Downtown Taunton just got a little more magical.

Serendipity Bookshop, a cozy new bookstore with a dash of crystal charm, officially opened its doors on April 7. Owned by Donna Melchionno and her wife Shannon, the independent shop has already become a welcoming escape for local readers, and business is booming.

“We’ve sold more than half our inventory already,” Melchionno said, thrilled by the overwhelming support from the community. “We have 35 new shipments on the way!”

From Crystals to Chapters

Located at 1 Main Street in the former Metro PCS building, the space has been transformed into a charming, 850-square-foot literary haven. Melchionno, originally from Acushnet and a Taunton resident for 27 years, brought her passion for books to life after running a small Etsy shop, Serendipity Crystals.

Taunton's New Bookstore Serendipity
Courtesy Donna Melchiono
loading...

“I knew I wanted to open something,” she said. “Not everyone’s into crystals, but books? They connect with everyone in different ways.”

Indeed, Serendipity is more than just shelves of novels. Melchionno's signature crystals are on display and available for purchase, adding an extra layer of energy to the browsing experience.

Donna’s go-to genre? Fiction, especially stories with twists and surprises – anything from The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont to Jodi Picoult.

Taunton's New Bookstore Serendipity
Courtesy Donna Melchiono
loading...

Turning the Page and Looking Ahead

A formal ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Friday, April 25 at 1 p.m., complete with city officials and celebrations.

Serendipity plans to host acoustic music nights, poetry readings, and author signings.

As for food and drinks? For now, customers are encouraged to stop by neighboring cafes like Neighbors Coffee and Identity Coffee, though iced teas may be offered during the summer months.

WFHN-FM/FUN 107 logo
Get our free mobile app

A Message From the Heart

To the SouthCoast community, Melchionno offered a heartfelt "thank you."

Taunton's New Bookstore Serendipity Owner
Courtesy Donna Melchiono
loading...

“This has been a dream come true. The fact that we get to hear everyone’s stories and favorite reads, it’s truly a gift. Thank you is not enough," she said.

LOOK: Popular children's books published the year you were born

Stacker compiled a list of popular children's books published every year between 1920 and 2021 based on librarian and teacher polls, top 100 roundups in media like Time magazine and the BBC, book critic reviews, interviews with children's book authors, and lists of award-winning literature for young readers.

Gallery Credit: Joni Sweet

The SouthCoast's Most Caffeinated Coffees from Taunton to Tiverton

From Taunton to Tiverton and everywhere in between, these are the coffees that are packing the biggest caffeine punch at your favorite SouthCoast coffee shop.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Pacheco

Top Ten Living Authors Whose Books have been Made Into Movies

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107