The 30th YMCA Book Fair won’t be at the Carondelet branch this year.

On reason apparently is that the sale, which starts Aug. 22, often comes during the heat and humidity of a Midwest summer and the YMCA’s Carondelet branch isn’t air conditioned.

Here is the press release on the fair’s new site - quite far out if you’re used to going to Carondelet - but perhaps more convenient for South County book buyers: 

After thirty years the YMCA Book Fair has outgrown its former home at the Carondelet Family YMCA. This year the fair will be held at the Kennedy Complex across from Suson Park. At this new space all the books will be on one level, with handicap accessible access and air-conditioning. “We are all looking forward to the air-conditioning at an event held in late August, ” says Deb Salls, executive director of the Washington University Campus YMCA.

The YMCA Book Fair held August 22-27 benefits the YMCA’s expansive youth and literacy programs. Through the Washington University Campus YMCA and the YMCA’s three Literacy programs, hundred of adults and children in the St. Louis area have access to free books and reading tutors. “Without the funds raised at the annual book sale, we would have to drastically reduce the valuable programs we offer,” says Caroline Mitchell, Director of the YMCA Literacy Programs. “The adults and children we serve gain more than reading skills, they gain self-confidence. It sounds kind of silly, but you really are making a difference in the lives of others by buying books!”

“We have filled four containers of great books, and we don’t keep anything you wouldn’t want to read in your bed,” says Dan Schulze, Executive director of the Carondelet Family YMCA. “As usual we have a great selection of rare and special books, many of which have beautiful illustrated bindings.” A complete list of these books can be found on the fair’s website.

The 30th annual YMCA Book Fair begins Friday, August 22 at 4pm with a special “Preview Night”, a chance to get a sneak peak at the books for sale. There is a $10 admission for the “Preview Night” sale. The book fair continues 9am - 9pm Saturday, August 25 thru Wednesday, August 29, with free admission. Special pricing begins Tuesday August 28th with “Half Price Day”, and Wednesday, August 29th offers shoppers a “$10 Bag or Box Day”.

Additional details about the 30th annual YMCA Book Fair and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.ymcbookfair.org or by calling 314-353-4960.

Since 1979, the YMCA Book Fair has raised over $1,000,000 for the Carondelet Family YMCA, the Washington University Campus YMCA and the three YMCA Literacy Programs that support St. Louis area children and adults improve their reading skills. The YMCA Book Fair, which is founded by the Carondelet Y Service Club, attracts customers from twenty states coast to coast, and is a volunteer driven event with over a million books, CDs, videos and records for sale.

YMCA Literacy Programs match volunteers who are passionate about reading and learning with students who receive free tutoring services to improve reading and life skills. Through the YMCA Literacy Council, low literate adults earn U.S citizenship, GED certificates, and promotions through their work with a state certified mentor. In the Y Read Program, children raise their reading skill level so they are able to succeed in school. Finally through Beginning Babies with Books, low-income families receive training and support that improve parenting skills. All of the YMCA Literacy Programs are free programs to those students receiving our help. While our programs are focused on literacy and reading skills, participants gain the self-confidence needed to succeed in life.