Innovator Award Winners Could Give You An Idea

Regency Square Manager Sally Doherty nominated Rita Vernon, Librarian, and Ann Fridl, Librarian Senior, (L/R below) for an Innovator Award, and their certificates and buttons were presented June 26, along with a celebratory cake.  Ann and Rita's idea to have Adult Summer Reading Program 5-Star Bookmarks is now a reality.  Staff and customers can place these bookmarks in books they have read and want to recommend to others.  A special display with the 5-Star Bookmarks in the books are available there.  Extra bookmarks are on the corner of the display and at the reference desk with a sign to attract new participants.

Need an idea?  Look at the Innovator Awards on the JPL Neighborhoods page and see employees' unique ideas other managers have recognized, appreciated, and implmented in their libraries.  You might find some of them will help your library do better with less, rev up a service that isn't doing as well as you'd like, or take you in a new direction.

Got an idea that could get you an Innovator Award?  Share it with your manager and you might be the next winner.

WST Customers Join Star Wars Invasion

Eve Harm reports that West Regional Branch had a galactic Star Wars Summer Reading Kickoff with 350 jedis and princesses in attendance. Author and artist James Hance (lower left) was invited to do a reading of Wookie the Chew, his book about Chrisolo Robin, Wookie the Chew, Droidlet and Owlbi Wan.  In addition to the reading, WST offered balloon art, photo ops with a Stormtrooper, Jawa, and crafts.  The stormtrooper wasn't the only Star Wars costume seen that day because WST also hosted a costume contest with 14 contestants.  There were Darth Vaders, Boba Fetts and Jedis populating planet WST.  Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places and they had a three way tie.  Prizes included a Chamblin gift card, Stars toys of all kinds and three prints donated by James Hance.  WST finished the afternoon with a game of "Save the Princess" that involved lots of balloon popping and Pin the Tail on the Tie-Fighter. 

SRP "Dream Big" Becomes Reality at NW

June 20, 2012, Karl Boecklen, “Mr Karl” of the Jacksonville Zoo, and his staff presented an exciting program on small animals of the night as part of the Summer Reading Program at Bradham Brooks Northwest.  The ever popular Zoo program garnered 81 children in attendance, plus adults.

In front of the class, Mr. Karl displayed several skeletons of animals with informatin about each one.  Additionally, live animals that always fascinate children were included, such as an armadillo, a member of the rodent family, a boa, and a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut so kids could touch it.

SciFi Day at South Maindarin

As customers entered the library on SCI-FI Day, June 23, 2012, their eyes were attracted to colorful signage preparing them for a "far out" day.  South Mandarin Branch employees personally accented  the occasion  in different ways.  Sarah Miller (top right) wore  rhinestones on her cheekbone.  Shedriek Battle donned his  antennas to better tune in to customers' needs and Elaine Randolph bedecked herself with flowers, and as you see, even book carts were decorated for the celebration.  For the day, customers and staff were citizens of the planet “Fleurs” where flowers bloom continually.  Ms. Randolph said even MOSH would have been envious of their efforts.

All of the preparation for SCI-FI Day was to attract csutomers to SOM's displays of mixed books, CDs and DVDs by various authors, and a  SCI-FI Reading List, sent by Sara Radovic, was available at the Reference Desk.  

Teen's Superstar Soars Even Higher

JPL's Main's Teen Department was fortunate to hire T'Keyah McBride (pictured left with a friend) last July via Kathy Tekin's recommendation due to her participation in our Teens Make a Difference program. T'Keyah remained as a part-time shelver but must leave July 22 to attend UF where she plans to major in Zoology and ultimately become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She will do very well at UF, considering her many accomplishments at Andrew Jackson High School. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, won a trophy for being the top elective student in medical magnet, won over 20 awards and received many certificates from Jackson HS for her accomplishments and was in the AP and HONORS programs.

T'Keyah wants to express her appreciation to JPL for giving her the opportunity to learn about our library system and says she has "met some awesome, fulfilled people and would like to give a shout out to Main's Children's and Teen's departments, and also Circ and POP. I will miss you all and I love you all."  JPL will miss this gifted young lady, too.

A Tribute to Wally Bowden

Some things are worth repeating, aren't they?  In March 2009, Wally Bowden, JPL's Graphic Artist, was featured on our "Staff Profile".  Being the family man he is, he shared his wedding photo with us of his recent bride, Jenny, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Bowden. Here we are three years later and Wally is moving up in the world.  We are happy to see anyone as honest, kind, smart, hardworking, and yes, handsome as he to expand his horizons.  Will he be missed?  By all of us who have benefitted from his excellent work ethic, which includes his willingness to break his neck at the last minute to get a project done.  Wally always made us look good.  His last day is Friday, June 22, and all of JPL wishes Wally and Jenny the very best in life.  What goes around, comes around, so Wally should be getting some wonderful

returns for all he has done for us.                                                   

Kudos from Customers

“The staff at the Graham Library (Carolyn Armstrong, Carmen Chatfield, Marjorie Gibbons, Julie Lipschutz, Johnnie Speights, and Joel Thorbs) is always very helpful when I need information. I use my library account on line quite often to place items on hold."

Murray Hill Branch: “I had placed a book on hold a while back. I received an email notice that it was available for pick up. Unfortunately it was not on the shelf …The staff was wonderful (Milicia Thomas, Alissa Leonard, Daniel Kibler, Margaret Esposito, and Revondolyn Dubois) and figured out the problem. …I was kept in the loop and phoned by the librarian when it was finally available...I think the Murray Hill staff is great …”

Southeast Branch: "...his name is Randy (Mapanoo). The gentleman in the back helped me with some tax reports & tax tables. He was extremely polite & helpful. I hope that he gets recognition for his professionalism & helpfulness. Thank you."

University Park Branch: “Miss Mary (Calcagni) in the children's section of UPK is wonderful. Always welcoming and always willing to help.”

“I love Willowbranch Library! I know the staff by name and they know me by name too. I recently had a hold pickup, when I retrieved the book I noticed a Twilight Bookmark sticking out of it. It looked a lot like a bookmark I had, and it turns out it was. It had my name on the back. It turns out …Jason (Brown) saw it in a book I returned and set it aside knowing I would have a hold pick up …and I thanked him for returning it to me. It made my day… because this staff cares….and my love for this library grows.”

CM Bill Gulliford Reads at SE's Summer Reading Program Kickoff

Dream Big! READ! was the theme of the Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party and Story Time, June 12, at the Southeast Branch Library.

The celebration was a huge success with 135 parents and children in attendance.  City Councilman and guest Story Teller Bill Gulliford made the event even more special by reading a story about animals which delighted both parents and children. Art on the Square and refreshments rounded out the party and the beginning of the ever popular Summer Reading Program.   

Baby, It's Cold Inside

Several months ago, Alissa Leonard came up with the idea of doing a milk jug igloo for Murray Hill (she saw one in her library back in elementary school). She posted signs for milk jug donations and received an enthusiastic response from MH customers. With the help of Library Assistant Margaret Esposito, they slowly put the igloo together and on June 6 held the Igloo Grand Opening during Family Preschool Storytime.  The kids loved it.

UPK Teens Strut Their Stuff

University Park Library Clerk Rosalin Smalls (far right, above) was mistress of ceremony at their Teen Fashion Show, June 4.  Participants--pictured with her--and viewers alike enjoyed the event.  Ms. Smalls gives credit to Teen Librarian Mina Figuerrez for the idea. 

JPL Staff Art Show

Our JPL Staff Art Show, currently on the 2nd and 3rd floor landings at the Main Library, will plesantly surprise you when you see the talents of individuals working throughout the library system.  Don't procrastinate; the exhibition will only be up until July 1.  This is one you will want to bring your family to see and invite your customers to visit.

On the 2nd floor, you can see Elizabeth McCooney's (P.T. Shelver, Webb Wesconnett Branch) two fascinating large acrylic on canvas paintings;  Mia Clark's (Teen Librarian, Main) mixed media, which she says "...explores the poetic beauty found when forms, colors, and textures are intuitively combined in pleasing ways"; and Marie Andree Myers' (Library Associate, Children's Department, Main) art--printmaking on paper--comes from her printmaking class she took last year at UF.  Marie uses old maps, cutouts, and overlaying prints on prints, creating unique compositions.

On the 3rd floor, Troy Eittreim (Library Clerk, Willowbranch) displays his digital media.  Troy won the 2012 Donnie Award from the Museum of Computer Art, has exhibited his digital media throughout the U.S. and has done solo exhibits.  Chaka Onfroy (Library Clerk, Circulation, Main)  has an acrylic on canvas.  Mike Shell's (Librarian Senior, E-Library, Main) photography reflects his intuitive, creative mind.  Julie Rekow (P.T. Library Associate, Pablo Creek Branch) shares her paintings from a children's illustration class she took at Mineapolis College of Art and Design in 2007.  Tony Miller (Library Associate, Fiction, Main) likes doing delightful pop art using acrylic on canvas. Tony has taught art to kids three years old to high school age students and has exhibited in several shows.  Cranston Burney's (Library Assistant, Special Collections, Main) color photography will wash away your stress and charm your mind. Ed Lein's (Librarian, Reference & Periodicals, Main) acrylic on canvas is just an example of this multi-talented artist.  Ed is famous for the ever popular Intermezzo Sunday Concerts at Main.  Additionally, he is a tenor soloist, who has appeared in recitals, oratorios, and dramatic works throughout Florida--and he composes music!  Eve Harm (Librarian, San Marco Branch) shares two of her beautiful fused glass pieces (displayed in glass case under staffs' art work on wall).

You can read much more about these interesting employees in the bios beside each of these artists' works and be amazed at their varied talents.  You don't want to miss this exhibit!

...4, 3, 2, 1: BLAST-OFF AT SOM

South Mandarin's Summer Reading Program blasted off into space in the children’s room! Recent Volunteer of the Quarter winner Gayle Lafser did a great job decorating the glass doors in the children’s room with a space theme. She also created a beautiful book visualization for the program. For every book the kids read weekly, the space ship will fly one step closer to the moon.  Each child who is registered with the summer reading program has his/her name on a tiny star in “space.” So far there are over 115 kids registered, and the program just started 4 days ago!

Prior to SOM's SLP "blast-off", 55 kids and parents enjoyed a Spring Puppet Show, May 23, to celebrate the beginning of summer. The photo at left shows Pat Dowdell, Children’s LA, playing the part of “Miss Librarian” in one of the plays.

Staff Profile

As JPL's first Circulation Services Coordinator, Ron Block has set the bar high for this position.  He won the Enable Others to Act Award in the first quarter of FY 09-10, and he does just that--consistently.  An excellent communicator, Ron adheres to policies and procedures implemented by the Library Board.  Receiving direction from his immediate supervisor, Ava Barrett, Main Library Supervisor, and JPL Administration, Ron keeps the communication pipeline clear with customers and staff, ensuring delivery of equitable service.  Additionally, his skills and creativity have proven to be very effective with JPL's partnerships.

Here you see him with his greatest treasure, granddaughter Audrey, and to the right is a more current picture. 

Q: You are the first JPL Circulation Services Coordinator, a position created in 2007. What previous experience prepared you for this challenging job?

A: I have worked in libraries most of my adult life. I began as a 16mm film inspector in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. Over time, I became the head of circulation for the Onondaga County Public Library which included involvement with all branch and member libraries. I have also worked as the Reference Desk Manager at Syracuse University and as a Circulation Manager in the Palm Beach County Library System before accepting a position with JPL in 2004. Each of these positions allowed me to become extremely familiar with all aspects of circulation services and customer service in libraries.

Q: How does the Circulation Services Coordinator interact with JPL’s branches and Main?

A: I interact in several ways. Through the Circulation Roundtable (CRU) and Library Leadership meetings, I am able to disseminate information regarding policy changes and information. I am also available by telephone and email to answer any guidance questions, or to handle customer issues that are difficult to handle at the branch level. Primarily, this position has offered me the chance to work with JPL’s amazing Board of Library Trustees and staff to help streamline processes and adopt new policies that allow us to serve our customers more efficiently. I am continually impressed by how staff handles the challenges we face. It’s a terrific system-wide team!

Q: What is your role in JPL’s partnerships with other organizations?

A: I began to participate in outreach events throughout Jacksonville, including Jax Kid’s Day and Voluntary Pre-K registration. By networking at these events I have been able to bring new partners to JPL to increase our exposure in the community and bring library services to unique places. I have been very pleased to help form relationships with Disney, Ringling Brothers, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Theatre Jax, Home and Patio shows and hopefully many more in the future! I love to help get the JPL story out to the community.

Q: What is your most rewarding accomplishment as Circulation Service Coordinator?

A:  I think bringing the Circulation Workdays together has been the most rewarding. Circulation staff has the most contact with customers on a daily basis. I wanted them to have a day that focuses on their needs, give them effective speakers and even catch up with old friends. The feedback I have received has really been amazing. This is a group that really is the backbone of JPL!

Q: Share some things about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: In addition to libraries, I have a strong passion for cooking. I learned so much in my grandmother’s kitchen that I have carried into adulthood. Preparing foods serves as a type of therapy; there is nothing like assembling ingredients and ending up with a successful dish. I actually auditioned to be on MasterChef with Gordon Ramsey last November, surviving three rounds before I was cut. I am absolutely going to try again this year! In addition to libraries and cooking, I enjoy being a grandfather to Audrey, who is now 17 months old, and I visit her as often as I can.