Oh, To Be A Child Again

Beverly Mason, Library Associate at Highlands Branch said, "We only had five in storytime this morning, but it was awesome.  I used the 'Winter Traveling Tales' and we read Oh, by Kevin Henkes and 10 on a Sled, by Kim Norman.

 After we finished reading our stories and singing our songs, we had a snowball fight and did the 'Writing in the Snow' art activity.  Two children were writing letters and numbers.  One was exploring the feeling and taste of frosting." (Now we know why you like these programs.)

How To Make Florida Snowflakes

As we began the holiday break the kids enjoyed creating their own snowflake (since Florida hasn’t seen snow since 1989) holiday cards and placemats. Mrs. Antoinette Walker helped them color and create a placemat to complement their holiday dinner while Mrs. McTeer created snow, I mean snowflakes. (Thanks, Kim McTeer at Westbrook, for the blurb).

To Jump Start Your HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From an 8-year old recently

 Dear library,

Thank you….For all the books you have to share with us, and the computers so we can find the books we want.  And most of all the kindness you have for us!

Sheraton

One of your library Friends

Happy Kids At WBK

There were 23 kids jumping for joy to have the Balloon program at Westbrook Branch Library again this year. They twisted a New Year’s Eve hat to bring in the New Year. Not sure who did the most popping, the kids or the adults. Mrs. Brunson is always fun to have around and sure knows how to draw a crowd.  (Thanks to  Kimberly McTeer at WBK for the blurb and picture.) 

EB's Winter Activities Are Popular

Sharon Whitt reports, "Brown Eastside’s Winter Activities are a hit with the kids.  Karen Lewis, EB’s Library Assistant (below), hosted the Candy Cane Craft program with 45 in attendance. The kids had fun listening to carols, making their own candy cane sleighs and, of course, eating candy. Our own Library Clerk, Michelle Dubois, attended the program with her daughter (above).

"There were also 25 in attendance at the Let It Snow Puppet Show hosted by Eve Harm (below, standing, left). The kids had fun watching the show and making their own snowflakes. Each held their snowflake up to make it seem like it was snowing."
 

Love Those Smiles!

Season Greetings and Happy New Year from the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library.

Kudos From Customers

Main – Children’s Dept.: Today I called in with a problem. I needed to know how to download the e-book onto my computer and do a search for a book in particular. I have never done this before and had quite a few questions and steps to go through. I got Marie (Myers) on the line from the Main Library and she took the time and was very courteous and patiently and professionally helped me to solve my problems. Job well done to you, Marie, and those who hired you. You shine in what you do!

Main – Conference Center:  We can't thank Will Daniels enough for all of his wisdom, talents, experience and classy Ideas during the planning of our wedding! Will patiently answered all of our crazy questions with nothing but expert responses and then backed them up by making sure nothing went wrong during the entire evening! He also made my 8 year old niece and 80 year old aunt feel as if they were the only ones in the room and equally comfortable. HE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING! Thanks for making my wedding day as beautiful as the library itself. I still can't believe how amazing it looked for both the ceremony and reception. Thanks to Will Daniels, my family 'as a whole' has been treated to a great event in the Downtown Area no less!

Murray Hill Branch:  …She's great. I've never heard her be rude or down talk anyone. Talks in the same tone all the time. Margaret (Esposito) is her name. …

Pablo Creek Branch: Beverly Brown is "Employee of Month“ for exceeding her duties!

South Mandarin: Ms. (Margo) Crafton's sweet spirit and her genuine love for children. 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.

Plus one special one for Christmas, addressed at Mandarin Branch with a picture of Santa, but I think this would apply to all:  "Dear library: Thank you….For all the books you have to share with us, and the computers so we can find the books we want. And most of all the kindness you have for us!"

Even If You Haven't Got A Dime To Give

Most everyone would probably agree that Gratitudue and (good) Attitude are about the best gifts we can give each other--and ourselves.

KR Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Mandarin Branch Library was the site of an Art Show celebrating  the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center Art Program and artists during the month of November.  Library Clerk Sara Peretzman coordinated the event as well as the reception that the branch hosted for faculty, students and parents on Wednesday, November 19.  Fifty-seven people attended the reception including School Board Member Ashley Smith Juarez.  Sara is pictured holding a large thank you card created and signed by the Alden Road artists.  Sara is also pictured with School Member Smith Juarez and Library Clerk Jessica Jones.

Drum Roll, Please, for Susan & Antoinette

Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor, proudly reports, "Susan Williamson received an anniversary pin for 10 years of service with the City of Jacksonville.  Susan began her career with JPL in October 2004.  Pictured with Susan is Antoinette Walker, Library Assistant at Westbrook Branch.  Both ladies received an Innovator Award for two projects they initiated at the branch. Using Traveling Tales, Susan provides pop-up story times for young customers at the branch.  Antoinette sponsored a Customer Appreciation Day where, on a frosty morning, more than 20 customers received a cup, a candy cane and a packet of hot chocolate.  Kudos to both ladies for their service and their thoughtful ideas that add value and support the goals of Outstanding Customer Service and Educational Success ."

All Things Bright And Beautiful

Beautiful Happy Hanukkah Greeting at Mandarin Branch - Mandarin Library Clerk Sara Peretzman created a Hanukkah Wall to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

  

And Lynne Baldwin loaned her Nutcracker collection to add to the joy at Mandarin:

Very Merry At Southeast Branch

Wow!

Would you believe Southeast likes the Season?

They must; they sport TWO beautiful renditions of THE tree.

How The World Celebrates

Part of the “Winter Happenings” at NS was “Celebrations Around The World" and billed as a fun, educational, and tasty program to teach youth how other cultures and countries celebrate. The children learned some history, geography, fun facts, played games and sampled food.  Requests were made to the JPL family asking for volunteers to represent various countries and cultures.  Everyone eagerly agreed.

Lilia Simonton (M) and Emma Pancho (M), dressed in traditional clothing, represented the Philippines.   They presented a slide show and later taught the children to play Sipa, kicking bundled rubber bands, and Tinikling, a dance with Bamboo poles.  Eva Newton, Urban Core Teen Librarian, represented Iceland.  She presented the folklore of the mischievous Yule Lads.   Jackie Spiritas (GB) represented Israel and the Jewish traditions. She lit a Menorah and later taught the children to play the dreidel game. Angela Richman (SOM) represented the Hispanic cultures of Colombia, Mexico and Spain. She brought a full display board as well as treats for tasting and other items and icons. Everyone smiled when she told of the custom of fresh yellow underwear to bring in the New Year and her daughter, Amy, ran around rolling an empty suitcase to represent greeting a new year full of travel.  Presenter Nancy Quinones of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represented Puerto Rico.  Besides leading the children in an impromptu percussion band, she brought coconut treats as well.

 

The Friends of Brentwood Library prepared and served two tables full of fruit and tasty treats with an international flair.  There were approximately 70 participants and everyone learned something and enjoyed it.  Betty Williams, Library Associate, Sr. at Brentwood Branch, who contributed this articles, says, "Thank you Family!"

CAL Shares Christmas Story

  Merry Christmas from the Center for Adult Learning and Learn to Read!  The staff of CAL and LTR decorated the Christmas tree in CAL with a theme of The Learning Tree.  The decorations (all handmade) were designed to include all areas of studies, i.e.: Math, ESL, and ABE.   Books were wrapped as gifts and placed under the tree.  A family of four stopped by and asked if they could get closer to the tree.  As they walked closer to the tree one of the kids asked his parents why there was writing on the decorations. The father said to the child, “I’m sure it’s related to the books under the tree because books are given as Christmas gifts.”  Denise was manning the desk and took the opportunity to provide the family with information concerning CAL and Learn to Read and what the decorations represented.   The parents thanked Denise, and the response from the kids was “COOL”. So, as you plan for your days off at Christmas don’t forget to READ!

Cookie Mouse Shares His Cookies

Graham hosted a Cookie Mouse Storytime on December 17. There were 15 children and adults in attendance and they were amazed that they could meet the famous mouse “in person”. Each got some chocolate chip cookies as a treat to add to the Cookie Mouse experience.

Some wanted their picture taken with the famous mouse – others chose to be polite observers. GB Manger Jackie Spiritas would like to thank the mystery staff person that agreed to take on the role as Cookie Mouse. You know who you are….!

Navy Band Performs At KR

Lynne Baldwin, KR Manager, reports "The Navy Band Southeast’s Brass Quintet, Windward Brass, performed holiday music on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 pm in the Community Room at the Mandarin Branch Library.  Council Member Matt Schellenberg(left) introduced the members of the Quintet before an audience of over 91 community members and library supporters.  Veterans and active duty personnel in the audience were recognized by CM Schellenberg. 

 

"Big thanks to Sara Peretzman, Eric Cusaac, Stacey Van Hoy, Don Carpenter, David Foster Robert Moseley and Jessica Jones,who coordinated the event, and Frances Wickes and Diane Lewis who organized the refreshments including the Navy cake. Great job!"

 

We appreciate the Navy Band; they perform often at the Main Library in the Music at Main series.  If you have not attended the performances, try it--you'll like it.

Happy Holidays from Support Services!

Main Circ Lites Up

L/R: Cynthia Simmons, Erin Tuzuner (behind desk), Theresa Bascom, Gabriel Quintas, Sean Wallace (behind desk), Dana Denson (behind desk), Corey Scott (also with tree), and Willysa Jones, who took time to share these photos with you, and all the Main Circulation team wish you the very best this Christmas.

Main Library Abounds With Decorative Cheer

We thank Cindy Johnson, JPL's Community Relations Specialist, who was thoughtful and took some photos around Main and wanted to share them with Y O U: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/sets/72157649782795015/

Sorry we don't have any pictures of the 3rd floor Board Room or the reception area, but you can be assured the Grinch did not stop here and Admin is cheery and bright.

Merry Christmas!

NS Knows How To Have A Jolly Christmas

The children who usually attend Story time for young Children at NS love “Miss Margaret” and the songs that Peggy Crawford, Youth Services Librarian III for the Urban Core, sings with them.  Last Friday they had a special guest story teller (Rev. Bernard Wright), and from the looks on their faces, the kids were enthralled. After Santa read stories and took pictures with the children, each child was able to choose a gift bag and a small treat bag of candy and a “cutie”.

 

The Brentwood Friends Group  purchased items and created gift bags.  They also sponsored Santa.  FOBL founder, Sharon Coon and two celebrity “elves” (Ken Jefferson, candidate for Sheriff and Representative Reginald “Reggie” Fullwood of the Florida House) gave out the gifts. The Brentwood staff provided snacks. Thirty-nine children received gift bags and 15 additional bags were sent back to the preschool for those children that were in those classes and were not able to come.

  
A huge THANK YOU to Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr., Brentwood Branch, for this inspiring article, and to all the NS staff, Peggy Crawford, and the NS Friends for giving and making so many people happy .

GB Makes It Easy To Find Job Listings

Joshua Wise received his Innovator Award certificate and button December 22 with Pat Morrison and other Graham staff in attendance.

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Library Clerk Joshua Wise, pictured above, created a 'Career Corner' Bulletin Board for the customers at Graham Branch Library. He had the idea to provide an area to promote current job listings posted from CareerSource FL, Library events flyers, and a pocket with JPL brochures related to Economic Success. The board is a very eye-catching and organized resource for job seekers in the area. Manager Jackie Spiritas, who also shared the news, says it is a creative use of bulletin board space devoted to one of JPL's highest service priorities."  'Way to go, Joshua! 

Talented Margaret Fishback's Latest Pursuit

Margaret Fishback did all of the copy setting, cover design and photography for her boyfriend's book, Flag 9, by A.G. Rives, which was recently published. (It is available on Amazon etc. for download and had a limited print run.) Below is is a Times-Union review of Mr. Rives' book with a picture of the cover Margaret photographed/created: 
  http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/literature/2014-12-11/story/book-review-flag-9-ag-rives 

 Mr. Rives is writing part 2 of this series now and it will be out in a few months.  He asked Margaret to do the design/photography on that book as well.

A Cup Of Thanks For WBK Customers

Antoinette has been seeking a way to show customers how much their business and patronage to the Westbrook Library really means.  The staff at Westbrook frequently receive a “thank you” or a treat from the customers—whether it is a smile and a personal greeting or a bag full of oranges.  Antoinette decided she would share back by declaring last Tuesday “Customer Appreciation Day”.  Antoinette prepared more than 20 cups with a packet of hot chocolate and a peppermint stick and distributed them to customers on a first come, first served basis.  Antoinette reported the customers were pleasantly surprised and grateful. 

 While we are public servants and we provide a service to our customers everyday, it is a nice surprise for them anytime they receive more than they expected.  (Thanks to Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor, for the article.)

Your Friends of JPL Membership Supports Those Who Support Us

Margaret Smith, Treasurer for the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, is asking JPL to remind its employees of the many benefits of being one of its members and we want to encourage you to become a member, if you have not done so. Friends of JPL memberships expire after a year and maybe you just need to renew. The cost is $5/year and you get a 25% discount on purchases all year!

The Friends of JPL do a lot more than annually supplying JPL employees with cookies during National Library Week. One benefit JPL has enjoyed for years (Margaret was instrumental in getting this for JPL years before she retired) is the REFRESHMENT FUND. (While we're on this subject, don't spend your own money for storytime treats, etc., and don't forget to turn in your Refreshment Fund receipts so you can be reimbursed by the Friends.)

Just this past year the Friends of JPL have paid for the replacement of JPL's Florida Times-Union micro films; computers for JPL's e-classrooms and for e-classrooms at Main, NW and DU; Library Aware EBSCO Database; Early Childhood Learning Center; Children's books system wide and E-Books bought for use by the system; Equipment for Media/Tech Lab; I-pad Mini for Customer checkouts at the Urban Core; several adult programs throughout the year; awards for R&R awardees; several on-line webinars and in person classes for staff at JPL; tote bags for volunteer staff; and CAL Virtual Seats for GED Testing. When State Aid did not come through for CAL, the Friends did. ALL OF THIS TOTALS: $180, 348!

Where would we be without the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library? And where would we be without your support of the Friends? 

Tis The Season To Be Jolly

South Mandarin Branch Manager Keli Likins sent in these photos. The front door display was done by volunteer Gayle Lafser.  The beautiful tree was donated by the Friends of SOM.

(Centered pics do not always display as centered; hiccup courtesy of the blog program.)

Staff Profile - December 2014

Few of us will look so glamorous at retirement after 34 years as Mrs. Carolyn Shehee Williams--known to JPL as Deputy Director of Public Services--as this picture attests.   Seen here at NS' guitar concert last July, she was delighted to present ten young students with certificates for completing a six week guitar workshop. (Honoring others has a special place in this special person's life.)  That's the p.r. side; behind the scenes, Deputy Director Williams has, among her many tasks, revamped library hours and grappled with reassignments, transfers, etc., etc., associated with all the budget cuts JPL has endured in recent years. 

Deputy Director Williams has officiated at honoring many others' milestones and accomplishments through the years, as you have read about for years on this blog, but she is not one to say much about herself.  When asked to give a word to all of us who have been privileged to know her, work with or for her, this is what our esteemed Deputy Director Carolyn Shehee Williams had to say:

"To the JPL family:  It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as an employee of the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Public Library for thirty-four years.  Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to work with the best.  Your dedication and commitment to public service is deserving of applause and high praise.  Be proud of what you do every day.  You are truly appreciated."

We'll hear much more about Deputy Director Carolyn Willliams' many accomplishments at her retirement party, January 16, 2015, at the Main Library, MP-1.  (Exact time will be announced soon.)

Oh, Yes!

Marshelle J. Berry submitted this beautiful picture with an explanation for the happy occasion, "During a Bradham Brooks staff meeting, Gloria Buenavista was presented with the Get to Yes Jaguar because of her excellent service to both customers and staff."

It Doesn't Pay To Be A Turkey

 Gloria Buenavista. NW Library Associate Sr., reports, "We  had a 'Play with Your Food' program before Thanksgiving, attended by 14 teens and tweens.
We made turkeys made out of candies and cookies. And yes, after the program, they ate their turkeys.” (From the look on this turkey's face, he is wary of his future.)

Adopt An Angel/Fill A Stocking

Givers are all around us.  I recently turned in the last of United Way donations to Jamie Brooks at Public Works and commented on the Angel packages in her office brought in by their staff.  She said she volunteered last year to work in disseminating the gifts at the Salvation Army, and next to her was a lady whom she stopped to talk to for a minute.  The lady worked part-time at a local business and when they shared why they were interested in donating their time, the lady said her own children were recipients of some of these gifts.  She could not pay all her bills but rather than sit home and worry, she wanted to give what she had: time. 

 

I see people giving who really don't have a lot themselves, and I know their gifts of time, toys, money and love are really what keeps things ticking.  What a pleasure to give what you can to brighten others' lives.  I don't know if it does as much for the recipients as it does for the givers.

   

Thanks to Kim Keen, JPL's Adopt An Angel coordinator, Jamie Brooks at Public Works, and all the angels all over JPL and other city departments who decided to give what they have. 

Make Someone Happy

Thanks comes in many forms as the staff at Brentwood Branch Library found when they received a large bag of fresh okra from customer Lucy Banks as a token of appreciation.  Customer satisfaction doesn’t always come in the form of a note or a comment on Counting Opinions—sometimes it is expressed the old fashioned way.  (These ladies look like they see gumbo in their future. Pictured L/R: Gloria Armstrong, Aquilla Stewart and Betty Williams.) Thanks to Pat Morrison, Supervisor, Urban Library Centers, for the good news. 

Never Thought About That

Westbrook Customer Gives Thanks

Pat Morrison, ULC Library Supervisor, shares a special customer kudo with us, "Mr. James Johns has been a customer at WBK for many years. He regularly stops by the branch to read the daily newspaper and to check out materials.  On November 26, Mr. Johns brought two large bags of navel oranges, handpicked from his trees, and presented them to the staff.  He thanked them for the great service they give and wished them Happy Holidays.  This is not the first time Mr. Johns has shown his appreciation, but it is the first time he agreed to be captured on film.  Susan Williamson noted that the oranges are really aromatic, sweet and juicy. Pictured are Mr. Johns, Antoinette Walker and Susan.  I hope they save a few oranges for Kim McTeer and Rekia Johnson who started giving thanks early."

 

Hope all of your cornucopias were filled with family, friends, good food, and thanks for all of our many, many blessings.