Book Fair Raises Money for YMCA Programs

A wide variety of books at 50 percent off will always attract readers of all ages, but add in the fact that proceeds benefit a good cause and there is even more of an incentive to get a jump-start on some summer reading.

The Palisades-Malibu YMCA Book Fair began May 31 and continues from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to raise money for the many programs the YMCA offers.

“We use the money for folks who can’t afford full memberships or to subsidize the cost of our camps and sports programs,” said Kim Begel, director of healthy lifestyles and membership at the YMCA.

Since the YMCA is a nonprofit organization, what it charges for certain programs doesn’t usually cover the operational costs, Begel said.

“So we do these fundraisers to offset the costs, since many of our programs don’t break even,” she said. “We never want to turn someone away because they can’t afford to pay.”

The event is sponsored by California Book Fairs and has activity books, holiday books and required reading for the kids, along with parenting and fitness books and cookbooks for adults.

“It’s been pretty steady all day, but as soon as the school across the street let out a lot of the kids and parents came over,” said Natalie Urias, book fair sales manager for California Book Fairs. “While the parents are over here buying books for the kids, they’re also buying cookbooks. I’ve sold a bunch of those today.”

All books are 50 percent off and 10 percent of the proceeds go to the Malibu-Palisades YMCA, Urias said.

“It’s a very simple process: We do all the work and all the YMCA has to do is cash the check when we’re done,” she said.

The Malibu-Palisades YMCA is located at 821 Via de la Paz. The Book Fair is open to the public and cash, checks and major credit cards are accepted. For information, call 310-454-5591.