JPL Staff News: Staff Profile

Thursday, March 05, 2015

Staff Profile - March 2015

Aubrey Winship reports to Eric Lawrence, Assistant Director of Facilities Management and Planning. Soft spoken and amicable, Aubrey is a no fanfare person who is as tenacious as a dog with a bone; she does not give up until she gets the input needed to get a workable plan to resolve the challenge of the moment.

Q: What are your responsibilities as Executive Assistant l, Library Services in Facilities?

A: Executive Assistant I, Library Services is a fancy way of saying that I am the Facilities Manager. In that role I am responsible for the day to day physical issues concerning library buildings and furniture. I also help with budgeting, capital improvement projects, general maintenance, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). My job is essentially to serve as the one stop shop for facilities questions or concerns. I'll either answer the question, fix the problem, or know who to go to who can.

Q: You are relatively new to JPL; what particularly attracted you to this position?

A: I have always had a love of libraries and books. Combine that with my degree in building construction from Georgia Tech and this position was a wonderful fit. I get to daily be involved with two of my favorite things: reading and construction.

Q: What do you find most challenging in your work for Facilities?

A: I would say that the transition from private industry into the public sector was a significant change that came with a steep learning curve. I am sure that many people can understand how much more paperwork seems to be required for every step in the process with the city! I came from a world where I found the issue and I fixed the issue. I didn’t have to explain anything until after I had the resolution in hand.

Q: What past experience has helped you enjoy the success you have had in Facilities?

A: Past experience has taught me to be patient and calm. Nothing ever gets solved by getting worked up over an issue. I’ve always heard that your facilities department is doing their job best when you never have to think about them. While things will always happen - you never know when someone will steal, say, the flush valve off a toilet in the children’s section (this really happened at CW!), the facilities department strives to handle all issues quickly and efficiently.

Q: Who is your favorite author and why?

A: I’m not sure I have a favorite author (though JK Rowling would probably take the prize if you twisted my arm enough) but I certainly have a type of book that I love best. I like easy, happy reads. The world is a harsh enough place so I don’t need my books to be as well. Now within that: my interests vary from Harry Potter to Tina Fey’s Bossypants or from Stephanie Plum to Pride and Prejudice. If it’s a quick read that keeps my attention or can make me smile, I will probably love it.

Aubrey is pictured with her boyfriend, Roshan.

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THREE STAFF HONORED AT CW

In December, Deputy Director Julie McNeil presented service pins to Kristi Dorney (middle in pic) for 20 years at JPL; Cassy Manning (left) for five service years; and Helena Davenport for five years serving JPL. Kristi received a congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry, and Cassy and Helena each received a letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers. Cassy, Kristi, and Helena also enjoyed a socially-distanced party given in their honor. All of us send our thanks, too, for your years with the library.

MR. MOSELEY: CONGRATS ON 20 YEARS & A JOB WELL DONE!

DON'T NEED TO BE A DUMMY; JUST READ BOOKS FOR DUMMIES

PT shelver with help from Teen Associate Beverly Mason created a “I thought you said Mummy…No I said Book for Dummies” display to transition to fall/Halloween and highlight DU’s For Dummies series of books on a variety of topics. DU Manager Eric Soriano added, “There’s also a new ‘Interactive chess display’ by Librarian Benjamin Smith. Books and DVDs are available for checkout while customers enjoy actually playing the game. Ben is also planning to offer possible chess classes.”

LIGHT BULB GOES OFF IN CREATIVE DECKER'S HEAD

YS Asociate Decker Cavosie hosted EB’s first “Minute to Win It,” April 9, 2019, where 15 teens competed in various challenges under a 60 second time limit. Participants discussed strategies and difficulties throughout the program and exhibited creative problem-solving to gain advantages. Each month at the end of the program, the teen with the most points writes their name on the “Minute to Win It Undisputed Championship” belt Decker made. The belt will be displayed until the following month when the reigning champion will defend their title.

HAIL, HAIL THE GANG'S ALL HERE FOR MELODIE BRUNSON'S 5 YEAR CELEBRATION!

January 17, 2019, Deputy Director Julie McNeil presented Melodie Brunson with Director Tim Rogers' congratulatory letter for her five years of service and her service pin. Melodie also enjoyed a big cheer from West Branch's staff pictured here. Back row: Jessica Carpenter (clerk), Eve Harm (YS Librarian 1), Shannon Buchanan (clerk), Larry Singer (volunteer), John Jessee (Assistant Branch Manager), & Manager Kathleen Brunner. Front row: Latisha Woolbright (clerk), Julie Horton (YS Library Assistant), & Melodie Brunson (YS PT Associate.)

THANKS, MANDY ELLIOTT, FOR 5 GOOD YEARS OF SERVICE

JANICE ADAMS CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS W/JPL

Library Associate Janice Adams received her 5 year service pin from Webb Region Manager Lynne Baldwin, January 31, 2018, along with a letter from Library Director Tim Rogers thanking and commending Janice for her service to JPL, the City and the community. Staff at Webb surprised Janice with not one but two cakes, a card, a bouquet of flowers and a gift card. Branch Manager Kathy Tekin joined Lynne to say, "Congratulations to you, Janice, for 5+ years of outstanding service to the Jacksonville community."

STUDY BUDDY SHARED BY 3 IN MAIN TEEN DEPT.

A Thank You From Denise Thomas

To the JPL Family: I wish to thank each and every one of you for your caring responses during my time of need. For those who were not aware, time was needed for surgery and recovery from breast cancer. I want you to know that all donated leave, words of encouragement, random acts of kindness and those beautiful smiles are appreciated.

I am a breast cancer survivor as a result of God’s Grace and an early detection of the cancer. May I suggest that each of you, if you have not already done so, take time to schedule health screenings of any kind knowing that these can be lifesaving methods for you.

To God be the glory for the things he has done. I am now free of cancer and want to say again that I appreciate what you did for me. Not knowing who my time donors were, I am not able to give individual hugs; collectively to the JPL Family I say THANK YOU a million times over.

Denise Thomas, JPL’s Center for Adult Learning at Main.

MARILYN JORDAN SENDS THANKS TO STAFF WHO DONATED TIME FOR HER RECENTLY

SANTA AND KIDS AT MAIN

Main's Children’s departmemt had a jolly great time with Old Saint Nick this year. We handed out jingle bells, read a sleigh ride picture book and, of course, sang the Jingle Bells song. Next, resident elf, Carisia Rooney, took over and kept the line smiling as they waited to verify that indeed, Santa’s whiskers were real and so was his tummy! Afterward, Jonathan Sandbach held a bell-decorating class (complete with glitter) so the kids could take some of the holiday fun home with them.

MATTHEW TAYLOR, LIBRARIAN I, WITH MAIN LIBRARY 15 YEARS

DENISE THOMAS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS WITH JPL

Denise is a Literacy Program Specialist in the Center for Adult Learning, located on the Conference level of the Main Library. She has done so much good for the community beside all the wonderful things she does for children in her position with JPL. Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop (far left) gave Denise a congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and her 15 year service pin. Denise is 2nd from left, then CAL Manager Katie Devanny, & Tammy Owens. We join with them in congratulating you, Denise.