"The Boston Tea Party served as the inspiration for the name, the first instance where the American populace rose up to protest corporate control of their buying choices," said Joanne Kohler, owner and operator of Tea Party Bookshop.
Sticking with their advocacy of fair trade practices and environmental responsibility, Tea Party Bookshop is an independent bookseller that specializes in fine fiction, spirituality and green living books.

"We also carry journals, a great selection of greeting cards, calendars, plus metaphysical items, such as smudge bundles and incense," Kohler said.

You can also find a number of fair trade jewelry items, charms and pendants.

Kohler says that opening a bookstore has been a lifelong dream, but one that didn't come with hesitations.

"I've lived in Salem for seven years, and have seen two institutions in the book business here close -- Rosebud & Fish and Jackson's.  This certainly gave me pause when considering opening my bookstore, because if these smart people couldn't do it, what chance did I have?"

She also saw a great need with the lack of independent bookstores in the area, despite the fact that there is a corporate chain, a plethora of used bookstores, and even grocery stores that sell books.

"Each of those has its place, but there has been no place to go for thoughtfully picked out new books, a place where books and ideas are loved for themselves, and are not just a commodity."
Kohler hopes her shop will fill that need.

"We chose downtown Salem because as residents, we'd like to see downtown come to life and be a fun and interesting place to shop.  Some of the most satisfying comments I've gotten from customers have been `Oh, thank goodness, now I don't have to go to Portland!'"

Tea Party Bookshop is open now and located at 420 Ferry St, across from the Phoenix Grand Hotel. They are already planning on adding a music listening station and to have CD's for sale. The upstairs event center will host author events, classes and workshops, and is available as meeting space for community groups. For more information, visit teapartybookshop.com or call (503) 990-6471.