Powerful Words For Powerful Display

AYL Library Clerk Terri Basemore created  this display to make it easier for customers to find the graphic novels in the Children’s department.  She also created a display for the Teen graphic novels.  Webb Region Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Argyle is very fortunate to have someone as creative as Terri on their team." 

WWII Navy Vet Couple Embrace Love, Literature & Living Life to the Fullest

CR&M's Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora had an interesting interview with two avid Regency Square Branch customers, May 25, 2017:

"As many of us gathered with friends and family to celebrate Memorial Day in remembrance of the fallen men and women of the armed forces who fought for this country, let us not forget to give thanks and appreciation to those who are still with us.  WWII Navy Veteran Couple, Raymond, 95 and Dorothy McDuff, 94 sat down with me to share their life experiences serving in the military, their love for the Jacksonville Public Library (JPL), and what keeps their relationship so strong after all these years. 

"Raymond enlisted in the Navy at the age of 16, graduated from boot camp in Farragut, Idaho. He then chose the job of Fire Controlman  but later changed career paths to become an instructor. Mr. McDuff served from sea to shore at various duty stations throughout the world, including Australia, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, and Pearl Harbor, Hi in support of WWII operations. A Macon, GA native, Dorothy joined the Navy at 17 years old, and trained in boot camp out of New York as Yeoman (Executive Administrative Assistant), and continued to serve in Oklahoma, completing her enlistment at a Naval hospital in Bethesda, MD.  

"This active couple has been frequent customers of the Regency Square Branch Library for many years, where they regularly take advantage of the resources available to continue their never-ending journey of learning. Mr. McDuff joyfully responds to my question regarding his favorite thing about JPL, 'They have first class service and they all do great job, and so do you ma’am…every time I go to look for an author, I get help right up front…I got no complaints,' Raymond also tells me of memories of simpler times, as a teenager  back in Iowa, where he’s originally from, of walking 1½  miles, each way, going to the library.  'You could get books on Monday, Wednesday and Friday…3 books is all you could get', noted Raymond.  When asked what their favorite book was, without hesitation, Dorothy replied, 'The Bible'...'Oh yes!”' echos Raymond. They both agree that it is the teachings found in this book and love that keeps them connected with one another. 'Love covers all. How can I ask God to forgive me of something, if I haven’t forgiven my fellow man? And all this black/white [referring to racial issues in society] stuff; let me tell you something, there wouldn’t be all these problems if we all just talk it out. You got to talk it out.”  Mr. McDuff adds this Rx pertaining to their secret to living a great life, 'We don’t drink, smoke, complain or argue… I love that woman…it’s a privilege to have this lady and I enjoy taking care of her. She’s very intelligent and has a lot of common sense…. We have a really first class relationship.'  Dorothy concludes, 'There was something about him that drew me to him.' 

"The McDuffs take pleasure in travel, having visited Europe and Canada on multiple trips, living as young and free as their hearts desire.  Their passion for enjoying every day and each other is inspiring to all ages." 

Job Well Done: Kim Bennett

Argyle Branch Manager Kristi Dorney nominated Kim Bennett for a Job Well Done Award because Kim created a 3-D undersea scene for the door window to the Children’s workroom. Kim also designed a woodland theme for the door window to the adult workroom. She has also decorated the Children’s area to be more welcoming.

Police Officer Reads & Talks Safety At HIghlands

Highlands Branch Manager Pat Morrison reports, "Library Assistant Felecia Battle produced a wonderful storytime program for young children at Highlands Regional Library during National Police Week, May 26, 2017. In addition to covering the basic standards, Felecia invited Officer McDaniel of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to read two books to the children.  Officer McDaniel, a talented storyteller, imparted good safety tips via a tour of her service belt/holster and her police cruiser and stressed gun and general safety. The children were also given paper police caps/hats/bands that were made by Felecia. More than 30 children and adults attended the program."  

What a great way to teach children about the importance of safety and the many faceted role of a police officer.

Darlene Nicholson Retires: 33 Years W/City & 10 Years W/JPL

Darlene Nicholson, A P/T Aide in Mark Merritt's Financial Manage-ment department at Main, had good reason to flash this beautiful smile, May 24, 2017. A horde of JPL employees honored her with a luncheon, a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket, and many well wishes. Darlene retires May 25, 2017, and leaves us a brief review of her long tenure with the City and JPL. She said, "I retired from the City's Administration and Finance Department, August 17, 2007, after 33 years of service and started working at JPL on October 27, 2007. My plan was never to work again but I am glad that I had the opportunity to work at JPL. It has been a learning experience. I did not know what it takes to keep the library going and updated. I have had the privilege of working with some great coworkers that I will miss. God bless JPL staff.

"Now, I plan on spending more time with family and traveling and, of course, I plan to read more."

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch:  My experience at the Jacksonville Public Library in the Oakleaf area on Old Middleburg Road was amazing. Abby (Alberlyn Pabustan) is extremely kind and helpful. Thank you so much for having employees like her.

Main – Florida Collection: I would like to commend one of your employees for offering me outstanding and professional assistance…in the Florida Collection.  Mr. (James) Brasfield assisted me with viewing and saving some articles on microfilm. His assistance was invaluable to my research and I couldn't have done it without him. Mr. Brasfield is an asset to your organization.

Pablo Creek Branch: Excellent storytellers (Kim Smith and Chris Tabur), who are so patient and great with all ages! Pre-literacy skills are well defined. ...

San Marco Branch: I would like to comment on Amber  (Pierce) who recently (May 5th) left San Marco branch for a position at the Beaches Branch. I worked for 38 years at new car dealers and 36 years at a private country club, so I am familiar with dealing with the public. Amber was always helpful and courteous to me at the check-out area. I observed her being the same way with other clients. She has excellent people skills and is in general a very nice person. You at the Jax Public Library system are very fortunate to have her in your employ.

Westbrook Branch:  ...I enjoyed visiting the library with my service dog and we were welcomed and made to feel very comfortable and it helped a lot when we needed it. So I just have to say thank you very much.  (Staff: Sean Wallace, Erika Zeigler, Susan Williamson, Chiquita Powell, Akeem Adell, and Veronica Lee)

Mrs. Molly Curry Reads At San Marco Branch

Region Manager Keli Likins reports, "We were pleased to have Mrs. Molly Curry, the Mayor’s wife, as guest reader at a special story time at San Marco Branch, May 10, 2017, in honor of Mother’s Day.  Seventy six attendees, including 35 mothers, came to hear Mrs. Curry read Mama's Day with Little Grey. Later, everyone received a treat compliments of Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and Mrs. Curry was presented a wrist corsage.

JPL Staff Assn. Check Goes For JPL Team Awards

At the Library Leadership Meeting, May 18, 2017, Region Manager Marshelle Berry (R), who headed up the JPL Staff Association, turned over a check for $1,058.15 to Deputy Director Mark Merritt.  The unused funds from the now defunct Staff Association will be deposited in the Carolyn Williams Fund and used for JPL Team Awards. 

Altered Objects & Jax History For Art Walk

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop gets a review of  the time when Jacksonville was called Cowford.

Main's Special Collections department provided customers with interesting historical input during Art Walk, May 3, 2017, with an event celebrating local and community history.  Several local history organizations participated, including Riverside/Avondale Preservation, Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, the Mandarin Museum, the Durkeeville Historical Society (pic below), the Jacksonville Historical Society, Norman Studios, and the Cowford Archaeological Research Society.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and in Special Collections visitors could see and hear testimonies of Holocaust survivors.  

Makerspace captured everyone's attention on the ground floor. The new exhibit, Altered Objects, is not the ordinary and If you are innovative and/or an art connoisseur, it is well worth the trip to Main.  The exhibit will be up until July 23, 2107. 

FTU Columnist Speaks At KR

Mark Woods, a Florida Times-Union columnist who spoke at KR, May 2, 2017, is pictured as he presented “Our National Parks and Mother’s Day”. He shared slides of his year spent visiting national parks around the country along with stories about his mother who passed away before his travels.  He also had his book Lassoing the Sun: a Year in America’s National Parks available for purchase and signing.

Willowbranch's 2nd Comic Con Smashing Success

WB's Librarian II Alison McCarty reports, "Willowbranch Library held its second Comic Con event, May 6, 2017.  As you see, Director Barbara Gubbin joined the costumed participants and others for an exciting day. With local comic artists, tap dancers, cosplayers, and Ghostbusters in attendance, the event was a HULK SMASH!  WB also SMASHED its attendance from last year with over 700 customers attending this year's event. Library staff

offered storytimes, crafts, bingo and other games for children, as well as board and video games and a scavenger hunt for all ages." 

Friends of WB sponsored this year's theme buttons which were given to visitors. WB Friends President Roxanne Henkle was on hand with her steampunk bicycle, Barrymore. She said, "We are happy to have been a part of such an exciting event."

SOM Hosts Art Reception

SOM hosted an art reception for Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center student art May 10, 2017. Talented students are part of the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville TEAM UP after school program.

Pictured are (L/R): Youth Librarian Joanna Nigrelli, Lt. Lakesha Burton, teacher Robert Graver, student artist Leon, teacher Jo Mansell, and other JSO PAL officer representatives.  (Thanks t Joanann Nigrelli for the input.)

JPL Leadership Award Winnrs Honored By Library Board

At the May 11, 2017 Library Board Meeting, these winners of the 2nd quarter of JPL's Leadership Awards were recognized for their accomplishments:

Shawana Brooks, Library Assistant at the Main Library and curator for the JAX Makerspace, was the point person for the exhibit, KESHA: A Black Female Experience of Identify and Race.  This show, exhibited in the Main Library Makerspace Gallery, drew over 1,800 attendees.  For this, she receives the “Inspired a Shared Vision Award.”  She is also JPL’s Employee of the Quarter:

Robin Cumby, Library Assistant at the Argyle Library, thought a clerical manual of all off-desk responsibilities would be of benefit, and she’s already updating and adding sections.  For this, she receives the “Enable Others to Act” award. (Ms. Cumby was not present and Interim Region Manager Kathy Tekin accepted the award for her.)
NOTE: At July 6, 2017, a pic of Kathy Tekin, who is now CW Manager, presenting Robin with her award:

Kimberly Hamilton, Library Assistant at the University Park Library, noted that story times in the children’s department were becoming too crowded and took charge of the new story times in the multipurpose room.  For this, she receives the “Model the Way” award:

Pertoria Kennedy, Library Clerk for Support Services, proposed an alternative procedure for marking new books as new without ripping off labels and risking tearing the book but simply erasing the label and leaving the tape on it.  For this, she receives the “Challenge the Process” award:

Tricia Larrabee, Library Clerical Services Supervisor, developed cash handling procedures for the new Point of Sale system, creating cash reconciliation forms, updates to daily/monthly reports, and procedures to implement the new system. For this, she receives the “Challenge the Process” award:

Danielle Linnen, Library Clerk at the Pablo Creek Library, recognized that the library’s movie programs weren’t getting good attendance and created “Throwback Thursday,” a retro movie day with added activities, special guests, and crafts.  For this, she receives the “Challenge the Process Award:”

Pam McClellan, JPL’s Resource Development Coordinator, searches for grant opportunities to meet the strategic goals of JPL, often thinking outside the box.  As the library’s sole Resource Development coordinator, Pam is responsible for the timely submission of grant applications, including the LSTA, NEA Big Read and AARP Foundation grants.  For this, she receives the “Challenge the Process” award:

Alfreda Whitfield, Library Assistant at the Southeast Library, showed customer service skills with a disgruntled customer who did not want to show her ID.  By the end of it, Alfreda was having a conversation with the customer about Brainfuse and other JPL programs.  For this, she receives the “Get to Yes” award:

Tyhedra Wilson, Library Clerical Services Supervisor at the Highlands Library, took it upon herself to figure out how to combine financial transactions on the new cash management system so it was no longer necessary to run a customer credit card twice.  For this, she receives the “Get to Yes” award:

        
                      CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!

DCPS' Larry Roziers Thanked By Library Board & JPL Director

Assistant Superintendent Larry Roziers (L) has served as the Board of Library Trustees' ex-officio board member from the Duval County Public Schools since mid-2014.  Library Board Chair Ronnie King said, "Mr. Roziers has always been eager and willing to foster communication and cooperation between DCPS and JPL at meetings, projects, and public events, where he himself has often participated. During his time on the Board, all DCPS students received Student Library Accounts, and visits began between DCPS and JPL with students brought to libraries and librarians brought to students."

As a thank-you, Director Barbara Gubbin presented Mr. Roziers with a red rose boutonniere. 

Mother's Day At KR

The day before Mother's Day, May 14, 2017, KR's Children's department celebrated Mother’s Day with a tribute to mothers and caregivers. The children’s area was beautifully decorated and 46 guests enjoyed sweet muffins and orange juice. The children prepared cards and crafts for their moms-all in all a popular, successful event. (Thanks to Isabel Moreno-Santiago, KR Librarian I for the input.) 

JPL Wins 2017 FLA Library of The Year Award

Library Board Chair Ronnie King and Director Barbara Gubbin were on hand in Orlando, FL, to receive the Florida Library Association's Library Of The Year Award, May 10, 2017, and they were accompanied by a special cheering section.   

Below, L/R:  WB's Librarian II Alison McCarty, (front) Bibliographic Systems and Access Manager Lynn Jacobson, Assistant Director for SST Gretchen Mitchell, Library Director Barbara Gubbin, former Library Board Chair and currently Board Trustee Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Highlands Region Manager Marshelle Berry, WB Manager Scott Adams, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, just behind her is E-Library Specialist Luis Terron, E-Library Specialist Donna Peretzman, Main/Urban Region Manager Michael Sullivan,  E-Library Specialist Yuri Jewitt, and PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas.  

Not pictured:  The rest of you, minding the library, who made the 2017 FLA Award possible.  
CONGRATULATIONS, ONE AND ALL!

Job Well Done: Paul Glass

SOM's Angela Richman gave Paul Glass a Job Well Done Award, May 2, 2017. Angela credits Paul as being "an outstanding, highly reliable and motivated person. He brings a positive, friendly attitude to work every day. He exhibits competence and not only executes his duties, but routinely takes initiative to help others and his customer service is outstanding.  Paul is detailed minded and double checks all books to see if they are all right, then meets with me to report any mistakes." 

More Accolades For Library Director Barbara Gubbin

Director Barbara Gubbin recently received  a bouquet of spring flowers, along with the Folio edition acknowledging her being named the winner of ALA's 2017 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession. She will be presented the award in June in Chicago. 

CONGRATULATIONS, DIRECTOR GUBBIN, FROM ALL OF US!

On The Way To No. 1

CR&;M's Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora (far right) plays a variety of sports during the 2017 YMCA First Coast Games representing the City of Jacksonville team. Sheenah said, "It's  not  the championship title yet, but I am proud to announce that we won our first volleyball game with  Chase Bank,

May 2, 2017, and will continue throughout the week in a friendly battle to 1^st place." For more info about upcoming matches and more visit http://firstcoastymca.org/programs/first-coast-games/

Job Well Done: Nicolle Burton

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop nominated Nicolle Burton for a Job Well Done Award and the award was presented, May 4, 2017.  Ms. Giltrop said, "For the second year in a row, Nicolle coordinated the Volunteer Recognition Program during National Library Week. She contacted all the volunteer coordinators about nominations and the final selection of the volunteers receiving recognition at the event, as well as sending out invitations to over 200 volunteers working at JPL. She worked with CR&M on the invitations, the slide show, poster and marketing the event.  She worked with Andrew Herron on scheduling the event during the April Library Board meeting.  Nicolle worked with Keli Likins and Erica Brown on reserving the meeting space for the event, secured gifts for each volunteer at the event and worked with me on the refreshments, balloons, table setting, gift bags and trophies.  She also reported to me on the status of the event. The program was a big success with 40 volunteers in attendance and everyone had a great time." 

Nicolle is holding her take of the JPL owl she created for 2017 SDD's version of Imagination Squared.  Deputy Director Giltrop thought JPL's art work was worth displaying again, so all branches and support departments squares will be exhibited at the May 11, 2017 JPL Board meeting.

Outstanding Staff Development Day

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop opened SDD, May 1, 2017, and welcomed JPL staff and introduced Director Barbara Gubbin, who confirmed her plans to retire, June 30.
Director Gubbin reviewed some of her exceptional experiences while at JPL and mentioned some of the many Board members, Friends of JPL and employees who had made those memories possible. She thanked all JPL employees who contributed to her winning ALA's 2017 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession and for JPL being named Library of the Year by FLA. During the closing session, the Admin team, one by one, named her many other accomplishments over the last 12 years.

(L/R:  Julie McNeil, Chris Boivin, Keli Likins, Lynne Jacobson, Gretchen Mitchell, Marshelle Berry, Mark Merritt, Richard Mott and Charlene Adkins all hailed Director Gubbin's many achievements. 

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop presented Director Gubbin with a bouquet of red roses and a picture of the JPL team taken in Main's courtyard two hours before. During the closing assembly, Director Gubbin received a standing ovation from everyone in the auditorium. 

Below, JPL's super charged team cheerleader, Katie Devanny, started us off with a repeated cheer, the SDD theme: Passion + Purpose = Impact!

Each branch and support department prepared its own Imagination Squared (emulating the many artistic Imagination Squares displayed on Main's conference level wall.)  JPL's squares, however, were 3" bigger (8"x8") and each expressed their vision of the SDD theme: P + P = I.  The squares, displayed outside the auditorium, drew a lot of attention.

                                          L/R: Katie Gaurino and Sara Roberts

SDD Committee Chair Sara Roberts and her team--Katie Devanny, Lynne Baldwin, Tracy Pigott, Nicolle Burton (R), Diane Alexander (L), John Carter, Shirdella Grouix, and Shai Ford--were aided by the Conference Center's Mandie McKenzie and Will Daniel's expertise. Additionally, other volunteers contributed their valuable time and effort.  

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop kept the well organized SDD on a fast track. After the morning kick off, classes and lunch, she assembled staff for a group photo in short order, had the picture printed and ready for Director Gubbin at the closing session.

Julie McNeil suggested a memorial table at SDD for employees who had passed in the last two years and Lynne Baldwin volunteered to make it happen.  Arthur Finley designed and organized the table with information, photos and help from Laura Minor, Kathy Tekin and Sara Gunter.  Arthur did a wonderful job with the memorial table and many stopped to pay their respects for Ananth Subramanian, former Director Judy Williams, Jane Harris, Amy Swisher, Alan Clark, Mary Ann Pearson, Gail Marion and Mary Cardell. 

                                            Arthur Finley and another staff member remembers... 


SDD closed to the music of resounding applause from JPL staff for this well planned, very successful event.

We all had an unforgettable time, learned a lot in the morning and afternoon classes, met employees we did not know in the ample time between sessions and enjoyed the delicious food and drinks provided.  Thank each and every one of you who made 2017 SDD happen and did it SO well.  

We will practice Passion + Purpose to make lasting Impact! 

JB's Super Comic Con

Once again, Julie Rekow and Terry Welch from JB and Neil Sindicich, owner of Superhero Beach and Superhero Hive, walked in the Opening of the Beaches Parade, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Terry said, "This year, we were joined by members of Bold City Cosplay. It was awesome to see the superheroes interact with those watching the parade. You could hear shouts of 'Superman! Deadpool! Spiderman! Captain America! Wonder Woman!' all along the route. There were lots of pictures taken and hugs shared.

"Before the parade, Julie Rekow, Teen Volunteer Sophie Crissman from JB and Chris Tabur from PCR, along with Julie’s friend Leslie from Minnesota, and I participated in the Sandcastle Contest on Jacksonville Beach. Our creation was a Hulk Comic book cover to advertise the Comic Con that afternoon at JB and promote WB's planned for Saturday, May 6. We did not win, but a good time was had by all."

Poetry Month Program At DU

DU celebrated National Poetry month, April 29, 2017, with an Open Mic Spoken Word program. Beverly Mason reports, "We discussed the importance of poetry and gave demonstrations of spine poetry and blackout poetry.  Attendees then rotated between the stations:  spine poetry, blackout poetry and magnetic poetry.  At the end, we shared the poems we created."