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, where I found great joy in teaching children to read and helping them discover their “just right” books.
Today, I work at the Fall River Public Library, embracing what I like to call my “Books Era.” I also have a passion for event planning, so this venture is a wonderful blend of all my favorite things: books, community, and creating memorable experiences.
On some days, I’ll happily choose books and cats over people, and I’m fully embracing the fact that reading is now part of my job. So these days, I can say, “I’m reading,” with absolutely no guilt.Â
My Mission
At Once Upon a Bookstore, my vision is about so much more than selling books. I want this space to celebrate creativity, foster connection, and welcome everyone who walks through the door.
One of my core missions is to highlight local talent. We’re fortunate to have an incredible community of authors and illustrators right here in our region, and I’m committed to giving them a place to share their work while connecting readers with the amazing stories being created close to home.
I also believe bookstores have the power to build community. By collaborating with other small businesses, I hope to create meaningful partnerships that strengthen our local community and lift one another up. Together, we can create experiences that bring people together through a shared love of books.
Most importantly, I want Once Upon a Bookstore to be a safe, welcoming haven for every reader. By offering both new and used books, I strive to make reading more accessible and affordable. I’m equally committed to filling the shelves with books that reflect a wide range of voices, experiences, authors, and illustrators so that every reader can feel seen, represented, and inspired.
Books have always brought people together, and I can’t wait to celebrate them through author visits, book clubs, themed events, and memorable experiences. My hope is that Once Upon a Bookstore becomes a place where stories spark conversations, friendships grow, and everyone feels like they belong.
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.
So, so nice to have this little hidden gem of a bookstore in our city! Finally went there for the first time today and will definitely be back again. A cozy, welcoming spot, a nice range of books, and a great, kind, and helpful owner in Serena. Support your local bookstore!
Finally Fall River has a bookstore, and it is great! Small but well curated and lots of author events! Super friendly and knowledgeable. And they will order anything they don't currently have in stock. Support small independent LOCAL bookstores!
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!
