Once Upon A Bookstore
Step into our hidden gem, a cozy pop-up bookstore tucked inside SoCo Art Labs, with a speakeasy vibe made just for book lovers.
Fall back in love with reading...
Once A Teacher, Always A Bookworm
My name is Serena Dupuis and I am the owner of Once Upon a Bookstore. I’m a lifelong bookworm who spent twenty years as an early childhood educator.
I thoroughly enjoyed teaching children to read, and find their “just right” books. I now work at the Fall River Public Library creating what I’m referring to as my: year of books.
I also love event planning so this venture is a melding of all my favorite things. Some days I enjoy books and cats over people, and am fully embracing the fact that reading is now part of my job; so I have zero guilt when I say, “I’m reading”.
Our Mission
I have multiple visions and desires for the store. Part of my mission is to highlight local talent. We have many authors and illustrators within driving distance and people love to support the local scene.
The other part of my mission is to form a community of readers by collaborating with other small businesses. Let’s start lifting each other up. On top of those mission ideals, I truly want the store to be a safe haven for everyone.
I chose to carry both used and new books to make it more affordable, and aim to represent all through book choices, authors, and illustrators. I love planning book themed events and am ready to shine a well-deserved spotlight on books!
See Why Fall River Readers Love Once Upon A Bookstore
Serena, lovely owner, helped me finding the perfect books for my kids. I found some gems in the used books section! Plenty of halloween books to look through! so many adorable plushies! Will definitely be back for more!
Serena has created a warm and welcoming space. You feel her love of books through her enthusiasm and author events that brings book lovers together. Once Upon a Bookstore has quite a story to tell.
Can’t Find It on Our Shelves?
Every great story deserves to be discovered, and sometimes the perfect book is just waiting to be found. Share the title you’re searching for, and we’ll happily set off on a little book finding adventure to bring it your way. Think of it as adding your own twist to our bookstore’s tale, because every reader’s story matters here.
Request A Book
Bookstore Hours
We’re a cozy pop-up bookstore nestled inside SoCo Art Labs, a vibrant artist and creative space in Fall River. Whenever SoCo Art Labs is open, you’re invited to wander in, browse our shelves, and take home a new favorite read.
SoCo Art Labs Schedule
Stop by during SoCo Art Labs hours to purchase books and gift cards.
Serena’s Hours:
Serena, the heart of Once Upon a Bookstore, will be at every event and in the shop during these hours. Stop by and say hello!
To My Supporters And Sponsors
It truly does take a village, so bear with me while I thank all the people.
To my circle that supported the seedling idea, and gave me the kick I needed to make it happen: Colleen, Sarah, Rachael, and Kerrie, you are always in my corner and I am so appreciative.
To my big brother, my whole family, you are always there and support every transition and venture in my life: Stevie, thank you.
To my logo designer, quippy journal phrase writer, and so much more: Kristie, thank you for putting up with the indecisiveness of a Gemini.
To my circle of supporters and shoppers from the very beginning: Jen and Nelson for providing the space to make this dream attainable, Jenn and Christine for donating books, lending cars, lugging things, and making the outdoor markets happen, Adam for lending tent and tables and zip ties and all the things I don’t own, my ladies game night group for supporting this every step of the way, participating in contests, and shopping every fair leading up to my grand opening: Maryann, Chris, Pat, Nadine, Gale, MJ, Betty, Megan, Kristen, Neila, Holly, Lisa, Jillian, and Alyssa.
To my fellow horror lover and librarian friend Lara, thank you for providing contacts, and introducing me like I was established right from the beginning.
To Nicole, for helping alphabetize and organize on multiple weeknight nights.
To my community at Little Theatre of Fall River that provided me with props for photos and connections to so many.
To RTG Home Renovations LLC for my gorgeous, custom, bookshelves that truly make the space.
To Minuteman Press Aquidneck Island, Jen and Keri for my store banner to advertise and draw people in.
To Justine, my photographer who captured my passion in the space.
To Lynne, for always making my hair beautiful.
To my latest coworkers at the library supporting schedule changes, visiting markets, and being roped into doing events at the store: all the Davids, Diana, Conor, Betsy, and Taylor.
To the book community, local authors and illustrators, thank you for being so welcoming, agreeing to do events with me, and responding to my emails, you are the unsung heroes that I am ready to shine a light on!
To my fellow booklovers and future customers: I know this dream couldn’t happen without you, I will be forever grateful, so come in and let’s talk books!
