If you are thinking of buying a book as a holiday gift, please consider doing so at local bookstores this holiday season and support your neighbors instead of giving your money to giant online companies. We’re lucky to have a few really nice bookstores in the area that are offering some great deals, holding special events, and are open extra hours to serve your holiday shopping needs. If you missed our story from earlier this year on why local books are worth buying, click here.

Here are a couple of suggestions.

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th St.), an independently-owned bookstore serving the University City community since 1962, is offering a special 2 for 1 deal on Everyman’s Library hardbacks and assorted cookbooks. The store is also giving 20 percent off all books in its Art section and assorted coffee table books. If you become a frequent buyer you can get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00. If PBC doesn’t have a book in stock, their staff will be happy to order it for you. For more information visit www.pennbookcenter.com (make sure to check out the poem of the day!).

Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave) is planning on being open every day through December 24 (Noon to 7 except Sundays, when they close at 5). They’ll take special orders for books through 7 p.m. Dec. 19 for delivery through Dec. 21 (new deliveries will be coming in a couple of times a week, including new books, more calendars, and even some new remainder titles). The store has gotten in lots of new children’s and chapter books, several new journals and calendars, and more.

The store is also organizing some special events this month, including Kol Tzedek’s Annual Hanukkah Party on Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., and presentation and discussion of Cannabis Chassidis: The Ancient and Emerging Torah of Drugs (Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.) by author Joseph Lieb (details and excerpts at www.cannabischassidis.blogspot.com) who will also sign copies in the bookstore’s back room. Finally, Bindlestiff Books will be tabling as part of the holiday bazaar/vegetarian potluck fundraiser at the Calvary Center for Community & Culture (48th & Baltimore) this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.