Libraries across Wearside have made users' accounts accessible via the Internet, which will boost services for the 49,000 people who borrowed items in the last year.

The leap into the computer age means customers can check the status of their account at any time of day or night, and renew books and other items they have on loan.

Councillor Mel Speding, who has responsibility for culture and leisure at Sunderland Council, said: "Customers can place reservations online, so the item they want to borrow will be waiting in their chosen library for collection, at a time that is convenient to them."

Coun Speding, from New Herrington, added: "Being a member of your local library also gives you free access to numerous subscription web sites, all available on Sunderland City Council's Public Libraries extensive online suite.

"You can use most of these facilities from the comfort of your own home or wherever you might be. All you need is a computer and Internet access."

To access online services members need to know their ID number and unique PIN, which they can get by visiting any Sunderland Library with their library ticket and some form of identification.

Alternatively, you can email the library and ask for your PIN to be sent through the post.

"If you'd like to join your local library that's simple too," said Jane Hall, Assistant Head of Culture and Tourism.

"Just pop in to any Sunderland Public Library and complete a short registration form. No identification is necessary, and you will be issued with a library membership card and told your unique PIN number there and then."

Figures show there were more than 1,600,000 visitors to Wearside libraries over the last financial year.

Also, as reported in the Echo, forgetful bookworms have paid £286,000 in fines over the last five years, although £25,000 is still outstanding.

To cut down on overdue loans, library chiefs are testing a new notification system to send reminders via email, telephone message and text. 

"We plan to launch this later in the autumn to the public," said Ms Hall. "They will be able to receive notices in their preferred format.

"We are also looking at piloting a new billing letter, but this would only be in cases where the total value of items is considerable."

For details about library services call 514 1235 or visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/libraries