New Idea Helps NS Customers

Pat Morrisson and Betty Williams are proud of Part-time Clerk David Stevenson.  David received an Innovator Award for his work with the DVD’s at the Brentwood Branch, January 27.  Betty said, "After noticing that customers often preferred to look on the pre-shelving cart for DVD’s to check out, David decided to “merchandise” them along the top shelf.  Many customers look there first.  He is always trying to think of solutions to challenges.  Great work, David! "

JB's International Day Program A Success

JB Branch Manager Tamera Branam, brags on Padma Subramanian's latest program, Saturday, January 24th,  "In the past Padma created a program called Experience India to share her culture and country with customers. It occurred to her that it would be an interesting program to expand and include other countries, and she suggested having an International Culture Day program.  Padma contacted volunteers to represent other countries, and let them share their culture, customs, food, and history. USA, Japan, Italy,  England, Africa and India were represented.   Each country held a mini talk, craft, demonstration or dance native to their country.   The local Boy Scout troop began the program with an American flag ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance, and our National Anthem was performed on piano by Eli Miles.  Food samples were also given out. This program was a resounding success, thanks to Padma’s hard work and vision--290 attended!

Thanks to Terry Welch for the timeline:  "During the day, each country was highlighted:

• Native American Bookmark Craft by Library Associate Gail Blumberg and her teen volunteers (USA)
• Pasta Making Demonstration by Flavia Bowling (Italy)
• Indian Dancing by members of the Indian Cultural Society and Tamil Manram of Jacksonville (India)
• Origami Demonstration by Elsie Oishi (Japan)
• Video and Discussion by Richard Crook (UK)
• Talk by Deloris Hicks (Africa)"

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NOTE: Please see pictures on the right ("gadget") side of the blog.  We still cannot get pictures to post on this left side and the blog owner has not addressed the problem yet.

JPL Staff Association Kick Off Held 1/25/15

JPL Region Manager, Marshelle J. Berry, reports, "The Staff Association Kick-off social at Latitude 360, Sunday, January 25, 2015, went well.  There were extra game cards so attendees (especially the kids) played an abundance of games.   There were lots of cake and prizes.  COMING SOON:  The election of officers!"

2015 Retiree Reunion At SE, 2-4, 2/20/15

Elsie Oishi, former JPL Senior Librarian announces, "The 2015 reunion of JPL retirees and former long-time staff will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015, at the Southeast Regional Branch Library from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

"This will be a time to chat with old friends from the library system in an informal atmosphere.  Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by Friday, February 13, 2015, to Carole Schwartz Moore (dorieblu@gmail.com,  or phone 234-4533), or Elsie Oishi (ejoishi@aol.com, phone 249-6025).

"At the 2014 JPL Reunion "Tea" there were 50 former library colleagues in attendance, and it was great to see everyone there. This year we look forward to add to this number with those who could not make it last year in addition to the newly retired during the past year.  Hope to see you there!"

CW Hosted Kids Who Made A Winter Wonderland

The children from the Cedar Hills Elementary Cathedral Arts program made the children’s department at Webb Wesconnett a little brighter this holiday season.  A multidisciplinary project was created by children in the after school arts program. Children in the program read the story “Night City” by Monica Wellington and talked about city planning. They used inspiration from the book and their own experiences to create their own recycled city featuring pet motels, hotels, rest homes and houses. While they were creating, they also incorporated their math knowledge by creating arrays to display multiplication knowledge. To populate the city, the children created figures inspired by Guatemalan worry dolls. For the backdrop of their city, the children created a painting inspired by the whirls and swirls of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic painting, Starry Night. (NOTE: please see gadget side for picture since blogger server will not save pics on this side at present.)

The city shows a lot of attention to detail and dedication. Visitors to the department were very impressed to see the hard work of the children.

Also enhancing the department in December were some recycled paper Christmas trees. The trees were folded by the children’s staff and then decorated by children throughout the month.
 

Clarice the Reading Reindeer (a delightful stuffed reindeer) spent time at the Children’s Desk at CW, encouraging children to read. Kids were very excited to see her in the department. We were sad to see Clarice leave after the holidays but she'll be back next year--and maybe a replacement friend will be found to keep the children’s staff company.

Thanks to Michelle Petrin for the article.

They’re Here: Black History Month Calendars

The 2015 Jacksonville Black History Calendar was presented January 15) in an evening program at Main Library.  More than 200 people braved the inclement weather to witness the unveiling.  Ms. Gubbin brought greetings and board member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins presided.  Special thanks to the JPLers who helped either in the production  of the calendar or helped manage crowd control and distribution on the day of the event – Cranston Burney; Arthur Finley; Denise Thomas, CAL; Theresa Bascom, Main-Circulation; Evelyn Rockwood, Main-Non-Fiction; and Melony Kerr, Special Collections. 

Calendars should arrive at the branches by the end of this week or early next week. Thank you, Arthur and Cranston, for packing and labeling the shipment.  The same rules of distribution apply – your supply of calendars should last through the end of February.  Use your discretion for requests greater than five or ten copies.  Contact Arthur, Cranston, or Pat if you need more.  We will do what we can while supplies last.  Feel free to redistribute within your region.

 

The calendars will be available at area Burger King restaurants by February 1^st.  

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PLEASE NOTE: Presently the blogger server to transfer pictures to this side of the blog is not working.  Pics will post on the gadget side and a pic of the calendar is there.

JB Is Winner of Random House Prize Pak

Terry Walsh brags a bit, "The Beaches Branch was a lucky winner of a Random House prize pack in honor of Jane Austin’s birthday!  We are currently plotting  our own contest for a patron to win the prize pack. "

Kudos From Customers - January 2015

Main Library – Reference:  I commend Ed (Lein) in the Reference Desk Department for helping me today with a very difficult problem with my overdrive on Kindle audio books while simultaneously taking care of customers in a wait line. This was extremely important to me inasmuch as with so many appointments coming up, I would not be unable to visit the library for a very long time. Thanks again, to Ed.

Brentwood Branch: Better than any other JPL I've been to. The staffs (Betty Williams, Gloria Armstrong, Aquilla Stewart, Eva Newton, David Stevenson and Margaret Miles) were excellent. I called ahead and even by phone they were professional and pleasant.  Thank you.

SST - E-Specialists:  John Carter was very helpful. I like having him at all locations my library.   Enthusiastic teacher (Donna Peretzman) & class is free & accessible.

Murray Hill Branch: Mr. (Douglas) Fair was very helpful. He helped with reference, etc.

South Mandarin Branch:  I have been attending Spanish Computer classes for over a year. Luis Terron, Angela Richmond and Chris Quijano (volunteer) are great instructors. They are always ready to help us. I like my teachers very much and will never forget these very useful lessons. Gracias!

Tricia Larrabee wins SST's Owly Award

Gretchen Mitchell, Assistant Director for Support Services, announces, "Tricia Larrabee is  the most recent winner of SST’s Owly award.    Tricia received this honor because 'she’s always offering to go that extra mile to help when it’s needed.   She stepped in …. and offered to take on the supply order.'"

UPK Aims For High Morale

Rosalin Smalls shares the latest morale booster at UPK, naming an Employee of the Month.

"The Employee of the Month is our newest acknowledgment of each other’s worth.  The employee can choose a special perk, such as a luncheon with their favorite food, a week without Drops, and a choice of some other perks with the branch manager’s approval.

"UPK's David Humphries is their first recipient of Employee of the Month.  After first serving as a volunteer, David has now been on UPK's clerical staff six years and is working on a bachelor's degree at FSCJ in bio medical science. He plans to pursue employment in a medical research or forensics laboratory.

"We hope to have a poster board with a picture and bio to display so customers can appreciate our special staff. We also keep morale up with 'just because' luncheons when everyone brings something and we just enjoy each other’s company."
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NOTE: A picture of Mr. Humpries will be posted when the blogger server reconnects.

Donna Thomas Retires After 15 1/2 Years

Donna Thomas, is retiring as Youth Services Librarian II in the Main Teen Department and sends us a farewell note:

So long and thanks for all the books.  Libraries have been important to me ever since I can remember.  When I was in 5^th grade we moved next door to the Carnegie Library in Superior, Wisconsin.  It was cool in the summer, warm in the winter and when it was closed we used the two story building as a play structure.  I waited every year for the new Guinness Book of World Records and the World Almanac to come in. 

When I was in college, I would have sought library work, but thought “Oh, I couldn’t compete; everyone wants to work in the library.” I ended up going for a teaching degree. 

After 20 years of teaching, it was time to move on and I stumbled on the newly minted distance MLIS at FSU.  I wasn’t aiming to be a librarian; I just really wanted to take all of the classes – Organization of Information!  History of Reading in Everyday Life!  Assessing Information Needs!  Once I had the Master’s Degree, it was time to look for a job.  JPL was interviewing at the school and I decided it would be a good idea to go practice my interviewing skills.  I sat down with Jean Brinkman and had the best interview ever, because I was just doing it for practice.
 
I began my career with JPL at Regency and Carolyn Williams was the first person I met.  My first task was arranging chairs in the conference room.  A little over two years later, I moved on to a Senior Librarian position at Mandarin, then Murray Hill (three blocks from my house) and them to a Supervisor’s position at Highlands.  During the great shuffle of 2012, I was assigned to Main Teen, and my last two years have been a huge amount of fun.

After fifteen and a half years, it’s time to move on. I have mixed feelings about leaving.  The job is still fun, and I am really enjoying the people I work with, but better to leave on a high note.  My husband and I are planning a move to New Mexico, where there are mountains and cacti and new adventures.

EB, GB, WBK, & NS Score BIG Wins

Patricia A. Morrison, Supervisor for the ULC proudly reports, "The four Urban Library Centers received HIGH MARKS on the recent audits conducted by Nailya Harnisch of JPL Finance department and Donna Crowther.  Brentwood branch and Dallas Graham branch received a whopping 100% for their well-maintained records and safe content.  Westbrook branch and Brown Eastside branch received a magnificent 99% but lost a point for one teeny weeny omission.  Congratulations to the staff at the four Urban Library Centers.  You ROCK!"

And from all of us to all of you at Eastside, Graham, Westbrook and Brentwood branchs: Everyone at JPL applauds you.

Who's Behind Those Harry Potters?

 JB's Terry Walsh says, "We sent an invitation to Muggles and Wizards and they came!  On Saturday January 3^rd, more than 130 people attended JB’s inaugural Yule Ball For All.  Many were in costume!  The Harry Potter themed event included a
Sorting Hat where Wizards were assigned their school, a wand making table manned by Cheryl Callavini from PCR, and numerous photo ops created by the talented Julie Rekow, JB Teen Librarian. The festivities ended with an appearance by magician Barry Hinnant.  Once again, a good time was had by all. (Pictured is the staff in their Harry Potter themed attire and Terry Welsch's grandson, Landon.  Additional pictures can be viewed on the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Facebook page." Here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/fobbl

WST's New Year's Eve Party

Melodie Brunson, Part-time Associate, Youth Services at WST reports, "Celebrating New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world was the theme of our New Year’s Eve Party on December 31^st at West Regional Library.  Rebekah Mitchell, our Youth Services Librarian III, found a countdown clock for Moscow that counted down the time for us as the fun ensued! 
 
 "In Switzerland, New Year’s Eve is celebrated by dropping ice cream on the floor (????)  Instead, we made ice cream snowmen-YUM!  In Denmark, people jump off the backs of chairs to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Not in our library.  We played musical chairs instead and the child left standing got a treat.  In Belgium, citizens are so fond of their livestock, they wish them Happy New Year’s.  Our own Jonathan Sandbach dressed as a cow and if the children wished him Happy New Year’s, he gave them a treat!  He said he felt like Santa Claus and the children didn’t seem to be scared of him at all--which, when you see his outfit, is truly amazing.  Among ourselves, we joked that this is why you avoid GMO’s!  We ended by counting down the seconds on the Moscow Countdown Clock, then tossed confetti and drank sparkling grape juice as we rang in the New Year, albeit on Moscow time!"

 

 

Special Guest Rabbi Lief Reads to KR Kids

Rabbi Joshua B. Lief of the Congregation Ahavath Chesed Temple was the special guest reader at the Stories for Young Children program at the Mandarin Branch Library at 10:15 and 11:00 am, January 8.  Rabbi Lief entertained the audience of more than 50 young children and their parents with stories and songs that promote early literacy.    

 

KR Manager Baldwin & Ms. Pulley Make Presentation to Library Board

The Mandarin Branch Library hosted the monthly meeting of the Board of Library Trustees on Thursday, January 8.  It was really special to have SE Region Clerical Supervisor Deborah Wainwright and SE Region Librarian III for Youth Services Anita Haller attend the meeting to show their support during the presentation to the Board by Library Associate Alison Pulley and Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin. 
 
Pictured are Anita Haller, Deborah Wainwright, Stacey Van Hoy and Sara Peretzman.

Staff Profile - January 2015

Amber Crystal Holley has some positive methods that she applies to everyday life and her career.  So far, these SOP's (standard operating procedures) in her career and elsewhere seem to be working well for her and she has some principles we could all adopt.

Q: What responsibilities do you have as the new Youth Services Manager?

A: As the Manager for Youth Services I have the privilege to act as the head of the Youth Services Leadership Team, which includes the eight YS Librarian IIIs, as well as our Early Childhood Specialist, Susan Mankowski. We all work to ensure that all 21 of our locations are offering library services that support the educational success of our youth. I also coordinate system wide initiatives that support this goal, including offering professional development and coordinating programming around the system.

I’m also looking forward to refocusing our youth services programming to encourage the educational success of our youth. Youth programs that focus on educational success were noted as one of JPL’s strategic goals because our youth are falling behind in all academic areas. We, as a public institution, are uniquely placed to not only support academic initiatives, but to help provide a model for life-long learning and an enjoyment of the pursuit of knowledge. We are not just the “keepers of books” and I’m excited by all the opportunities available to youth services staff to explore what the library can mean for the youth of today and adults of tomorrow.

Q: Starting with JPL in 2004, you managed AYL, then served as CW Region’s Senior Youth Services Librarian and later moved into the position of Librarian III in the Youth Services Department with Laura Minnich. Your experience in these areas will no doubt promulgate some innovative ideas for JPL’s Youth Services. Would you share some of the plans you have for YS?

A: I’ve moved around JPL even more than that! Sometimes I like to joke that if I’ve gotten too settled wherever I am, it must be time to move! But it has been an awesome experience. I think I’ve really gotten a feel for the different neighborhoods that JPL serves and all of our many and varied customers. It has really taught me a higher level of flexibility and given me an understanding that each library, although part of a larger organization, has individual needs to serve its local population.

Since I’ve been in a lot of different areas of the JPL system I’ve seen a lot of duplication of efforts and areas where Youth Services staff could be helping each other. We should be sharing ideas, information, and supplies more than we do currently, so I will be looking for ways to improve this sharing whenever possible.

Q: Did you have a career prior to coming to JPL, and if so, how does that experience contribute to your current position as Youth Services Manager?

 A: My career prior to JPL was Professional College Student. I jumped directly from my undergrad experience at New College of Florida to graduate school at USF to my first job as a librarian at the Beaches Branch of JPL.  But I can tell you that my part-time jobs during those years were formative. For a while, I cold called people across the United States to ask them about their media habits. I quickly learned how to make a personal connection rapidly over the phone with people from all walks of life. I also learned to let go of the bad conversations and enjoy the good ones when they came along. My times at the Post Office taught me to be an efficient cog in the wheel and gave me a love of audiobooks. My time as a librarian for the youth prison system gave me an exposure to a certain group of children and my first good library customer stories.
 

Q: You have excellent organizational skills—does that come natural to you, or is it a skill you developed in your career, and why do you consider it to be essential to success?

 
A: I have always been fairly organized because I like to get things done. If I can be organized about whatever it is that I am doing, it gets done quickly, neatly and with a minimum of fuss. And if I’m organized, I can get more done.

My favorite part about being organized is that it allows me to avoid thinking about what I have to do next because I have that all written down. Instead, I can spend more time thinking about better ways to do things and new things to try.

Also, since I’m organized, I’ve learned that I can do some pretty big and pretty amazing things. All I need to do is outline my plan and figure out the small, achievable steps. Then I set a bunch of mini-deadlines and before I know it, I’m done.

 
I can’t say that the ability to be organized is something that I was born with. It’s something that I work at and I’m constantly improving upon and trying new tricks.
 

Q: What would you say was the happiest day in your life?

A: I’ve had some happy days, but honestly I try to live my life happy. Life is a journey and if you can’t enjoy the ride, what’s the point? A few years ago I watched this really amazing TED talk by Shawn Achor. He talks about why happy people are happy and gives some simple ways that everyone can make their daily lives happier. So I do things and arrange what I can of my life to make myself happier. Did you know that happier people are about 30% more efficient and productive?

 http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work/transcript?language=en

Happy New Year From KR's Children's Staff

Happy New Year 2015 from the Children’s Department at the Mandarin Branch Library!   The display board was designed by Mandarin’s very own design team of Frances & Alison.  Pictured are David Foster, Anita Haller, Alison Pulley and Frances Wickes.