It’s like a dress rehearsal, but with books (and less crying… hopefully).

We’re opening the doors before everything is picture-perfect so you can shop early, help us test things out, and say “I was here before it was cool.” Not everything is finished, but the shelves are getting full and the heart’s already in it.

Grand opening? That’s later. This is the insiders’ club.

Our soft launch is happening July 11th (cue the deep breaths and mild panic). As for the full grand opening? Still TBD. We’ve got another 1,800 sqft of chaos to renovate before we throw the big party, but you’ll definitely want to be part of the early days. It’s already something special.

Smack dab in the heart of Downtown Jefferson City, Missouri. We took over the old Downtown Book & Toy space and gave it a serious glow-up. If you’ve wandered past the windows lately and thought, “What is happening in there?” it’s us. Hi. Come see.

We’re kicking things off softly (read: with a lot of coffee and a few open paint cans). Starting July 11th, our soft launch hours will be:
🕓 Fridays: 4–8 PM
🕙 Saturdays: 10–5 PM
That’s it for now — just enough to give you a taste and keep us from spontaneously combusting. More hours (and more magic) coming soon.

We’re currently fully staffed and not hiring at the moment, but we appreciate your interest more than you know.

book/shop, etc. is a small (but mighty) team, and while we’re not expanding right now, we’ll always post future openings publicly when the time comes.

Absolutely. We have a thoughtfully curated section of kids’ titles — from board books to chapter books — with a focus on inclusive, imaginative, and beautifully made stories. Basically, we stock the books we wish we’d grown up with (and the ones your kids will read ten times in a row).

Unfortunately, no — we’re a brand new business under new ownership, so those gift cards don’t transfer. But we’ll be honoring the legacy of DTBT in lots of ways, and we hope to earn your continued support in this next chapter.

Most preorders will be available for pickup starting July 11th. If your order includes apparel, it may need up to an extra week to fulfill. You’ll get a confirmation email when your order is ready, and we’ll hold it behind the counter with your name on it (and a whispered thank-you for believing in us early).

The good kind. The weird kind. The ones that make you feel seen. We’re curating a collection that reflects voice, story, identity, and joy — with a heavy lean toward authors and perspectives you don’t always find on the front tables at big box stores. You’ll find everything from fiction to memoir to banned books and niche gems that practically dare you to buy them.

Not yet, but it’s coming. Our Second Shelf program (cute, right?) launches in early 2026. We’re talking buybacks, trade-ins, and lovingly rehomed gems. Until then, it’s all shiny and new, but stay tuned.

We won’t be brewing coffee on-site, but we are partnering with some of our favorite brands to offer small-batch beans, drink mixes, and other dry goods you can take home. Think: magical morning rituals in a bag. Bonus: members may occasionally get treated to a little coffee bar moment.

The short answer? It was time. We wanted to make room for what’s next — more books, more locally made goods, and a whole lot more meaning behind what’s on our shelves. Toys might still make a cameo now and then, especially if they’re handmade, bookish, or eco-friendly. But the bright plastic toy era? She had a good run. We’re evolving.

It’s pronounced exactly how you think it is, and it’s weird on purpose. We didn’t want to be “just” a bookstore. We wanted a name that leaves a little room for surprise, and the slash? That’s the divider between your expectations and what actually happens when you walk through the door. Book. Shop. Etcetera. Emphasis on the etc.

The short answer? No.
We know bookstore cats are iconic, but we’re keeping this space fur-free for our friends with allergies (and let’s be real, for the people who don’t vibe with surprise purring underfoot). The previous cats have officially retired, and we’ve done a full cleanse — new floors, duct cleaning, the works. You’ll still find little tributes tucked into our shelves, but the only thing shedding around here now is your emotional baggage.

One way we put our money where our mouth is. A portion of every book we sell by a Black author goes directly to local and statewide orgs working for racial equity, education access, and community healing in Missouri. It’s not charity — it’s accountability.

Most of them are designed, printed, cut, engraved, or assembled right here in Missouri — many inside our own in-house studio. We prioritize small-batch, woman-owned, queer-led, and BIPOC-made goods. The goal? Unique and intentional gifts you won’t find at big box stores.

We are — with a few clear guidelines. We love supporting Missouri voices, but we also want to do it with intention. If you’re a local author or publisher, reach out through our contact form to learn more about our consignment process. (No walk-ins with trunk copies, please — we’re not emotionally prepared for that.)

Yes! If it’s still in print, we can probably get it. We’ll be rolling out a special order request form soon, but for now, shoot us a message or stop by when we're open. We love helping you find the book you didn’t know you needed or the one your mom’s been talking about for three years.

Try and stop us. From book club chaos to DIY nights, author hangs to metaphysical mayhem — we’re planning a whole calendar of "did-that-just-happen?" energy. If it’s on-brand and offbeat, we’re into it. Got an idea? Pitch it. Want to rent the space? Let’s talk. Just wanna show up and vibe? Perfect.

Oh, you know it. We’re already plotting cozy readings, awkward Q&As, and signings that end with hugs (or at least a solid high five). Whether it’s debut voices, banned-book badasses, or local legends—we’re here for all of it. Keep an eye out. The guest list is going to be good.

Ah yes, the mysterious back half. It’s currently under renovation and will eventually become The Troupe Room — our multi-use creative studio and community gathering space. Imagine bookish workshops, awkwardly amazing open mic nights, storytelling circles, small biz pop-ups, and maybe even a secret speakeasy vibe now and then. We’re building it slowly, intentionally, and with lots of vision boards.

Honestly? We still built this place for you. Come for the vibes, stay for the earrings, the hilarious mugs, the art prints, the plants, the people-watching. Books are just part of the story. You belong here too.