R U ready 4 txt msgs frm Denton Public Library?

If the last sentence is nonsense to you, then the answer to the question is probably not. For those who knew it meant “Are you ready for text messages from Denton Public Library?” read on.

The library is launching a new text-messaging service Dec. 1 for customers who want to use their cellphones or other mobile devices to keep tabs on their accounts.

“People always have their cellphones on, so we wanted to reach our customers wherever they are,” said Eva Poole, libraries director.

Customers can sign up now to start receiving notices about library items that are overdue or ready for pickup, as well as due-date reminders and advertisements for special events.

The city has entered a one-year, $10,000 contract with Velti, a London-based mobile marketing company, to offer the service. The library isn’t charging customers to sign up, but users may have to pay their telecommunications company for each text message, depending on their service plan.

Which begs another question: Will people really want to shell out money to learn their library books are overdue?

“That’s why the contract is just for a year,” Poole said. “If people don’t like it, if it doesn’t warrant the cost, we won’t do it next year.”

The library will continue offering customers the same notices by e-mail.

For information on how to sign up for the Denton Public Library’s text-messaging service, call 940-349-8752.

LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbrown@dentonrc.com.