Team Regency Encourages the Heart

In the latest one-minute destination:LEADERSHIP video, Lanette Jackson explains how the Regency Branch Encourages the Hearts of their co-workers by using the now-familiar "Wall of Appreciation".

(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)


Everyone knows someone who models the way, inspires a shared vision, challenges the process, enables others to act, and/or encourages the heart. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it. Please contact jpltraining@coj.net.

If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see the rest.

Much Ado About Mandarin Branch Library

Mary Mlady, Volunteer Coordinator at Mandarin, (left) congratulates longtime KR Volunteer Josie Lococo on being named the Volunteer of the Quarter.

Mandarin Branch also celebrated the reopening of the branch after a five day renovation of the circulation area with a Customer Appreciation Party on Wednesday, May 12, 2:00 -3:00 pm. Cake, popcorn, bottled water and Capri sun fruit pack were served. Staff took the opportunity to demonstrate the new self check machines to customers and route them to the new interior book drops. Lynne Baldwin, Manager, and staff thank Michael Sullivan, Administrative Supervisor, for attending and showing his support.

Customers are very pleased with the new circulation area. Three self check machines, two interior book drops, new carpeting, tract lights and LCD Screen give this library area a whole new look, and Kara Heydon's pictures adorn the back wall until June 30. (Other artists' works will subsequently be displayed.)

Ms. Heydon, a local photographer, who hails from Portland Oregon, celebrates the Year of the River in this display (right) and captures the distinctive flavor of living in Northeast Florida.

Mandarin Branch staff welcome you to come see their beautiful new look and enjoy this exceptional photographic display. (Double click on the pictures for a better look.)

A BIG WELCOME TO:

Dr. Donna L. Riegel, Administrative Supervisor, who reports to Carolyn S. Williams, Deputy Director,

AND TO

Lisa Brown Buggs, Community Education and Enrichment Program Supervisor, who reports to Barrett King, Deputy Director, Administrative Services.

Artwork from Genius Factory Kids

Northwest is doing an art show. Staff used the children's department and the hallway (elevator foyer)to display the artworks.

As staff put up all the works, we were amazed at all the wonderful art projects the kids did this week. The kids were very excited to see their work displayed and to show off their artistic talents to their parents. Northwest is so proud of Genius Factory kids and their gorgeous art work! Here is a sneak peek…

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Get your own

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch: “We come to storytime every week we *LOVE* Miss Lizzie (Bourland)! She's a **SUPERSTAR!!*”

Highlands Branch: “Janet (Ducat) is a very helpful and very nice person. Every time I need something she is always there for me!”

Main – Children’s Department: “… I was very impressed with the quick response of your staff (Keith Hayes) to my request for a class visit. …My visit was fruitful in that I left with all the materials I needed to write a scenario and allow the creative staff to develop the additional information needed to attach a library visit to the Children's Lit course … .”

Main Library – Conference Center: “…Frank Smith was terrific again this year helping me navigate through all the coordination required. (In fact, he did all the work for me!) I'm grateful for his assistance and cooperation. Mitesh Sangani and his staff …were wonderful to work with as well. …”

Pablo Creek Branch: “Wanted to let you know about the wonderful service provided by your staff member Susan (Williamson). I come in here all the time to check out and pick up holds and she always gives 110%. Thank you!”

It's a bird...It's a plane...It's.....

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Free Comic Book Day! Fifteen kids of all ages stopped by the Northwest Library on Saturday, May 1 to pick up their free comic book.

How did we do it? I pulled out comic books from our collection (Adult, Teen and Children's sections) and put them on the table decorated for the day. When the customers check out, circulation staff hands them their free comic book.

Congratulations to Brenda Javier, New American Citizen at Regency Square Branch

Team Regency recently hosted an Encourage the Heart party in honor of Brenda Javier, who was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen on March 15. Team members brought in All-American food items, dressed in red, white, and blue and celebrated Brenda’s tremendous achievement. Pictured L/R: Mary Heaney, Pamalia Null, Lucy Harris, Bernice Newsom, Marshelle Berry, Lanette Jackson, and Stephanie Harley. Brenda Javier is in the center holding her flowers.

Alfreda Whitfield's Grandson

Jaiden Franklin Hale was born Februay 16, 2010. He is the new addition to Alfreda's family.

Staff Profile

Charlene Ovshak, Library Clerical Supervisor at Pablo Creek Regional Library, won The Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter FY09/10. She is attributed with setting a personal example by being the first one on her team to embrace changes.

Q: What recent changes at JPL have had positive results?

A: The biggest change that I have seen recently to produce positive results is the Library Card/Key Chain campaign. This has been a huge plus for the customer in locating their card at the circulation desk and a huge time saver for staff in terms of customers having to search for their library cards. Further, it has given the library a daily reminder or “advertisement” to our customers to “Start Here. Go Anywhere.”

Q: What enables you to embrace change?

A: What most enables me to embrace change is to actually see the value and usefulness of the change. Not just to change for the sake of change, but to really experience positive results – better customer service, reduction of wait time, increased circulation, things like that. Change as a “flavor of the month” is old and tired. Staff and customers want to experience change that matters and impacts their lives positively.

Q: How long have you worked at JPL and what influenced you to pursue this career?

A: I have worked at JPL for over 22 years. I am a Jacksonville native and have lived here all of my life. My Dad is a retired fire fighter with over 25 years of service, and my brother is also a firefighter and he has worked for the City for 6 years. I am proud to work for my City and be associated with the Public Library and the services it provides. The Library touches so many people. I have had the opportunity to work in several branches over my career and to contribute to each community in which I have worked in a different way.

Q: Share something about yourself that most of us don’t know.

A: I am a huge “Lucy” aficionado! I have collected "I Love Lucy" memorabilia for many years and at one time even had a boat named “The Mertz”. Fred and Ethel Mertz were the best friends of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. In fact, my two little Chihuahua dogs are named Fred and Ethel!

Q: Do you have a favorite author or book and why?

A: I am kind of an eclectic reader and don’t’ really have a favorite book or author. Sometimes I find myself reading some weird stuff based on the suggestions of my customers!

Mandarin Regional Honors Their Volunteers

The Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week with a luncheon for their volunteers on April 21st. The luncheon was organized by Mary Mlady, the Adult Volunteer Coordinator, with the staff supplying the food and decorations. Mandarin is so lucky! Some of our volunteers have been working at the branch since it opened in June 1986. The food was great and the company was even better. The volunteers and staff had a wonderful time!