Shop books early for holiday gifts

If you plan to purchase books as gifts for the winter holidays, there are some things you should know:

First, there's a "printer jam" in the book industry right now — it's a long story, but the short version is this: Your ability to get a last-minute copy of a hot new release close to the holidays may be iffy. Best bet: Order early and consider titles that are already printed and sitting on sellers' shelves. Need some ideas? Look here:

• 2018 Gift Guide
• 2019 Gift Guide
• 2020 Gift Guide — coming to curbside delivery in November!

Second, independent booksellers are a key part of a healthy reading ecosystem. When you shop local, you invest here at home. Check out nearby indies Book Bin Northbrook, Barbara's Bookstore (Vernon Hills), Lake Forest Bookstore, ​and Book Stall (Winnetka), or try Bookshop.org.