LAKEPORT – What do "Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Clueless" have in common, other than being popular modern stories? Each is derived from the works of Jane Austen who lived from 1775 to 1817.

Miss Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is the inspiration for Bridget Jones, and "Emma" inspired the film "Clueless."

Nearly 200 years after her death, Jane Austen continues to entertain, enlighten and inspire readers around the world.

March is Jane Austen Month in the Lake County Library. Learn more about this remarkable writer who portrayed the British upper class world of the early 19th century in her books, among them "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," "Emma," and "Mansfield Park."

In this world, fortune counted for more than love when choosing a spouse, but on occasion, love and fortune could be found together.

Filmmakers have turned Jane Austen's books into movies, scholars interpret and analyze her works, other authors have written sequels and spinoffs of her books, and still others have completed her unfinished works.

Many of these books and films can be found in the Jane Austen display at Lakeport Library through March.

The library invites patrons to browse the display and learn more about Miss Austen. All of the display items are available for checkout.

To request more Jane Austen items in the library collection from home, visit the library catalog online at http://ipac.sonoma.lib.ca.us/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=lake.

During March, in honor of Jane Austen, the library website includes a page, www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/DepartmentDirectory/Library/JANE_AUSTEN_FEATURED_AUTHOR.htm, devoted to her biography and her works, and includes links to Jane Austen Web sites.

Web site visitors also have an opportunity to vote for their favorite Mr. Darcy.

Lakeport Library, located at 1425 N. High St., is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.; telephone 263-8817.

Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake, is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.; telephone 994-5115.

Middletown Library, 21267 Calistoga Road, is open Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; telephone 987-3674.

Upper Lake Library, 310 Second St., is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 pm., and Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; telephone 275-2049.

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