JPL Staff News: Makerspace Marks Milestone One

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Makerspace Marks Milestone One

Sara Radovic, Jax Makerspace Coordinator and her team have seen a lot of action during their first year. Here Sara recalls the successes of the first year of this new adventure and gives us an update of what is to come.

"The Jax Makerspace marked its one-year anniversary in August. The inaugural Makerspace program celebrated National Coloring Book Day, August 2, 2016, when 67 people attended our debut. Flash forward a year and the Makerspace has had 408 programs attended by 7,202 people!

"Our vision is to be a place for making things, so the Jax Makerspace offers hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create. Makerspace programs respond to the stated interests of our customers in one of these five areas (or “tracks”): Arts & Crafts, Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Music, Tech, and Writing. Some of the most popular examples include: Intro to sewing machines (Arts & Crafts); Bicycle maintenance 101 (DIY); Guitar lessons (Music); 3D printing basics (Tech); and Writing circles.

"Most of the Makerspace programs are taught by JPL staff, both from Main and other branches. There are so many staffers that have been a part of the launching team that we can’t name them all here, but you (and your supervisors!) know who you are, and we heartily thank you! We’ve also partnered with many other organizations to offer programs, including Zen Cog, Women Writing for (a) Change, and World Affairs Council Jacksonville, just to name a few.

"Since October 2016, art exhibits featuring many talented local artists have been held in the Jax Makerspace Gallery. With a focus on contemporary art and expressed in a variety of mediums such as painting, screen printing, textiles, and videography, the exhibits explore a unifying theme. The artists pitch in with programs, too, such as giving talks and hands-on demonstrations in the Jax Makerspace, which provide insight into their process and craft. Past exhibits included Kesha: A Black Female Experience of Identity and Race, Jovian Treasures, and Altered Objects.

"We also offer a variety of DIY craft kits, with themes such as loom knitting, origami, and

duct tape crafts. These include all necessary supplies and instructions to make your own take-home creation! We have STEAM building kits like LEGOs and Tinker Toys. Who doesn’t like to build stuff with these?

"Our newest addition is the equipment that we have made available for self-directed use. You can now reserve guitars, ukuleles, a green screen, and sewing machines in the Makerspace! Recording equipment will soon be available, followed shortly by photography and video equipment!"

"We continue to test programs and equipment to understand customer interests while assessing our ability to meet those needs within the logistical considerations of the space. We are using this input to design and construct a better Makerspace, designing activities that are responsive to our community’s needs in a space that people want to come back to, time and time again! Come join us to explore, collaborate and create!"

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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!

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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.