Willysa Jones Wins Honor At Edward Waters College

JPL’s own Willysa Jones was crowned “Miss Choir 2014 - 2015” during homecoming celebrations at historic Edward Waters College last week.  She is a senior at Edward Waters College majoring in Elementary Education.

 

Willysa was chosen for this honor because she is a member of C-Phi, a leadership organization, and because she routinely exhibits the five principles of the choir:  Profound scholarship,  Unwavering commitment, Astute musicianship,  Rigorous Practice, and Firm Discipline.  Willysa brings some of these same principles to work. 

 

Willysa has worked as a part-time clerk in the circulation department at the Main library for nearly five years.  She says she loves working with the people in her department and her experience at JPL has taught her life skills and all about teamwork.  Congratulations, Willysa.

 

Willysa is pictured riding in the EWC Homecoming Parade last Saturday, October 25.  Check out that regal wave.

TIME TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!

Don't forget to move your clocks back (remember: fall back, spring forward) Saturday night before you go beddy-bye.  Time changes at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 2, 2014.

 
You get to sleep an extra hour thanks to Daylight Savings Time.

Some People Never Forget You

If you ever need a pick-me-up or wonder if customers really appreciate your good service, or "swallow" it quickly and that's that, well, just remember this:  A note arrived this morning dated 10/24/14, from a long-ago customer (the envelope is stamped CA; can't read the city because it is over a dark part of the postage stamp):

"To Jax Library, I frequented your beautiful library back in winter 2006-2007.  I just wanted to say thank you! (heart) Megan Jones"

We had to share her beautiful flower (watercolor) and her note.

Mark Merritt's 20 Years In The Navy

I’m a Navy veteran of 20 years.  I served from 1977-1997.  In that time I was on 4 different submarines (USS Robert E. Lee SSBN 601, USS Ulysses S. Grant SSBN 631, USS Henry L. Stimson SSBN 655 and USS West Virginia SSBN 736).  I served in Norfolk Virginia, Kings Bay Georgia, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and New London, Connecticut.  We forward deployed from Holy Loch Scotland on the Grant and Guam on the Robert E. Lee.  I made 15 patrols and several other non-noteworthy trips.  My longest one time stint underwater was about 85 days, most of it north of the Arctic Circle (this was in 1988 I think.) 

 These were all strategic nuclear missile submarines meaning we were on “alert” status underway and part of the strategic deterrent to any party desiring to use nuclear weapons against the United States.  My role was to ensure that the missile systems performed satisfactorily and to execute any launch order if received.  Of course, we never have launched; you would surely know it if we did.  We didn’t go to many foreign ports as most countries didn’t want us around much.  No one much likes nuclear armed submarines in their back yard! 

 

I’m proud of the time I spent in the Navy.  I met many fine people and we kept the peace, which was our goal.  It’s not really humorous, just a lot of work keeping the ship clean and in working order.  Certainly some days were better than others, but we stuck together and got the job done.  We always made sure that each submergence was followed at some point by a surfacing action. 

 

The first picture below is of the Grant (SSBN 631).  They all look about like this; I could spell out details but that isn’t important. 

 

This picture below shows the business end of our role, the missiles.  The one pictured here, a Trident C-4 Backfit was about 64,000 pounds in weight, 3 stage solid propellant and could go more than 4,000 miles to it’s target and deliver several warheads at different locations.  A truly fearsome weapon.  Each boat could carry 16 missiles like this except the West Virginia, a newer Trident boat that could carry 24 missiles.  Getting these missiles loaded, tested, ready for flight and executing the launch order were my prime jobs. 

  

 We applaud your many contributions to this country, Mark Merritt; not to mention your untold hours of searching for ways to keep JPL's head above water for several years as JPL's Deputy Director/Administrative Servicies.  It's hard to beat a faithful man to his duties.

PCR's 10th Anniversary Celebration

PCR's 10^th Anniversary Celebration was  held October 9, 2014, and Branch Manager Sandra Ostroski gives this report of the successful event:

"Library Board of Trustees Vice Chair Guy Anderson (2nd from left above) opened the program.  Director Barbara Gubbin followed with a few remarks highlighting Pablo Creek’s accomplishments during the last decade.   State Senator Aaron Bean (left)  echoed her remarks and spoke about the importance of libraries in our communities.

"City Councilman At-Large, District 3, Stephen Joost, (far right) then presented Director Gubbin with a City Council Resolution commending and congratulating the Pablo Creek Library on the occasion of its 10^th anniversary.  Mr. Anderson followed with an introduction of Jimmy Orth, Executive Director of the Riverkeeper organization, who spoke about the  future of the St. John’s River and how one could be a good steward of its resources. The program concluded with several drawings for gifts donated to the library and refreshments."

A Winning Equation: Library +Community +Customers = Success

Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr., sent us this blurb, "On October 9, the staff of the Brentwood Library gave a small token of their appreciation to their Friends group by purchasing a cake and other refreshments for their monthly meeting. The FOBL were greeted downstairs by a bulletin board featuring pictures of some the wonderful events they helped to sponsor during their inaugural year. Some of the highlights include: Guitar classes where students were given the guitars they used for practice, a Back to School bash where we were able to give out 125+ backpacks, and yarn and needles were given to youth who wanted to learn to crochet in our crochet/book club.  The FOBL provided funds for refreshments, supplies and prizes for many of our youth programs. They held a Celebrity Readers hall of fame unveiling banquet and have been able to rally the business community, politicians, and local television personalities to help us provide quality programming at Brentwood.

Thank you to Mrs. Coon (founder) and the FOBL for all that they have done for the Brentwood Library and its customers. We would also like to thank the unsung hero of the Urban Core Libraries, Ms. Patricia Morrison, ULC Supervisor, for all her tireless work with the FOBL as well.

Pictured L/R front row Betty Williams-JPL, Sharon Coon- FOBL, Margaret Miles-JPL, David Stevenson-JPL, Laura Bower-FOBL, Emmett Palmer –FOBL.  Back row John Reazer- FOBL, Melvin Turnage –FOBL and Aquilla Stewart-JPL.

Ms. Holley Receives 10 Year Pin

Amber Holley was happy to receive her 10 year service pin from Deputy Director

Carolyn Williams, October 21, 2014.

Organization!

Congrats to Amber Holley, Susan Mankowski, and Pam Beaton for the wonderful re-do of their area of Admin on the 3rd floor of the Main Library.  You really have to see it to appreciate their expertise in organization.

Director Gubbin Gets A Surprise

Library Director Barbara Gubbin is all smiles after being presented with flowers on Boss’s Day, Thursday, October 16, which happened to also be the Library Board meeting day.  The Administrative Team wanted to show the board just how much they appreciate all she does for our library system—and for each of us as JPL employees.  (Who had the good taste in choosing that gorgeous arrangement?  Eric Lawrence.)  

Pat Dowdell Receives Study Buddy

Regency Square Branch’s Library Assistant Pat Dowdell received Jaguar Study Buddy Award from her manager,Donna Carrol,l for her excellent  customer service.  'Way to go, Pat!

Here Comes The Bride - Kim McTeer

Kimberly McTeer, Library Associate at Westbrook Branch Library, became Mrs. Anthony Cherry, October 18, 20014. Lovely bride; handsome groom.  All our best to Kimberly and Anthony, always.  

Kudos From Customers

Graham Branch: This library needs to be commended for the work that they (Jackie Spiritas, Margaret Crawford, Linda Griffin-Foresto, Joshua Wise, Tyhedra Wilson, Delores Walker, Johnnie Mitchell, Carolyn Armstrong) do and they did a great service this summer. They are greatly appreciated by the community.

Main – Special Collections: I wanted to express my appreciation for a librarian who went out of her way to assist me on more than one occasion with research material. I am gathering material for an organizational project. The material used is from the past and must be as accurate as possible. It is often difficult to locate. This librarian is always WILLING TO ASSIST. She is professional, kind, VERY knowledgeable, and always delivers more than I expect. …CATHERINE CURRIER is the librarian who exceeds above and beyond in her professional capacity to provide what is needed for me to complete my work. I always hope she is working when I go. She should be cloned. Thank you.

Murray Hill Branch: Just a note about an experience today. A very rude/abusive individual was here today. Library staff (Raymond Neal, Chiquita Powell, Douglas Fair, Margaret Esposito, Mary Fletcher, and Cheyla Scantling) handled this with dignity and respect for other library attendees. Let’s keep these well trained people that know how to handle tough situations!!

Pablo Creek Branch: I had contacted the library...for a discrepancy on my library account. I talked to Zachary over the phone. He was very polite and assured me that he would let his supervisor know about my situation and that if applicable, she would follow up with me. I got a phone call a few hours later from a Ms. Beverly Brown who is the Clerical Supervisor. I explained my situation to her again and she understood, and politely let me talk to solve the problem. I would like to applaud both Zachary and Ms. Beverly on their assistance in this discrepancy. They gave me their time and thoroughly looked over to my account to see that a mistake was made. ...

San Marco Branch: After being out several weeks, Ms. Emily (Gideon) remembered things about our family. She is great.

MH's Mary Fletcher Logs 15 Years With JPL

Marshelle Berry, Region Manager, sent this pic of Mary Fletcher receiving her 15 year pin and congratulations from Murray Hill Branch Manager Raymond Neal.  Thank you, Mary, for all those years. 

CAL's "I Love My Library Board"

Katie Devanny, Literacy Program Manager for
the Center for Adult Learning, reports their brag board became their "I Love My Library" board when CAL celebrated literacy month with stories from their  students titled 'I love my library.” Most of the students complimented their teachers on how they have helped them with speaking, reading and writing. The students enjoy checking out movies, books and having access to computers.  They like the “calmness” of the library. One of CAL's students, Ms. Taylor, said it best, “The staff in the library helps in just about every way they can.” CAL also had a “sign me up” campaign in the classes to make sure every student had a library card.  CAL is happy to report that only had to sign up eight students.  Everyone had their card and was proud to show their teacher.

Joshua Wise Transfers From EB To GB

 Eastside Library and customers wished Joshua Wise farewell as he transfers to Graham Library. Sharon Whitt sent the pic in and said, "Joshua is a valuable employee and team player loved both by co-workers and customers and we hate to see him leave the Eastside Community."  Pictured L/R:  Valerie Govan, Sharon Whitt and Joshua Wise.

 

Halloween At Murray Hill Branch

Murray Hill Branch display done by Amy Davis and Margaret Esposito.

Fizz, Boom, Read

Cheyla Scantling at Murray Hill Branch self check. She likes Fizz, Boom, Read!

Something To Smile About

The pumpkin wasn't the only one smiling today.  Employees at the Mandarin Branch Library surprised Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin with balloons and a card on Boss’s Day. 

Happy Bosses Day to all the bosses out there! 

Friends of JPL Warehouse Sale: 10/6/-15/14 -

The Friends of JPL are planning another sale and here is your opportunity to get good buys and pass the word on to customers and your friends and neighbors:
 
The sale will be held at the Friends Warehouse, 3435 University Blvd. N., a few blocks past JU, on the right; the Warehouse is at the south end of the University Park Branch Library.

Thursday, November 6 - 4-7 pm - Members' Night (you can join there)
Friday, November 7 - 2-8 pm, Warehouse Sale
Saturday, November 8 - 10 am - 4 pm - Warehouse Sale
Sunday, November 9 - Noon- 5 pm: $10.00 Bag Day
Tuesday, November 11 - 10 am - 4 pm - $10.00 Bag Day
Saturday, November 15, Noon-5 pm - $10.00 Bag Day - FINAL DAY OF SALE

This is the final JPL Friends sale for 2014. 

2015 memberships will be available at the door, and remember all proceeds go to support JPL.

Evelyn Rockwood - New U. S. Citizen

Another member of our staff, Evelyn Rockwood, Library Clerk at the Main Library, became a new citizen along with Mitesh Sangani, pictured above with Evelyn, and his wife, September 26, 2014, in a ceremony at the Main Library (scroll down the blog to see the article on the ceremony).  Evelyn had an interesting story to tell about how she came to America, and we thought you would enjoy it:

"I am from the Philippines. I had never dreamed of becoming an American citizen because I never really thought I’d leave my country—then I met my husband. We chatted online for three years and got married a week after he arrived in the Philippines. It took another year for him to get my visa approved and finally I arrived in Jacksonville January 26, 2010.  I became a volunteer at Regency in April 2013, became a shelver in July of that year and was hired as a clerk full-time last October.

"My husband and mother-in-law were there when I took for my naturalization oath. I think that Jacksonville is lucky to have such a great public library. I can remember back home when our mayor was just trying to establish a community college and still planning on having a public library. I hope my fellow citizens realize how lucky they are."

Congratulations on being a new United States citizen, Evelyn Rockwood!

Staff Profile - October 2014

Some employees know little about a department at the Main Library called Special Collections, and we thought most of you would like to know more about what Special Collections contains and about the special person who heads it up: Kathleen Krizek, Librarian III.  Kathleen is an enthusiastic leader, who, in her spare time, likes to accompany her husband, Joe, on kayaking trips.  Kathleen also enjoys being a creative cook, has two cats, and is an avid reader.

Q: You have headed Main’s Special Collections department for about a year and a half.  Tell us what the different areas that comprise “Special Collections” and what each does.
A: The Special Collections Department is composed of African American History, Florida History, Genealogy and Government Documents, although the Delius and Holocaust collections are also a small part of our area.
The African American area highlights contributions of people of African descent in Florida and throughout the South.
The Florida Collection covers Florida with an emphasis on Northeast Florida and Jacksonville.
The Government Documents collection contains materials released by all three branches of the Government through the Federal Depository Library Program. JPL has been a participant in the FDPL for 100 years and just celebrated the anniversary.
The Genealogy Collection has items selected to aid and assist the public in genealogical research, with a focus on the Southeastern United States.
The Delius Collection consists of monographs, scores, manuscripts, etc. about Frederick Delius, the British composer who lived in the Jacksonville area in the mid 1880’s. The Holocaust Collection was dedicated in 2006 and contains materials relating to one of the most horrific events in human history.

Our staff is able to research questions using materials from multiple areas. I enjoy the way we have different approaches to answering the questions and how we work together to find the customer the best answer.

Q: What is your work history prior to becoming Librarian III in Special Collections and how did your experience prepare you for your present position?
A: I started as a youth services librarian/assistant branch manager in Kernersville, NC. I worked there for 5 years until my husband decided to go to graduate school at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. I had the same type of job, although in a much smaller system. When my husband graduated with a Master’s in Coastal Engineering, Florida was the obvious place to look for a job. This was in the heyday of BJP and the library was experiencing a wonderful growth period. I was hired as the youth services librarian for Murray Hill, promoted to manager of Graham, then moved to UPK as they were preparing for the opening. I’ve been in Special Collections since 2007, as the Gov Docs coordinator. That was completely different from anything I’ve ever done, but I enjoyed working with the collection and getting it cataloged, so those weird call numbers pop up more often. With the whirlwind that was FY13, I became the supervisor of all Special Collections as the staff was halved and the other supervisors went sent to new locations. I think since my background is children’s, I prefer a teaching and sharing approach with my customers.

Q: What changes and outstanding events over the years have occurred in Special Collections that you would like to share with us?
A: Lyn Corley pressed to have the large painting of Jean Ribault on the shores near Fort Caroline restored and hung on the wall of Special Collections. It was unveiled in May 2012 and continues to draw attention. The antiquarian maps in the Map Room were photographed and made available through the library catalog for all to see. The staff has been working hard on various projects with one aim in mind - improve access to materials. We’ve added municipal documents, genealogy microfiche, had our vertical files listed on our home page and more. Our ILL and outside customer requests have increased. In the last week alone, we’ve talked to professors from UNC-CH, USC-C, and TAMU as well as had several local authors use our materials.

Q: How do you think we could spread the word so the community as a whole knows what treasures are in Special Collections?
A: Our reference staff produces a bimonthly newsletter, the Owl’s Nest, through Library Aware which is distributed to about 300 subscribers. I wrote, with Kate Holmes’ help, a staff tutorial to using gov docs, which I encourage branch staff to take as well, as you can offer customers information without a need to visit Main. The FDLP 100^thanniversary celebration drew politicians, several of whom took time to visit the collection to see the rarities we own. We offer genealogy classes both here and offsite (on request). Since last fall, we’ve begun offering a book talk series called “Special Collections: Local Authors”. I would like for our staff to create tutorials about using the other aspects of Special Collections, but that’s still in the future. I’ve offered to provide a program at the library for next year’s Southeastern Museums Conference to be held in Jacksonville. Recently we have begun working with Children’s’ staff to support the history fair and a holiday program. We’re always looking for ways to share our resources with staff and customers.

Q: What is something most of us do not know about you that you would share with us?
A: My husband is an avid kayaker and has completed most of the Florida Circumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail (about 1200 miles so far). I am his support wagon, dropping him off and picking him up in the wee hours. While he’s on the water, I’ve visited historic sites, museums, national parks and tiny towns all along the coast. I’ve been stopped by alligators crossing the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades, seen fluttering colors at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, and gone shelling in Boca Grande.

3 At AR Receive 10 Year Pins & Congrats

On September 25, 2014, Regency Square Branch Manager Donna Carroll presented ten year certificates to Pat Dowdell, Mary Heaney, and Mia Brack (pictured L/R), for their hard work and dedicated service to Jacksonville Public Library.

These ladies have long since established an exemplary level of customer service to our customers--including children and parents--by way of informing, nurturing, and educating at Main, San Marco, University Park, Pablo Creek libraries and currently at Regency Square Branch.  As Library Assistant, Pat Dowdell showcases her skills in circulation with emphasis in the children department.  Mary Heaney, Library Assistant, exercises her dexterity in the children’s department and vocally painting story time sessions.  Children’s Librarian Mia Brack serves in the never ending quest for early literature success for future readers and above.

We congratulate and appreciate their continued service in making the Jacksonville Public Library system the place to start here and go anywhere! 

Thanks to Lenora Stuckey for the article and everyone joins in your congratulations. 

Staffs Honor Michael Sullivan

Lynne Balwin, Mandarin Branch Manager reports, "SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan was surprised by the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library with a celebration party (with balloons and everything!).  Everyone at Mandarin and throughout the SE Region wanted to thank Michael for his leadership and support.  Michael is a great Region Manager.  Michael was also presented with an Innovator Award, a gift card to Carrabba’s and decorated congrats cake.   The break room was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Big thanks to Sara Peretzman and her decorating team of Diane Lewis and Jessica Jones."

 Congratulations to Michael Sullivan for leading the way for the SE Region Libraries!

Science Fair @ Mandarin Branch

It’s Science Fair time again at Mandarin Branch and Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones used their talents to create displays promoting science fair resources available at the library.  The display is part of the branch’s Learning is Fun project.