Notes from Collection Development:

Recent DVDs set in the realm of the fantastic:

Knowing



Fifty years after a time capsule was buried at a local school, teacher Ted Myles (Cage) examines its contents and discovers that it holds many shockingly true predictions. Soon, Ted is convinced that his family will play a role in an impending apocalypse. Diana Whelan (Byrne) is the daughter of the woman who first buried the capsule. This tense blockbuster thriller is from ace sci-fi auteur Alex Proyas.

Push



On the run from the Division, a dangerous government agency that uses people with psychic abilities to do their bidding, telekinetic Nick Gant (Evans) and clairvoyant Cassie Holmes (Fanning) team up to find a third psychic who can help them destroy the organization. But when the Division picks up their trail, it sends a powerful agent (Hounsou) to stop them at all costs. Paul McGuigan directs this thriller.

The Unborn

Tortured by frightening dreams at night and the ghost of a young boy during the day, young Casey (Yustman) turns to a spiritual adviser (Oldman) for help. Together, the two uncover and try to stop a powerful family curse dating back to the Nazi era. David S. Goyer writes and directs this supernatural thriller.

Argyle Children's Program Creates "Baby Bot"

Here is a photo of the results of the School Age Art Program that DeLon Rowan, Library Assistant at Argyle Branch, led children to create last week. They used recycled foam packing from light fixtures, parts from a keyboard, and other materials to create a baby "robot" and dubbed it “Baby Bot”. DeLon designed the program to conform with the Florida Library Youth Program theme, "Be Creative @ Your Library". In this program, children developed pre-literacy (cognitive and physical skills) while creating three dimensional pieces such as Baby Bot. (Click on the picture to get a larger view of "Baby Bot".)

Marie Boyer Will Retire from Southeast Regional Branch

After 21 years with the Jacksonville Public Library system, Librarian Marie Therese Boyer will retire, August 1. On Wednesday, July 22, Southeast Regional held a luncheon to commemorate her many years with JPL. Marie noted she has seen a great many changes with the JPL system during her time with the library. Specifically, she described the completion of the new Main Library as one of the most significant accomplishments of the Jacksonville system as a whole. Marie said her enjoyment of many years with the library was primarily due to the wonderful people she has worked with and the variety of work tasks to be completed each day. With the tasks changing hourly, there was never a boring moment.

Marie spent her early childhood in France, has family there, and even after living in America for many years, still has a distinctive French accent. Therefore, a French theme was used for the gathering, with a menu comprising of many common French delicacies such as fried chicken faire un bide (to make a big belly), Laissez-faire (let it be) sausage and green peppers, and Pret-a-porter (ready to wear) macaroni and cheese.

To assist Marie in her future retirement endeavors, she was presented with a personalized floating pool chair. In the picture above, Marie is displaying the chair box after removing the wrappings. You may notice that the person on the picture of the box has a very familiar appearance.

We at Southeast wish Marie the best of luck and a great retirement.

Notes from Collection Development

Zombies: The New Vampire?!

You may have noticed a lot of Zombies appearing in fiction recently. A few titles customers can find and devour at JPL—


Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Booklist Reviews

This may be the most wacky by-product of the busy Jane Austen fan-fiction industry at least among the spin-offs and pastiches that have made it into print. In what's described as an "expanded edition" of Pride and Prejudice, 85 percent of the original text has been preserved but fused with "ultraviolent zombie mayhem." For more than 50 years, we learn, England has been overrun by zombies, prompting people like the Bennets to send their daughters away to China for training in the art of deadly combat, and prompting others, like Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to employ armies of ninjas. Added to the familiar plot turns that bring Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy together is the fact that both are highly skilled killers, gleefully slaying zombies on the way to their happy ending. Is nothing sacred? Well, no, and mash-ups using literary classics that are freely available on the Web may become a whole new genre. What's next? Wuthering Heights and Werewolves? Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

The Zombie Survival Guide

PW Annex Reviews

Website: http://www.publishersweekly.com/In this outrageous parody of a survival guide, Saturday Night Live staff writer Brooks prepares humanity for its eventual battle with zombies. One would expect the son of Mel Brooks to have a genetic predisposition to humor, and indeed, he does, and he exhibits it relentlessly here: he outlines virtually every possible zombie-human encounter, drafts detailed plans for defense and attack and outlines past recorded attacks dating from 60,000 B.C. to 2002. In planning for that catastrophic day when "the dead rise," Brooks urges readers to get to know themselves, their bodies, their weaponry, their surroundings and, just in case, their escape routes. Some of the book's more amusing aspects are the laughable analyses Brooks proposes on all aspects of zombiehood, and the specificity with which he enumerates the necessary actions for survival-i.e., a member of an anti-zombie team must be sure to have with him at all times two emergency flares, a signaling mirror, daily rations, a personal mess kit and two pairs of socks. Comic, though unnecessarily exhaustive, this is a good bet for Halloween gag gifts and fans of Bored of the Rings-esque humor. 100 line drawings. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

World War Z

Booklist Reviews

"The Crisis" nearly wiped out humanity. Brooks (son of Mel Brooks and author of The Zombie Survival Guide, 2003) has taken it upon himself to document the "first hand" experiences and testimonies of those lucky to survive 10 years after the fictitious zombie war. Like a horror fan's version of Studs Terkel's The Good War (1984), the "historical account" format gives Brooks room to explore the zombie plague from numerous different views and characters. In a deadpan voice, Brooks exhaustively details zombie incidents from isolated attacks to full-scale military combat: "what if the enemy can't be shocked and awed? Not just won't, but biologically can't!" With the exception of a weak BAT-21 story in the second act, the "interviews" and personal accounts capture the universal fear of the collapse of society--a living nightmare in which anyone can become a mindless, insatiable predator at a moment's notice. Alas, Brad Pitt's production company has purchased the film rights to the book--while it does have a chronological element, it's more similar to a collection of short stories: it would make for an excellent 24-style TV series or an animated serial. Regardless, horror fans won't be disappointed: like George Romero's Dead trilogy, World War Z is another milestone in the zombie mythos. ((Reviewed August 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Monster Island: a zombie novel

Booklist Reviews

This is a zombie novel--a fantastic zombie novel. Most of the world has fallen to the undead, with pockets of survivors clinging to a precarious existence. At the behest of the leader of the Free Women's Republic of Somaliland, a shipload of those makes the ludicrous trip from Africa to New York in a desperate quest for medicine. New York is a wasteland, and everything depends on a small, incredibly dedicated band of teenage girls, armed to the teeth, and native guide Dekalb, formerly a UN arms inspector. Also, in NYC there is Gary, a zombie who, completely unexpectedly, retains live human mental faculties. The questers get ringside seats for some of the apocalypse's finest moments, and no matter how prepared they thought they were, something worse awaits in the depths of New York. When zombies have already overrun everything, that's saying something. There are many layers to this zombie apocalypse, and this book just gets things rolling. Stay tuned. ((Reviewed March 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Cell

Booklist Reviews

/*Starred Review*/ Think horror meister King's gone soft? Try this: Clay Riddell, on top of the world after finally signing a contract that pays off for his years of scrabbling as a comics artist, is fairly bouncing along Boston Common when an awful lot of the people nearby suddenly go berserk, using any weapon that comes to hand, including their teeth, to assault with deadly intent everyone in their paths. Motor vehicles collide or leap curbs to smash through windows and doors at high speed. Planes power-dive into buildings. And, of course, gunfire and explosions punctuate the soundscape. Instinctively, Clay puts his heavy portfolio between a small man about to be butchered by a middle-aged crazy, and thus meets Tom McCourt. Within the hour, they rescue 15-year-old Alice Maxwell, and another of King's many stories of a decent remnant struggling to survive in a world gone mad is off and running. During the course of what must be the most suspenseful, fastest-paced book King has ever written--a 'Salem's Lot without lulls--the trio expands to as many as six, though it is solely from Clay's perspective that King tells the story. Clay is concerned with more than survival, for his 12-year-son is out there, surely by himself, Clay thinks, given the time of day that the Pulse began. The Pulse, keenly perceptive Tom noticed right away, that all the crazies became so while using their cell phones. Tom's was broken that day, and Clay doesn't own one. Exploiting motifs and devices from Richard Matheson's vampire-world classic, I Am Legend (1954), and George A. Romero's living-dead movies (author and filmmaker are this book's dedicatees), King blasts any notion that he's exhausted or dissipated his enormous talent. ((Reviewed January 1 & 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

The Living Dead

Booklist Reviews

Die-hard zombiephiles may be disappointed to find only one new story here (the Clive Barker and Stephen King entries are 20 years old), but they have to concede that it s full of good stuff. The real standouts tend to depart from the apocalyptic formula standard to the genre. A bully in Darrel Schweitzer s "The Dead Kid" torments an undead kid in a box that he keeps in the woods. David Barr Kirtley’s "The Skull-Faced Boy" features two teens who discover they re animated corpses after being killed in an accident. In Joe Lansdale s "Deadman’s Road," a gun slinging reverend hunts down a zombie who was a killer when normally alive. It s Dan Simmon’s brilliant, award-winning "This Year's Class Picture," however, that makes the collection worth the price of admission; in it, a teacher clings to her daily routine, teaching her "students" long after the Tribulations. Though it reprints so many oft-collected stories, this volume remains an excellent overview of the zombie genre. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch - I just waned to let Charlene's (Ovashak) supervisor know that the 2 times I dealt with her she was AWESOME! It's so refreshing to meet people that are so helpful and so friendly--it's rare these days.

Main - Reference - I attempted to utilize computer services; there was a linking problem w/website chosen. Ms. (Karen) Deas was very helpful to insure my designated computer wasn't at fault. We or she actually had me to view her unit at the service desk which did indicate my website choice was the problem. KUDOS!

Murray Hill Branch - I really enjoyed the personal attention I received from Margaret Esposito. She is outstanding! Keep up the good work!

Pablo Creek Branch - Margaret Crawford's & Kyong Lee's story time is fantastic. They are always enthusiastic & personable as are Padma Subramanian & Stephanie Harley at the checkout counter.

South Mandarin Branch - I brought my two grandchildren to the story hour on Thursday. They loved Mr. David (Foster) and his compassion for relating the stories. They look forward to returning next week.

Movies at Mandarin Branch Are Big Draw

Mandarin Branch Library is the place to be for summer movies! Next Tuesday, July 21, Mandarin is showing the classic summer movie, Jaws. This shark-bitten poster was designed by Melissa Tison (L) and Linda Smith (R), both library associates. Melissa’s artistic talents were put to good use by designing the shark. The movies Linda has shown have been very popular, averaging 10-30 people. Other popular movies, such as Bolt and Hotel for Dogs, were attended by over 50 people! (By clicking on the picture, you can enlarge it.)

Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney Visits Brentwood Branch

Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney visited the Brentwood Branch Library, Wednesday, April 15. Prior to his arrival, he and Branch Manager Tasha Toliver spoke extensively on the phone and he shared a lot of infomation about the community.

During his visit, Ms. Toliver introduced him to her staff, gave him a tour of the branch, and reviewed Brentwood Branch programs.

Councilman Dr. Gaffney expressed his regrets that his visit would be brief due to a special meeting called by City Council that day. However, he was able to stay about 30 minutes and was very helpful with ideas relating to adult and children's programs and offered to get community partners involved.

Ms. Toliver invited him to visit again and she and her staff look forward to the time--hopefully in the near future--when Councilman Dr. Gaffney can return to Brentwood Branch.

Training Helps in Technology

In the frenzy of our technological world it's easy to lose site of what an important place books still hold. More than that, we often miss opportunities to use that same technology to enhance and promote our collections. Stephen Abram, Vice President of Innovation at SIRSI, has 25 great recommendations for putting technology to work doing exactly that.

Try this shortcut to: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/wordtothewise08.php

Staff Profile

Diane Alexander, Library Assistant, is known to many of our staff because she works in the Training Office at the Main Library. She was the winner of the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008/2009. (She preferred not to include a photo for this article.)

Q: How long have you worked for JPL and in what areas?
A: I worked at Webb Wesconnett Branch for about two years before coming to the Training Office in April 2007.

Q: How is it rewarding to you as a Library Assistant to work in Training?
A: I have the opportunity to help employees find classes they need and I help them enroll in those classes; then they can fulfill their training requirements and improve their job performance.

Q: What do you think are two of the most valuable training sessions in the City and why are they important to library staff?
A: Star Service the Jax Way is a class that educates staff in excellent customer service, and Introduction to Personal Computers is a class many employees need to take to do the basic functions required in their jobs.

Q: Who is your favorite author and what do you like about his/her work?
A: T. D. Jakes’ books are very inspirational and I feel that in this day and time we all need some kind of inspiration.

Q: What are one or two things most people do not know about you?
A: I’m not a native Floridian. I have been living in Clay County for 5 years and love it. I was born in Demopolis, Alabama, and I have lived in various cities in the U. S. before moving to Florida.

Chocolate Chip Giveaway and Performance Objectives

Karen Walker, Main Library, Reference, Senior Librarian, reports that the Digital Planet Team has delicious news for the JPL blog. She asks that you please take a look at this and see which of our teammates was the lucky winner—and shared June's Chocolate Chip Giveaway!

http://tinyurl.com/mc6pwh

JPL’s online book club is featured on our website with this description:
Email Book Preview
Join our Online Book Clubs and start reading books in your email. Each day we'll send you a 5-minute portion of a book. By the end of the week, you'll have read 2-3 chapters. If you'd like to finish a book, stop by the library and pick up a copy. Every week we feature new books. Sign up today and start reading tomorrow.

For Goal 2, to enable us ‘To determine products and services that will meet resident’s needs’, The Digital Planet Team members each selected a genre in the ‘Online Book Club’ and chose to learn more about this ‘Resource for Readers’. With 100% participation, co-workers enjoy promoting this resource one-to-one with Customers. To learn more about the Online Book Club, simply sign up today.