Cumberland Library Brings After-Hours Renewal to Internet

Beginning this month, readers can renew their Cumberland County library books online. Offering renewals online has become a new trend among libraries.

Last month alone, Cumberland County tallied more than $17,000 in overdue fines. The county says the online option is even more important because of recent budget cuts.

"We've had to reduce our service hours, so this gives another way for people to do library business when the library is closed," says library director Jerry Thrasher.

Convenience is key for busy mother Renee Wright. She says one less stop in her day would really make a difference.

"Unloading the child, diaper bag, stroller -- you can [renew books] so much easier at home on the computer," she says.

Before you try, library officials say you cannnot renew a book online if it is already overdue or if someone else is waiting to take out the book.