BOOKSTORE IS A LABOR OF LOVE.

Byline: Andrea Cavanaugh Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS - After they retired, Melissa Cook and Jeanne Johnson wanted two things: to open a bookstore that would give their community affordable access to books, and time to themselves to read.

Since they opened The Book Bag, a nonprofit, used bookstore in Thousand Oaks, they've gotten one of their wishes.

``We thought we could sit around and read books and drink tea all day,'' Cook said. ``I don't think either one of us has read a book since we started.''

Although they haven't had time to read, the first part of their dream has come to fruition.

Their store, with more than 8,000 volumes priced at $5 or less, opened a week ago and already is making money, Cook said.

Half the profits from Book Bag Inc., the nonprofit organization the women formed, will be donated to two Conejo Valley organizations that help children and adults improve their reading and writing skills. The other half will be donated to literacy programs, which Cook and Johnson will select.

One of the beneficiaries the pair already has chosen is an after-school homework and literacy program operated by Many Mansions, which provides affordable housing and other services for low-income residents.

The staff of Many Mansions was thrilled about being selected as a beneficiary, spokesman Charles Gary said.

``We love them,'' Gary said. ``One of the things that perpetuates poverty is the element of children not being educated. They're helping us to break that cycle.''

Even in a prosperous community like Thousand Oaks, many people lack the resources needed to pay retail prices for an armload of books, Johnson said.

``With the economy what it is, people may have lost their jobs and they can't afford to spend $100,'' she said. ``But they're still readers, and they still want their kids to have books.''

Cook and Johnson set their prices to ensure that nearly everyone can afford a stack of books.

Children's books are priced at $1, paperbacks are $2 to $3, and hardcovers sell for $5. Book exchanges in a similar genre are $1.

Besides funding literacy programs, Johnson and Cook hope that the bookstore itself, with its bright interior and polished wood shelves, will become a gathering place for readers throughout the community.

They hope to host children's events, readings and book clubs as well as develop a ``Books on Wheels'' program to deliver volumes to homebound residents.

For Johnson, 62, and Cook, 52, the store is a natural extension of their love for books. They began planning the project a year ago when both were preparing to retire from long careers in human resources.

The women are seeking volunteers and book donations to help sustain the store. Johnson and Cook are volunteering their time, and have contributed about $40,000 of their own money to open the store, Cook said.

``We're not doing it for the money,'' Cook said. ``We want this to be a place of community.''

Andrea Cavanaugh, [phone]

andrea.cavanaugh(at)dailynews.com

IF YOU GO:

The Book Bag, at 202 N. Skyline Drive, Thousand Oaks, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A grand opening celebration is planned for Saturday. For more information, or to volunteer or donate books, call [phone] or visit www.thebookbag.biz.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(color) Melissa Cook, left, and Jeanne Johnson own and run The Book Bag, which sells used books at greatly reduced prices.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer

Box:

IF YOU GO (see text)