Thankful Is Theme For Turn It Up At PCR

              Mandy Elliott (L) and Kim Bennett served as puppeteers.

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas brags, "Pablo Creek Library hosted a Gratitude-themed Turn it Up Thursday, November 17 with several simultaneous programs and community partners including Goodwill and Sweet by Holly. The event continues to draw interest; PCR was pleased to see 150 customers of all ages enjoying a variety of events.

"The afternoon began with puppet shows where the children learned about the Little Red Hen, as well as the Country Mouse and Town Mouse. The puppets reminded the children to be thankful for family, home, friends and food. Library Associate Mandy Elliott and Children’s Associate Kimberly Bennett entertained the children with their creative props and interpretation of the stories.

"Next up was an inspirational and interactive program from Tracy 'Dot Com' Collins with Goodwill Industries. She 'emceed' the event parading five adorable models down the length of the Fiction aisles and prompting customers to guess the total cost for the outfits. Tracy reported on the Goodwill Facebook page that all six outfits (including hers) cost a total of $81.32. The winner received a $25 gift card to Goodwill which goes a long way – and helps many individuals in need gain the help they need. Tracy is an ardent supporter of the library and wrote about Turn it Up in her weekly Times Union column about what there is to do in Jacksonville.

"Big stars of the evening included The Teen Advisory Board, which held an Open Mic Night in the middle of the library with 15 Teens from Douglas Anderson and other local drama groups participating. I reported that the Teens were poised and confident, reading excerpts from original works and dramatic monologues from known classics. It was one of the best examples of how Turn It Up benefits the community. The Teens were able to practice their skills, the customers were entertained, and the Teen Advisory Board showed leadership skills organizing and running the event.  I also reported that Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott has worked very hard to launch the club and it is becoming a strong addition to Pablo Creek's programming offerings."

"There were crafts, Library Bowling, Giant Jenga, and free cupcakes from Sweet by Holly. Library Clerk Hunter Alley demonstrated the Transparent Language online database by showing customers they could say “Thank You” in hundreds of different languages. Customers decorated the large Turkey with Post-it-Notes expressing what they are grateful for. Library Associates Nikki Denton and Kimberly Bennett created the large bird which provided a colorful backdrop all week and helped build momentum and interest for the event.

"The staff at Pablo Creek is so critical to the success of the event. Jackie Spiritas reports that on that day staff hosted DCPS Field Trips, 3 Puppet Shows, and a Teen Open Mike Night all while keeping three departments running with regular library service. It is incredible the amount of energy and creativity they bring to their jobs every day."