Looking For A Beaker Full

Gloria Buenavista said, "Kudos to Sheenae Nelson, part-time Library Associate, Sr. at Bradham Brooks Northwest Library for putting up this Summer Reading Program display.

The bubbles are names of participants and they keep growing. The beaker will be filled with how many books were read during the summer."

Davi Harmon Honored For Ten Years Service

Davi Harmon, Library Assistant at Bradham Brooks Northwest, was presented his ten year service pen and Branch Manager Elaine Randolph read his congratulatory  letter from the City at a pizza party celebration on June 20, 2014.  Let all of us add a BIG HOORAY FOR DAVI HARMON!

Urban Core Libraries Into SRP

Michelle Petrin, ULC's Teen Services Librarian says, "The Urban Core Libraries are 'sparking a reaction' this summer with fun science and art centric programs for tweens and teens. 

 "Teens at Graham Branch, June 12, and Brentwood, June 17, enjoyed making lip gloss and bath fizzies while learning about the science of emulsion and chemical reactions at the 'Make Your Own Make-up' programs. 

"June 18, Eastside teens performed experiments with various types of candy and made artwork with M and M's at the 'Candy Art and Science' program. 

"Westbrook teens have been busy, too!  Teens attending 'Make Your Own Slushie', June 20, had a chance to make predictions, perform experiments using different catalysts and learn about melting points. And, of course, they made some delicious frozen beverages. 

"June 25, teens at WBK took part in 'Balloon Afternoon', which included balloon science experiments about static electricity, sound, and centrifugal force.  They also learned how to make and decorate their very own balloon dogs and played a game called 'balloon sandwich'."

Michelle shouts a big “thank you” to staff at all the Urban Core Branches for making this summer a memorable one for ULC's tween and teen customers!

NW Hosts Ronald McDonald

Library Associate, Sr., Gloria Buenavista reports Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library had 72 attendees, including adults, at one of their ever popular SRP's, June 25.

Art At NW

Gloria Buenavista shares a picture of Yamir Holmes, who is pleased to see his art displayed at NW.  Yamir is a student of Martin Luther King Elementary, and MLK art teacher, Mr. Ramos, had their school's art display at Bradham Brooks Northwest from mid May to June 10.

 

SE: An Electrifying Spark of Reaction With Mad Scientists

Southeast Library youth services staff Karen Hardin, Carisia Rooney, and Anita Haller kicked off their Teen Summer Reading Program “Spark a Reaction” with a Mad Scientist Party early in June.  The conference room was decorated like a mad scientist

 

 

 

laboratory with microscopes, ‘preserved’ specimens, and ‘radio-active’ alien rock (Jell-O that glows under a black light). The lights were dimmed (as all mad scientist laboratories are) as the muted movie “Back to the Future” was shown on the screen in the background.  Smoking punch (with a little help from dry ice) and donut eyeballs were served as refreshments while the latest techno music played. Each teen had the chance to dress up like a mad scientist and get their picture taken. They also participated in a chemistry trivia contest and a ‘build the highest molecule’ game using mini-marshmallows and toothpicks.  We had 13 teens come to the party, including some of our teen advisory board members. Five of the teens who attended the party have now joined the teen advisory board! The party was a great success and a lot of fun!

 

Thanks to Carisia Rooney for the report--and especially the pictures that clearly depict the fun those kids had with the "mad scientist" theme.

Main's Battle Of The Bands

On Saturday, June 21, the 9^th Annual Battle of the Bands was held in the Main Library Conference Center for an audience of over 150 family, friends, and library visitors.

 Winners and Prizes:

 
·        1^st Place Band was “The Well Beings” Members Hadley Parris-Cotton (age 16) and Nova Mahle (Age 15) Both play Guitar & vocals.

The Well Beings won a 4 hour studio experience including a Single CD Demo from event sponsor Sunburst Studios (Package valued at $350.00)

·     2^nd Place Band was “GFM” Members CJ English on lead Guitar (age 15) Maggie English on bass guitar (age 13) Lulu English on drums (age 10).

GFM won a 3 hour studio experience including a single CD demo from sponsor Green Team Media. (Package valued at $250.00)

·        3^rd Place was “The William LaVant Band” Members William LaVant (age 18).  He performed vocals to a sound track.

William LaVant won a $ 100 Gift Card from sponsor Guitar Center and a $50 Gift Card from sponsor Guitars United. (total value $150.00)

 Judges were :

·        Dan Wicker the Owner and Manager of Sunburst Studios
·        Amanda Payne from Green Team Media
·        Josh Ivey from Guitars United
·        Teen Judge Rachel Griffin.

Thanks to Laura Minor, Main's Senior Librarian, Teen Services, for the article. 

Beaches "Sparks A Reaction" For SRP

Beaches Branch's SRP theme is “Spark A Reaction”.
JB's Terry Welch (left) and Randy Mapanoo, PCR Region E Specialist, pose as Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein. Terry said, "This photo op was created by JB’s very own Artist in Residence, Julie Rekow."

Friends Of SOM Book Sale Success

South Mandarin Branch Manager Keli Likins reports, "The Friends of SOM book sale, held on June 20 and 21, was a success with approximately $2000 in funds raised! 

NW Customers Introduced To The Internet

Bradham - Brooks Northwest Library Associate, Sr. Gloria Buenavista (2nd from left center row) closed NW's current list of computer classes with Introduction to the Internet, Saturday, June 21, 2014.  Gloria said, "We had nine participants (one not pictured). This is the last adult computer class that we’re doing in the spring. NW's new summer schedule starts in July."

Kudos From Customers

Main – Special Collections: …I have recently started going to college at the age of 37! I am taking an Earth Science class and I needed some information ...for a research project. I spoke to Margaret (Morford) several times in the Florida Collection. She was very helpful …and made my first Main library experience a wonderful visit. I also spoke to Andy (Barmer)...about some bronze plaques I have seen around the downtown area. …I left my name and number and…he called me back the same day and even emailed me the PDF file...! That was so great of him to do this. These are two very valuable employees and I appreciate all their help. Please tell them job well done!

San Marco Branch: I appreciate the librarian (actually SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan) on Saturday helping me get a computer, in which I was not so cramped.  It was quiet.  …Overall the gentleman was very helpful; he gets a huge round of applause.

Support Services – E-Specialist:  I had a class yesterday at the library to learn more about electronic resources, and how to access the library's new media. I met Louis (Terron) at the Webb Wesconnett Library at 5:00PM. Louis was very knowledgeable, and answered all my questions. I really appreciate his help, and am so grateful the library provides this resource to people. ...

University Park Branch: I like coming to the UPK library. Ms. (Hazzel) Sutton helps me a lot and I want to volunteer here.

Willowbranch:  The staffs at this branch are like my family. They have watched me grow up and encourage me in all my pursuits. They have taught me a lot about books and life in general. Troy (Eittreim), who is an artist, has helped me in my artistic pursuits in the library and by having talks at my college (FSCJ). Jason Brown has watched me grow up from a young age and he has been of great help to my family over the years. The staff is wonderful and the branch is one of my favorite things of Jacksonville (if not my favorite!) Please never change the staff (if you can) and keep the library there.

First Open House For Beaches Branch

We had 134 visitors, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at the Beaches Branch Library for its first Open House. The purpose was to inform the public about the many services and programs offered by JPL, especially those offered at JB.  

The event was hosted by the Circulation Staff and sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. The Beaches Photography Club, Beaches Watch, and Friends of JB each had a table. Additionally, our Adult, Teen, Children’s Librarians, the Pablo Creek Region E-Specialist and our Volunteer Computer Teacher had tables. 

 If you are wondering how JB was able to have an Open House and still be open for patrons, it was because of the awesome help from Stephanie Harley (CW), Midge Roton (UPK), Pablo Creek Region Manager Bob Silkett and Webb Wesconnett Region Manger Marshelle Berry.

Pictures can be viewed on G-Shared under JB Group, open hs and on the Friends of the Beaches Library Facebook page.  A good time was had by all!J

Thanks to Theresa Welsh for this article.

Westbrook BOOMING With SRP

Kimberly McTeer, Westbrook Library Associate, says, " Our branch had a lot of fun kicking off the Summer Reading program. Staff had science experiments and snacks for all the young people that participated. Westbrook's volunteer, Brandon Mack, created this cool robot for all the kids to take a picture in. Projects consist of making homemade lava, marshmallow robots, glow in the dark bubbles and water bags with pencils through them. This was one “BOOMING” party!"

For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Mandarin Branch Library is helping bring awareness to the plight of refugees around the world with a display organized for World Refugee Day, June 20.  KR's display includes photography by local refugee youths called America Through My Eyes. 

 

 

 

KR Kicks off SRP In Living Color

FIZZ! BOOM! READ!  The Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Summer Reading 2014 with a kickoff party on Wednesday, June 11.  More than 200 people crowded into the children’s department to register for summer reading, enjoy the refreshments, and have their faces painted.  
Congratulations to Alison Pulley, David Foster, and Frances Wickes for organizing such a fun event.  Special thanks to Stacey Van Hoy and Diane Lewis for serving the refreshments.

CW Region Manager Berry Launches New Book Club

Marshelle Berry, Webb Wesconnett Region Manager, reports a successful outreach she launched recently:

"Library Associate Shinita Miles (2nd from right) and I (far right) officially announced the Open Arms Christian Fellowship church-wide reading initiative  in church, Sunday, June 15, with a revealing of a Read Poster of Pastor Leofric Thomas (left in both pics).   We had 71 adults register for the book club.  The club for kids will be rolled out  in the fall, after their summer reading lists are completed.  The adults will be reading the book,  The God Chasers, by Tommy Tenney.  From what I have been told, people are already coming to the library looking for the book.  They are probably hitting the bookstores as well.   

"Pastor Thomas autographed copies of the Read Poster while people stood in line to register for the book club.  I wore my blue and yellow (library branding colors) with my library badge.  

" A huge thanks to CR&M for their creating such an awesome Read Poster."

Valerie Evans Honored For 35 Years Service

On May 16, Librarian Valerie Evans retired after 35 years of service to JPL, and she was honored by the Library Board of Trustees at its June 12, 2014 meeting.  Above Ms. Evans (center) is flanked by Deputy Director Carolyn Williams (left) and Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins. A Resolution recognizing Ms. Evans' faithful service, signed by Dr. Simmons-Hutchins and Director Barbara Gubbin, was presented to Valerie, along with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, letters of appreciation from Mayor Brown--with a 35 year service pin--and Director Gubbin, including a JPL gold card. 

Valerie was the subject of the JPL Staff News "Staff Profile", December 2013.  Scroll down the pages and click "older posts" to get back to December and review the article.

Father & Daughter

.Kathy Lussier cannot sing the praises of JPL staff enough and is always ready to give a big cheer as she did in her JPL Main email, June 16, regarding the Folio Weekly article on Main Library Children's Department Library Associate Josh Jubinsky. Kathy wanted to share this picture of Josh and his 2 year old Mabel.  

Do Teens Really Go To Job Fairs?

The Urban Library Centers Teen Job Fair at Graham Branch Library was a rousing success with 35 teens attending, 2-5 pm, June 13.   Ten area businesses participated with 20 company representatives on site. Computers were made available so teens could immediately start their applications to companies of interest to them. The room was abuzz with teens, parents, and siblings, and even the company representatives were networking with each other.

At the end of the Fair, several door prizes were drawn, including flash drives, Zoo tickets, and food vouchers--all generously donated by participating vendors. The list of participating job and career resource vendors included Catapult Academy, Checkers, Foot Locker, Jacksonville Zoo, Job Corps, Lifestyle Challenges Navigator, Stage Aurora Theatrical Company, U.S. Military, Walgreens and Walmart. Refreshments were provided courtesy of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.  

 
When Jackie Spiritas called to inform one teen that he had won a door prize, his mother informed Jackie that they would be in the area because her son had an interview set up close by that was a result of his attending the Teen Job Fair.

Mobile Circ Now Available For Staff Use

JPL has a new Mobile Circ for use in outreach programs and weeding materials. Mobile Circ consists of a mini iPad, a scanner on a lanyard, and a tiny receipt printer.  If you would like to check out Mobile Circ for outreach or weeding, please contact Alisha LeVasseur or Tony Miller.
 

Amber Holley reported her recent outreach program was a success using Mobile Circ.  She said, "I used the iPad to show off Zinio and the Boopsie app so it was well worth it."

Murray Hill's First 2014 SRP

 Chiquita Powell reports Murray Hill Branch had their first 2014 Summer Reading Program, June 12, from 3:00-5:00.  Chiquita said, "We were able to get great community support to make the party a success.  Edgewood Bakery donated a beautiful cake.  Linda Brunson, an amazing balloon twist artist, spent over two hours making spectacular balloon art for the kids, and we had Christian the Magician do two magic shows for the parents and kids.  At the party 35 kids signed up for the summer reading program and in total we had almost 90 people attend.  Dana Curry from the Webb Library made the amazing science related decorations and crafts for the party. The Friends of the Murray Hill Library were a great support financially and they helped work at the party."   

GB Kicks Off SRP

 

Dallas Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "Our Summer Reading Kickoff party was a big
hit on Tuesday, June 10. Boom Science facilitator Greg Nagel held the fascination of 16 children and 5 adults with his fabulous science variety show. The dry ice, balloon tricks and bubbles left the group with a new appreciation for science and chemistry. He crafted a little marshmallow man, put him in a vacuum dome and sent him to “space” by removing the oxygen. He also coated some marshmallows in liquid nitrogen transforming them in to a crunchy and tasty treat.  

 

"Several of the students used the computers in the meeting room prior to the program to sign up for the Summer Reading program. Everyone enjoyed the fun and interactive event.  I liked the crunchy marshmellow best but I think the kids liked the liquid nitrogen.  (Note the boy lying in the "cloud.") 

Mandarin Branch Is SRP Ready

Mandarin Library Associate Alison Pulley set aside a public computer as a summer reading registration station and decorated it to draw attention.  Pictured are Tracy Chamberlin and her daughters Emily and Riley, helped by Library Assistant David Foster.

Marie Myers' App Won A Grant

Marie Myers was acknowledged in Library Hotline’s June 9, 2014, People section, ”Marie Myers, Art Educator and Library Associate at Jacksonville Public Library, FL, was awarded a 2014 *Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant.  She will use the money to fund her ART of Books youth program.”

This all played out when Pam McClellan shared a list of available grants with Laura Minnich early in 2014 and Laura suggested Marie apply for the grant, and Marie prepared her project proposal for the March 30 application submission.  Pam notes that out of hundreds of apps, only 60 awards are made annually, and JPL has not been one of the recipients of this $500 award in the nine years she has handled JPL’s grants.  Pam attributes JPL getting the grant largely because Marie’s “vision for the ART of Books after school program is extremely well conceived and innovative; it addresses a much needed literacy void in our community.”

The series of four ART of Books after school programs are planned to be held at Dallas Graham Branch Library, targeting elementary and teen students in September.  Youth will learn how to make paper, printmaking and binding techniques, and create their own small, unique art book.  You will be hearing more about this exciting program later.
___________________________________

*Since 1987, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, established by the late Caldecott award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats, has provided more than $820,000 in support of Minigrant programs spanning the 50 states and the U.S. Commonwealth.

How To Get That Job

Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas, reports, "Temeka Lee (2nd from R) with CareerSource Florida conducted an Interviewing Skills Workshop for Teens, June 5, at our Library. Seven teens and two supportive parents attended the workshop in preparation for the three hour Teen Job Fair to be held at Graham, June 13. Ms. Lee presented an informative workshop on resume writing, interviewing skills and what

to wear to a job Interview. Library Clerk Chanika Kimbrough assisted Ms. Lee by keeping the teens focused on their mini-assignments, one of which was interviewing each other to determine their partner’s hard and soft skills. Ms. Lee taught the students that no matter their experience, they still have something to offer, something informative to write on a resume, and something to say to promote their ability. Best quote from Ms. Lee, 'People treat you how you act.'"

Staff Profile - June 2014

Conference Center Coordinator Nathan Fuller is pictured above in his favorite kind of spot.  Known as "Nate" around the Main Library, a more amiable person is hard to find. Yet he's as tenacious as an old yard dog--and a whole lot smarter--when he wants to get something going on the job.  Nate, his supervisor, Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani, and Conference Center Specialist Will Daniels do an excellent job keeping the Conference Center booked and running like a top--all with down-to-earth manners you find in super Southern gentlemen.

Q: What past experience contributes to your success as the Main Library’s Conference Center Coordinator?
A: My experience at the Murray Hill Theatre in high school was complementary to what I do now. I started as a volunteer, then interned, eventually becoming the Facilities Manager there for a year. The time was a great learning experience for run of shows, getting used to the idea that you will be the first one in and the last one out, and doing everything possible to make sure your guests have a great time.
I started with JPL at the Conference Center as a part-timer. That gave me a great introduction into how the Conference Center runs. Mitesh and Will have both been great instructors. It helps to have two experienced colleagues whose combined event and logistics experience is over 40 years. So their mentorship has been huge.

Q: Tell us some of the usual—and unusual—experiences you incur in the Conference Center.
A: Rolling with the punches is a common motto around here. Events are all about dealing with unusual experiences, whether it’s a propane tank catching fire, sneaking the Mayor in to avoid the press for an event, or the various audio visual issues that inevitably arise for every event.
When you work for the Conference Center your expectations for a regular schedule are out the window. Each hour is different from the day before, whether it’s showing the building to potential clients or going over logistic details for events.  You could be planning for a 10 person meeting one hour and a multi-day Film Festival the next. It’s a varied experience that I thoroughly enjoy.

Q: What are the greatest challenges and accomplishments you have experienced with the Conference Center?
A: Getting used to the various hours we work has been the greatest challenge. One day we will be here at 6 am to open up a business conference, then the next day we will be here at 3:00 pm to oversee a wedding until at least midnight.
Specifically, with the World Arts Film Festival, I saw the potential for a great event but being a non-profit, the booking process lasted almost six months. That is compared to a normal two week window. They had to secure funding and other resources before moving forward. That was a test in patience as we held onto some key weekend dates that we could have easily filled with weddings otherwise.

Q: What would you like to see the Conference Center do in the future to expand its service to the community?
A: We are constantly using our skill sets as a team to help address Library needs and to take its programming to the next level--from helping curate the One Spark Creators at Main, to ensuring a solid and carefree presentation of the Muslim Poetic Voices of the World.
We take pride in the fact that if someone books with us, we have a team with many different strengths and weaknesses but we are all very complementary to each other.  All our clients can be sure they will have the support and valuable advice they need to make their events run smoothly.

What is your favorite pastime?
A: Being in nature is probably my favorite pastime. The beach, mountains, hiking and camping. It’s good to get away once in a while and reflect in nature. That’s where I recharge my batteries.