JPL Staff News: Staff Profile

Friday, November 04, 2016

Staff Profile - November 2016

Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel is one who goes much more than the "extra mile" for customers, as you have read recently on this blog, should you not know him personally. Trying to get him to elaborate on his accomplishments at JPL was a task--he just isn't a self-promoter.

Q: You have been with JPL a long time; could you give us an overview of your professional progress?

A: I started with JPL in 1999 at Northwest Library which is now known as the Bradham Brooks Library. Since then I have had the great pleasure of working in many different locations where I have met some wonderful people. My time at NW was short lived as I moved to the newly renovated Regency Library in the fall of 1999 where I first met Carolyn Williams (former deputy director) who was then AR's manager. While at Regency I had the opportunity to take a test and was promoted to the position of what was called Librarian Senior at the time and I moved to the Beaches Library in 2001. This was a great experience and I was even the acting manager for a while when Susan Shami, the manager, was out on maternity leave. My next stop took me to Southeast Library where I stayed for several years. This was fun because I was there before the branch was renovated and I was one of a few who remained there working while the branch was closed for expansion and renovations. Shortly after this, I was transferred to Murray Hill as manager. Next came Main where I worked in the Periodicals department under Julie McNeil, I also had the chance to work in the Popular Department as well. I was then asked by Carolyn Williams (who was promoted to deputy director) to return to Southeast as manager, which was something I really enjoyed. In 2015 I was relocated to Mandarin where I am currently the manager.

Q: As KR manager, what has been your greatest challenge?

A: One of the biggest challenges for me now is keeping up with all the demands of being a manager. You have to accept change and keep going; so I just take it one day at a time and give it 100%.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

A: My great accomplishment is being able to work with so many great people while also helping people at the same time. I am very proud of the work I have done in my years working here.

Q: What changes have been made at KR that have produced a positive effect for customers and/or staff?

A: I have been able to make Mandarin Library a very nice, attractive, pleasant place for all to enjoy.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A: When I am not working I enjoy travelling to different places. I especially enjoy art museums and historical sites. One item on my bucket list is to visit every state at least once. One highlight was visiting Wyoming this year. I am well on my way but still have quite a few adventures to look forward to.

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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.