Monday, August 20, 2012

City Leaders & JPL Are Building Effective Partnerships

On Friday August 10th, some community leaders (pictured above with JPL staff) boarded a bus and toured several library locations, highlighting programs and services. The tour began with a continental breakfast meet and greet at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church’s Educational Center. Locations visited included CAL, Talking Books, PCR, EB and GB. The group received words of welcome by Deputy Director Carolyn Williams and JPL's Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins. Presentations were done by Library Supervisor Marshelle Berry, Early Childhood Specialist Susan Mankowski, and Youth Services Coordinator Kathy Tekin. Talks and tours were provided by Karen Wishart, Chris Eaton, Tamera Branam and Anthony Williams.

According to Library Supervisor Marshelle Berry, “This particular tour is just one aspect of the amazing partnership with Shiloh. JPL outreach activities focusing on family literacy are being confirmed."

The partnership with the Education Center was an outgrowth of her Sunshine State Library Leadership Project. However, Ms. Berry stated, “The collaboration was specifically developed to assist in meeting critical literacy needs within the Urban Core Community. As we continue to redefine library service, establishing strategic alliances with non-traditional partners is going to be critical to our effectiveness. As a result of this one partnership, I have been contacted by other community organizations interested in collaborate efforts.”

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