I read with interest the letter from David Zotian ("The library's lack of warning seen as fine way to teach responsibility," Catonsville Times, May 25)) suggesting that steep library fines and lack of reminders teach responsibility.

However, when the overdue fees exceed the replacement cost of the item, when a simple e-mail

reminder would help patrons turn in items on time, when video rental fees exceed

those charged by retailers for identical items and when other miscellaneous

fees creep into the pocketbooks of patrons, the library seems less like a

community resource and more like a collection agency.

I personally am generally a fan of our library system, appreciate the helpfulness and friendliness of the

staff, and often make use of nearby branches and of Storyville.

My own experience has been similar to that of Maureen Pugh ("Library policy of imposing fines without warning not acceptable," Catonsville Times, May 11). The fines, fees and lack of e-mail reminders often make for an unnecessarily

discouraging patron experience.

I pointedly disagree with Mr. Zotian: a fine does not need to be excessive to encourage one to try to avoid it, and taking

advantage of a reminder does not mean that one is abandoning responsibility.

However, because of these experiences, my family and I often use the free market

approach and take advantage of Catonsville's proximity to other more

customer-friendly library systems.

David Ropp

Catonsville