Beaches Branch Knows How To Get The Word Out

Beaches Branch employees and Friends advertised their upcoming Comic Con being held at JB on May 4 in a unique way.  Julie Rekow, parttime Library Associate, Terry Welch, Library Clerk, along with Cynthia Hagist of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library, Ann Evans and Kristina Schuler participated in the 37^th annual Sandcastle Contest at Jacksonville Beach on April 27^th.  Their entry was based on a Batman Comic Book (must have been a first edition since the price was 15 cents!) Their art was sculptured and decorated with starfish and shells. They did not win a trophy, but a good time was had by all and they caught the eyes of a huge crowd that descended on Jacksonville Beach for their summer opening. What a great way to advertise, ladies!

Win-Win At NW Friends Annual Book Sale

NW's Manager Elaine Randolph said the Friends of the Bradham*Brooks Northwest Library held their Annual Spring Book Sale, April 25-27.  Who doesn't like books priced at 50 cents - $2?  Titles were available in a wide range of titles from mysteries to biographies for all ages.  Sales will benefit the Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch Library.  Customers had an opportunity to pick up a stack of books to entertain or enhance their educational, economic, and quality of life.

The NW Friends and Ms. Randolph express their appreciation to all the volunteers and participants that made this Annual Book Sale a success.

2913 Staff Development Day Slide Show

As you requested, the SDD slide show is posted to the right. You can use that "small rear view mirror" Dr. Bertice Berry spoke of to see what you might have missed April 15, 2013, on the big screen.

A big thank you to Ayshea Golden for posting this and, again, a huge HURRAH! to all of you who make every day successes SOP at JPL.

Southeast's Bookie Monster

SE Senior Children's Librarian Anita Haller gives us this coverage of their fun Saturday, April 20, event:

"JPL's Director Barbara Gubbin announced the winner of the “Name the Auto Return” contest that was recently held at the Southeast Regional Library. The winning name was “Bookie Monster” and was submitted by the mother/son team, Rachel and Jay Bennett. The Bennett family won a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstore. The contest, run by the Children’s Department, had 60 names entered. The auto return machine checks in the books of library patrons, automatically sorts them into bins, and then issues a receipt.*

"The contest winner was announced during the weekly Saturday morning Stories for Young Children program. City Council Member Bill Gulliford was present to read to 73 children and parents. This program is run every Saturday morning at SE at 11 am and is very popular with families."

  As you see, CM Gulliford and Anita also led some audience participation activity.  
_________________________
*Do you know where we can get a similar machine for home that would open our mail, sort it, then open our checkbooks and pay our bills???

April Is National Poetry Month

Spring comes in all her pastel beauty
Beginning shyly her yearly duty.
She prances her way across starry nights in frozen wonder
And melts their hardened charms in summer rains and thunder.

That's mine.  What's yours?  What poetry project is in your wallet--I mean your location?

JPL also participated this year in Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 18th. It was a day long opportunity to share a poem with customers, family and friends. Four poems from the Academy of American Poets website were printed on cardstock for you to distribute at your service desks or in a program.

Let us know the fun things you did on Poem in Your Pocket Day at your library and we will post them here on your JPL Staff News blog.

BORED? GOT JUST THE FIX!

It's Friday, April 19, and once you buzz out the library door after work, remember ONE SPARK downtown this weekend.  If you can't make it this evening, go Saturday, or Sunday--great food (we've tried it and it is) and live music.  There are people with new ideas in art, music, science, and technology--and they need your vote as to who gets what share of the $250,000 that will be awarded according to public vote. You can make your day and someone else's. (See the earlier article this month for web sites to peruse.)

Kudos from Customers

Argyle Branch: (Before Mr. Carpenter transferred:) I came to the library for assistance in pulling some books for my son's school project. Mr. Don Carpenter was so helpful in assisting me to find the books I needed in a seamless fashion. I have never walked in and someone look up something and go out of their way to find what I'm looking for. Outstanding service. Thank you, Don Carpenter!!

Main – Reference/Non-Fiction/Special Collections: Mrs. Karren Deas is an excellent teacher! I don't know what I would do without her here! Please keep her as our teacher! My keyboarding speed is getting better and better! Thank you!

Murray Hill Branch: (Computer class taught by Greg Royce): Excellent. A+. 10 out of 10. Learned so many new things.

Southeast Branch: 1) Big ups to Ed Murray, way to lead by example. GREAT Customer Service my friend! 2) I am already a member of the FJPL and I support the libraries throughout the year. I like the new look at the SE Library, much more user friendly. I also like the new manager (Ed Murray) at the same location. He seems to be everywhere within the building. Very easy to talk to.

SST – Collection Management: Re: Charlene Adkins: Thank you so much. It is lovely to get a reply so quickly and I do now have the book checked out. You are so amazing about purchasing items and listening to suggestions. I really appreciate what the library offers. Everyone I have dealt with has been helpful, professional and kind. Who could ask for more?

Webb Opens Its New E-Classroom

Webb Wesconnett officially opened its new E-Classroom space on Saturday, April 13. The ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. was followed by short addresses by Board of Library Trustees member Jackie Perry and Director Barbara Gubbin.

CW Branch Manager Sharon Kirkes reports she was honored to do the ribbon-cutting for the official opening of the new e-classroom space. CW Teen Library Associate Jessica Serrano had previously held a class in the new space.  Jessica assisted Gretchen Mitchell, Assistant Director for Support Services, and Lisa Peterson, Technology Systems Administrtor, in demonstrating some of the computer features, especially the “smart board.” Two interactive childrens programs have already been installed.

Luis Flores, Assistant Director for Facilities Management, was there with his daughter, Alexis, now age four.  CW Region Manager Marshelle Berry attended, as well as WST Region Manager Jane Harris and Manager of E-Services & Digital Access Karen Walker.

Mrs. Kirkes said, "JPL staffs and customers were enthusiastic about the classroom and what it may lead to for other locations in the system."

A Memorable Staff Development Day

The 2013 version of Staff Development Day was the best yet. 

Dr. Bertice Berry personifies the victorious person who is nurtured by the "manure" of life's worst experiences and greatest challenges and uses it all to mature into a sympathetic human being who can overcome any obstacle and find humor (one of life's best preservers) through it all.  Several things she said stood out, didn't they?  For this purpose, I'll use her statement, "Be grateful or you will always be in need."  That is so true.

We are grateful to the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library for good food and snacks.  Breakfast could not have been better.  Eggs, sausage, and biscuits were cooked to perfection and the fruit, orange juice and coffee were fresh.  The servers were so cheery their smiles woke me up before coffee had the chance.  Can't you still taste that brownie melting in your mouth just before we plunged into "constructing" our libraries? 

A standing ovation to Friends President Harry Reagan, Council Member and Vice President of  FJPL John Crescimbeni, Margaret Smith, and all the Friends!  Mr. Reagan's and Mrs. Smith's warm welcome at the door set the mood for the day.

Hats off to the JPL Foundation! Chair Dan Edelman and the board elected to give financial support for the prizes awarded to JPL employees, as well as Mrs. Eleanor Baldwin (Lynne's Mother) and other organizations and businesses.

Without the many volunteers taking on this huge responsibility with vim and vigor, we would not have had SDD.   We can thank our SDD Planning Committee and their advisors for well timed events; the day went smoothly, event to event.  We had good instructors for classes we all needed and there was not a boring moment. 

Closing the day with our project to not only build a library but build a JPL library system revealed where we are and where we need to evolve in our systemwide collaborative efforts.

For their leadership and their collaborative efforts, we express our appreciation to Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Directors Carolyn Williams and Mark Merritt.

We appreciate Council Member Ray Holt who recognizes our efforts to survive many budget cuts and hopes for a turnaround.  That reminds me of Dr. Berry's determination to go forward, expectantly looking through the much larger windshield of life.  She sees what's ahead, with only brief glimlpses in the much smaller "rear view mirror" so past mistakes can be used as building, not stumbling, blocks: Building Our Future Together.

Now There's A Real Thank-You

Some customers really know how to show appreciation and one such customer made Willowbranch Library's Jason Brown's--and other employees'--day recently by bringing in a batch of homemade brownies.   

WB staff must have appreciated right back because Sally Doherty took the time to send in this picture.

SOM Hosts CM Schellenberg

SOM's Senior Children’s Librarian Anita Haller welcomed Councilman Matt Schellenberg to the library, April 5.  The councilman read two stories, Wide Mouth Frog and What Am I?  As you see, CM Schellenberg's story telling transformed fidgety kids into rapt listeners and he held the attention of parents, caregivers, and staff.  The summary remark about his visit:  "What a treat!"

Have you scheduled a City Council member or other legislator at your branch this year?  IT'S FUN and it keeps their attention on JPL and our value to our community.

Smell The Aroma

Find comfort at NW Library's food table for recipes on cooking the deee-licous way. Part time Library Associate Shinita Miles gets credit for this tempting table display.

NW Readies for National Library Week & Y O U

NW is set for National Library Week (NLW), April 14-20, 2013.  Gloria Buenavista reports they have a poster above a special display of teen books.  In addition to paying tribute to libraries as centers of learning, NLW also honors local librarians for their service, knowledge, and expertise on NLW Day observed on Tuesday of National Library Week each year.   This year, we honor Y O U on April 16, 2013.  Every day is a good day to remember how valuable public libraries are and that they don't oeprate without you.  So, epecially next week, take a moment and salute a fellow library worker.

Staff Profile

Karren Deas, Library Assistant in the Main Library’s Reference Department, is a sponge for computer technology. Additionally, she is “able”—reliable, flexible, and stable—and those characteristics enhance her learned skills with customers.  Several JPL supervisors have noticed the compliments Karren has received from customers since she started teaching computer classes, such as “(Karren) helps us progress to where we would like to be…to function in this modern world…” and “…an excellent teacher and should get many accolades for her teaching skills! I have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge about the computer from her that has been beneficial to me in all facets of my life! ...”

You started working for JPL as a custodian and later became a CSA II, then promoted to Library Assistant. How did you accomplish that?

October 1, 2003, the City’s HR Department hired me as a custodian for JPL and I began work under Susan Derrick at the old Main Library. Prior to that, I was an office administrator in the private sector for three years. I believed a door of opportunity would open for me at JPL.

While I was still a custodian, Margaret Smith told me she saw potential in me because I took pride in my work and suggested that I sign up to work Sundays at the circulation desk. After talking to several supervisors who agreed, I asked Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, who also thought I should go for it. I used my break time to train at the circ desk with Kenya Coleman, Carolyn Woods, and others at the Main Library. Within six months, in addition to working as a custodian, I started working every Sunday at the Mandarin Branch and learned a lot. Then I took the CSA II test, scored third on the list, and was offered jobs at three different libraries and chose Regency Square. Pay and benefits were better than my previous employment.

Later, I took the Library Assistant test and scored third on the list; however, the City had a hiring freeze at the time, so I continued working at AR as a CSA II. In 2006, Diane Moser called me with the good news that I had been promoted to Library Assistant and, again, I was offered my choice of three locations to work. I have been working in the Reference Department at the new Main Library ever since.

How did you progress so well that you can now use your computer knowledge to teach library customers?

Other than City/JPL mandatory training, I have always selected computer classes, and I’ve learned much more from other computer savvy employees that I have worked with at Regency Square Branch and here in Main’s Grand Reading Room, Call Center, and Circulation areas. (Before coming to JPL, I used keyboarding and other clerical skills in my work.) I am grateful to have received an Innovator Award for implementing the keyboarding class at Main.

Customers have complimented your ability to reach them on their level. How do you connect so well with them?

I assisted in computer classes and learned some good teaching techniques before teaching customers myself. I remember so well when I knew little about computers and empathy connects easily with customers. Patience and encouragement help them relax so they can learn more quickly. When they see how simple the steps are to learning computers, they are willing to go further. Just like me. Most of the students are seniors and letting them know they matter is important. Being reliable means a lot to them, and when I don’t know the answer, I tell them that I will get the information they need, and I do.

How do you balance your other duties with teaching computer classes?

My other responsibilities are checking in periodicals, newspapers, weeding, withdrawing materials, changing the location of materials, pulling holds, and revising the monthly newspaper statistical report. Currently, my desk time consists of working in the Call Center, 3-West, Circulation and other desks when staff is short. I balance this by bringing some work into the Call Center and I work at a fast pace. I am grateful for so many inspiring, encouraging and enabling people that I have worked for and with; most of all, I thank God, who makes all things possible. I am determined to continue to reach for higher heights.

Do you have a favorite pastime or hobby?

I enjoy working out, walking, listening to music, inspirational reading and spending time with family.

Be A Friend to the Friends

You know what a friend the Friends of  JPL are to JPL and the hundreds of thousands of dollars they have contributed to JPL over the years to supplement the lbraries' many needs.  If you are not already a Friends member, you can join at the Friends upcoming sale.  Everybody loves a sale and this good news is from Friends President Harry Reagan:

"Friends of JPL RUMMAGE SALE – April 20, 2013

"That’s right – The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library recently closed our downtown location – AND we have stuff left over!

"Great stuff, including tables, bookcases, carpets, file cabinets, shelves, even some dolls – and of course books, CD’s, and DVD’s.

"The Rummage Sale will be at the Friends Bookstore at University Park Library, 3435 University Blvd. N.

"Hours of the sale are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Saturday April 20th.

"Proceeds, as always, will be used to benefit Jacksonville’s public libraries.

"(For more information, please contact Harry Reagan at harry.reagan@comcast.net or 891-7582)"

What Is She Doing Now?

Flo Clark was visiting the Main Library recently, and Mark Hohnadel thought she would be an interesting subject for the retiree article for the JPL Staff News blog, so he introduced Mrs. Clark to me and we had an interesting conversation.  Mrs. Clark is a fascinating, intelligent, kind, beautiful person and, like the rest of the City/JPL retirees, no moss is growing on her shoes as her many travels and accomplishments attest.  She and her husband, Mel, have visited over 100 countries.  (Above you see Mr. and Mrs. Clark in Beiijing.)  Mrs. Clark said some of the most outstanding sights they have seen are a portion of the 4,000 miles of the Great Wall of China in Beijing, St. Petersburg, Russia, Dubai and the ski slope built in the dessert and the magnificent skyscrapers there—Burj Al Arab, Emirates Towers, and Burj Dubai (below);
and the gold plated pagodas in Myanmar, right in the midst of abject poverty.  Mrs. Clark is considering writing a book about her many travels and adventures.  Here’s her story:

“My name is Emily Florence Hair Cate Clark (Flo Clark will do).

“On June 27, 1960, Harry Brinton hired me to be his secretary.  That was one of the smartest moves I ever made in my life.  Mr. Brinton wanted everyone to be treated kindly and with respect, and he encouraged me to learn everything I could about all the various Main departments and branch operations—and I did.  (I still apply those principles in my life—treat everyone kindly and with respect and learn everything I can about my surroundings.)  I was Mr. Brinton’s secretary for ten years, after which I spent one year in the "old" County Judges Court (when Duval County had only two County Judges).  From there I transferred to JEA, as a Secretary IV.

“After joining JEA in 1971, I was able to 'break the glass ceiling' by being hired as the first female supervisor to work in the Generating Stations.  During my years with JEA, I had wonderful co-workers.  In those days, everyone looked after each other as a part of their family.  That period of my employment was truly a rewarding experience. 

“In 1986, I retired from JEA and went to work for the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council and spent ten years there before permanently retiring in 1995.

“My retirement years have been busy. My husband, Mel, and I took care of my younger brother for 8 1/2 years, during which time we were also able to travel.  Later, we took care of an older sister and her husband for three years before they passed away. 

“Mel and I have been fortunate to travel the world, and continue to do so at every opportunity.

“I am a past president, vice president, and historian of the Retired Employees Association of the City of Jacksonville.  This organization has over 3500 members and was formed in 1974 to help retirees maintain as good a life style as possible in their ‘golden years ‘.  I was awarded the Marvin Boos Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2012.  They said I had excelled in my positions held during my 25 years of service to the City and I had taken extra assignments and had been very active in the association.  I am grateful for that award and continue to do whatever I can for the association and will remain a lifetime member of the Advisory Panel to the Board because of serving a term as president.

“Currently, my husband and I continue to enjoy our retirement.  We have lived in an area called Secret Woods since our marriage in 1986.   We have wonderful neighbors that stop by continually to visit with us, since we have an ‘outdoor living room’ in our garage and the community mail boxes are beside our driveway.  One of the biggest joys of my life besides reading (which I learned to love while employed at the Library), is traveling the world, and visiting with neighbors, especially the little ones, who look forward to my animal crackers each time they visit.

“I am now 75 years old and out of 11 children in my family, I am the youngest of only three surviving.  I feel truly blessed by having the wonderful jobs, experiences, friends and neighbors that are a part of my life.  My husband and I plan to continue traveling and, hopefully, will see more of this big world.  There is no better education you can get when you retire that beats traveling and talking to total strangers about their lifestyle, culture, and what their life is like.

“One last thing that I would like to share with my friends is that I gave my husband a surprise birthday party last year for his 79th birthday.  Almost everyone in the neighborhood (along with other friends) came and had such a good time, they would like for me to do it every year.  I promised the ‘space’ and they could provide the goodies and we could all have a good time and the only surprises would be how much we enjoy and appreciate each other.”

April Is For Libraries

April 14-20 is National Library Week
April 15 is JPL's Staff Development Day
April 16 is National Library Workers Day (2nd Tuesday of NLW each year)

Make a poster about what library staffs do; develop a program about library services; invite your friends, family, club and church/synagogue members to visit their JPL, tell them why keeping libraries open is imortant to all of us.  Ask them to contact their City Council members in support of JPL.  If they do not know which district they live in, just phone City Council, 630-1377, state your address and your City Council member's name will be given to you, then ask to speak to him/her and your phone call will be put through to that council member. 

When was the last time your City Council member visited your branch?

Hippity Hop At CW

CW Library Assistant Vickie Leonard sent in this picture of Webb Wesconnett's Reading Rabbits, (L/R) Jackie, Marina, Matisha, Vickie, Patricia, Sara, and Nancy (not pictured), who provided "14 carrot" customer service the day before Easter.  This is the third year that Reading Rabbits have appeared at CW just before Easter.  CW must be first stop along the bunny trail.