Skylight Books Launches Campaign for Los Angeles Youth Centers

LOS ANGELES – The home stretch of Skylight Books’ October book drive and fundraiser, supporting three youth and community centers, is in sight this weekend as the 25th anniversary of the bookstore on November 1st.

The campaign, which runs through October, supports the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center, a STEM-focused nonprofit; the Asian Youth Center, which seeks to empower low-income, immigrant and at-risk youth from all communities; and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which provides health, social, housing and education services to the LGBT community.

The books, which are collected on fiction and non-fiction wishlists for elementary school and young adult readers, are a large collection of inclusive stories, including books by Indigenous authors, from authors of color, graphic novels, stories about gender, identity, sexuality and body positivity.

“We have worked very hard to create lists reflecting various experiences, looking for ‘windows, not doors’. Seeing people like you, having experiences that you might have as a child is really empowering, it’s a foundation and it helps people grow and develop, ”said Madeline Gobbo, Events Manager, Skylight Books .

Over the past 25 years, Skylight has grown into the independent bookstore in the Los Feliz neighborhood, a central gathering point for literary and community events. Throughout the pandemic, Skylight began to organize quarterly book drives; most recently, he helped build a library at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. This particular campaign came about when youth organizer Meagan Domingo approached Skylight for advice on running a campaign, and the bookstore offered to join forces.

“It’s been a really nice change which I think has happened as part of the pandemic mindset – which people really want to help,” Gobbo said. “It has become this very good support network, creating networks with other institutions in the city and allowing our clients to feel that they have a role to play in doing good to other Angelenos. “

Fiction and non-fiction book wishlists are available for children and young adult readers on the Skylight website, but those interested in helping directly can also contribute cash to a GoFundMe campaign.

For more information visit skylightbooks.com/youthcenterbookdrive.