09/04/2026
Welcome to the BobzBlog — Bobzbay Books' weekly roundup of news!
Check out the new releases from this week, including signed copies of Chloe Benjamin's Under Story (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/under-story-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-chloe-benjamin-signed-by-author-/DYTEXN5CACFKI5ZEG2DQZIAK?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) , the highly anticipated Kiss Slay Replay (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/kiss-slay-replay-by-rachel-harrison/XQUOUNNNE7GGEKC2G25HDI74?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) by Rachel Harrison, a beautiful deluxe edition of Slewfoot (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/slewfoot-deluxe-limited-edition-by-brom/BBQ7VG2DYJZBL7LLMRRZX3AM?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) by Brom, the paperback release of Ensh*ttification (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/ensh*ttification-why-everything-suddenly-got-worse-and-what-to-do-about-it-by-cory-doctorow/HQERO4GT4D45OPHQ2HWBDBZV) by Cory Doctorow, local author DM Gritzmacher's newest Skimming Stones (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/skimming-stones-by-dm-gritzmacher/PI6IG5IFMEEXYKWADMTOLD3F?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) , and the History of Batman: The Animated Series (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/i-am-the-night-the-ultimate-unauthorized-history-of-batman-the-animated-series-by-daniel-dockery/4YT6GJSZ2RNFUFYUB6NETC6J?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) !
Find all September releases here (https://bobzbay.square.site/shop/september-2026-new-upcoming-releases/Z7A2Z3YCYTJC7T3FB7AFGJ4B) .
Heads up! The bookstore will be closed on Monday 9/7 in observance of Labor Day.
Upcoming Events
Check out all of our upcoming events (https://bobzbay.square.site/events) on our website!
A reminder for the Bobzbay Bingo-ers: attending an event at the shop is one of the bonus challenges! If you're attending one of our upcoming events, don't forget to bring your bingo sheet to be stamped!
Join us in Downtown Bloomington for September's First Friday: Oh Honey, It's First Friday!
We'll be open late until 8pm on Friday, September 4th, so swing by the bookstore for...
- Double Stars Happy Hour! Are you part of our loyalty program? Earn double the stars with every purchase from 5-8pm. (Not enrolled yet? It's free and easy to sign up!)
- Fresh book displays centering Literature in Translation (September is National Translation Month!) and Labor History, Worker's Rights & Class Consciousness!
- New monthly bookmark by local artist Katie Creatorr!
- Our usual selection of great books (including Staff Picks and Blind Dates!), local art, fun stickers, & more!
We're so excited to welcome local romantasy author Zoe Zeman to the shop on Saturday, September 5th from 10am-12pm for a book signing to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Beneath the Shattered Light -- out 9/8/26!
Beneath the Shattered Light is the sequel to Between the Veil (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/btv/Y4BVOQF6T7ZKUFBAIJJ7QUSR?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1demo0jsyhot0&fbclid=IwY2xjawT9SzhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWdNQkF2ZEo3T1B4cmUzRnFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEey_tTYNCIOvP_n-WQ6GwW-o4uH3pUyUS323CqbfGrBtItHw7Q9VBte5BIS_k_aem_aWSMwytRiVjKC4ZUuVJBBQ) and the second installment in this high angst, slow burn romantasy trilogy. If you're a fan of the 'Blood and Ash' series by Jennifer L. Armentrout and/or love your books packed with love triangles, slow burn/low spice romance, forbidden love, and enemies-to-lovers tension, join us!
Both books will be available for purchase at the book signing, though if you want to get a head start and read the first book in the series, you can purchase a copy of Between the Veil (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/btv/Y4BVOQF6T7ZKUFBAIJJ7QUSR?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1demo0jsyhot0&fbclid=IwY2xjawT9SzhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWdNQkF2ZEo3T1B4cmUzRnFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEey_tTYNCIOvP_n-WQ6GwW-o4uH3pUyUS323CqbfGrBtItHw7Q9VBte5BIS_k_aem_aWSMwytRiVjKC4ZUuVJBBQ) now!
If you are looking for a laid back place to meet new friends, share your love of spoken word, or just listen to some great poetry, please join us at Bobzbay Books (419 N. Main St. Bloomington, IL) on Saturday, September 5th from 4pm-5pm for our monthly Open Mic Poetry series! Open Mic Poetry takes place in the children's room in the back, seating & sign-ups will be available around 3:45pm.
Staff Corner
In lieu of bookseller blogs this week, we wanted to share a massive thank you to everyone who came to McKenzie's book signing last Saturday to celebrate the release of their debut novel, The Last Room in Haven House (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/havenhouse/H772RC22VZZHT2ULTYHAY4L6?) , with us!
We are so grateful to be surrounded by such a kind and supportive community of readers, writers, and artists -- you all make the hard work worth it!
Don't forget to follow M. Kayes on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mkayeswrites/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591202762864) , & Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71050162.M_Kayes) ... and you can follow Kelly Robertson (the cover artist!) on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kellyrobertsonart/) as well!
Psssst! Did you miss the book signing but still want to get your hands on this close-to-cozy fantasy novel perfect for fans of Travis Baldree, Rebecca Thorne, Sangu Mandanna, and TJ Klune? We have signed copies in stock at the shop! Purchase your copy by clicking here (https://bobzbay.square.site/product/havenhouse/H772RC22VZZHT2ULTYHAY4L6?) .
Check out past staff picks & read about our fantastic crew here (https://bobzbay.square.site/about-us) !
Other News & Bookstore Updates!
Construction Update (a road is in sight!)
See you next week!
I hope to see you in-person soon (we're open 10-6 weekdays, 9-5 Saturdays, & 11-5 Sundays). You can always text us at 309-434-9515 if you'd like a book recommendation or if you want to place a special order.
Keep loving one another, be patient, and spread kindness.
Local (mostly) Events!
Have an event you'd like us to include? Email us and we'll be sure to include it!
9/5 One of Us Horror Book Fair @ Public Space One (Iowa City, Iowa) "One of Us returns for its second year, a horror book fair for fans, writers, and the morbidly curious. Back at Public Space One in Iowa City on Sept. 5, 2026, from Noon to 4 pm, it’s an afternoon of horror fiction, eerie conversation, and the kind of energy that only independent writers, presses, and readers can create together.
Founded in 2025 by Filthy Loot Press, the event was built to give Midwest underground and transgressive creatives a real-world space to connect with readers and with each other, and to celebrate the DIY spirit that keeps independent horror alive.
This Years Guests Include: Daniel Kraus, Gabbie Hanks, Weirdpunk Books, Cursed Morsels, Ghoulish Books, Filthy Loot Books, Joe Koch, Green Dragon Bookstore, Pretty Good Co, H. Everett, Michael Bettendorf, RE Bunch, Jessie Rose / Black Summer Press, Jacob Yeates, Dane Erbach, Hayseed Press, Toothy Froots, Dickenson Publications. Greasy Goat Publication, & Jesse Coughlin"
for more information visit this link (https://www.facebook.com/share/1aTTX9Yxhe/) .
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9/19 Free Movie Night @ Red Raccoon Games Building (outside)
"Who is this Buzz Lightyear character? Find out as we watch Toy Story!
Movie to start at roughly 7:15pm - as soon as it gets dark enough to see to focus the projector! Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on!"
For more information visit this link (https://www.facebook.com/share/18NzUrJP8v/) .
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10/3 Duende III A Masquerade @ Ewing Manor
Hazel Buck Ewing summons you to Ewing Manor once again, on the first Saturday evening of October, for the annual Duende Masquerade. Come and kick off spooky season at the city's best autumn fundraiser.
Tarot Readings: Midnight’s Shadow Spells
Music: Sweet Nothings
Food Truck: Bay Area Mexicana
Bar: Stave W**e Bar & Market
Enjoy an evening of mystery, music, and masquerade within the historic walls of Ewing Manor.
The After Party will be announced during the masquerade.
All proceeds benefit Lilac Rising."
For more information visit this link (https://www.facebook.com/share/18xcutgmLP/) .
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All month long: Facing Frida: A Multimedia Exhibition in Three Parts @ Art Vortex Studio “Facing Frida is a collaboration of Latinos en Blono, Go Piñata, hej creative, and Art Vortex Studio. The opening reception will include a meet-and-greet with the artists and refreshments.
“Facing Frida” was born in part from the dual-language photo exhibition, “Lele, la muñeca mexicana - Lele, The Mexican Doll," by artist, journalist, and Mexican mom Yolanda Alonso of Latinos en BloNo hosted at Art Vortex Studio from September to November 2025.
The exhibit features the visual explorations of three local women responding to the work and life of Frida Kahlo in ways specific to their artistic practices and lived experience. Coinciding with the week of Kahlo’s birthday (July 6, 1907) and extending through Latinx Heritage Month 2026, this dual-language exhibition offers opportunities to consider the sur/realism of life, love, language, lore, and more through portraiture, paper, and photography.
Other dates to view Facing Frida: A Multimedia Exhibition in Three Parts include First Fridays August 7, September 4, and October 2 from 4-8 p.m., Saturdays July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 8, with a closing reception on October 17 from 10am - 2pm, and by appointment."
For more information visit this link. (https://www.facebook.com/share/1JLaM56u3F/)
Best Ways to Support Bobzbay Books
- Write a review on Google (https://g.co/kgs/EESqb8T) , Yelp (https://www.yelp.com/biz/bobzbay-books-bloomington) , and/or TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35691-d20376181-Reviews-Bobzbay-Bloomington_Bloomington_Normal_Illinois.html) .
- Grab an audiobook from libro.fm.
- Buy an ebook or physical book from bookshop.org (https://bookshop.org/shop/Bobzbay) .
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Bobzbay Books Pet of the Week
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