Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Todd.
Hi Christy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
River Reader proudly serves the small town of Lexington, Missouri—a rural community of just 4,500 people. The bookstore first opened its doors in 2004 under the care of Pat and Gary Worth, who lovingly renovated the 2,000-square-foot interior of the 1880s building. In 2022, ownership passed to Ron and Pam Fuenfhausen and their daughter, Christy Todd, who continue to preserve both the business and the history within its walls.
Our building at 1010 Main Street has looked over downtown Lexington for well over a century. Built around 1885, it rose just 20 years after the Civil War and has since witnessed the Victorian Era, the invention of the automobile, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise of radio and television, and even the dawn of the internet age.
Designed in the narrow “shotgun style,” the building is only 20 feet wide—a result of 19th-century tax laws, when commercial property taxes were based on street frontage. Its Queen Anne style suggests that a residence may once have occupied the upper floor, though no records confirm this.
The first known business here was Long’s Grocery, established by Joseph Long, later joined by his brother George. Together, they built a reputation for fresh produce, quality meats, and the best groceries, spices, and dry goods in town. Their sons and employees carried on the tradition, with Otto Long eventually running the store until the mid-20th century.
By 1945, the property had shifted from groceries to footwear when Oscar Wulfekammer opened a shoe store known throughout the region for quality and affordability. The store thrived until the 1960s, when Arlo and June Vincent purchased the building. They expanded Vincent’s Shoes across several Missouri towns, with their daughter, Dixie Coffey, managing the Lexington location until its closure in 1997. A notable moment came in 1967, when a fire damaged the block; Coffey’s “fire sale” famously drew large crowds to the store.
In 2000, Charles and Helen Heisler purchased the building for their design firm, Heisler Graphics, beginning a new wave of restoration. Four years later, River Reader took root here, bringing books, community, and life back into the space. Today, the building continues to be both a gathering place and a reminder of Lexington’s layered history.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey has been both rewarding and challenging. My professional background is in office work, primarily within the mental health field, so stepping into small business ownership has been a completely new experience for me. Taking on an established business has come with its own learning curve, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling.
One of the most meaningful parts has been cultivating book selections that meet the needs of our community and offering titles that appeal to a wide range of readers and interests. I also enjoy building partnerships with local schools and community organizations to help connect more people with books.
This opportunity has also allowed me to not only work locally but to be a mom first, which is something I truly value. The book world is such a welcoming and inspiring community, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At River Reader, my work focuses on curating a thoughtful selection of books that reflect and serve the needs of our community. I specialize in creating a diverse range of titles that appeal to readers of all ages and interests, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors can find something that speaks to them. I’m especially proud of the strong partnerships we’ve developed with local schools and community organizations, as they allow us to extend the reach of books and reading well beyond our store’s walls.
What sets River Reader apart is the personal touch—we know our community, we listen to their needs, and we adapt our offerings to meet them. Beyond selling books, I take pride in fostering a welcoming space where people can connect, discover, and feel at home. Personally, I’m most proud of being able to balance this work with my role as a mom. Owning this business has given me the unique opportunity to work locally while still putting my family first, and that’s something I deeply value.
One of the greatest joys of this work is meeting visitors who consider themselves “non-readers,” especially children. Kids often see reading as a chore, but helping them discover stories that connect with their own passions can spark something incredible. Reading isn’t just about looking at words—it’s about combining those words with imagination. Some children need vibrant illustrations to ignite their curiosity, others respond to simple sentences, while some are ready to immerse themselves in long, detailed paragraphs. Helping a child find their book—the one that makes them light up—is always the highlight of my day.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is about impact rather than numbers. It’s measured in the moments when a child lights up after finding a book that speaks to them, when a teacher or community partner tells me how our store has supported their work, or when a customer feels truly seen and welcomed here. Success also means creating a balance where I can nurture both my business and my family, being present as a mom while contributing to the community I love. If River Reader can continue to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and serve as a gathering place for Lexington, then I feel I’ve succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.riverreaderbooks.com/
- Instagram: @riverreaderlex
- Facebook: @riverreaderbookstore
