Agoura's Hidden Gem - The Book Cellar

On any given Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the basement of the Agoura Hills Library opens its doors to the public as a used bookstore.

On such a day, it is not uncommon to find small children sitting in miniature size Adirondack chairs quietly looking at picture books or young adults scrambling for the latest vampire novel, while mothers peruse the trade paperbacks and fathers search for back issues of Popular Photography arranged on one of three bookcases dedicated to magazines.  

The Book Cellar is operated on almost no budget by the Friends of the Agoura Hills Library, according to President Tom Allen. Whatever amount is raised by the shop is used to subsidize shortfalls for the library. The group funds periodicals, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, audio books, upgraded furniture, as well as children and teen programs, in addition to the books.

Every Book Cellar title spanning  bestsellers, classics, biographies, self-help, cookbooks, poetry, gardening, home decorating, children's and even the very popular young adult fiction is donated.

"We sometimes get 40-to-60 boxes a week," said Diane Haupt, the manager of the Book Cellar. Haupt puts in her time four days a week and said there is a high demand for volunteering. 

"We put a sign-up sheet out in January and it is usually full that first day for the entire year," she said. This year, there are 25 volunteers who sort through and arrange the books before every Saturday.

In order to ensure that each patron gets what they want, Haupt meticulously screens incoming books against a clipboard "wish list" located at the cashier desk. Haupt said she is usually able to fill 70 to 80 orders a month.

Most books are priced from 50 cents for paperbacks to one dollar for trade paperbacks and hard covers.  Some specialty books might be priced around two dollars. At those prices, the bookstore sells an average of one thousand books each week, according to Haupt. 

"I always walk out of the Book Cellar with at least one book in hand," said Lola Stone, a regular Book Cellar shopper and Agoura Hills resident. "Books in the basement for a buck? Beautiful."

The Book Cellar is actively seeking donations.  Feel free to drop off books in the downstairs parking lot next to the Book Cellar door or call the library at 818 889-2278 and ask for Diane Haupt to arrange for a pickup for a large donation.