Books Build Brains

YMCAs are the places to go for a nice workout in a laid-back environment: no muscle-beach mooks giving you the once-over just 'cause they can bench press you to Beijing and back. The wonderful Y helps tone brains as well, courtesy of its vital literacy programs and annual YMCA Book Fair. This installment, number 30, provides the usual surfeit of books (more than 60 categories), audio books, magazines, videotapes and music. The money you spend benefits the YMCA's outreach programs — in particular, its efforts to bolster literacy. This year's biblio-bonanza runs from Friday through Wednesday (August 22 through 27) at the Kennedy Recreation Complex in Suson Park (6050 Wells Road; 314-353-4960 or www.ymcastlouis.org); hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., admission is free every day except Friday (when it's $10). Also of note, Tuesday is half-price day, and Wednesday is $10 Bag or Box o' Books Day.
Aug. 22-27, 2008