SLP Attendance Breaks Record at Urban Library Centers

Julie Lipschutz, Libararian, reports the Summer Library Program is a great success in the Urban Library Centers this summer.

Top left, Christie Rogers, Library Associate, reads a story to some school age children during her program, "Hello Hawaii" recently held at Westbrook Branch.

Top right, third graders are reading together at the Northshore Book Club, run by Librarian Julie Lipschutz. at Northshore Team Up's summer camp.

Lower left, kids enjoy 15 minutes of solo reading time at the end of every school-age program at Westbrook Branch Library.

And lower right is a mother and her two children reading together at Graham Branch's weekly Family Preschool Storytime.

Combined Florida Library Youth Program attendance at Graham, Eastside, and Westbrook Branches--thus far--has increased 65% over 2009, the most recent year of full summer programming at these locations.

WOW! What a summer!

Eastside Branch Career Building Program

The Brown Eastside Branch Library has set up the Aspire Community Room from 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Thursday for people who want to work on a computer to improve their careers. (Pictured left are Anthony Williams, EB Library Associate, assisting customer June Burley in filling out an online application.) Library customers are able to:

Work on resumes
Fill out job and school applications
Take a practice test on the Gales's Testing & Education Reference Center
Career building (searching for employment or entrepreneurship research).

Way to go, Eastside!

"Creature from the Black Lagoon" at San Marco Branch & You Can See 'old' Jacksonville

San Marco Branch will host the movie, "Creature from the Black Lagoon", Thursday, 3:17 pm, August 11. This "horror" film was partially filmed in Jacksonville and just south of St. Augustine in 1954. It is reported that this was one of the first films made in 3D.

The scene where the sea monster snatches the lady in the restaurant was filmed on the south bank of the river in the Lobster House Restaurant. (The popular Lobster House burned in a fire in 1962 and River City Brewery sets on that site today.) Some underwater shots were made in the St. Johns River where strong currents and murky water caused production problems.

A few films have been filmed in Jacksonville since the Creature prowled in 1954; however, from 1908-1920 more than 30 silent film studios produced thousands of silent films here and Jacksonville was known as the winter film capital of the world. Then along came Hollywood and the rest is history.

Kudos from Customers

Bradham Brooks Northwest: “Ms. (Maude) Scott was fun. The children enjoyed her, as well as the teacher, Davi Harmon.”

Main Library - Genealogy: “… As I began my search of ancestry, I had no clue what to do or where to start. Mr. (David) Fuller was most helpful to me. He had such a pleasant attitude while assisting me. I felt embarrassed asking some of the questions but Mr. Fuller acted as if I asked all the right questions. He is a great asset to this department. I am sure that you know this. As a patron of the library I just want to give accolades where due. I really appreciate all of the assistance that I received from him. I felt like he went over and beyond to get me started with my genealogy studies. Please tell Mr. Fuller that he's a jewel in that department and thanks so much for his assistance.”

Main Library – Reference & Periodicals: “…I was pleasantly surprised at the level of customer service I received from one of your employees, Mr. (Jason) Enoex. Despite being deluged by phone calls and other customer requests, he personally directed me towards the legal aid section…. Mr. Enoex also took the time to inform me of other possible legal resources I had not considered to that point including LegalZoom, the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Office, and the Law Library next to the Duval County Courthouse. His thoroughness and professionalism were outstanding and second to none. … ‘

Mandarin Branch: “I loved the Overdrive class @ Mandarin. Presenter (Donna Peretzman) was very good.

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “Big props to Ms. Mia (Brack), the best children's librarian ever!!! I am off to story time with my 3 excited grandsons. This is one of the highlights of their week. I have not been able to read enough books to this week to satisfy them as they prepare to show her their summer reading lists. You are lucky to have such an accomplished employee on your staff.”

History in the Making in Talking Books Dept.

All JPL staff is not aware of changes in one of our critical departments, Talking Books, so this update and encouragement for JPL staff to talk up TB services to our customers.

Jerry Reynolds, Librarian Senior, Talking Books (TB), pictured left, reports that TB’s conversion to digital service is progressing well. Braille and Audio Reading Downloads (BARD) are being added daily. JPL’s customers have enjoyed this upgrade over the last few months and appreciate features of the digital TB machine with few reported problems. Still there are customers who have not received digital Talking Books and via TB’s newsletter, "The Insight", they are being encouraged to contact TB for this service. (Production of new books on recorded cassette ceased late last year, and all new titles are now only available on digital cartridge or BARD download.)

Customers can still receive TB on cassette during the digital transition period because the majority of the collection is only available on cassette. Customers can’t buy or keep existing TB on cassette because they are the property of the Library of Congress and need to be returned when customers are finished with them.

In the past few months TB services have been extended to institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools and others that request this service. If not currently registered, the individual responsible for TB service at the institution can call JPL’s Talking Book Department, 630-1999, to request TB service.

Spread the word when you get the chance. You may just help someone live a fuller, richer life.

Reading & Peace Central to South Mandarin's Summer Programs

South Mandarin Branch's Summer Reading Program (SRP) is proving to be a whopping success. Ed Murray, SOM's Branch Manager, reports that 478 registered for this program and 3,462 books were checked out, June 1-July 15.

To celebrate the "One World, Many Stories" theme, they are displaying how much has been read by having readers place a bead strand in their "globe" for every book read. The globe is almost full! Kids love to see how full the globe is getting each week when they visit the library.

South Mandarin's School Age Program series has been successful as well. Every Tuesday afternoon, a variety of presenters and activities are enjoyed by school age children. Their first program on June 14 kicked off the summer. One hundred kids and adults participated in their "Peace Banner" art craft by writing or drawing what peace means to them. A list of the word "peace" in different languages was provided, and some of those words made it to the banner! The peace banner is now displayed in the children's room. (Click on any of the pictures to get a larger view.)

Ice Cream Social Draws VIP's for Beaches Branch 25th Anniversary Celebration

Pat Doyle, Beaches Branch Manager, gives this report of their 25th Anniversary celebration, Saturday, June 9:

"Virginia Maxted, President of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library, pictured center right below, really enjoyed the Ice Cream Social . She brought and displayed several scrapbooks of photos and articles focusing on the library from when it was just a twinkle in the hearts and minds of the beaches citizens and on to more current times. Everyone enjoyed looking at them.

"In attendance were a number of people who were instrumental in having this library built. Margaret Smith, retired Administrative Supervisor, was on hand to emcee the program and give us a sense of the history. Children loved the balloon sculptures and the Italian ice from Rita’s was delicious and refreshing.

"Neptune Beach Mayor Harriet Pruette (photo on left above) presented and read a proclamation honoring the branch. Former CM Dick Brown presented and read a framed resolution in honor of the Beaches Branch. Current CM Bill Gulliford attended and spoke favorably about the branch. Library Director Barbara Gubbin spoke about the current state of JPL and hopes of where we may be headed. Deputy Director Carolyn Williams and Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel attended as well, as did Donna’s charming grandson, Paul, who was dressed in his Boy Scout uniform.

"It was wonderful having a room full of people (real people, not Facebook people) socializing and sharing comments and stories about the library."

Murray Hill Branch's Young Authors

Some of Jacksonville’s youngest authors visited the Murray Hill Branch and signed copies of their book, The Writing Express, which is a collection of these individual authors' stories, Saturday, July 9. The soon to be fifth graders from Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary and St. Clair Evans Academy were all smiles when reading their stories aloud. They proudly signed copies of their work at the end of the program. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Prindle House Publishing Young Writers Program.

This program was part of Murray Hill Branch's Summer Library Program and in keeping with the 2011 SLP theme, "One World, Many Stories."

Oceanway Express Officially Opens, July 9

On Saturday, July 9, the book lockers at Oceanway Community Center were officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony by Councilman Ray Holt, Library Director Barbara Gubbin, and others. Also attending from JPL were: Carolyn Williams, Deputy Director, Kathy Lussier, Assistant Director for Community Relations and Marketing, Donna Thomas, Highlands Library Supervisor, and Felecia Battle, Highlands Library Assistant. The Oceanway Express has been operating since June 15 and has already had over 150 books reserved. The Highlands Branch Library has been handling the day to day operations of the locker.

The event was covered by First Coast News, which can be seen here:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/210479/483/First-Automated-Library-System-In-Southeast-Opens-In-Oceanway

Friends of JPL Special Sale, July 9, at UPK

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of the JPL, reports their first Book Warehouse Sale, June 25, was a big success.

There is leftover inventory and a special sale will be held 9:00 am. - noon, Saturday, July 9, in the south end of University Park Branch Library where the Friends' warehouse is located. (Their warehouse is air-conditioned so people can enjoy every moment of shopping.)

Mr. Reagan said you can stuff a big grocery bag with audio/video (VHS tapes, books on tapes and records) for ONLY TEN BUCKS, $10, TEN DOLLARS!

Do come, if you can, and tell your customers, friends, and neighbors about this great opportunity.

Staff Profile

Ken McEnery began volunteering at San Marco Branch Library in 2007 and his wife, Linda, followed suit in 2008. When they retired, the McEnerys were interested in "giving back", and so they have in a commendable way. (For a larger view, click on this photo taken at Krka Falls in Croatia last December.)

The McEnerys are well known for their commitment to service. Once when they were coming back from vacation, their flight was delayed and they were scheduled to volunteer that day. Rather than cancel or excuse themselves, their then Volunteer Coordinator, Eric Soriano, reported that they came straight from the airport (luggage in hand) to the library and met their obligations. Their current supervisor, Lenora Stuckey, reports their outstanding service--for which we are most grateful--continues.

Q: : Why did you choose to volunteer at the Jacksonville Public Library?

A: We wanted to stay active in retirement and volunteer with a number of organizations. As longtime library users, volunteering at our local branch seemed an attractive way to give back to the community.

Q: What do you find rewarding about volunteering at San Marco Branch?

A: Even though some of the staff has come and gone since we began, we have always been treated as part of the San Marco Library "family". We have been challenged to do more than shelve materials and for the last few years we have processed reserves on the days we work.

Q: You train junior volunteers to fill in for you when you are away from San Marco Branch. Lenora Stuckey says you two have done an excellent job training them. How did you achieve this?

A: We explain what has to be done, let them observe us, and then let them actually do it themselves under our supervision until they are comfortable with the process.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Ken - no one favorite book but anything by James Patterson, Lee Child, David Baldacci and Nelson DeMille. Linda - no one favorite either, but all types of mysteries with selected sci-fi.

Q: We understand you like to travel. Tell us about the most intriguing place(s) you have visited and why we might enjoy it.

A: Last December we did a combination land tour and small ship coastal cruise that covered four of the six Balkan countries that at one time made up Yugoslavia. It was interesting to learn how each country handled independence and the civil war that followed the breakup and see the progress (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro) or lack of (Bosnia) each has made since then. The people are friendly, most speak English, and the area is both beautiful and varied--from the Alps of Slovenia to the breathtaking Adriatic coastline of Croatia and Montenegro containing the old walled cities of Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor.

Talking Books Presents

Talking Books has two movies planned for July in the Main Library Hicks Auditorium that you will want to promote with your customers:

• Thursday, July 7th - 10:30 a.m.: "Bedtime Stories" - movie with Closed Caption (for all customers - especially hearing impaired



• Friday, July 15 - 10:00 a.m.: "Despicable Me" - animated movie in described format (for visually impaired)