TORRANCE : Overdue Book? Expect a Computer to Call
Library patrons with overdue books will soon get telephone reminders from a computer.
Library officials have given Torrance Public Library’s automated renewal system the task of calling people at home to remind them to return materials and to notify them that books on reserve have come in.
“It will save us a considerable amount of money,” said Norm Reeder, who runs library programs. He said the library currently spends 25 cents for each reminder sent by bulk mail. A local call costs 10 cents. The computer will call only from 3 to 8 p.m.
The system will try to call the resident three times, and if it can’t connect, a notice will be sent by mail.
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