Legislative Day In Tallahassee

January 28 was one of the most important days in JPL's annual agenda: Legislative Day in Tallahassee.  Pictured below are members of the Board of Library Trustees and JPL's administrative team who visited Florida State senators and representatives to encourage support for State Aid to libraries before the legislators vote on these funds.

Below L/R: Trustees Charlie Kleeman and Sybil Ansbacher, State Rep. Lake Ray and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop:

Above L/R: Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, State Rep. Janet Adkins, Trustees Sybil Ansbacher and Charlie Kleeman. 

Below L/R: Chair of the Library Board Erin Skinner, Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott, Trustee Jackie Perry, State Rep. Reggie Fullwood and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop :

Above L/R: Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott, Trustee Jackie Perry, State Rep. Charles McBurney, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Trustees Charlie Kleeman and Sybil Ansbacher.

The decision on State Library Aid for fiscal year 2018 will be made during the Florida Legislature's current session, January - March 2016. The State Aid to Libraries grant program assists local governments in maintaining and improving free library services for all Florida residents. 

Many thanks to the Library Board Chair Erin Skinner, Trustees Jackie Perry, Sybil Ansbacher and Charlie Kleeman, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott for their hard work on this crucial project.

Big "Get To Yes" At CW

Kathy Tekin, CW's Branch Manager, said, "The Webb Wesconnett team of Josh Jubinsky, Sara Radovic, Sandra Fahy and Nicole Williams covered the DCPS class visit from TImucuan Elementary, January 27.  Their quick thinking and ‘Getting to Yes’  during the power outage caused by JEA before the class visit was outstanding. Their outside the box thinking included: First, photocopying the students' ID’s as a way to make checkout of books possible and easy to process when the computers were back up and running.  Second, they made sure students received a story time.  They used the cover over our entryway as the location. To get started, they had the students get off the bus and join them at the entryway and notified JEA to restore the power, which occurred shortly after 10 a.m.  Because of their 'can do' attitude, the students received a story time, a tour, and a selection time. 

"Additionally, this team kept the students, chaperons, and teachers safe while we were without power and the branch was dark-- and showed how ‘Getting to Yes’ is truly possible."

100 Days

The Mandarin Branch children’s department celebrated the 100^th day of school with 100 Grand candy bars, January 27. The children were given an activity sheet that asked the question “If I had $100…I would buy___.” We had some interesting responses! Frances Wickes, a recent Innovator Award recipient, was on hand to assist with the Early Dismissal program. 

Virtual Cake

SOM's Library Associate Christie Rogers reports, "Angela Richman’s Bilingual Story Time, January 26, had as its theme chocolate cake because January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day. Angela had 18 participants. By the time this picture was taken, some had left or declined to be in the picture. Angela shared cake stories and everyone sang. But no real chocolate cake--just a pic of one on the screen."  

(Despite the fact there was no REAL chocolate cake to be had, there are some smiles, so that story time MUST be good!) 

Tripping The Light Fantastic At JB

Terry Welch (front in pic at left) said, "The January read for the Flamingo Book Club at JB was Carrying Albert Home, by Homer Hickam. Members were treated to a Skype visit with the author, who explained his inspiration and answered questions.  One of our members (and a member of the Friends of the Beaches Public Library), Virginia Maxted, pictured below, dressed as Elsie Hickam a main character.  We had a delightful time." (Great pics, Terry.)

JPL Represented At Hemming's 150 Year Celebration

Tia Samuels, Christa Snow, Laura Minnich and Benjamin Smith represented the library at Hemming Park’s 150^th Anniversary celebration Saturday, January 23, 2016. They weathered near freezing temperatures to share information about library programs and services. The event was scheduled for 11 am - 3 pm but was halted at 12:30 pm due to the cold.  

Benjamin and Laura

No, Christa Snow didn't have a bad hair day; she just used the opportunity to dig out her cold weather gear.

PCR Manager Spiritas Keeps JPL "Out There"

Jackie Spiritas talks libraries as she mingles with the business community at the Jacksonville Chamber Beaches Division "coffee on the coast" event recently.  She is pictured center-back, just behind the gentleman with blue shirt/tie.

2016 Jacksonville Black History Calendar Unveiling

Some two hundred residents attended the 27^th Annual Jacksonville Black History Calendar Unveiling on January 21 at the Main Library.

                Library Director Barbara Gubbin (2nd from right) and others hail the unveiling.

The 2016 theme, Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories, highlights American Beach to the north, Hemming Park in downtown, Fort Mose to the south and other spaces significant to Florida and African American history.

This year's dedication of the calendar honors Mr. Ernest J. Vickers, a former general manager of a Burger King for 20 years.   Due to his diligence, Mr. Vickers was later offered an opportunity to own a Burger King franchise and became the first African American to do so.  Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Vickers is responsible for Burger King Restaurants being the title sponsor for the Jacksonville Black History Calendar since 1997.

                      Mr. Ernest J. Vickers reviews calendar's dedication page honoring him.

The calendar is the creation of Board of Library Trustees member and former chair, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins--who narrated the event--and the late Ms. Clovia Russell of AT&T. JPL staffs Pat Morrison, Arthur Finley, and Cranston Burney are an integral part of the research and support to bring this relevant and popular event to the Main Library for the past ten years.

Beside the title sponsor, Burger King Restaurants, the calendar, is a collaboration with Florida State College at Jacksonville, the James Weldon Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Jacksonville Public Library and WJXT4.

Calendars are planned to be available at all JPL locations by February 1.

Travelogue: ALA Midwinter Conference, Boston, 1/8 – 1/11/16

Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott gives us an interesting recount of his trip to ALA Midwinter Conference, "Jennifer Giltrop, Lynn Jacobson, and I, along with almost 12,000 others, had the opportunity to travel to chilly Boston earlier this month for the annual American Library Association Midwinter Conference. Midwinter is smaller than ALA’s annual conference (which will be in Orlando in June this year, by the way). While Midwinter does have a number of programs and special speakers (Andre Dubus, Chelsea Clinton, Ken Burns, and Cory Booker, to name a few), most people who attend are on committees or have other library business to attend to.

"For example, there is a job placement center, a sort of job fair within the conference, at which we set up shop to talk to potential candidates for jobs at JPL. Among other meetings, Jennifer met with a deputy directors group she co-chairs and Lynn is on a committee responsible for planning programs for the annual conference. I had an all-day meeting on Monday of a task force charged with developing tools to help public libraries measure outcomes, and I had the opportunity to participate in a panel that did a presentation on the topic on Sunday.

"All three of us happened to attend a 3-hour session together on Saturday called “Change Essentials,” based on the eight principles laid out in a book called Our Iceberg is Melting.

"I had little time for sightseeing, but the weather wasn’t exactly right for walking the Freedom Trail, anyway. Even so, the highlights of my personal experience had nothing to do with the conference, I confess:

      1) Being able to put my scuffed shoes in a plastic bag outside the door of my hotel room before I went to bed and finding them in the same place the next morning, only freshly shined.

       2) Watching the Alabama - Clemson college football national championship Monday night in the hotel room with my wife (nothing to do with Boston, but it was a FANTASTIC game).

       3) Good restaurants! (I had my first ever whole lobster at this wonderful hole-in-the-wall seafood market/restaurant on the harbor four blocks from my hotel – lots of locals, order at the counter, plastic flatware. I strapped on my plastic bib while Siri helped Lisa find instructions on her phone for how to eat a lobster.)"

Kudos From Customers

Graham Branch: I am really happy with the staff...One young employee…Ms. Tyhedra Wilson had a wonderful idea…a Christmas raffle for the kids. If the kids checked out at the self -check machine or used their elementary student i.d. to check out books, they could enter the raffle. There was a weekly prize in December. I thought that was such a good idea...

Highlands Branch: Jeff Geiger was very helpful. He helped me find the author's name and address so I could write a letter of appreciation to the author. Very glad Jeff is on your staff.

Main Library/Special Collections/Genealogy: The fact that you (Catherine Currier) spent time on the phone with me...late on a near-holiday Saturday afternoon when many people would be eager to go home is an example of the ultimate professionalism and love of one's job!...

Pablo Creek Branch: ...Mr. (Greg) Pierce requested a man vacate room 140; the man in question had not signed for the room’s use. Mr. Pierce remained professional and calm the entire time he was speaking to this individual. The man in question was loud, argumentative and his comments were not related to being asked to vacate the room. …Mr. Pierce reflected a positive manner that JPL should be proud to have on their staff.

San Marco Branch: The staff manning the circ desk (Davi Harmon, Selena Mann, Marilyn Maron, Amber Pierce, and Juanita Searls) are professionals and pleasant in dealing with the customers. Thank You!

Get Involved: BOOK IT JAX 5K

Our new JPL Foundation Development Director, Jamie Self, has a heads-up for JPL staff, "Hello, everyone! The Book It Jax 5K is the next fundraising event for the Summer Learning program. We would love to have a crowd of employees at the event representing the Library in style.

"Several JPL employees are already registered, so don’t hesitate! Click here (or type https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-it-jax-5k-registration-18180625741 in your internet browser) to register.

"The Book It Jax 5K will be held on Sunday, January 31, 8:30 AM at the Avenues Mall. You may run or walk the course (it’s 2 laps around the Avenues Mall parking lot). There is also a fun run for children. All participants of either the 5K or the Fun Run get a t-shirt from the event organizers. For complete details on the event, go to http://fun4firstcoastkids.com/Blog/book-it-jax-5k-and-family-fun-run.

"Fun 4 First Coast Kids and the JPL Foundation are partnering with the JPL for this event. Thank you so much for your support and participation! Look forward to seeing you all at the 5K!"

Chris Cavan Retires

 Chris Cavan looks pretty happy at the retirement party given to her by fellow employees, January 13, 2016.  Chris retires as a Librarian III and Branch Manager of Brentwood and Brown Eastside Branches. We wish you well, Chris, in all those fun years and hope once in a while you will stop by and give us a heads-up on how sweet retirement can be. 

Revondolyn Dubois Retires After 35 Years With JPL

Revondolyn DuBois ended her 35+ year tenure with JPL on a high note, January 14, 2016, when she was honored by the Library Board of Trustees at their regular meeting. Board Chair Erin Skinner gratefully acknowledged her many years of faithful service. Additionally, Director Barbara Gubbin presented her with a letter commending her service, a JPL gold card, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Revondolyn tracks her decades at JPL, "I have enjoyed 35 plus years with JPL in a variety of positions and at different branches. For instance, From March 2003 - February 2008, I was an Account Clerk and Account Technician at Old Main (Business Office) and at New Main (Human Resources).

"I started with JPL at the Northside (now Brentwood) Branch in August 1980 as a temporary part-time Clerk, then at Old Main (Art and Music Department) and again at Northside Branch (and was a part-time student); then as a full-time Clerk at Graham and Northside Branches.

"In January 1985, I became a Civil Service Clerk I at Old Main (Technical Services Department). In September 1985 - March 2003, I served as a Library Assistant at Northside Branch, Old Main (Circulation), Webb Wesconnett Branch (Children’s), Mandarin Branch (Circulation), and Highlands Branch (Circulation).

"After my promotion to Library Associate in November 2007,  I worked at Murray Hill and the New Main (Reference) until my retirement, January 8, 2016.

"When I started with JPL, this was just a job, and then it became a career.  As I said in my retirement message, I would like to thank two special people with whom I shared this time: Mrs. Cora Mullen, retired branch manager, for giving me a chance back in 1980 at Northside Branch and my best friend, the late Mr. E. Vaughn Williams, for encouraging me, and stressing the importance of education and family.

"I am most proud of my two daughters, Revondolyn Michelle DuBois and Monica Jocelyn DuBois-Campbell, and my granddaughter, Caleb Lee DuBois-Brinson.  In my 35 year career with JPL, my daughters grew up in the library system and have worked at the library. Michelle is still employed by JPL.

"I have fantastic memories of my years with JPL that I will cherish always.  It has been a pleasure to work with some of the best peoples ever."

Revondolyn, your presence will be sorely missed and we hope you will visit and tell us of your exciting years in retirement.  We all wish you the very best in life.

New Officers for Beaches Branch Friends

The Beaches Branch Friends gathered to discuss business and elect new officers in JB's Community Room, January 12, 2016.  Their new officers are: President: Josh Messinger; Vice President: Barbara Sperbeck; Secretary: Wendy Warner; and Treasurer: Richard Keene. 

Pictured above, left to right: Andrea Patton, Pat Taylor, Premysl Pech, Wendy Warner, Josh Messinger  (Pam Ubl is standing in front of Josh) Barbara Sperbeck, Barbara Davis. Behind Barbara is Ingrid McCauley and on the far right is Marianna Kane.

Another important topic discussed was the landscaping project for JB, and the Beaches Friends are coordinating with JPL and working closely with Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop to get the required City permits and approvals. The improved landscaping will complement the renovations in process at the Beaches Branch.   

It was noted in the meeting that *Mrs. Bonnie Booth, a long-time member of the Beaches Friends and also a former chairman of the Board of Library Trustees, passed away over the holidays.  Members discussed an appropriate tribute to Mrs. Booth. 
_________________________________________________________
Mrs. Booth was a Trustee on the Library Board of Trustees from 1990 –1999, and she  served as Chair of the Library Board of Trustees from 1994 – 1996.

Remembering Mrs. Mary Cardell

                                        Mary and Dick Cardell

Mrs. Mary Cardell, a former JPL librarian, who worked at the old Main Library in the Fine Arts Department,1968-1998, is remembered by fellow employees who knew her as a kind, soft spoken lady who did her job well. 

Here are combined statements from Carole Schwartz and Carol Smith, two of her long-time supervisors, "Mary Cardell was a librarian par excellence with her many years of experience in Fine Arts and Media (FAR) on the 2nd floor of Haydon Burns. She was kind and patient with customers, and a dutiful worker among our team. She and husband, Dick, were loyal patrons of the musical scene in Jacksonville and attended performances of the symphony and other organizations regularly."   

Raymond Neal remembers Mary as a frequent customer of JPL's genealogy department.

Mary's husband, Dick, set Mary's memorial service for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the Arlington Congregational Church, 431 University Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. Mary passed away January 6, 2016.

Mr. Cardell's address, if you would like to send a card to him, is: 1528 Cornell Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207. 

Deputy Director Giltrop Chats With Chelsea Clinton

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop attended midwinter ALA in Boston and had an opportunity to chat with Chelsea Clinton as she signed a copy of her book, It's Your World, Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

Learn more about her book at, http://www.itsyourworld.com/about-the-book/

Staff Profile - January 2016

Repeatedly one hears how librarians and libraries made an indelible impression in people's lives in childhood and actually helped set the course of their adult lives. So it was with Paul Schaffner. "Mr. Paul's Painting Programs" are among the many ways he contributes to the enhancement of children's education and development. And like Paul, others remember the importance of librarians and libraries, such as the kudo for Paul copied below this article.

Q: You have been a Library Associate at Southeast Branch since 2006. When and where did you begin with JPL?

A: I started my library career at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch, January 21, 2003, as a Library Clerk. Then I transferred to Main and from there I moved to South Mandarin Branch, which was preparing to open ten years ago. We all had the task of getting the library open for the public and we prepared materials for checkout. We shelved everything from boxes. Later, I received my Associate’s degree, which enabled me to be promoted to Library Assistant at the Southeast Branch, December 10, 2006. I have done a lot of different tasks at Southeast, including art programs, story times, and school tours.

Q: Why were you interested in working with children?

A: When I was going through school, I utilized the library to help me with my school projects and assignments. The librarians were always there to help me, if I could not find the information I needed. When I would present my homework and projects to my teachers, I felt more confident that the information I had was correct and I got good grades, thanks to those librarians. In my current role, I am able to help the youth of today with their questions and find the materials they need, just as those librarians assisted me years ago.

Q: How does a Library Associate contribute to the development of children?

A: The way I feel I contribute to the development of children is by doing my music and movement storytime and by answering questions at the reference desk. In my storytime, children learn letters of the alphabet as well as numbers. We also work on rhythms and musical beats.

Q: How do you capture children’s respect and attention?

A: I believe I attain the children's respect and attention by answering their questions, helping them find materials, and teaching them our computer system. When a child realizes how the library system works, they feel empowered.

Q: Are there a couple of things that changed your life forever?

A: The most important and best thing that has ever happened to me was meeting and marrying my wife. That has changed my life forever. She is the most caring, helpful, wonderful person I have ever met in my entire life. Another important milestone in my life was completing my college degree. With that degree, I was able to get the promotion to the position of library assistant. 

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Customer's Kudo:  "I wanted to give some positive feedback on a librarian that I have seen from my elementary days to the present time being my high school career…Mr. Paul (Schaffner).  After seeing him at my local library for the past 10 years, I felt it was about time that someone appreciates him. I feel he deserves recognition for the many children he has helped to find books, displaying his tireless dedication. I think he has acted as a 'librarian father figure,' displaying qualities that portray a willingness to help blossom the minds of our future. If anyone is to truly understand how we can have a good future, it would be to first look at the youngsters of today, those who nurture their learning and educational growth, such as our teachers and librarians; they are true heroes. For these reasons, I would like to congratulate Mr. Paul of the Southeast Branch on being a true hero."