Nicole Stephens is the new owner of Keystone Bookstore, a Christian bookstore in Lewistown, Mont., the Lewistown News-Argus reported. Located at 417 W. Main St., Keystone Bookstore has been in business since 1970 and sells Bibles, Christian books, music, and gifts. Stephens purchased the bookstore from previous owner Jason O'Neal.
Looking ahead, Stephens plans to add clothing, children's toys, more children's books, and some adult books that are not explicitly Christian, along with more non-book items made by local entrepreneurs and craftspeople. She will also have to find a new home for the bookstore before winter, as its building is being sold.
Stephens has lived in Lewistown with her family for about four years. She decided to buy the bookstore rather spontaneously, after learning that it was up for sale.
"There's been a lot of people that have come in and been so thankful that someone local was able to buy the store because it does mean so much to the community," Stephens told the Lewistown News-Argus, noting that many of the Christian bookstores in nearby communities have closed. "So many people grew up coming here."