Regency Square Branch's 40th Anniversary

Kathy Lussier shares these pictures from the January 30, 2013 celebration of AR's 40th anniversary:

"Here’s a link to some pictures from the Regency Anniversary event. They are saved to a Gallery that you can access on the library’s Flickr page at:  http://flic.kr/y/r6EdQw. We’ll be sharing these on the library’s Facebook page as well.

"If you find a photo you want to download:
Double click on the photo
Under “actions” click “view all sizes”…or use the SHARE options to email it to yourself.
Choose the size you want to download
Save it to your computer."

14 Years Ago At Regency Square Branch

Fourteen years ago--1999 to be exact--Regency Square Branch completed its remodeling under the River City Renaissance Plan.  Besides the Director and other staff, Victoria Alexander, then manager of Community Relations, along with her two employees--DeLon Rowan, graphics artist, and Sara Gunter--went to assist with AR's reopening after months of renovation.  People poured into the library, absolutely delighted to have "their" library looking beautiful and ready for business.  Community Relation staff enjoyed the fruits of their labor (announcements to the press, lining up clowns to entertain kids and all preparations necessary to kick off a grand reopening).  As we greeted the first day customers, blew up baloons for kids, etc., we were amazed at the hundreds of people who took time out of their day to celebrate the reopening of Regency Square Branch.  January 30, 2013 AR celebrated its 40th anniversary and that library still looks sharp.

Beaches Staff In Manga

The Beaches Library teen area is in the process of having a makeover. Teen staffers, Gavin Lambert and Julie Rekow, were looking for inexpensive fun ways to make the walls above the teen shelving more eye catching. Since graphic novels are popular and a large part of the collection, Julie decided to take recycled foam core and markers and “manga-nize” the Beaches staff.  Julie said, "The mural was created to be a colorful tribute to our super hero staff at the Beach."

The manga mural should be a hit with the teens and a colorful, thoughtful way to show appreciation to the Beaches staff.

A Quotable Quote

                                                    "Attitude"
                                          by Charles Swindoll

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life.  Attitude to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appreaance, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company...a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past...We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."

In the News

On January 18, 2013, Jacksonville Business Journal featured Pat Morrison, Michael Sullivan, Bob Silkett, Jane Harris, Lynn Jacobson and Marshelle Berry in their "People on the Move" section.  Click below and keep clicking "next" to see all of these up-and-comers in JPL:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/potmsearch/detail/submission/1381521/Pat_Morrison

Kudos From Customers

BEACHES BRANCH: FTU, Pg. A-6 (thanks to Kathy Lussier’s submission): “Opinion article: Mike Appell of Neptune Beach: “I would like to take a minute and give a rousing nod of support to the employees of the Jacksonville libraries. They do a wonderful job. A special thank-you to the Beaches Branch’s Terry Welch who is always willing to help with any problem you might have.”

PABLO CREEK BRANCH: “The Children's Department at Pablo Creek is amazing. So warm and inviting, I bring my nieces there all the time. The kind librarian at the front desk was very helpful and gave us wonderful service. I also thoroughly enjoyed the story time in the morning with Ms. (Cheryl) Callavini. She was so vivacious and passionate and fun with the children.”

SOUTH MANDARIN BRANCH: “The new Children's Librarian, Michelle Petrin, suggested several books for my son, a reluctant reader. I am happy to report that he has actually asked us to take him to the library for more books. My youngest enjoys the Friday story time and craft at both South Mandarin Library and the library on Kori Rd.”

SOUTHEAST BRANCH: Basics computer class 1/15/13 Question - What do you like best about the program? Answer – Teacher (Donna Peretzman).

WESTBROOK BRANCH:  “...Susan (Williamson), Richard (Martus, Security) and staff, “Thank you for a wonderful year in DVD’s, news and pleasurable talk. It’s always fun to come there and see your smiling and happy faces …”

Need A Good Idea? (Don't We All!)

October-December 2012 Innovator Award winners are now posted on JPL Neighborhood (JPLN).  Find out what innovative things these employees have done to make work for us all more efficient and improve our customer service.  On JPLN, slide down the right side and click on the light bulb.  Webb Wesconnett's Amber Holley and Greg Royce; Mandarin's staff; Southeast's Debra Wainwright and John Carter; and Andi Hammond and Kathy Lussier of the Admin team are all winners for the first quarter of FY2013.  You might find a red hot idea you can use or modify to meet your needs.

A big thank-you to Justin Keiser in Support Services for doing a great job posting JPL's Innovator Awards online.

Some Background on "The 904"

WST's Library Clerical Services Supervisor Marilyn Jordan suggested that we get input from West Regional Circulation Clerk, Sigrid Wellhausen, who was a member of the research project at UNF with Dr. Hallett, to supplement the film, The 904. Sig, as she is fondly called at WST, will be leaving the library in a few weeks to start a federal internship in Washington D.C.  Marilyn said, "We are very proud of Sig and will miss her."  Sig subsequently contributed this article:

"In 2005 Jacksonville was dubbed the murder capital of Florida, and this title remained ours for over half a decade.  In April 2011, The Florida Times Union ran an article entitled “Results are in: Duval County no longer state murder capital.” It appeared we could hand over our title to Miami-Dade. During the fall of 2011, I was approached by the chair of the Criminal Justice department at UNF, Dr. Michael Hallett, to work on a project to supplement the documentary, The 904, that highlighted the high murder rate in Jacksonville. Presented with the opportunity to do actual research concerning my community, especially as an undergraduate, I enthusiastically agreed to participate.

"Once the team was assembled, we immediately began work. My focus during the project dealt with the media’s representation of the high rate of murder in Jacksonville. Emphasis was placed on editorials in The Florida Times-Union as a window into the community discussion of the issue. We wanted to look at what the community was saying and how The Florida-Times Union portrayed the issue.  Another portion of the project was to review available statistics from FDLE. We found Miami-Dade did in fact have a higher murder rate than Jacksonville, but the statistical difference was minor. In 2010, Miami-Dade’s murder rate per 100,000 was 9.03, and Duval’s murder rate was 8.99. It was essentially a statistical tie. Our community did not lose our title, we were merely sharing it.

"The high murder rate in Jacksonville has been a concern for the community for several years, and the discussion will continue as long as we continue to compete for the title of “murder capital of Florida.” It is important to keep in mind that the goal of bringing such a troubling issue to light is not to propagate fear. Overall crime rates are dropping. The purpose of such research and activism is to help address problems our community is facing, such as poverty and school failure, that contribute to such a high crime rate. Finding a lasting solution to Jacksonville’s high murder rate must be multifaceted and will require a great deal of participation from the community as a whole." 

Pictured above are members of The 904 team:  Dr. Michael Hallett, Sigrid Wellhausen, Laura Davie, Robert Farley, Melissa Ross and Kevin Larose-Renner.

We wish you success in your new adventure in D.C., Sig, and hope you visit us when you're back in Jax.

The 904 documentary screening and discussion will be held in the Main Library Hicks Auditorium, Conference Level, 6:00 p.m., January 16, 2013; talk it up and hope to see YOU there. 

Nelly Harnish Enjoys Teaching Computer Use at Westbrook

On  January 10, as she does each Thursday, Nelly Harnish, E-Library Specialist for the Urban Core Libraries, traveled to Westbrook Branch and taught basic computer skills to appreciative adults.  Today, Nelly presented the class with a short video, via a MEL cart’s portable LCD projector, regarding the basic components of computers.

When considering the small size of Westbrook Branch, the response for computer classes has been significant.  Today, four individuals showed up for the class. Recently she had eight eager students show up for one class. 

In addition to the structured class, 11:00 a.m-12:30 p.m., Nelly also provides one on one instruction for students on resume preparation, e-mail use, and other types of computer assistance, including downloading of digital books and media to e-readers and computers.  Students can sign up for individualized training provided after the structured training class.  At other times during the week, Nelly also provides training at Brown Eastside, Dallas Graham and Brentwood Branches.  Pictured are Nelly and two seated students ready for the day’s class on keyboard use.  'Way to go, Nelly Harnish!

NW Staff Toasts A New Year

Marshelle Berry took this upbeat shot of Northwest staff as they welcomed in the New Year at a recent team meeting.  A New Year full of "good health, new ideas, and continued team work," was toasted by all the staff. Pictured L/R are Alfreda Whitfield, Chanika Kimbrough, Elaine Randolph, Maria Waters, and Gloria Buenavista. (The toast consisted of apple cider.)

And may all of you have a blessed, healthy, prosperous New Year!

P.S. (Really MLIS)

Just in:  Jessica Serrano completed her MLIS at the University of South Florida in December 2012.  CONGRATULATIONS, Jessica!

Staff Profile - January 2013

Jessica Serrano, Library Associate at Webb Wesconnett, was nominated for the Challenge the Process Award by then Branch Manager Erica Brown. Jessica won that award and also was named Employee of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of FY 2012. Jessica speaks fluent Spanish and helps Spanish customers file forms, etc., and makes them feel welcome. These and other skills led Eric Soriano to ask her to assist with Spanish computer classes at Main. Erica Brown said, “Jessica encourages the heart with her patience and kindness to everyone. She has been shopped more than anyone on the staff and I believe it is because she attracts customers with her openness and enthusiasm.” (Jessica preferred not to use a photo.) 

Q: You used WorkSource laptops and taught in Spanish while WorkSource trained in English in the next room at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library. How did you proceed to develop this successful partnership with WorkSource?

A: When Eric Soriano asked me to assist with Spanish computer classes at Main, I shared the importance of having a computer class taught in Spanish with my supervisors at our branch. They agreed that Hispanic customers could learn quicker if they had an appointed time to work with a Spanish speaker. Granted their support, I spoke with Shelly at WorkSource and she agreed to let me use some of their laptops so that I could teach a Spanish version of basic computers at the same time she was teaching an English version. This used to be on Mondays, but since our library is now closed on Mondays, Shelly does her workshop across the street at a church now, and I teach my class here at CW on Fridays using the Mobile Laptop cart that JPL provides. When I go to the Main Library once a month, I use the computer lab and teach with Francisco Rosado who had a huge part in helping this program take off. Eric also comes for guidance and support.

Q: How does the partnership with WorkSource benefit JPL?

A: WorkSource has called Hispanic churches in the area to inform the community about our services and they left flyers throughout the Hispanic community. Because of WorkSource, we have more customers in general. Shelly gives me her schedule every month and I give her mine, and we advertise each other's classes.

Q: How do you work to develop even better computer classes for Hispanic library customers?

A: We have a great team. Eric Soriano (E-specialist focusing on multicultural access integration), Francisco Rosado (a wonderful retired teacher), two volunteers—Luis Terrón (computer expert) and Elizabeth Mendez (a bright student at FSCJ)—and I get together and brainstorm under Eric’s supervision. We review past classes and constructively criticize them. Using surveys and person-to-person feedback with our students, we constantly work on improving the courses we teach. We have changed things that didn’t work and are constantly trying new methods. The courses at Main and the courses at Webb Wesconnett coincide, so we are teaching the same thing on the same week.

Q: WorkSource does a lot of advertising for the Spanish computer classes; does JPL promote these classes as well?

A: Eric Soriano sends posters and flyers to be made and has them posted on our JPL website; all include the description of the classes, as well as the locations, dates and times. I also talk to ESL classes at CW and I’m sure Eric Soriano and other employees verbally advertise this class in their encounters with local Hispanics. CAL, at Main, also has a great part in this, as they also advertise the class to their ESL students. I hope all JPL employees will help promote the Spanish computer class to Hispanic customers whenever opportunities arise. Also, if there are any Spanish speakers in our system, please join our team. We are only two employees that are instructing the classes and really need help so that we will be able to extend these basic computer classes to other libraries! If you are interested, please contact Eric Soriano.

Q: What are your favorite things to do?

A: I enjoy hanging out with my family, traveling, dancing, watching Korean dramas and Indian movies.

More Re American Libraries Article

With the holidays, input came a little slow; however, POP's Librarian  Matthew Moyer adds this regarding his and SST's E-Specialist Andrew Coulon's recent article in American Libraries, "Andrew and I were approached by American Libraries to write a piece about collecting local music in libraries, and how this can lead to stronger partnerships between libraries and the local music community as well as a more diverse music collection. It was an honor to be asked to help start this conversation, and the best part was getting to shout out a few of the area artists we've worked with, either through the radio show or hosting them at the library."

Scroll down five articles and click on the link to read the article.

Downton Abbey Comes To SE

Volunteer Sharon Bensing added her own hand drawn depiction of the great house featured in Downton Abbey.  Sharon’s work appears in Southeast’s display promoting JPL's and WJCT's efforts to promote the start of the series’ third season, including the give-away of Downton Abbey’s three seasons on DVD.  The display includes books and DVDs featuring the series, and other items of interest to Anglophiles, as well as a tea service on loan from Gail Midon and Ananth Subramanian and will soon include a poster from JPL's and CR&M department.

Downton Abbey won numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries. It was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011, and became the international television series to receive the largest number of nominations in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, with twenty-seven in total.^[2] It was the most watched television series on both ITV and PBS, and subsequently became the most successful British costume drama series since the 1981 television serial of Brideshead Revisited.

                                                                                            
If you're one of the many addicted to Downton Abbey, the third series begins Sunday, January 6, at 9 pm on WJCT.  You won't find better actors, director, costumes, sets and lighting as the fabulous creator of this British-American period drama television series holds you spellbound again.

Great Minds Think Alike at WBK

The morning of December 27, 2012, was a cold day in the 40’s.  Library Assistant Antoinette Walker and Library Associate Ralph Henderson both arrived for work wearing argyle sweaters. The outdoor book drop was particularly full that morning because of the rainy weather the day before. Good sweater planning made this task especially easy by not having to wear heavy coats. Susan Williamson, Library Clerk, the third full time member of the Westbrook Branch team, was on leave, but we suspect she was wearing her argyle socks just the same.

What Is She Doing Now?

Sylvia Cornell was a long-time Assistant Management Improvment Officer/Deputy Director for JPL and retired in October 2002.  Some of you were here then and remember her no-nonsense business acumen and her wonderful sense of humor.  Now she seems to be a world traveler, amongst her other hobbies, as you will see in her update below.  Sylvia and her husband are pictured above at the Arctic Circle while on their trip to Alaska in June of last year.

"I was honored when asked to write about my retirement. 2012 was the tenth anniversary of my last working day. As I reflect on the years, it seems like a short period of time. I miss the people that I worked with at JPL, but I enjoy making my own schedule. Someone told me I would wonder when I had time to work, and I agree with that. Even though our activities are not very exciting, my husband and I keep very busy.

"I have also kept up with my hobbies of reading, quilting, knitting and golf. I still use the library, but mostly I get ebooks. I am still into technology and enjoy my ereader, etc. We do not yet have tablets, but they are probably our next technological purchases. We do have smart phones and love their flexibility. I am trying not to become a total dinosaur.

"My husband is a retired ecology teacher and has created a great bird and butterfly habit in our backyard. We have bird feeders in various locations and enjoy the variety of visitors we get at those feeders. We participate in Cornell University's project feeder watch and great backyard bird counts all through the year. I also enjoy amateur photography and take many bird pictures. I was rewarded this year when Cornell University included two of my photos in their 2012 gallery.

"My husband and I volunteered as marshals at the Disney PGA golf tournament for the past eight years. We continue to enjoy visiting Disney World often and make good use of the free golf rounds earned by our efforts.

"Five years ago my husband had triple bypass surgery. He is doing great, but at that point we decided to take some bucket list trips. Our first was a motor home trip to the Pacific Northwest with my sister and brother-in-law. We were gone for a month and visited Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Mt. Rainier National Parks. We also went to Vancouver Island and Victoria, British Columbia. Other sights included Devil's Tower, Mt. Rushmore and the South Dakota Badlands. Since we enjoyed our last trip so much, the four of us decided to go in the RV to the Northeast the next year. We again visited great places including Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. We then went to Canada where we included the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Quebec City, and Montreal as stops in our month long journey. Coming home we saw Niagara Falls.

"The major trip, however, was to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. We took guided tours of these countries and were away from home for five weeks. Fiji was a beautiful South Pacific experience. Australia was truly amazing. It is the size of this country and we saw most of the famous locations. Included were the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Brisbane, Alice Springs, Ayer's Rock (Uluru), a 1,000 mile train ride through the Outback, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Tasmania and Sydney. We rode camels at Ayer's Rock and, of course, toured the Opera House in Sydney. New Zealand had truly awe inspiring beauty. We toured where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. The sets were gone, but the forests were there and seemed alive. We met Maoris and had great visits to glow worm caves and thermal features similar to Yellowstone in Rotorua. I could go on forever since it was to me a trip of a lifetime. It was well worth adjusting to losing days and incredibly long flights.

"Our last long trip was to Alaska. We flew to Anchorage and rented an RV. We were there for a month and went most of the places the few roads led. They included Seward, Homer, Valdez, Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle. We saw glaciers calve and humpback whales in Prince William Sound. Some of my favorite animals are sea otters. We saw hundreds of them during our glacier boat tours. The highlight of the trip was five days in Denali National Park. The wild life there was amazing including moose, caribou, lynx and brown bears. We were there during the summer and experienced almost 24 hours of daylight. We wondered what they would do for July 4th fireworks. Even though it was light, the fireworks went off around 10 pm. My husband went salmon and halibut fishing. We shipped over 20 pounds of fish home. He enjoyed himself and I enjoyed the great meals we had the next year.

"The next trip we will plan is to the Southwest. I have never seen the Grand Canyon or the Utah National Parks, so they are on the agenda.

"Retirement continues to be a nice experience. I recommend it highly."