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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
A landmark business in Fort Smith has a new owner, a new name and is getting renovated.

Laurie Young is the new owner/operator of North of 60 Books, which she has renamed Rusty Raven Gallery & Gift. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Laurie Young recently bought North of 60 Books.

"I've always wanted to have a store like this," Young said.

"It's not just a bookstore anymore."

She noted the former owner added more giftware for sale and made it a little coffee bar.

"It was a real fun, friendly place for people to be," Young said. "So I'm going to carry it on in the same spirit. We're just giving this old building some TLC and sprucing it up a little bit."

Its new name will be Rusty Raven Gallery & Gift.

However, Young said North of 60 Books will be retained as a trade name for the book sales aspect of the business.

"I'm not getting rid of it," she said. "It will be part of this as is Kazoodles Crafts and Framing, because I already own my own framing business. I'm keeping those as trade names."

North of 60 Books will be included in the signage on the front of the business.

Young said she wanted the store for quite a few years, but decided against buying it the last time it was for sale.

However, she noted the former owner was going to shut the business down if someone didn't buy it.

"I just couldn't see that happening because I love the store and it's a big part of the community here," Young said.

The former owner bought the store in 2004 from Ib Kristensen and the late Lillian Kristensen. The couple had opened the business in the early 1970s.

However, the building itself dates back to the early 1950s when it was constructed by the federal government as a medical and dental clinic.

Young is investing about $25,000 into renovations, including tearing up old carpet, boarding up some windows and adding insulation.

However, many of the original features will remain, she said. "It will have quite a rustic feel to it."

She is hoping to have the store re-opened in the first week of October.

Young is planning to leave her current job as manager of Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre to become the owner/operator of her new business.

The 49-year-old said she loves working at the museum, but wants to have her own store before she gets too old and lacks the energy.

Young will remain at the museum, where she has worked for seven years, until a replacement is hired.

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