Popular bookstore in Salem receives $20,000 grant for classroom during relocation
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Tricia Ross began building an independent bookstore in Salem called nature + nurture.
Ross’s bookstore started out small at 515 East State St., but in 2025, she announced she would need more space for the growing nature + nurture.
While in the process of relocating the bookstore to 553 East State St., Ross learned she had received a $20,000 grant from the American Express Shop Small Grants Program.
“As we continue preparing to reopen in our new space in the coming weeks, this support arrives at such a meaningful time,” Ross wrote online. “I’m deeply thankful to American Express, Main Street America and to all of you who continue supporting small businesses, independent bookstores and community-centered spaces like ours.”
According to her business’ social media, the $20,000 grant will go toward building a classroom and community learning space inside the downtown Salem bookstore.
The space is being designed to support handicraft and homesteading classes, nature journaling and writing workshops, read-alouds, author events, homeschool gatherings, seasonal classes and hands-on learning opportunities that were previously limited by space, according to Ross.
“We also hope to welcome local artists, educators, organizations and guest speakers for workshops in areas like creative writing, photography, fly tying, foraging, nature study, parenting, seasonal crafts, entrepreneurship and more,” Ross wrote online. “If there is a book or section in the shop, there can be a corresponding opportunity in the classroom.”
She continued by saying the classroom at nature + nurture is going to be a calm and welcoming place for anyone seeking somewhere to read, draw, journal or reflect.
Ross said the classroom will attract more families downtown and deepen the store’s role as a community hub.
