Graham Branch's Big Day For 3 Icons

 

Pictured above (L/R) are GB Manager Jackie Spiritas watching the unveilings of newly framed pictures of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by CM E. Denise Lee; Rev. Dallas James Graham by Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins; and Mrs. Mary White Blocker by Director Barbara Gubbin at GB's special program this past Monday.

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas shares this recap of the event:  "Dallas Graham Branch Library customers, staff, and honored guests enjoyed an inspiring afternoon at the 'Three Local Icons You Should Know' Portrait Unveiling Ceremony, February 24.  Three past community leaders, Dr. Mary Bethune, Rev. Dallas James Graham, and Mrs. Mary White Blocker were honored when their newly reframed portraits, first displayed under black cloths, were revealed at the end of the program. Two library young adults gave opening remarks about the reason for the presentation and highlighted some of the individual contributions made by the icons.
 
"A crowd of 50+ attendees enjoyed the Honorable E. Denise Lee, Councilwoman for District 8, share her memories of the library and what it means to the community. Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins added her memories of visits to Dallas Graham Library as a youth and her remembrances of the three icons.

"Director Gubbin gave a brief history of Dallas Graham Library and noted the library opened as the Myrtle Avenue Branch Library in 1965, replacing the Wilder Park Branch on Lee Street.  It was renamed Dallas James Graham Branch Library in 1977 in honor of Rev. Graham. She described the three icons' contributions to education and civil and human rights.  Closing the program, Councilwoman Lee, Dr. Simmons-Hutchins, and Director Gubbin each stood behind one of the easels and unveiled the portraits.

"Among the special guests, were Mrs. Blocker’s grandson, Andrew Daigeau, members of the Alpha Gamma chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Mr. Lloyd Washington with the Durkeeville Historical Society, and Mrs. Camilla Thompson, a local historian, and Board Trustee Ronnie King. Photographers snapped pictures and newspaper journalists scribbled notes for their columns (hopefully!) 

"It was thrilling to see the excitement build while Ms. Lee and Dr. Simmons-Hutchins set the mood and recalled their personal memories of the three icons and what this library means to the community.

"The three portraits had been mounted on the library wall for years with no name plates or bio provided so few people knew of their contributions to the community. With the help of Pat Morrison, Urban Library Supervisor, and CRM’s Kathy Lussier, the project took wings. 

"Attendees enjoyed delicious refreshments provided by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. The afternoon was perfect and went off without a hitch!"

Somebody's Watching You

West Regional Branch's Pauline Jones wrote this note to Westbrook's Antoinette Walker when she presented her with the Study Buddy, "You are one of the most Hard Working and competent employees that JPL has. Please enjoy Jackson!"

Pauline also added some of the helpful things Antoinette has done to help her excel, "When I was first promoted as a Library Assistant, it was Ms. Antoinette who introduce me to the fundamentals of the job.  When I served on the R&R Committee for two years I would give her some of my drafts to read and edit for improvement and clarification. In addition, when I assumed responsibility for all the magazines at the Maxville Library she showed me the different procedures in processing y department children's magazines. This has helped me immensely with performing my job duties."

Antoinette  commented, "I’d like to add that it warms my heart to receive this from a co-worker.  It lets me know that my work is appreciated beyond our management!"

MH Celebrates 86th Oscars

Murray Hill's Erin Tuzuner highlights some of JPL's quality films, some of which are unknown gems--documentaries, foreign films, and independently produced films.  Erin said she  wanted to generate some interest in the upcoming Oscar Awards,  March 2, by utilizing some of the award winning films at MH and top them off with novels that inspired great films or biographies of famous directors and actors.  At right is a collage Erin made with back issues of People magazine that feature those nominated for this year’s award.  Erin also found a craft online to make an Oscar statuette and Amy Davis helped her with the construction. The statuette is made of foam board and sparkles with glitter glue. 

 

Erin said, "I enjoy customers asking about it and being able to suggest some films that have been nominated or have won Oscars over the years. It sparks conversation with our customers and merges film and literature in the library."

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Nonfiction: I really appreciate the courteous response to my telephone calls to your library. Thank you very much for your kind assistance, Mr. Jim Burns, and Catherine (Currier) in the Special Collections Department.  

Main Library – Reference and Periodicals:   I was so impressed with the online services at your library. I was in contact with Ed (Lein) by phone and online requesting a specific article from the March 14, 1976 edition of The Florida Times-Union. He sent me the requested info in less than 24 hours. Kudos to Ed and the Jacksonville Public Library.

Southeast Branch:  Anita Haller, Children's Librarian at the SE, came to our school yesterday to share books, stories, and book talks with our students from grades K-5 as part of our Celebrate Literacy Week.  She was delightful and the students enjoyed her presentation immensely.  Anita has always been so willing to work with us at our school, truly bridging the connection between public and school libraries.  She exemplifies the spirit of igniting the fire of reading and learning in children.  Anita serves on our SAC Board, and she has been instrumental in organizing an event we're all looking forward to.  In March, our school is going to participate in the SE Regional JokeFEST, hosted by our own Greenfield Elementary School.  We hope to have a large number of students participate by choosing, preparing, practicing, and delivering jokes and riddles at the JokeFEST.  What a wonderful way to encourage reluctant readers and speakers to get up in front of a group and use their reading and presentation skills they have acquired!  Humor is truly a motivational tool to encourage and engage reluctant readers.  I just want to thank you for allowing Ms. Haller to come to our school.  She is a treasure to us, and, I'm sure, to you, too. The public sector benefits from her expertise and dedication both in the public library and the public elementary school.

Murray Hill:  Raymond Neal is the best.

University Park Branch:  Hazzel (Sutton) is very good in answering the questions. It was a pleasure!

DU Has Popular Teen Valentine Program

Highlands Branch Library Associate Beverly Mason was happy to report DU's February 13 Valentine Program for teens, featuring Speed Booking and Loom Bracelets, was a success with 15 teens in attendance.

Speed Booking consisted of seven  rounds with teens having five books from which to choose.  They had 30 seconds to choose a book, three minutes to skim it, and  finally rated the book from 1-5.

Loom Bracelets was just that.  Five looms and hooks were borrowed and a small bag of bands and clips were donated so teens could make their bracelets, which they enjoyed and want to do again.

Beverly said, "Refreshments were served and we had a prize bag consisting of a prize book and donated hair products for a drawing contest to close the program."  

Outside The (Lunch) Box For CW Region

Webb Wesconnett Region Manager Marshelle Berry moved their managers and supervisors meeting "outside the box", Febraury 14,  to Okinawa Japanese Restaurant. Business was finished and Kathleen Brunner demonstrated the use of chopsticks so lunch could be finished, too.  Pictured L/R in top picture are Stephanie Harley, Sharon Kirkes, Stephanie Miller, Marshelle, Kathleen and Elaine Randolph. Kneeling in front--but standing tall--is our Februrary Staff Profile gentleman himself, Raymond Neal.

BOLT Chair Dr. Simmons-Hutchins Gives JPL Awards To Staffs

It is always a mutual treat for the Library Board of Trustees and JPL employees when awards are given to acknowledge staffs' outstanding service.  At the Library Board's February 13 meeting, first quarter FY2014 JPL Awards were received with smiles--and a thumbs up by Michael Soto, who won the Employee of the Quarter.  Here he receives his award from Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins as proud Deputy Director Carolyn Williams looks on.  

Charlene Ovshak (2nd pic down) , Stacey Van Hoy (3rd pic down), and Michael won the Model the Way Award. Challenge the Process Award winners were Raymond Neal (4th pic) and Diane Alexander (5th pic).  Enable Others to Act Award winner Sharon Kirkes could not attend; Region Manager Marshelle Berry accepted for her. 

"When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'" term must have been coined for JPL employees. 

Visit To KR By CM Schellenberg

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin gets those Council Member visits at her branch on a regular basis.  

Here 4 year old Luke Kemper welcomes City Council Member Matt Schellenberg to story time at KR on February 13.  CM Schellenberg read stories at not one but two Stories for Young Children Programs.  CM Schellenberg is a longtime supporter of the Mandarin Branch Library.

Region Manager Michael Sullivan, Lynne, and Anita Haller gave a warm welcome to CM Schellenberg and expressed their appreciation for his time and support for JPL.  Way to go, KR!

Another Win At Brentwood Branch

NS Children’s Librarian Margaret Crawford tells a story next to the “story time” tree, February 7. Staff decorated the tree for the story’s theme. Stories for Young Children, only in its third week at Brentwood Branch, drew a crowd of 30 who sang and clapped their hands along with Miss Peggy.

 

Thanks to Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr. at Brentwood Branch, for the blurb.

50 JPL Retirees Gather At Southeast Branch

JPL retirees held a get-together, 2 pm - 4 pm, February 7, in Southeast Branch Library's Community Room. Elsie Oishi and Carole (Schwartz) Moore planned the affair.  The room was abuzz with shared experiences from their library years and no one seemed to want to end their reunion. Everyone enjoyed renewing acquaintances and the delicious refreshments served--most especially those of the homemade kind!  Two former Library Directors attended, Judy Williams and Ken Sivulich, along with his wife, Sandy.  Elsie Oishi reports that a total of 50 former JPL employees attended the welcome event.  

Thanks to Elsie Oishi for identifying those in the picture by number:
1.  Sheri (Davis) Brown

 2.  Myrtle Turner

 3.  Gloria Zittrauer

 4.  Margaret Smith

 5.  Carole (Schwartz) Moore

 6.  Carol Strohecker

 7.  Katherine Daye

 8.  Theresa Barmer

 9.  Mary Cardell

10. Mary Mlady

11. Ann Winfree

12. Christie Hill

13. Donna Long

14. Ken Sivulich

15. Nora Freedman

16. Heather Campbell

17. Judy Bullock

18. Rita Vernon

19. Laura Kline

20. Nancy Devereux

21. Pat Doyle

22. Arden Brugger

23. Laurie Ludwig

24. Stephen Ludwig

25. Joan Dismore

26. Jane Ambler

27. Belinda Campbell

28. Barbara Davis

29. Marie Boyer

30. Gloria Tusing

31. Jean Madray

Others attending but not pictured:
Alma Brown                                                               

Carolyn Cooper

Susan Derrick

Nancy Duncan

Peggy Glasnapp

Carla Leach

Greg Lohman

Gail Marion

David Morgan

Tura Morgan

Cora Mullen

Elsie Oishi

Melissa Reynolds

Carl Sanders

Carol Smith

Louise Warren

Judy Williams

Gloria Wood

Laura Young

Carol Smith will keep and update the JPL retiree list and Elsie says Carol has more photos on her Facebook account.  All were grateful to Elsie and Carole for their hard work to make this event possible, and a big thank you to Carol Smith for volunteering to keep the retiree list.

Westbrook Celebrates Black History Month

WBK Branch Library Associate Kimberly McTeer reports, "The project for our art club this month at Westbrook Branch Library was a Black History mural. Each child received a square and designed it in their own way. With the help of Peggy Crawford, Susan Williamson, Brooklyn Parkins, Antoinette Walker, and me, we believe the final product is amazing. The kids were so excited and the mural now hangs in the branch for all to see.  

And The Winners Are

Laura Minor, Sr. Librarian for Main Library's Teen Services, announced the winners of this year's Teen Art Contest, which was concluded February 5.  Pictured: (L to R) Robert (Bob) Arleigh White, contest judge and former Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville; 1st Place winner: Winston Christopher; 2nd Place winner: Samantha Cristol, 17, Atlantic Coast High School; 3rd Place winner: Madeline Gamel, 15, home schooled; Honorable Mention: Clare Kwon Davis, 17, Mandarin High School; Dr. Annmarie Kent-Willette, Duval County Education Commissioner, who spoke at the event.

Congrats to Laura and her team for another job well done--and to all those talented teenagers who participated  in the contest.  Thanks to Mr. White for judging the contest and our appreciation to Dr. Kent-Willette, who spoke at the awards ceremony.

Beaches Branch Has Hot New Book Club

Beaches Branch  kicked off the first meeting of their new book club on January 28 and it will continue to be held on the last Tuesday of the month. Called The Flamingo Book Club, it will focus on books written by Florida authors or set in Florida. 

The first book selected was Skinny Dip by Florida author, Carl Hiaasen. (It’s not about skinny dipping, but rather about a man who tries to kill his wife by tossing her overboard from a cruise ship; the book is loaded with quirky characters.)

To commemorate the first meeting, members received flamingo book totes, which were created by library staff member Terry Welch--and appropriately, Florida key lime pie was served.

Part-time Library Associate Julie Rekow leads the discussion (and also took this picture).  We do not have all the names of those in the picture; however, you will recognize Terry Welch, far right, front, and retired JB Branch Manager, Pat Doyle, second from right in back.    

Next read is The Brethren, by John Grisham. Some of the action takes place in Neptune Beach where Beaches Branch is located.

Andrew Coulon In ALA's Emerging Leader Program

E-Specialist Andrew Coulon shares his experience at this year's ALA Conference, "This year, I have the privilege of participating in ALA’s Emerging Leader program. The program is intended to create leadership opportunities for librarians and MLS students within ALA and the broader profession. As part of the program, I attended the ALA Midwinter Conference in Philadelphia in January, 2014. The weather in Philly over the weekend was bitterly cold but I was very happy to have a chance to be back in snow, if only for a few days.

"As part of the Emerging Leaders program, I will spend time during the next few months working with a group of librarians to help the Map & Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT) develop a marketing plan to help expand membership and networking opportunities for the group within ALA. I am very excited to work on this project and I am already very impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm I encountered in the EL meetings.
"At the conference, I spent most of my time in meetings for the EL program, so I did not have time to attend many seminars. I did spend some time on Saturday afternoon in the Networking Uncommons to listen to five minute presentations on many different topics. The short sessions were followed by quick discussions in which librarians, administrators and students were able to pitch in their ideas and give feedback. It was very interesting to learn how other libraries are experimenting and developing new services and methods all across the country."

"Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged at work when budgets are cut and it seems like all we can do is just staff the desk and keep the lights on. Nevertheless, we always remember that the services we offer in our communities are valuable and important to the people we serve. Information technology is evolving very quickly and libraries around the world are finding innovative ways to expand literacy and access within communities. This is a very exciting time to be working in libraries." 

The Mandarin Art Club Creates Art With Chalk

KR's Children’s Library Assistant, David Foster, had fun with kids and their new bi-weekly Art Club,  February 4.  David said, "We created sidewalk chalk art in the community room by using white butcher paper as sidewalk cement!  This had the added advantage of our not setting up tables – we worked directly on the floor.  As students finished, I cut out their segments to send home with them.  This afternoon was a team effort, with Lynne Baldwin, Don Carpenter, and Michael Sullivan covering the Y desk during the event and offering some planning  and prep time beforehand.  And our volunteer, Holly Cleveland, helped me put down our 'sidewalk' in the community room.  All the kids and parents had a great time creating art with chalk!   Attendance: 45 + (we lost count at 45)."

David’s Branch Manager, Lynne Baldwin, was especially impressed with the program because David stepped up to create and present the program at the last minute due to an unexpected staff illness. Kudos to David for modeling the way and encouraging the heart!

Staff Profile - February 2014

Raymond Neal’s 13 1/2 years experience at JPL has been largely spent managing the Main Library’s Florida Collection until he became the Murray Hill Branch Manager. Raymond is married to the lady whom he is happily pictured with, Janice Best, part-time Library Associate Senior at Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch (NW) since July 2013.  Raymond, as you will see, has a high appreciation for his Murray Hill employees and his astute supervisors through the years.

Q: You are experiencing a relatively new position, Branch Manager/Senior Librarian at MH, after heading the Main Library’s Florida Collection for ten years.  What are the differences in managing a unique department at Main compared to managing a library in a well-established area of Jacksonville?

A: There are some similarities, but the differences that do exist are vast. For the better part of a decade, all I really had to do was manage the material in a single-subject collection and the staff that worked in the area.  I did not particularly pay attention to things in the system that did not directly impact my ability to run my section and be one of the rotating PICs at Main, so there were a lot of things (particularly Children and Teen programming) that I had to learn on the fly. Luckily, I had been a Librarian at Bradham & Brooks (NW) for the first couple of years I worked for JPL, so circulation and cash handling were not completely foreign concepts to me. It took me a little time to relearn what I had known in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.

Q: What past experience has helped you the most in morphing to Murray Hill Branch Manager?

A: As I mentioned above, being a Librarian at Bradham & Brooks greatly helped me ease into branch life. What made the transition easier wasn’t really anything that I knew, but the great staff here at Murray Hill. Most of them had experience working in branches and some of them stayed at this location during the “Great Transition of 2012”, so they were a terrific resource for helping me adjust. I also have had three astute Regional Managers in Erica Brown, Jane Harris, and Marshelle Berry. They helped me deal with each new type of crisis I encountered with wise guidance and much patience.

Q: Each of JPL’s libraries has its own unique customer base; how do you address those needs at Murray Hill Branch?

A: Murray Hill is a great location. Since it’s a pretty densely populated residential area, many of our customers walk here and come in on a daily basis. There are a number of young families in the area, and they’ve been enjoying Chiquita Powell’s programming efforts. Our numbers have been steadily rising in that area since she joined us in November 2012. As with most other locations, we have a number of job seekers in here regularly. WorkSource comes out Wednesday afternoons to help those folks on their quests. The sense of neighborhood is strong in this area.  We do feel like we’re a part of a community and not just a building in a random location in Jacksonville. With that sort of sense of place in mind, I helped our Friends group set up a series of programs last fall on the history of Murray Hill. They worked with the Murray Hill Preservation Association and Metrojacksonville.com to put together three fantastic programs that everyone in the neighborhood loved. We had to move the final program to the Murray Hill Theater next door because we could not fit the 106 people that attended into MH’s meeting room.

Q:  What would you like to see improved at Murray Hill Branch?

A: It seems like an odd thing to mention, but our customers really need some electrical outlets! So many people come to the library these days to use our Wi-Fi. If they’re here for any length of time, they’ll need to plug in their laptops and other devices. In addition to those folks, we’re one of the locations that allow customers to check out laptops. We currently only have two outlets in the public area, so we put down a multi-outlet power strip at each outlet and now we have people constantly clustered in these two corners at the front of the building. I took an idea that former manager Daniel Kibler first proposed (giving folks more comfortable access by installing a “laptop bar” along the front of the building), revised it and submitted it for approval as a special project. It may be in the pipeline for future projects right now.

Q: Tell us something about yourself most of us would not know.

A: I’m really not sure what folks would not know about me – I tend to wear most of my passions on my sleeve. Most people that know me know that I’m interested in comics and graphic novels, sports (Clemson University, Carolina Panthers, and New York Yankees) and pop culture. You may not know I was an Art & Art History major in college. That background really helped me when I was in Special Collections—techniques from classes in printmaking came in handy for repairing materials in Special Collections and knowledge from various design classes helped when I was part of JPL’s digitization project. I may not be a professional artist, but that educational background has helped me immensely in the library world.