Hi! We are book/shop, etc., an independent bookstore in downtown Jefferson City, Missouri, building in a historic location that has been home to a beloved community bookstore for over 40 years.

We are more than just a bookstore.

We’re a gathering place. A spark for conversation. A home for connection, community, and good stories… both on and off the page.

We fill our shelves with books that resonate, goods made by local and independent makers, and (soon) host events that bring people together.

Our mission is simple:

Make this a place where everyone who walks in feels welcome to stay a while.

A place where you can Be yourself. Whether you’re here to browse in peace, chat with a neighbor, or join something special.

But right now, there’s one glaring gap in that vision:

We don’t have a public restroom.

That means parents have to cut visits short when kids say, “I gotta go.”

It means our events aren’t fully accessible for everyone.

It means guests with mobility needs, chronic conditions, or long drives can’t fully relax here.

We want to change that.

Because this isn’t just a bathroom.

It’s the thing that lets us:

Host free community events that give everyone access to stories, art, and connection. Because belonging and culture shouldn’t have a cover charge.
Welcome everyone—families, neighbors, travelers, and guests of all abilities—without barriers.

Because when people know they can stay, they do.

And that’s when connection, community, and belonging truly happen.

So, we’re inviting you to help us make the First Flush happen and leave your mark in the most unforgettable way possible. Together, we can create a safe, accessible, and welcoming restroom that ensures no one has to leave early, miss a moment, or feel like they don’t belong here.

The Goal + Where Your Donations Go

We’re aiming to raise $7,500 to make this bathroom happen, and every dollar is going straight into creating a space that’s legal, accessible, and actually nice to be in (no creepy gas station vibes here).

Here’s what that covers:

Widening the doorways to get to the bathroom so it’s ADA-compliant and easy for everyone to access.
Installing an ADA-compliant toilet, sink, grab bars, and fixtures.
Replacing the water tank/heater so we meet public use code.
Hiring a licensed plumber to make it all happen.
Repairing and painting the walls.
Updating the flooring where needed.
Adding a changing table and storage cabinet for supplies.
Stocking the space with all the essentials: toilet paper, paper towels, soap.
Covering permits, inspections, and a small contingency for the inevitable “surprise” costs that pop up in every renovation.

If we raise more than what’s needed for the restroom, every remaining dollar will go straight into continuing the transformation of our 1,100+ sqft community space. Making it even more welcoming, functional, and inspiring for everyone who walks through our doors.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every dollar brings us closer to The First Flush.
Share: Spread the word on social media, email, text, or in your book club.
Join Us: Come sign the wall, party with us at the First Flush, and enjoy a space built for everyone.

Let’s make book/shop, etc. a place you don’t have to leave early. Let’s make it a place you can truly… Be.

Iconic Perks for Donors:

$10 “Potty Mouth”

A heartfelt thank-you shoutout on our socials + your name forever enshrined on our digital First Flush Honor Roll page. You’re basically a hero.

$25 “This Is How We Roll”

Your name on the bathroom wall inside an artist-painted unraveling roll of toilet paper. Every visitor will see the community that made this possible.

$50 “Roll Call”

Your name on the wall + an exclusive, in-house–made bookmark. A page-saver for you, a space-saver for us (because we’re finally getting a usable bathroom).

$100 “The Golden Plunger”

All the above + a gold signature spot on the wall + an invite to the First Flush celebration event — the inaugural flush, bad bathroom puns, and sh*tty cookies (yes, we’re making this a whole thing).

$250 “The Throne Room”

All perks above + your name or business on a plaque inside the restroom, forever honoring your royal contribution.

$500+ “Royal Flush”

All perks + a private after-hours event for you and your guests.

We’ll close the shop just for you.
Choose your theme: cozy literary salon, game night, a guided wine tasting, or DIY bookish craft night.
Includes refreshments, staff support, and a memory way better than just your name on a plaque.

Let’s make this happen, together.

This space has been part of Jefferson City’s story for over 40 years. With your help, we can make sure it’s ready for the next 40. More welcoming, more accessible, and more connected than ever.

Whether you give $10 or $1,000, you’re not just funding a bathroom.

You’re helping build a place where no one has to leave early, where conversations aren’t cut short, and where everyone has a place to belong.

So, chip in. Sign the wall. Come to the First Flush.

And know that every time someone takes a seat in the Throne Room, they’ll have you to thank.

Donate now, and let’s get this flush started.

The First Flush

By book/shop, etc.

The First Flush

Help Us Build a Restroom for Everyone at book/shop, etc.

Team Members