Book discussions and events at the local libraries and bookstores. Send events to margaret.kullerstrand or fax (219) 933-3249

INTERNET SAFETY BOOKMARKS | Nation

MySpace has joined with the Illinois Library Association to distribute free bookmarks containing tips on Internet safety at all Illinois libraries. The bookmarks are printed as a series, each aimed at a specific audience including kids, teens and parents in hopes of educating them to make safe and informed decisions online.

FYI: www.myspace.com

E-MAIL SERVICE | Lake County

Lake County Public Library has announced the introduction of a new e-mail book newsletter service called Next Reads. No library card is necessary -- just an e-mail address -- for library Web site visitors and patrons to subscribe to any of the 20 different subject and genre newsletters. List topics range from Biography and Memoir to Fantasy and are sent on a monthly or every-other-month basis, and include up to 15 titles. Subscribers can link directly to the library catalog from books of interest on the lists, and place a "hold" or request a title immediately. Even those library patrons without e-mail addresses can take advantage of the lists by viewing them online, either at the library or from any Internet access point. Visit the Lake County Public Library in person or online to sign up for "next Reads.

FYI: (219) 769-3541 or www.lakeco.lib.in.us

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 or www.calumetcitypl.org

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP | Merrillville

"Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China" by Jung Chang at 6:15 p.m. July 9 at Central Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave.

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 340

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION | Cedar Lake

"The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman at 6:30 p.m. July 15 at the Cedar Lake Library Branch, 10010 W. 133rd Ave. Call to reserve a copy of this title.

FYI: (219) 374-7121

BOOK DISCUSSION | Schererville

"Here If You Need Me" by Kate Braestrup will be discussed at Between the Lines meets at 7 p.m. July 29 and 10:15 a.m. July 30 at the Lake County Public Library's Dyer-Schererville branch, 1001 W. Lincoln Highway. Call to register.

FYI: (219) 322-4731

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP | Merrillville

"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 13 at Central Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave.

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 340

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION | Cedar Lake

"Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Cedar Lake Library Branch, 10010 W. 133rd Ave. Call to reserve a copy of this title.

FYI: (219) 374-7121

POPULAR BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUPS | Chesterton

Popular Books Discussion Group meets on the first Monday evening of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Bertha Wood room at Thomas Library, Westchester Public library, 200 W. Indiana Ave. Attendees join a lively discussion centered around the chosen book for that month. Free of charge. Call for book titles.

FYI: (219) 926-7696

TALKING BOOKS | Crown Point

Looking for the ultimate in talking books technology? Try one of the PLAYAWAYS now available at the Crown Point Library, 214 S. Court St. The ultimate "Talking Books" device, Playaways combine the portability of MP3 without the need for special equipment or technical know-how. Each device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and comes preloaded with an unabridged audio book. Simple to use, all you need is a set of headphones or earbuds, and you can take your book anywhere. Don't own any earbuds? The library has them for sale for $1.

FYI: (219) 663-0270