Friends of Brentwood Library Highlight Needs At NS

Staff of the Brentwood Library was presented with a beautiful floral centerpiece following a luncheon held by the Friends of Brentwood Library, April 28.  The event was a fundraiser and volunteer recruitment opportunity for the group.  Their goal is to strengthen community partnerships and support programs at the branch.  A group of 38 people attended the event, hosted by Chanel 12's Investigative Reporter (better known as a great consumer advocate), Ken Amaro.  Deputy Director Carolyn Shehee Williams brought greetings from the library.

Pictured L to R:  John Reazer, FOBL Secretary; Margaret Miles, NS; Aquilla Stewart, NS; Sharon Coon, FOBL Founder/Chair; Gloria Armstrong, NS; Betty Williams, NS; Carolyn Williams, JPL; and Florence Rush-White, FOBL President.  Thanks to Patricia A. Morrison, Library Supervisor, Urban Library Centers, for this article.

Here Comes Comic Con!

 

                                                               On Sunday, April 27, Beaches Branch Library participated in the 68^th annual Opening Of The Beaches Parade. Julie Rekow (Hit Girl) and Terry Welch (radioactive Librarian) were joined by Richard Crook, President of the Friends Of The Beaches Branch Library, (Batman) and his son Noah (Robin) advertising the upcoming Comic Con, May 3. Also walking were Superheroes from Superhero Beach Comic Book Store who is partnering with JB. Once again, a good time was had by all!

Hable Espanol?

Bob Silkett, PCR Region Manager, reports that University Park Branch began computer classes in Spanish in April and UPK employees expects a growing attendance.  Part-time E-Specialist Luis Terron teaches this class. 

Welcome, Mr. Whighams!

Kimberly McTeer at Westbrook Branch brags about a customer who brightens every employee's day when he visits, "Mr. Whighams is one of our favorite customers.  When he comes in, he always has a smile on his face and says he had a call that his DVDs were ready for pickup.  The staff can do nothing but laugh.  He also treats us with fruits and his favorite drink, Coke, every month.  We love Mr. Whighams and we know he loves the staff at WBK.  Thanks, Mr. Whighams!"

Argyle Branch Into Easter For April

During April, each of Argyle Branch’s regular children’s programs particularly “Stories for
Preschoolers” and “Krafty Fingerz”, both hosted by Library Associate Senior Tia Samuels and Library Assistant Melanee Terrell, all focused on the theme of Easter.  Celebratory activities included reading of the book, Little White Rabbit, by Kevin Henkes, followed by the creation of the children’s own little white Easter bunnies, Easter egg finger painting art projects, and construction of a poster size Happy Easter egg collage created by our school aged children.  The month’s cheerful activities culminated in a popular Easter Egg hunt for 5-12 years olds.  The Easter Egg Hunt included games, crafts, light refreshments and prizes with a whopping 60+ attendees and participants.

New Citizens Ceremony At Mandarin Branch

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin had the pleasure of hosting a group of VIPs and a ceremony to welcome new citizens of the U.S., "The United States Citizenship and Immi- gration Service hosted a    Naturali-  zation Ceremony at Mandarin Branch Library on Tuesday, April 15, as a part of National Library Week.  It was standing room only as 56 immigrants from 26 different countries were sworn in as United States citizens.  Among the honored guests were City Councilman Matt Schellenberg (L/R), Library Director Barbara Gubbin, Library Board Trustee Guy Anderson, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, and SE Region Supervisor Michael Sullivan.  The library staff decorated the branch with red, white and blue balloons and served a huge cake decorated as a United States flag.  Congratulations to all of the new United States citizens!"

Presidential Award Made To JPL Volunteer

Pablo Creek Library Associate Janice Adams announced some good news about one of JPL's volunteers, "In April 2014, Forrest “Frosty” Schuneman received a Presidential Volunteer Service Award that includes a certificate, lapel pin, and a letter from President Barak Obama thanking Mr.Schuneman for his service to the community. He began volunteering at the Beaches Branch in 2012 and now spends time helping at both the Beaches and Pablo Creek Branches. Frosty is a dedicated volunteer and is much appreciated by JPL employees."

It Pays To Be A Favorite, First, Unique And FUN!

First Look Book Club (a Random House initiative) is a book discovery tool that offers snippets of new books to its email subscribers. In celebration of National Library Week, a “Favorite Librarian” contest was held and Terry Welch, Library Clerk at the Beaches Branch, submitted this entry:

"I'd like to nominate Julie Rekow. She is a part-time Library Associate at the Beaches Branch. She was instrumental in our branch having it's first Comic Con last year. It was such a success, we are preparing for our second one, May 3, 2014. It promises to be bigger and better. Julie started The Flamingo Book Club, which has also been very successful and fun. Julie has inspired me to take chances and as a result, I am spearheading an Open House at our branch (our first)..."

Terry reports there were over 70 entries nation-wide and Julie Rekow won!  She received a delectable prize of assorted cookies and muffins. Pictured are Julie Rekow (L) and Terry Welch. (Between Julie and Terry is JB's mannequin mascot, Shirley, in costume for Comic Con.)

Hooray For Mitesh Sangani

Director Barbara Gubbin wants to share a compliment Bart Laird, the City's Personnel Services Manager, paid to Deputy Director Mark Merritt this week regarding Mitesh Sangani.  (Mitesh and his excellent, hard working crew run the Main Library Conference Center.)

" I wanted to thank you and let you know how impressed I was in working with Mitesh last week during the Classification Study meetings.  He had everything set up and ready to go and went out of his way to ensure everything went well. He even went the extra mile to ensure we were able to get a video copy of the presentation in the format that we needed.  I think is a great example of the service that we should strive to give citywide.  He is a great ambassador for the library and city to customers that utilize the conference center and meeting rooms."

Milicia Thomas Gets Study Buddy

CR and M Assistant Director Kathy Lussier (R) passes the Jaguar Study Buddy she recently received to Milicia Thomas at Main's circ desk.  Kathy said,
"Recently I was checking out a book on CD and having problems getting it positioned correctly in the self-check machine. I kept getting an error message, so I went to the desk to have them scan it.  Rather than just taking it from me and doing it herself, Milicia asked me if I had a minute, she would show me a trick. She walked back to the machine with me and showed me how to position it differently so the scanner got a better "read" of the bar code and the item checked out successfully.  She was kind and patient during the process and she was smart, too--by taking the time to show a customer how to do it, there's a better chance the customer will continue to use the self-check machines in the future. Plus, I walked away with a positive impression of library staff.  What a great way to 'Get to Yes!'"

E-Classroom Dedication at NW

April 17 was a big day for Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch Library. Branch Manager Elaine Randolph and her employees welcomed a host of VIPs and all enjoyed seeing a full house at the new e-classroom ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was part of JPL's celebration of National Library Week.

Above is City Council President Bill Gulliford ( L) with Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins holding the City Council resolution he presented to highlight the many ways our libraries support the community. Council members Greg Anderson and Denise Lee and Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan look on. 

CM E. Denise Lee said digital literacy is vital to customers' myriads of needs and imperative for job seekers. CM Lee helped make Bradham Brooks a reality and it is special to her. She plans to take an adult technology class there soon.

Outfitted with 10 computers, an interactive whiteboard and projector system, the e-classroom will be used to teach introductory and intermediate classes including MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, keyboarding, etc. Classes for e-instruction, e-government services, downloading e-books, and tech device usage also will be offered.

The project was funded by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and a State Aid to Libraries grant. With eight JPL locations, the e-classrooms support the library’s goal to bring computer accessibility and technology skills to more people in the community.

Participating in the ribbon-cutting (above L/R) : City Council President Bill Gulliford; Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan, CM E. Denise Lee, CW Region Manager Marshelle Berry, CM Greg Anderson,  Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Director Barbara Gubbin and Branch Manager Elaine Randolph. Seated in the foreground (L) is Velma Rounsville of the Citizen Planning Advisor Committee. To the right (back to camera) is Joyce Smith, Friends of the Bradham Brooks "Northwest" Branch Library, and smiling proudly is Branch Manager Elaine Randlolph. 

Last but not least (below), meet E-classroom teacher Shinita Miles:
 

Graham Branch entertains Jax Zoo's Wild Ones

Miss Michelle from the Jacksonville Zoo visited Graham Branch, April 23, bearing some of their “friends”.  Seventeen children and caregivers from Kidz Korner enjoyed close encounters with a baby alligator (seen here), baby boa constrictor, opossum, turtle, rabbit, and a blue-tongued lizard. A wild time was had by all!

Gretchen Mitchell Makes Kathy Lussier's Day

Community Relations and Marketing Assistant Director Kathy Lussier received a pleasant surprise recently and said, "Gretchen Mitchell presented me with the 'Get to Yes' mascot.  In her note she said, 'You have BLASTed to the top in your ability to find workable solutions.'  I feel very honored to have earned the privilege of having Jackson de Ville hanging out with me these past few days, but it's time to send him along to another JPL employee." 

Congratulations, Kathy!  A well deserved kudo.

NS Friends Help Make Fun Program

The Friends of the Brentwood Library presented staff with a sour cream coconut covered lamb cake for National Library Week.  Here you see the lamb demurely nestled between the clues and prizes the branch used for its card catalogue scavenger hunt.

 

On April 18, 30 youth participated in the “Egg Stravaganza" as it was called.  Tweens to teens randomly selected a clue which they entered into the card catalogue.  When they found the item on the shelf, an egg containing either the words "goody bag" or "prize" was hidden behind each item.  Younger children could select an egg and take a chance to win a special prize or goody bag.  Everyone was a winner!

The movie "Thor" was shown that day, too, and attendees were treated to popcorn and a drink.  (Thanks to Brentwood Branch's Betty Williams for this article.) 

Green Is For Growing

Marilyn Jordan boasts of a wonderful morale booster designed by WST's Matisha Williams and it grows on WST's  workroom wall. 

 

Matisha said, "The Positive Tree promotes positive comments from employees. We work together a lot and we see each other's hard work, determination, and team work. But how often do we take the time to say something besides “thank you” or “you are a real hard worker”. Not often with our busy schedule. So the “Leaf Your Co-Worker A Message”, noted on the tree trunk, gives us that opportunity. Two small words or even a paragraph spark encouraging feedback inside the workroom. We have the best staff around and that is why we all mesh together."

Promoting JPL At Mandarin Arts Festival

 
Lynne Baldwin, KR Branch Manager, said, "Inclement weather did not keep library staff from participating in the Mandarin Arts Festival the weekend of April 19-20.  SOM's Margo Crafton and I manned the library table at the Festival all day Sunday which was our day off.  Library staff promoted upcoming library programming, the JPL Newsletter, and sold JPL bags. Quite a few people mentioned the Naturalization Ceremony at Mandarin Branch and the media coverage of the ceremony." 

Pictured are (L/R) KR employees Sara Peretzman, Stacey Van Hoy, and Jessica Jones, who manned the library table at the Festival last Saturday.  Thanks to Olga Bayer, Community Relations and Marketing, for sending in the photo.

Kudos From Customers

Main - Reference:  I …was hoping to locate online information about a deceased Jacksonville resident. The obituary was not online but Guy Adkins was able to locate and provide me with an obituary. This was in spite of the fact that I was off by a couple of weeks on the date of death so it required more searching than anticipated. …What a superior asset he is to the library. …

Mandarin Branch: In a time when hours and wages are being cut, this branch constantly has employees (Lynne Baldwin, Stacey Van Hoy, Don Carpenter, Alison Pulley, Robert Moseley, David Foster, Eric Cusaac, Diane Lewis, and Sara Peretzman) that make going to the Library an absolute pleasure.

Murray Hill Branch:  Erin (Tuzuner) was a big help finding and holding research books for my daughter's project. She also updated our account and showed us the copier.

West Regional Branch: The professionalism of your staff was extremely welcoming. Kudos to you and your team. Thanks, Greg Pierce!

Westbrook Branch: They are always helpful and kind, gracious and honorable staff.  I appreciated every one of them (Kimberly McTeer, Antoinette Walker, and Susan Williamson).

The Fun Of Learning Is In The Teaching

Murray Hill hosted science expert, Sheryl Dwyer from Big Bang Science to do a “Wicked Weather Science” program for kids ages 5-12, April 17.  YA Librarian Chiquita Powell  shares the results, "We had 25 participants who saw Ms. Dwyer use UV beads to demonstrate the effects of UV rays on the skin.  Inside the beads were white; when we went outside the beads turned colors.  She explained they turned colors because of the UV rays from the sun.  Additionally, she explained and demonstrated how hurricanes and tornadoes form.  Using a glass jar with water, a few pieces of confetti, and dish detergent, with the flick of the wrist, they created their own tornado in a jar.  Lastly, using a leaf blower, she demonstrated how powerful hurricanes can be.  Overall the kids and parents learned a lot about science and gained more of an appreciation for our--sometimes--wicked weather." 

 

Everyone enjoyed the program because Ms. Dwyer used simple but amazing "props" to drive home important lessons.

Appreciating The Friends' Appreciation

The staff at the Mandarin Branch Library celebrated National Library Week with delicious cookies from the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.  Pictured (L/R):  Robert Moseley, Jessica Jones, Sara Peretzman and Eric Cusaac.

________________________________________________

P.S.  The Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan is quoted as having received more than 50 thank-you's from employees.  Way to Go!

Dissolving Language & Cultural Barriers

Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "Our Anime Club meeting, April  14, was a Japanese cultural and educational experience. For those who think it is all gaming, they would be surprised. The program was planned by Library Associate Sharon Whitt and facilitated with the help of Library Clerk Chanika Kimbrough and Volunteer Lanicha McMillan. Eight teens tried their hand at drawing Japanese lettering and learned that each letter represented a word in the Japanese language. They also used chopsticks to eat authentic Japanese noodles prepared in a crock pot, as well as a variety of candy and sweets from Japan. The leftovers were awarded to the teen that could identify what the word or character drawn on the bottom of their noodle bowl represented.

Happry Easter, Kids!

Willowbranch Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, " COJ JAXCares requested Easter basket donations for Community Connections and The Sanctuary on 8^th Street.  Willowbranch staffers Sabrina Whitfield, Susan Koedel, Grace Fletcher and I put together these two baskets, delivered them to Sandra Stonestreet at City Hall, and she made sure that they reached children/families in need."

Have A Cookie

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library made their annual delivery of sugar, oatmeal/raisin, and chocolate chip cookies  to JPL today and a share will be distributed to all JPL libraries as usual.  What a wonderful thing for the Friends to do--in addition to all they do for our libraries all year, year after year.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE FRIENDS OF JPL!

Whole Lot Going On At SOM

                                                                  
CM Matt Schellenberg again visited South Mandarin Branch Library, April 11, and spoke about the importance of libraries and reading to the community. Branch Manager Keli Likins reported approximately 70 attended the ceremony, including some of the Friends of SOM (L/R): Jeanne, Jud, George and Sue. To their left are Keli and CM Schellenberg. 

Keli said, "In addition to thanking the Friends and unveiling the new items they purchased for us, we celebrated our volunteers since it was National Volunteer Appreciation Week." Pictured below are a couple of kids sitting on a rug SOM Friends purchased and enjoying the new activity cube they also bought for the children's department.

 

Keep Those Creative Ideas Flowing

Chanika Kimbrough (R), Library Clerk at Graham Branch, received an Innovator Award from GB Manager Jackie Spiritas, April 11.  The award was granted for Chanika's idea to create a series of educational bulletin boards.  A picture of her board for March and April, The Library Is the Place to BEE, was posted on this blog in March.  In February, Chanika had a collage of famous African American faces.  What's next, Chanika?  

Galaxy Traveler Visits KR

On April 9, during Early Release Wednesday We Play, the Mandarin Branch Library had a surprise visitor from a galaxy far, far away.  501^st Legion Twin Ion Engine Pilot TI 7723 (Vader’s Fist) took time from his official duties escorting Darth Vader during his travels between vessels to stop by the library and autograph trading cards, coloring pages and share temporary tattoos with 37 exited kids. 
 

Big thanks to Brian Chittick of the 501^st Legion and David Foster and Alison Pulley for organizing the event and taking photos.

Thanks to KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin for the latest news on what's going on in the galaxy.

 

P.S.  Wonder if he'd loan us the hood so we can deal with the pollen?

 

Popular? Yes, On A Par With Smiley Face

April 8, Alison Pulley received an Innovator Award and button for creating a very clever, eye catching "joke box" for Mandarin Branch Children Department's Humor Festival in April, as well as other Southeast Region libraries (San Marco, South Mandarin and Southeast).  This adorable guy is bound to attract some whimsical "donations".  Children's Senior Librarian Anita Haller was so impressed she asked Alison to bring the joke box to the quarterly Youth Services staff meeting as an example of creative marketing.  The joke box will also be featured at the library booth at the Mandarin Arts Festival, April 19-20.   

Swingin' Into Spring

Celebrating a welcome spring, Westbrook's Part time Clerk Brooklyn Parkins made flowers out of tissue paper to add to the butterflies on the managers window. She also helped create a children’s display with colorful flowers.  Brooklyn’s creative skills will be missed as she will soon journey on to further her education.   

The little cutie below had a different idea as to how a big flower could be used and snagged one for her Easter bonnet--and it looks as though she's thinking about picking one for Mommy's Easter bonnet, too.

Art Club + DCPS = Fun For Kids At KR

 April is Celebrate Art Month at Mandarin Branch.  On April 1, Library Associate Alison Pulley and her Art Club created jester masks as a part of the SE Region’s Humor Festival.  Alison will be hosting two more Art Clubs on  April 15 and 29.   

 

April 4-16, the Duval County Schools are displaying the works of their students from elementary schools in the Mandarin area.  The drawing genius of Charles Schulz, creator of  the classic Peanuts comic strip, is being celebrated with displays and posters throughout the branch.

Thanks for the input from KR Branch Manager, Lynne Baldwin.  Thanks to the kids for the creative masks and brightening our day, and most of all to Charlie Brown and friends for all the years of pure delight!

Birthday Celebrations At SS

San Marco Branch Librarian Kristi Dorney took this photo of a recent birthday celebration for two employees at SS.
Phil Sturges (April 12) and Sigrid Wellhausen (March 30) were presented with cake and ice cream by fellow staff members. L/R are Robbie Crabtree, Phil Sturges, Sigrid Wellhausen, Donna Crowther and Pam Thompson.

DU Rewards Talent

Highlands Branch held a talent show, April 3, with 27 customers enjoying five performers.   Of course, parents came to support their teens.  Talent ranged from singers (one of whom wrote his own song) to playing the ukulele.  Afterwards, the group snacked on chicken wings, chips, and fruit punch. 

 The 1st place winner received a trophy (pictured right) and a book;  2nd and 3rd place winners received a certificate and a book and 4th and 5th place winners received a book.

 

Thanks to Beverly Mason, Library Associate at DU for the article and pictures.

Staff Profile - April 2014

Webb Wesconnett's Branch Manager is a leader in pushing for staff education in the basics of technological issues so customers can be better served and JPL as a whole can use e-specialists' time in the most efficient way. How does she do that and manage CW effectively? Glad you asked.

Q: You are credited with leading your entire reference staff to do basic troubleshooting with technical issues for customers before offering people an appointment with the e-library specialist. How did you accomplish this?
A: More than anything else, probably by example. Many of the questions and issues that come up can be dealt with on the spot—we try to save our E-Library Specialist for the more challenging or time-intensive issues. I think the customers appreciate our efforts, and it keeps us aware of their needs and issues. Most of my employees are more technologically adept than I am anyway, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch.

Q: Do you now have training for other staff in some areas of new technology, and if so, please share your plans and results with that.

A: We try to take advantage of training opportunities offered by SST and the Training Office, but scheduling for these is difficult. Recently our Reference staff participated in an internal, mini-seminar on Google Power Searching. We are looking forward to the E-Services Get-to-Yes training, and at least two of us will attend a session on SharePoint.

Q: Are the majority of Webb Wesconnett Branch customers transitioning to new technologies and what are their main issues with technology?

A: Many of our customers, probably more so than at other locations, are very much on the wrong side of the Digital Divide. Their main issues tend to be really basic—struggling with setting up email accounts, producing simple documents, finding appropriate websites and filling out applications for work or assistance.

Q: You also support JPL’s efforts to provide computer classes in Spanish, both at CW and other libraries. How do you plan and execute that?

 A: This is primarily a scheduling function on my part. I try to ensure that Webb has adequate coverage for Thursday evenings and Friday mornings when the classes are here, and that Jessica is available to participate, as needed, in classes or meetings that may be held at other locations in the system.

Q: What is something most of us would not know about you that you would like to share with us?

A: I enjoy watching, and reading about silent films—particularly those of Lillian Gish and D.W. Griffiith.

April Is Poetry Month

Do you have a favorite poem that you would like to share on the blog? (If it's long, you could share your favorite stanza or two.) Do you like it because it delights you and/or it made a big impact on your life?  The last stanza (all the stanzas lead up to the "real deal") of The Chambered Nautilus, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, is my inspiration:

Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!
Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea!

Share your treasures of poetry (your own or your favorite poet's) and why you like it on your JPL Staff News blog.

Hello (And Welcome!) Kitty

Ronald Jones, Library Clerk at Webb Wesconnett Branch, sent in this picture of one of their staff wearing "hello kitty" head phones to take a webinar.  Excellent way to block out the noise and facilitate concentration.  Have you tried saying hello to kitty? 

 

Keli Likins Sees A Big Picture

SoM Branch Manager Keli Likins formerly managed the Main Library Teen Department and before that taught in public school.  Her experience is benefitting JPL and customers as she continues teaching SAT/FCAT prep courses in the SE. Region (KR, SS, SE and SoM).  Students can learn how to use the Gale Testing and Education Reference Center, which lets them take practice tests and an online SAT course, gain access to top SAT prep books, learn the Word of the Day and get information on test dates and deadlines--all topped off with free pizza in her March classes! She gives this review of her progress:

"The idea for research classes for History Fair, Science Fair, and SAT/FCAT Prep began during the time I worked in the Main Library Teen Dept.  After working with the school system for several years, I realized they would be a lot more open to outreach, if you offered something very specific that they wanted for their students.  The DCPS takes FCAT and History Fair  seriously so these seemed like good topics.  The classes could be taken into the schools, as well as taught in the library.  Though there are many teen programs you can offer that are fun, I also wanted to make sure I was in line with the library’s goal to offer education based programming.  These classes would help support that goal.

"When I got to the South Mandarin Branch, one of the easiest ways for me to incorporate the regional model was to share with the other libraries in my region what I was already good at – teaching research classes.  As I had taught so many of these classes already in the past, there would be no real preparation required so it was only a matter of sharing a couple of hours of my time to help out the region.  I have since then recruited some help from other Teen Librarians to help teach – our class at SoM on March 22, which was taught by Bryan Thomas, had 24 attendees!

Good Advice:

"If anyone has a specialty they should definitely consider sharing it with other libraries in their region.  The time traveling is well worth being able to save someone else the trouble of building something from scratch.  If I had to do a craft program, it would probably take me days to prepare."

Happy Mom, Keli Likins. and her son, Benny.

April Fool's Day At CW

Ronald Jones knew how to "treat" Webb Wesconnett staff on April Fool's Day.  He had a pan of calorie free brown-ees for everyone. Thanks to Marshelle Berry for the heads-up.

Retiree Mary Cardell's Update

Below is a blurb from Mary Cardell, a librarian who retired from JPL in 1998.  For those who are not acquainted with Mrs. Cardell, she is a low key, gentle lady who has a lot of depth and interests.  Above Mary  (R) and her hubby, Dick, are enjoying manning the Genealogy Table for the St Andrews Society in early March at the NE Florida Highland Games (a yearly treat for them) in Green Cove Springs. Judith Elliott, Florida officer of the Elliot Clan of which Mary is a member, is in the center.

 

" I began working at JPL in the Fall of 1968. Most of my time, except for short stints in branches and the Children's Department was spent in the Art and Music Department (at the old Main Library), under the tutelage of the late incomparable Jeff Driggers.

"What I enjoyed most about library work was the opportunity to learn new things while helping patrons. In the course of answering a question one often learns new facts oneself.

"Dick and I both retired in 1998. We spent most of our time restoring a home in the Lakewood  section of the southside of Jacksonville. Our living room has a great view of the egrets, herons, ibises and other birds who nest on an island in the lake. We are active members of the Sierra Club which meets in nearby Lakewood Presbyterian Church. I continued to play the bells at St John's Episcopal Cathedral when I was able. I played my clarinet in the "Recycles" which is an orchestra made up largely of retirees and also began singing in the Bach Vespers Choir which meets at St Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Hendricks Avenue. 

"In the year 2000, our group went to NYC to sing in Carnegie Hall in a concert of choir members from across the country. We have not traveled as often as we would like but have been able to take longer trips. In September of 2005, Dick and I spent a month in the British Isles, traveling by train, bus and on foot. We stayed in B&Bs and small hotels. We enjoyed a Holland America cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Malta and a Viking river cruise on the Rhine and Danube, Amsterdam to Budapest. We heartily recommend the latter. But beware, once you go on a cruise your mail box will be filled with tempting offers from the cruise lines and travel agents.

"We have been to several class reunions, my 50th high school reunion in Daytona Beach and my 50th college reunion in Cullowhee, North Carolina (Western Carolina University, Go Catamounts!)

"We also went to Dick's 50th High School Reunion and plan to attend his 60th later this year. (Miami Edison). A group from the class of 1956, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach meets monthly and those of us from out of town join them occasionally.

"Well I guess that is the extent of my activities since retirement. Retirement does give you time to do some of the things you have always wanted to do. Enjoy it."