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William. He was encouraged by the proposed new program and felt the idea should be to encourage more people to get involved by going to the library. Mr. Taylor commented on other ways of providing services instead of fines and thought people should be encouraged to get more involved. Chairperson Hertle read a statement received from Diane Ferrari who stated: "There has to be a better way than fines. Subjecting families and children, especially those that come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to fines, discourages usage and access to books, which ironically, are the tools and building blocks necessary to help bring them up out of their situation." Chairperson Hertle closed the meeting for public comment at 7:17 p.m. Commissioner Damaser discussed with Ms. Murphy the auto renewing aspect of the new policy and the loss of revenue from not collecting fines. Commissioner Grewel also asked about fines/fees and the funds that come from the General Fund and confirmed the renewal process with Ms. Murphy. He indicated that he would like the issue of revenue loss to be first taken to City Council for them to consider, before the Commission considers ways of trying to offset the loss. Commissioner Grewel felt the City would be able to find funds to offset the loss and Commissioner Skowlund agreed. Ms. Murphy noted that the loss would be minimal. Commissioner Damaser commented on the current process in place for collecting fines. Ms. Murphy indicated that the new policy would eliminate existing fines but have fees for lost items. Commissioner Nibert indicated that over time she has paid her share of finds and had always felt they were necessary as a way of letting children know the importance of taking care of books. She felt eliminating fines could be sending a wrong message and it was necessary to teach kids that there are consequences to not taking care of the books. Ms. Murphy noted that there would still be a fee for losing books and libraries strive to provide information without barriers. She noted that libraries don't take responsibility for books that children read because that is the responsibility of the family, however standards still need to be maintained. Commissioner Skowlund agreed with comments made by Commissioner Nibert and felt the library should have some responsibility. Commissioner Lehman was informed by Chairperson Hertle that William and Quinn Taylor had attended the meeting at her recommendation. She commented on reaching out to Library Commission March 7, 2019 Page 3