NW Finished Teen Hero Academy

NW's Library Associate Gloria Buenavista reports, "These pictures were taken the last day of our Teen Hero Academy series, July 23; The program began June 18 and ran six weeks. We discussed one superhero quality each time: Courage, Creativity, Strength, Intelligence, Generosity and Self-confidence.

"The teens painted shirts and, as you see, modeled them, too.  They had fun taking pictures using the masks and skyline during the program and while modeling their shirts."

 

JB's Flamingo Book Club Hosts Author

The Flamingo Book Club is held at JB and focuses on books set in Florida or written by Florida authors.  Terry Welch said, "For July we discussed Killer Instinct, written by SE Green (Shannon Greenland; she is 4th from left in the first row of those standing).  She attended the meeting and was a delight--and gained many new fans. Her new book is Killer Within. "  Thanks to Terry for the blurb and pic.  Terry is standing next to the author and JB Branch Manager Tamera Branam is on the back row, far right. Others are FBC members.

Sit! Stand! Heel!

KR's Children's Library Associate Alison Pulley said, "Seventeen kids attended the Summer Learning Mini Series program, July 24^th, “How to Train Your Dog to be a Hero”, at the Mandarin Branch Library. Paul Schaffner of Southeast Library organized the program and found a local dog trainer, Karen Soukiasian, who participated in the regional series. Karen brought a four-legged friend named Molly to help demonstrate basic commands. Kids and parents alike enjoyed the program, and Molly made many friends during her visit. All attendees are now prepared to be good pack leaders!"

DU Teens Love Their Art

Highlands teen program, July 21, 2015 was a blatantly colorful and fun event.

DU's Hongying Song, YS Librarian II, said, "There were about 15 participants in the hour long art program.  Felecia and Chanika judged the creations when the artists finished and first prize went to the work of the Superman theme (lower right).  The teens and tweens were creative and produced their own original designs. No one used the templates I had printed out online.  We were intrigued by the teens' creativity and delighted that they had big smiles of satisfaction with their works."

San Marco Branch Programs

San Marco Branch Manager Ann Fridl said, "July 25^th was a busy day at SS.  Landon Middle School teacher,  Monica Knighton (photo below) gave tips to parents on how to read to their children and then read her book, Next Time I Will Obey.  Saturday was also the last day for the Cook a Book program.  The theme was the hero in you and children made their own hero using Rice Krispies for a head and fruit roll ups for a cape."  

Big Hits Come In Small Packages

SOM's Library Associate Christie Rogers says, "Our Safari Soundlab program at the South Mandarin Library, July 23, was a big hit although we entertained a small group of ten.  Parents said that he played well to the children and he knew his audience." (Pictures did not turn out well.)

It's A Zoo Out There!

Sharon Whitt reports on their recent SLP, "The kids really enjoyed their visit with Emily from Zoofari Outreach.   Kids liked the hedgehog, alligator (yep, they petted it), and other creatures. Comic Heroes at EB was also a hit as children were able to enjoy a clay craft and they made comic characters after the program."

Summer Workers' Last Day

EB held a goodbye party for summer worker, Davetra Williams, July 23.  Library Associate Sharon Whitt said, "She has been such a pleasure to work with and eager to learn the operation of day to day activities in the  library.  I asked her what she liked best about her experience working at the Brown Eastside Library.  Her comment, 'Y'all!'  By that she meant Eastside staff has been very welcoming and helpful to her and a great staff to work with."  (Pictured L/R: Davetra Williams, Karen Lewis, Michelle Dubois, and Valerie Govan.)

Main Admin's summer helper, Martin Jones, turns 18, August 15, and he starts college just before that.  Admin and he have a mutual admiration society and we will hear updates from college. Martin was treated to lunch at Cafe Nola on his last day.  

If anyone else has a blurb about your summer student workers, send it in; it will be posted. 

Conversations From Mayport

Lyn Corley’s talk, Conversations from Mayport, July 21, 2015, in the Lounge at the Main Library held the audience's rapt attention. Mrs. Corley is steeped in NE Florida history, and prior to her talk she taped interviews with 15 people who have their heels dug in Mayport sand. Her presentation was an excerpt of a year of securing interviews with people such as Buffy and Janice Strickland  (remember their seafood restaurant?)  She captured on tape the modern Mayport history from its citizens--something that never had been done.  A copy of her Conversations from Mayport is now in Main's Special Collections and the original recording is filed with the Jacksonville Historical Society.   

Mayport brags a big chunk of American history and Mrs. Corley dealt a full hand of details that most history books have not had privy to—a close-up of Mayport’s present day people, laced with old adventurers, such as Jean Ribault. It was an intriguing session. 

The first picture on the left is the Mayport Grammar School. Below that is pictured Donald and Gloria Wilson in front of the Jean Ribault Elementary School.  Mr. Wilson's grandfather was once principal of the school. The school is now used as the Marine Science Center. Last is the Mayport Presbyterian Church. The church underwent a modest addition but retained the main structure intact.  Both the school and the church are over a hundred years old. (Thanks to Mrs. Corley for sharing the pics.)

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Conversations from Mayport is just one of several JPL Summer Adult Programs that Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, has lined up that educate and entertain adults. These programs continue through August 18, culminating with "A Life Intercepted" and "Water from My Heart" presented by The New York Times best-selling author, Charles Martin.  GREAT LINEUP, LISA, AND CR&M!

Notice Of Three Former JPL Staff Who Have Passed Away

JPL Retiree Elsie Oishi (she and a couple of other retirees keep us apprised about retirees) sent an update on former JPL employees who have passed away recently, "I am not sure whether you know about these or not, but thought I would send to you in case not.. Besides Lynette Tanner, Larry Snook's former secretary in the 1970s who passed in March, there are two others that I know of.  They are Virginia Wansley who passed away in February and Sybil Stanton who passed away on July 8, 2015. I saw the Retired Employees Association newlsetter that mentioned Wansley's passing and Flo Clark alerted me to Sybil Stanton's death. Wansley went really far back so probably few people will remember her, but people should remember Sybil Stanton. There was no obit for Sybil, just an announcement."  The Admin office has received no other news about these retirees' passing but, of course, we take a moment to honor them and pray for their families. 

I Knew I Could Do It!

Jackie Spiritas, GB Manager, brags on two young SLP fans' accomplishment, "A young 'architect' and her 'engineer' friend posed for a picture by their creation in the Children’s Department at the Dallas Graham Branch Library."

Kudos From Customers - July 2015

Beaches Branch: I have been to many libraries in my 80 years, and have never met a more friendly staff than at this one. Whether it is placing a book on hold or renewing or checking out I have had a great experience.

Pablo Creek Branch: I was helped professionally, courteously and expeditiously by Greg Pierce and Elizabeth Garnett at the Reference Desk. I had checked in quite a few books at the automated center, but was not credited for a book that was due the 25th. I also was credited for a book that I had not checked out (nor returned). It was a glitch in the automated check-in, but Greg and Elizabeth persisted in searching for the missing book and did find it. I was very appreciative and very relieved.

South Mandarin Branch: Angela Richman was very knowledgeable regarding online services. She was helpful, accommodating and gracious in my native language (Spanish)! 

West Regional: Jason Enoex at WST was very helpful with my needs and went beyond the scope of his job duties.

Cows ARE Appreciated At DU & Staff Are Heros

DU's YS Library Assistant Felecia Battle held Stories for Young Children’s program, July 15 , for a crowd of 45 children and caregivers. Kids enjoyed stories, songs, and a flannel board activity for Cow Appreciation Day, and each child received a cow mask.

Thanks to Captain Felecia Battle, DU's All-Star Squadron (Kristi Dorney, Felecia Battle, Chanika Kimbrough, Farryn James, Tyneshia Matthews, Beverly Mason and Victoria Galman) has been in training during the Summer Learning Program. Felecia says, "We have completed our training mission and now we are all Heroes with a story to tell."

Padma Subramanian Celebrates 15 Years With JPL

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop presented Padma Subramanian, JB Library Assistant, with her 15 year City service pin and a letter of congratulations from Mayor Brown, July 17, 2015.  Region Manager Bob Silkett was on hand for the recognition.

CONGRATS AND THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US AT JPL, PADMA.

Raymond Neal and Michelle Petrin Receive Service Pins

Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, who presented MH Manager Raymond Neal with a 15 year anniversary pin and CW's YS Librarian III Michelle Petrin received her 10 year pin; both are holding their congrats letter from the mayor. The presentation was done at the CW Region leadership team meeting, July 15, 2015, at Panera Bread on Roosevelt Boulevard.

THANK YOU, RAYMOND AND MICHELLE, FOR ALL THOSE YEARS AT JPL.

Robert Moseley Receives 15 Year Pin

Library Assistant Robert Moseley was presented with his 15 year City service pin and a congratulatory letter from *Mayor Brown, July 14, 2015, in a gathering of staff before the library opened.  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop made the presentation and Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil was on hand to congratulate Robert.

Robert has won four Innovator Awards (IA) since the awards were first made in 2012!  He is well known and appreciated for his savvy money handling methods.  Robert's first IA in 2013 was for creating a tip sheet for balancing the audit with the cash report, simplifying the cash handling process (CHP).

In 2014 he won two IA's, first for creating instructions on how to format the audit report, so others could make the report when he was out. The second IA was for reprogramming Mandarin Branch's cash register so the receipts for customers listed the items they paid for--fines, fees, lost books, Pharos printing, guest passes, and JPL bags. Robert also created a manual to instruct other branch staffs in reprogramming their cash registers and now all branches use this method.  Talk about good customer service! In 2015 (at least through June), he has won an IA for creating an online shortcut to make it much easier for staff to locate all the different folders and forms needed to complete the CHP--a real frustration and time saver.  

The second Innovator Award in 2014 won Robert the "Challenge the Process" award and the Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter.
CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE, ROBERT, AND MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP JPL"GET TO YES!"
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*Note: Mr. Moseley completed 15 years of service before Mayor Curry took office, July 1, 2015.

Science And The Art Of Blowing Bubbles

Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Science Superheroes at GB, July 8, had fun learning what happens when you mix different types of soap and water and air together – Bubbles! 

Children learned they can make bubbles of different “strengths”  - some you can even hold in your hand! The chemistry behind the process was so fascinating that some of the kids even figured out how to use their fingers to blow bubbles. Surface tension is exciting and messy stuff!

SST's Yuri Jewitt Wins Owly Award

Assistant Director for Support Services Gretchen Mitchell shares some good news, "Congratulations to Yuri Jewitt as our latest recipient of the SST Owly award.  Yuri was given the award by Justin Keiser. Yuri recently did special keyboarding outreach classes at Chaffee Trail Elementary near WST. She went out of her comfort zone teaching school-aged kids for the first time and realizing only when she got there that the school only uses Mac computers with the keyboard layout slightly different from what she was accustomed. But she handled it really well and had a good learning interaction with the students.

EB Beats Boredom W/Variety For SLP

      Sharon Whitt, Library Associate Lead at Brown Eastside Branch, reports SLP is a hit with the kids. Spider Man spins webs throughout the library so children can get their "spider sense" by being an Eastside Reader.  

The kids asked Sefari Soundlab (1st left) to do the Ne Ne dance after the program, so he did and all the kids joined him in the dance after his last reggae song. 

Mrs. Kate (2nd left) brought her stories to life through songs and puppets, as the children watched and played along in amazement.  

Huggable Melodies (3rd left) encouraged kids to be a Hero when faced with bullying, using stories and music sing-a-longs, and a coloring activity followed the program.

Kate Zakharov from Main Children's fascinated the children with her Cook-A-Book program. Their favorite part of the program?  Interacting with food as it relates to the stories; who wouldda thought!

Richard Mott Promotes JPL's Project Outcome At ALA

Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, gives us a snippit of one of his contributions on behalf of JPL at ALA, "On Saturday, June 27, I participated in a panel that gave an update on the progress of the PLA task force I am a member of, now called 'Project Outcome.' I shared JPL's experience piloting a survey we conducted last September of attendees of CareerSource programs, computer and technology programs, and early literacy storytimes (for the storytimes we surveyed the parents). Over 95% of attendees of all of these JPL programs indicated that they were more confident about the subject matter, more knowledgeable, and planned to use what they had learned. This kind of data helps us move a step beyond simply head counts to begin to demonstrate with quantitative data the impact of these programs on people who attend. Finding ways to demonstrate that impact is what this task force is all about."

More Library History

Julie McNeil, Assistant Director for Public Services, had the joy and honor of seeing her daughter,Kyra McNeil, graduate from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in June. Kyra will be attending UCF in the fall.  Julie says, "She's a true library baby--she was almost born at the Mandarin Library during my 'Chickens and Eggs' story time back in 1997!" 

Tour Of Jessie Ball du Pont Center (Formerly Haydon Burns Library/old Main Library)

About 40 JPL employees and retirees were ushered into the 2nd floor conference center (formerly the old Main Library's puppet theatre) for a talk given by the President of the Jessie Ball du Pont

Foundation, Sherry Magill (our gracious host who invited us for a tour is pictured here).  She detailed how the Haydon Burns Library was transformed into the Jessie Ball du Pont Center.  Mrs. Magill first noticed the vacant library building when she stopped at a red light at the corner of Ocean and Adams streets a few years back, asked the owner for a tour, which was granted, and fell in love with the building.  The rest is history and the new Jessie Ball du Pont Center opened for a media tour, April 16, 2015.

Mrs. Magill shared her memories of how much Taylor Hardwick (Hardwick and Lee were the original architects) cherished the architecture. (Mr. Hardwick fought to keep the building when it was being considered for demolition.)  Mrs. Magill is big on "green" and stated  that element has been considered in every aspect of the building's renovation and build out which is almost complete. "Green" figures into much of the $23 million spent in the refurbishing; amazing when you consider they paid $2 million for the old Main Library. A good bit was spent for Internet and wi-fi wiring.

The building is leased to non-profits and the vision is for the building to be a nonprofit center for northeast Florida.  Little available rental space is left.  United Way of Northeast Florida will move in soon.  Mrs. Magill believes leadership organizations and businesses should be downtown. Board rooms, conference center, 3 kitchens, eight refrigerators and several dishwashers are all shared. Board rooms, learning centers, and even the putting green/garden on the third floor can be rented for private affairs and they have a catering kitchen for such.  Mrs. Magill believes the new Main Library and their Center can partner well where rental space is concerned.

Recycled rain water feeds vegetation around/in the building and solar panels heat water for showers. All LED lighting is used in common areas and offices.  The old boilers and chillers are replaced with the most modern HVAC.  The company that originally sold the old machinery to the city asked Mrs. Magill for the equipment and it is now in their museum.  (Some will remember when you could get a smell of fuel oil through the vents when the heat was on in the winter.)  The elevators are new but use the same shaft installed in 1965.

The third floor where the Director's, Deputy Director's, Administration, board room, staff lounge/kitchen, Tech Services and Cataloging, mail room, call center and the huge office supply room are now the admin offices of the Jessie Ball du Pont Foundation.  Just before their offices is a large glass walled, handsome board room that looks out to the garden/putting green (called the courtyard at old Main). The wide porch that spanned the Director's office down most of the Forsyth Street side still stands and lines the Foundation's executive offices.

The second floor has learning (training) centers, open kitchen, and expansive seating area  (lined down the area called "the bridge" at old Main), the conference center, an open wi-fi center and kitchen, as well as offices. In the old Main Library, the children's department was on the right of the elevator and FAR (Fine Arts and Media) to the left.  (The "bridge"--a large open space--beyond where Children's and FAR were--once hosted a reception held by the JPL Foundation for the then new director, Ken Sivulich. Someone played the seldom used piano and everyone enjoyed the spacious area overlooking the first floor.)

The ground floor boasts a huge reception/seating area, reception desk, and offices.  The two big ceramic tile library front "murals" that faced the elevators on the third floor now adorn the wall leading to offices to the left of the Center.  In "olden days", the circulation desk stood on the right as you entered the turnstile on Ocean Street, the Genealogy and Florida Collection was on the left, and the history collection faced you.  The JPL Foundation once hosted cocktail parties for Night of Literary Feasts attendees there (with proper permission from the city, of course) before groups separated to be wined and dined at different prominent hosts' homes where various famous authors were the main draw.

The basement contains the building's powerhouse, another open kitchen with condiments in open display--paid for by swiping your debit or credit card--the building engineer's office, mail room, and soon to be United Way's 211 center, and a planned A/V production center.  Mrs. Magill explained that if, say, the FTU wants to interview someone, they could skype the interview at this center.  This will be another shared space that any of their nonprofits can use.  Previously, Main Library's Periodicals and Government collections were housed, as well as other books to be sorted.

Well, that's not a complete picture or comparison of old versus new but a good overview.  For more details, please follow this link:  Jessie Ball du Pont Center

Other pictures taken during the tour are on the gadget (right) side of this blog. Many thanks for the pictures shared to Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Resource Development Coordinator Pam McClellan and two thoughtful retirees: Belinda Campbell and Peggy Glasnap.  As everyone did who toured, they oohed and ahhed at the Center's transformation into the 21st century while capturing the nostalgia of old Main.

Director Gubbin Receives ULC Innovation Award For JPL

Library Director Barbara Gubbin (far right facing audience) received one of the Urban Libraries Council Innovation Awards given to JPL at ULC's conference in San Jose just before she and others attended ALA in San Francisco this past week.  JPL won the award in the category of Customer Experience.  Ms. Gubbin said, "Our application was for recognition of a different approach to marketing our online products such as Transparent Language...as part of a 'learn a language' free series at JPL ..."  Ms. Gubbin congratulated everyone on the team for this success, including SST/E-Services, SST/Collections, the Marketing team and everyone in a JPL library where we are holding or promoting classes to learn a language.

In the application to ULC, Ms. Gubbin noted, "The 'learn a language' series sign-ups far exceed our expectations...In September 2014, prior to the new promotional approach, 251 people used the database.  In December, usage more than doubled, with 600 people using it."

Karen Walker, Manager of e-Services and Digital Access, gives these 2015 monthly figures:
January – 513

February – 501

March – 559

April – 396

May – 481

Karen added, "This is an average 80% increase in usage.  We had language learning programs all of these months except February."