Total United Way Donations for 2014

JPL's total donations were announced last Friday, November 21, 2014, via a JPL Main email as  being $8.954.00. One branch’s United Way donations did not arrive until November 24 and adding that branch’s gifts gives JPL a new total of $9,190.00.  MANY THANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO DONATED!

 

Kudos From Customers

Call Center: I spoke with Tony Miller in the call center – he was helpful, kind, polite and didn’t rush me. He let me take my time and I appreciate it.

SST: Instructor Eric Soriano is excellent. He knows the material, speaks clearly, and responds to students' questions.

Main: Ms. Annette Paulson was very informative and shared knowledge unknown to the common person desiring to start a business.

Mandarin Branch: Lynn (Baldwin), Thank you, so very much for helping us with our cruise papers. You are so sweet.

South Mandarin Branch:  Mrs. (Margo) Crafton's sweet spirit and her genuine love for children are great. I feel we have a fun, safe place to come and learn and play. The crafts are neat and easy for small children to do. My son leaves with a sense of accomplishment.

Keili Likins Hits The 10 Year Mark

Keli Likins celebrates 10 years with JPL, and Michael Sullivan, her Region Manager, had the pleasure of presenting her with her 10 year pin, November 20, 2014.  She is now the Branch Manager for South Mandarin Library, and formerly headed up the Teen Department at Main.
       CONGRATULATIONS, KELI!

Boxing with Erik Larsen

NW's Erik Larsen, Librarian II, has an interesting history apart from JPL and wanted to share his experience and goals in the boxing world, "I've been involved with boxing since late 1997, when I began my career as a ring official with USA Boxing, the national governing body for amateur boxing in the United States. Most of my work has been as a judge, scoring the bouts from ringside, but I've also served as timekeeper, glover, clerk, and referee on occasion. In the amateurs, I've officiated about twenty national-level tournaments, including both the men's and the women's National Golden Gloves championships.

 

"According to the Florida Statutes, an applicant to become a pro boxing judge in Florida must attend (at his or her own expense) and unofficially score at least 350 rounds of professional boxing. I reached that milestone earlier this year, and last month I was duly licensed by the Florida State Boxing Commission as a professional boxing judge. My pro debut was on October 11^th, at the "Showdown In O-Town III" card in Fern Park, north of Orlando.

 

"I plan to keep working on both the amateur and the pro sides of boxing. My ambition in pro boxing is to one day judge a heavyweight championship fight, and have Michael Buffer (the boxing announcer known for his catchphrase, "Let's get ready to RRRRUUUUUMMMBBBLLLLE!") read my scorecard to an audience of millions."

UPK's 10th Anniversary - A Community Event

UPK Manager Theresa Rooney recovered from University Park Branch's 10^th Anniversary Celebration and reports on this successful event, October 4., "We wanted to celebrate not only our 10 years of community service but invite the organizations – some of which are our community partners -- that serve many of our Arlington customers, so we developed the idea of a Community Open House for our 10^th anniversary program. It proved to be useful to the community, as well the community organizations themselves, gathering as many of the organizations as possible in the same room and encouraging them to network, learn about what other organizations were doing and developing connections among themselves while also doing outreach with the public. Ten organizations staffed outreach tables: Arlington Community Services, Arlington Family Resource Center, CareerSource, Arlington Senior Center, Friends of the JPL, Greater Arlington/Beaches CPAC, Learn to Read, Old Arlington, Inc., Tree Hill Nature Center and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Katie Devanny opened the CAL classroom and E-Specialists Randy Mapanoo and Luis Terron manned a table and conducted demonstration classes in the computer classroom.
 
Council President Clay Yarborough, Councilmen Bill Bishop and John Crescimbeni and BOLT member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins spoke to over 300 attendees at the short noon program, moderated by Director Barbara Gubbin, and 222 participated in door prize drawings. Forty-five children participated in the craft project, a refrigerator magnet covered in tin foil and decorated, which was facilitated by Children’s Librarian Mary Calcagni.

We discovered during our event planning that tin is a pliable material and the traditional symbol for a 10^th anniversary, and tin symbolizes the ability to weather life’s ups and downs and to bend but not be broken -- skills at which JPL staff excel.

 

The fun part of getting ready.

 

Visitors consumed 20 dozen donuts from The Donut Shoppe and gallons of coffee and apple cider. Library Associate Mina Figuerrez, assisted by PT Library Clerk Zavonna Robinson and volunteers Angel de la Torre, Stephen Gonzalez and Josh Schuz, did an awesome job of decorating the Community Room and the entire lobby. Library Clerk Roz Smalls was our Mistress of Ceremonies/Announcer and kept the event moving smoothly and gave away all of the door prizes with style. Leona Cain, David Humphries, Midge Roton, Sandra Smith and Tony Williams were great team players who helped the day go smoothly.  Gretchen Mitchell and Lynn Jacobson were a great help during the planning stages, getting prizes donated from our contractors and suppliers, including a pair of Jaguar tickets from TC Delivers and a beautiful fall-themed gift basket from Midwest Tapes.  Margaret Fishback provided beautiful banners, posters, flyers and special coloring pages for the kids. Marsha Blasco and Kathy Lussier were great partners during the planning stages and beyond. Bob Silkett and Julie McNeil were very supportive in helping us to keep the branch running during the day. The whole event, from the earliest planning stages to event cleanup, personified JPL teamwork at its finest and would not have been so successful without the contributions of everyone.               THANKS EVERYONE!

No library celebration is complete without a book and Theresa's granddaughter, Rivers, two years old and Emily Matchett's daughter, took a book break.

You can view some of the photographs taken by Theresa’s daughter, Emily Matchett, at: 

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3B-CPBprCBFSFZpUlhPcmpMUUk&usp=sharing

Final Farewell to Marjorie Gibbons

On August 27, 2014 Jackie Spiritas, Branch Manager of Dallas Graham Library, submitted a write up for the staff blog about Marjorie’s last work day at JPL. (You can scroll down and click on "older posts" to review the article. The picture of Marjorie with Mayor Brown is repeated because that was a big dream come true for her.) 

Pat Morrison, Urban Library Centers Supervisor remembers, "Marjorie began her library career as a gangly teen working with the LOOP at the Eastside library.  Those of you who have  worked  with Marjorie over the years will probably recall how she would respond to a query--first she would smile, then sigh, then she would preface her response  with, 'Well …'.  In the 20+ years of working with Marjorie I never heard her raise her voice or speak in anger to anyone.  She had a quiet yet deliberate way of letting you know when she did not agree with you.  She could be animated and excited when she talked about her interest in family history, genealogy, and ‘who was related to who’.  The joke amongst those who knew her well was that Marjorie was related to everybody.  If you gave her a few minutes of your time, she would try to find a family connection.

 

"Although Marjorie was plagued by a few ailments towards the end of her career, she still spoke about traveling and taking time to do just what she wanted to do.  I can only hope that she was able to do some of the things she wanted to do during her brief time away from us.

 

"Marjorie’s last anniversary pin was more than a year overdue because Marjorie had requested to be placed on the list to have her pin presented by the Mayor.   After the long delay, the pin was sent out to the unit and I presented it to Marjorie.  Marjorie was disappointed but she graciously accepted the pin and talked about her years with JPL.  The fact that the photograph with Mayor Brown in Wal-Mart was taken the week of her retirement could be considered coincidental, fate, weird, kismet or it could exemplify Marjorie’s determination to clear her bucket list.  Whatever it was, I am glad Marjorie got to experience that moment of joy during what turned out to be her final days on earth."

 

A lovely lady, Marjorie Gibbons, will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Services for Marjorie Gibbons:

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 11:00 a.m.
Trumpet in Zion Fellowship
6007 Seaboard Ave at 110^th St.

Viewing:

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
A.B. Coleman Mortuary
5660 Moncrief Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 768-0507

From 10 Library Associates In 2004 To 42 in 2014

Julie P. McNeil , Assistant Director for Public Services, announced today, " This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Library Associate position.  This position was created in 2004 and the following people were hired in August and November of that year as some of our first Library Associates:  Curt Beadell, Gloria Buenavista, Mina Figuerrez, Brenda Javier, Josh Jubinsky, Linda Smith, Gail Blumberg, Marie Myers, Jessica Serrano and Tony Williams.

"We currently have 42 Library Associates working throughout the system in a variety of roles, from youth services to adult services to support services, and we’re thankful for their contribution to our JPL team!"

1st & 2nd Recipients of SST Owly

Congratulations to E-Specialist Randy Mapanoo the first recipient of an SST Owly. The Owly, given to SST staff from SST staff, is given to someone who deserves an extra pat on the back or someone who deserves special recognition.  Randy was selected because he “always goes the extra mile in supporting the e-volunteers assigned to his branches. He is likewise enthusiastic in working with the rest of the team in making a number of programs successful…Additionally, Randy has also been instrumental with the smooth transition of new computer classes in Spanish at UPK and PCR. He has assisted some of our customers from these classes in one-on-one appointments with translation help from our new part-time staff (Flory) who has also benefited with Randy’s informal mentoring.  ..... The second Owly was given to Cynthia Byrd.  Cynthia was nominated because she “has stepped up and taken over the duties of the Staff Association. Getting those registrations filled out and collecting the money is a great example of 'stepping up and helping out'.” Congratulations Cynthia!

 Thanks to Gretchen Mitchell, Assistant Director for SST, for apprising us about Owly, who purches nicely on the first recipient, Randy Mapanoo.

4th Quarter Award Winners

Library Assistant Cranston Burney won the Model the Way Award and is the Employee of the 4th Quarter.  Cranston works at the Main Library and he is the unofficial staff photographer for library events. On September 20^th, when a donor presented the children’s department at Main with a check, Cranston was the only photographer on hand to capture the event. Cranston also participates in producing the annual Black History calendar by selecting, editing, and digitizing the photographs with the committee. Cranston also reacts well in a crisis. Just one amongst many examples of his Knight in Shining Armor feats: Recently the power was off on the 2^nd floor and he helped with the breakers and everything was working before the building opened.

Library Associate Alison Pulley works at the Mandarin Branch. Alison Pulley also won a Model the Way Award. She was promoted to Library Associate in the Children’s Department. With no experience in children’s services it was a struggle at first. Alison stepped up and took charge of the department. She started having weekly meetings with children’s staff and she asked for their support and help. She organized a Kick Off party for Summer Reading Program, which was a big success with over 200 customers in attendance this year. Alison and her staff have not missed a program, outreach, open house, SAC meeting or community event since December 2013.

Susan Mankowski, Early Childhood Specialist, calls the Main Library "home".  Susan won the Encourage the Heart Award.  When the Children’s department realized they were short staffed due to staff changes, they were scrambling trying to make sure that work and programs could continue. She volunteered of her own accord to help out. This support was unexpected but greatly appreciated. It is one thing to empathize but quite another to step in and help solve the problem.

Library Assistant Kathy Lynch won the Inspired a Shared Vision Award.  Kathy maintains the community “candy jar” in SST. Anyone can take a piece of candy in exchange for a donation. The donated funds are given to various charity drives throughout the year. She oversees the collection and delivery of donated items and money for various charities.

Region Manager Marshelle Berry identified the need to revitalize JPL’s Staff Association and she won the Challenge the Process Award for her hard work on this project. Marshelle contacted other libraries with staff associations and patterned her plan after best practices that she found in a number of other public libraries.  She challenged staff to join the team and share their ideas. The new association will have by-laws, dues, regular events, service projects, elections and a number of other new features.

Deputy Director Carolyn Williams (left) and Library Board Chair Erin Vance Skinner(right), as you see, congratulated all of the 4th Quarter Award winners and presented them with their certificates at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, November 13, 2014.  AND ALL OF US ADD OUR CONGRATS AND HURRAHS!

UPK Tested Positive For Morale Boosting; Booster Shots As Needed

UPK Manager Theresa Rooney reviewed the following submission by Library Clerk Rosalin Smalls and said, "This is an experiment and can be tweaked as needed.  These ideas were processed through Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives." 

                         UPK Is Boosting Their Morale

Here at UPK we have always had good morale because we believe in celebrating us.  There have been times when it got kind of crazy, but we have pulled together and made it through.  We have “just because” parties. 

Starting in January 2015, UPK will take “celebrating us” to another level.  We are starting an “Employee of the Month” recognition celebration.  This is not going to be a competition.  Staff can put one of their co-worker's names on a slip of paper and write why he/see feels that person should be the Employee of the Month.  (Ex: he/she helped you while you were at Circ when the line was long, or wore your favorite color and looked really good in it.)  Nothing complicated.

We will pull a name at the beginning of each month.  The winner can choose which “special privilege” he/she would like (ex: in-house luncheon with his/her favorite food; no book drop for a week; or something apprpved by our Manager.)  Winners will also receive an Employee of the Month certificate along with their picture (optional) and profile in the JPL News.  We want all of our people to have a chance, so no one person can win twice in a quarter.  Management cannot participate.  If there is a tie we will ask Theresa Rooney to be the tie breaker.

Nothing Says "Thanks" Like Yellow Roses

Mandarin’s Stacey Van Hoy and Lynne Baldwin helped a customer Get to Yes by helping with her Carnival Cruise Line reservations.  A customer was so pleased with their service that she gave them a dozen yellow roses with the following note attached:  "Thank you, so very much for helping us with our cruise papers.  You are so sweet. Frances Conrad "

You Go, Girls!

Thanks to JB's Therese Welch for sending this in,  "Random House recently held a contest 'Read To Red Carpet', inviting libraries to create a display of movies inspired by books. Their free poster was to be included in the display. The Beaches Branch submitted this picture and was named as one of the 5 winning libraries!  You can view the announcement of winners by clicking on the link: http://randomhouselibrary.com/2014/10/20/lights-camera-oscar-worthy-read-to-red-carpet-displays/

  

Above are staff members Julie Rekow and Terry Welch, who created the display, holding their prize pack.

SE Region Gives Overflowing Thanksgiving Baskets

KR Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Congratulations to everyone in the SE Region (SOM, SE, and KR) for their generous donations for theThanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by Jax Cares.  They went over and beyond the call of duty!!

"The photos here were taken at Mandarin Branch before I picked up the baskets from South Mandarin and San Marco Branches. (Front to back: Eric Cusaac, Sara Peritzman, and Jessicas Jones, appear to be happy with the results.)

"The SE Region Branches donated a total of 6 large (overflowing) laundry baskets and 9 small (overflowing) baskets, plus 4 plastic bags of food that we couldn’t fit in the baskets. Such generosity makes me proud to be a member of the SE Region Branch Libraries.  Congratulations again on a job well done!

"Please thank all the employees who shared and I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!"

Felecia Battle Gets Innovator Award

Felecia Battle, a Highlands Branch Children's Library Assistant, was nominated for an Innovator Award by YS Librarian II Hongying Song, and Branch Manager Ann Fridl granted the award, which Felecia received, November 7, 2014, for creating an eye-catching Thanksgiving display of a turkey that that would draw any young eye to the book display.  No turkey that Felecia! 

 

Janine Stanley Receives 15 Year Pin

Librarian I Janine Stanley and other SST staff celebrate Janine’s 15 years with JPL.  Janine works in SST's ILS and Cataloguing.
She has been at SST three years and the other 12 years she spent in Reference and Periodicals at the old and new Main Library.

Congratulations from all of us, Janine!

Staff Profile - November 2014

Library Assistant Cranston Burney is really a savvy guy, mastering any task or obstacle that comes his way at the Main Library, he has been much appreciated by his supervisors and peers over the years. Never one to "blow the trumpet" before he's on the scene, we thought you would like to know more about this loyal, capable, and very popular employee.

Q: You have been with JPL since 1981, beginning, supposedly, on a temporary basis.  What caused you to stay?
A: I enjoyed the work and the people I worked with and for--the overwhelming majority of the time, and pretty much in that order. Best temporary job I ever had.

Q: How did you become involved in the transition to the computer technology component of library service?

A: JPL created a position in the late ‘90s that was pretty much what we’d call an E-Specialist today. The position was scrapped for budgetary reasons but the digitization initiative was gearing up and I was steered in that direction. Been hooked ever since.

Q: What are some of the most unusual tasks and people you have encountered?
A: There’s the guy who thinks that all the people on the computers in the Grand Reading Room are generating “head electrical energy” that interferes with his thought processes. He wanted us to report it to the government to “save the women and children.” I remember thinking, “Right, ‘cause it’s obviously too late for you.” One time I was asked to cover up a wire in the old Main building with decorative rocks. Never knew what the wire did. Cleaning up after people “who should know better” (used diapers, fried chicken, and stuff too gross to mention).
 

Q: What do you like best and least about your job?

 A: The best thing is that one customer (and it’s often just one) who says we did a good job. The worst thing is saying goodbye to coworkers. And answering really dumb questions. I know they say the only dumb question is the one not asked, but whoever said that didn’t work in the Call Center.

Q: What are your favorite things to do when you are not working at JPL?

A:Reading (duh!), music (have a reasonably large CD collection), movies, *beer and occasionally I take pictures.

__________________
*The strikeout is purposeful and Cranston requested it to be printed as is.

A Day In The Life Of A Recruit

Stacey N. Humphrey, P/T Administrative Assistant in Community Relations and Marketing, responded to our request for stories of JPL veterans' memories, and her participation is appreciated. She also sent along this quote from Pres. Ronald Reagan (1983):  "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference to this world. The Marines don't have that problem."

 

"September 8, 1991, Parris Island, SC and I stood on yellow footprints thinking about my new life while this man in what seemed to be a dark green toilet bowl seat hat, yelled, screamed, sweating, Marine put me in my place.  'Oh my word, did he just spit on me?'
I thought.  All I could think was 'Man, he’s so handsome with that chiseled jawline and tight belt around that fit torso.'  But what I didn’t realize was that I was laughing and smiling while I was thinking it!  That Marine drill instructor yelled so loud at me it scared the smile, smirk, grin, and joy off of my face in that same instant.  'Welcome to Parris Island. Your name is now recruit, and your parents don’t exist; only my drill instructors who will train you to be a lean, mean, fighting machine!!'  Unfortunately, I continued to get in trouble for the next three months for laughing and smiling. 

"November 8, 2014, is the United States Marine Corps' 239th birthday and I am proud to have served with the best and finest.  OoRah and Semper Fidelis!!!" 

United Way Giving Closes November 17, 2014

If you give to United Way, please return your completed donation form to your branch or department UW rep by November 17, 2014, so they can get all their area's forms checked and totaled and turned in to Sara Gunter on November 18. (Remember: payroll deductions don't start until the first pay period in 2015.)

 

United Way donors can put your name on the slip of paper attached to your form, fold it once, and return it with your donation for a drawing to win two club seat tickets to the December 7, 2014 Jaguars vs. Texans game!  (Sara Gunter won the tickets and is offering them in a drawing to be held November 24 or 25 and the JPL/UW donor/winner will be contacted immediately to pick up the tickets.)

WHY GIVE TO UW? Three areas are the focus of UW's  2014 Campaign:  Education, Income, and Health. We know the literacy rate in Duval County is high (Per CAL, 128,000 adults read at the most basic reading level, which is 5th grade, right now.)  UW supports Success By 6 and ReadingPals in learning efforts to prevent another generation perpetuating this tragic figure. Early education is supremely important to all of us.

United Way's RealSense initiative works to strengthen families' financial stability by teaching them how to stay out of debt and fiscally secure. Additionally, many of you probably had your taxes prepared using UW RealSense free tax prep service.

UW connects people of all ages to resources they need for long-term physical and mental health.  Full Service Schools help students and families to overcome non-academic barriers to succeed by providing free mental and behavioral therapy.  Elder Care Advocates work with health care systems throughout this community to ease the transition from hospital to home for senior citizens.  Learn more in your UW pamphlet provided with your UW form and ask yourself :

                        Why give to United Way?  Why not.

Halloween at SOM

For Halloween, South Mandarin Branch's Bryan Thomas read The Ghost-Eye Tree by Bill Martin, which, Bryan explained, "is a spooky story about a brother and sister having to pass by a haunted (by an owl) tree at night, and The Monster Show by Charise Mericle Harper, about a monster variety show where we learned that monsters are not all scary; some are quirky and funny."  Pictured are staff members Lily Waller and Sarah Miller. The 'pirate' was reading a joke; there was a joke box that the kids were picking from.

Friends Book Sale Begins November 6, 2014

Here's a quote from the Friends of JPL newsletter just received.  You and your customers can find some real bargains--but then you already know that.

Here’s the complete schedule for the Friends of JPL sale: Thursday, November 6 - 4:00 to 7:00 (FJPL members only sale – 25% discount) (Become a member at the door for $10; good until 12/31/2015) Friday, November 7 - 2:00 to 8:00 Saturday, November 8 (Sat.) 10:00 to 4:00     $10 for a bag of books sales days: Sunday, November 9 - 12:00 to 5:00 Tuesday, November 11 - 10:00 to 4:00 (Veterans Day) Saturday, November 15 - 10:00 to 4:00     Proceeds from the sale benefit our public libraries. It is OK to shop more than once because FJPL volunteers      are constantly restocking the shelves. Our best form of advertising is word of mouth      --you telling folks about our sale.

 

Halloween Linup At Webb

Graham Branch Manager Sharon Kirkes sent this delightful linup of her and her crew.  Pictured L/R: Munchkin (Sara Radovic), Wicked Witch (Sandra Fahy), Flying Monkey Sharon Kirkes), Mayor of Munchkinland (Patricia Turner), Glinda (Martina Fluitt), Cowardly Lion (Alexis Brown), Scarecrow (Dana Curry), Tin Woodsman (Christie Rogers), Dorothy (Noah Thomas) and the Yellow Brick Road.

Tangarine Pumpkins? Yep.

Johnnie Mitchell (pictured left with kids) and other Dallas Graham Branch Library staff celebrated Halloween by treating customers to Michael Jackson’s song, “Thriller”, and a zombie dance. Just before closing, October 31, Manager Jackie Spiritas made an announcement that customers were in for a treat and what better way to set the mood for the evening than with a spooky dance. The chilling music that filled the library, as staff backed up the famous musical icon, was drowned out by staff cheers. One seasoned customer got in on the act and began her own zombie groove alongside Manager Jackie Spiritas, Library Assistant Tyhedra Wilson, Library Clerk Joshua Wise, and the Security Guard. Prior to the festivities, children were invited by Peggy Crawford, Tyhedra,  Joshua and Johnnie to draw Jack-O-Lantern faces on tangerines as a craft and they were very proud of their edible and original “pumpkin” treats. All in all – a very festive Friday at the Graham Branch Library.

Monster Mash Brings Out Kids' Best

       Has the mummy come to claim the Eyyptian princess?


                        The pumpkins never looked better.

                         Everybody loves a winning ghost.

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sends her congratulations to staff members Alison, David and Frances for a successful Monster Mash program, October 29.  She also recognizes and thanks Robert and Eric for judging the costume contest and Patty, Sara, Jessica and for serving refreshments. Jessica and Sara also took some fabulous photos.

Halloween AT SE

Southeast had a Halloween parade and staff and children enjoyed a mutual admiration event with their costumes.  Staff oohed and ahhed and passed out goodies.

Jiu-Jitsu Program at Main, 11/22/14

L/R are Professor Juan Mott, leader of the ChokeFight Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Academy, and Sean Wallace, Circulation staff member at the Main Library.  Both will be in a program demonstrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Main Library's Zimmerman Overlook, 3:00-4:00 p.m., November 22, 2014.  Invite customers and y'all come!