Olivia McAfee sold gift certificates and helped customers with their purchases Monday on her first day at work.

“It was fun,” Olivia said. “I actually had to fill in as manager, because our general manager had to go home sick.”

But Olivia isn’t looking for a career at the bookstore, she’s just looking for a part-time job to get her by until middle school.

Olivia is a fourth grade student at Blandy Hills Elementary School and manned the store on it’s first day of regular operations.

“I think it’s important that students know how to read, and I thought working here would be fun,” Olivia said on her second day of work.

The fourth grader was only one of 150 fourth- and fifth-grade students to apply for the available 32 jobs at Bear Essentials Bookstore, Etta Bentley, media specialist, said.

Bear Essentials is funded by a grant that provides initial startup costs. Once the grant runs its course at the end of the school year, staff and administrators will have to determine whether to keep the store operating as a self-supporting business.

“The idea is to provide low-cost books. A hardback book is only $4. There’s no book here that’s over $4,” Bentley said.

One of the library’s most popular book series is that following the adventures of fictional student Junie B. Jones, the media specialist said. The books typically cost around $6, but Bear Essentials sells books in the series at only $2.

The money raised at the bookstore will go to restock supplies, but also to purchase things to upgrade technology in the building.

“We hope to earn money for some things in our school. One idea was to buy a big-screen TV for the lunchroom or the gym,” Bentley said. “Or maybe we’ll buy one for both.”

Manning the cash registers Tuesday were fourth graders Ellie Queen and Cailey Pennington. The pair handled the afternoon rush of fellow students, counting coins and suggesting different purchases for students with insufficient change.

Olivia waded through the mob of bookstore patrons, answering questions students had about those items in stock and guiding them to certain books or school supplies.

“My parents are proud of me. They think its good for me, because I learn responsibility,” Olivia said.

Two security guards keep the bookstore that’s tucked into a corner of the school’s library from overflowing with students, two stockboys and girls keep the shelves full, and a general manager runs the show.