NEW DATABASE | Hammond

Hammond Public Library users now need not wait for "Antiques Roadshow" to come to town to get real market-based information about their antiques, artwork and family treasures. The library has now subscribed to the p4A Antiques Reference database and is making it available free of charge at all Hammond Public Library locations through its Web site.

The p4A Antiques Reference is used by most leading appraisers. Antiques are organized into 1,280 different classifications on subjects including furniture, glass, pottery and porcelain, paintings, prints, clocks, toys, dolls, advertising collectibles, books, autographs, lamps, silver, firearms and historical documents.

The database is unique in having at least one color picture for every record. Library patrons can actually see if the item they are researching closely matches the one described in the database.

FYI: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310

BOOKREMARKS | Merrillville

February's online book discussion is "Welcome to the World Baby Girl" by Fannie Flagg. To join the discussion, send an e-mail to remarks@lakeco.lib.in.us

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 317 or www.lakeco.lib.in.us/remarks.htm

MONDAY MYSTERIES | Hammond

The Hammond Public Library Main Branch, 564 State St., offers a mystery book discussion at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Discussions are led by Mary Schons. "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" by Laurie R. King will be discussed on Monday.

FYI: (219) 931-5100

BOOK DISCUSSION | Whiting

"Rug merchant" by Meg Mullins 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Meeting Room of the Whiting Public Library, 1735 Oliver St.

FYI: (219) 659-0269

MAKING MEMORIES | Hammond

Two Hammond Public Library locations are participating in Making Memories, a family enrichment program underwritten by the Legacy Foundation. The free program is sponsored through South Shore Arts, Books, Brushes and Bands for Education, South Shore Chamber Orchestra and the Towle Community Theater. Families of one or two children (both must be in grades 3 to 6), plus one or both parents, may participate in program involving bookmaking, writing, music, visual art and drama.

Families will create a memory book to exhibit and keep. Each week, families experience a different form of the arts, take home a new book and receive a boxed lunch. A Spanish interpreter is provided. Families must attend all six sessions at that location. Registration is required. The program runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

* Tuesdays from Tuesday to March 13 at Main Library, 564 State St. Register.

* Wednesdays from Feb. 14 to March 21 at the E.B. Hayward Branch, 1212 172nd St. Register.

FYI: Main library (219) 931-5100, ext. 336, E.B. Hayward (219) 844-2668

CIRCLE OF READERS | Merrillville

"Ordinary Heroes" by Scott Turow at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave. Register.

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 240

AUTHOR SIGNING | Valparaiso

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Barnes & Noble, 150 Silhavy Road, will have New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Romantic Comedies to Remember, Shirley Jump, at the store, tentatively set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, to sign copies of her popular novels -- "The Bachelor Preferred Pastry," "The Bride Wore Chocolate," "The Devil Served Tortellini" and others. The twist with these witty romps is they are "choc" (as in chocolate) full of scrumptious recipes.

FYI: (219) 531-4723

BOOK CHAT | Hobart

"My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Hobart Branch Library, 100 N. Main St.

FYI; (219) 942-2243

CRIMINAL'S CORNER | St. John

"In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote at 10:15 am. Feb. 20 at the St. John Branch Library, 9450 Wicker Ave.

FYI: (219) 365-5379

BOOK DISCUSSION | Griffith

"A Complicated Kindess" by Miriam Toews at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Griffith Branch Library, 940 N. Broad St.

FYI: (219) 838-2825

BOOKS & CHAT | Cedar Lake

"The Shadow Divers" by Robert Kourson at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Cedar Lake Branch Library, 10010 E. 133rd Ave.

FYI: (219) 374-7121

TALKING ABOUT BOOKS | Schererville

"Your Oasis on Flame Lake" by Lorna Landvik at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 or 10:15 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Dyer-Schererville Branch Library, 1001 W. Lincoln Highway.

FYI: (219) 322-4731

MYSTERY BOOK DISCUSSION | Highland

"In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St. Register.

FYI: (219) 838-2394

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB | Munster

"The Three Miss Margarets" by Louise Shaffer at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave.

FYI: (219) 836-8450

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION | Munster

"Great Books Reading & Discussion Program" includes the best that has been thought and written in the Western tradition. These classics are specially chosen by University of Chicago's Hutchins & Adler for their ability to stimulate meaningful discussion. Readers are invited to a discourse of "The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Munster Branch Library, 8701 Calumet Ave.

FYI: (219) 836-8450

notable items

BOLLYWOOD COLLECTION | Merrillville

The Lake County Public Library has a new Bollywood Film Collection available to patrons at the Central Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave., the Munster Branch, 8701 Calumet Ave., and the Dyer-Schererville Branch, 1001 W. Lincoln Highway. The DVDs are available to resident cardholders of the Lake County Public Library district for a 24-hour loan.

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 317

CLEANING CLOSETS? | Hammond

The Friends of the Hammond Public Library's ongoing book sale and vending machine receipts pay for programs the library could not otherwise afford. Donations of gently used books, magazines, and videos may be brought to any Hammond Public Library location. Please do not use the book drop boxes for donated items. While most donated items are destined for the book sale, in 2005 nearly 3,900 donated items were added to the library's collection.

FYI: (219) 931-5100

WIFI AT THE LIBRARY | Calumet City

Wireless access to the Internet is now available at the Calumet City Public Library, 660 Manistee Ave. To access it, just bring in your portable computer that is equipped with a wireless card. Our system uses the 802.11G wireless access point standard. Users of our wireless Internet access will need to follow the rules and regulations of the Wireless Internet Use Policy that are posted around the library. If you have technical questions about wireless access, talk to Rich or Dave.

FYI: (708) 862-6220

CONFINED TO HOME? | Hammond

If you're a Hammond resident confined to home due to injury or illness, you can receive books through the mail from the Hammond Public Library. Please call the Homebound Outreach Coordinator for details.

FYI: (219) 931-5100, ext. 307