $65, tax deductible. Information: 419-466-7504.