Library Board Recognizes Employee Of The Quarter & Leadership Award Winners

The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees recognized the following outstanding employees at their November 9, 2017 meeting.  Winners, if pictured, are flanked by Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop and Library Board Chair Ronnie King:

Main's Tamethia Billings was nominated by POP Librarian II Mia Clark for a Model the Way Award and subsequently won the Employee of the Quarter Award for the last quarter of 2017 (July-September).  Mia hailed Tamethia as "an employee who is aware that a smile is the best accessory, and shares it with customers and staff alike. She is encouraging, understanding, and supportive, treating each customer and staff member with respect. She also shows strong leadership skills when her supervisor is away from the department, often acting on issues, answering questions in a constructive and positive way.  Tammy has received several compliments from customers through Counting Opinions. One customer wrote 'Received excellent customer service from Tammy when I got my new library card.'"   

Nominated by Deputy Director Mark Merritt, Michael Sullivan received the Model the Way Award.  Mark said, "On August 8, 2017, Michael was thrust into the position of Assistant Director for Facilities Management and Planning. Michael calmly took stock of his new responsibilities. Once he was in place he faced the immediate issue of the remodeling of Brentwood Library. Michael ensured that an up-to-date and accurate project plan was put in place. Then, working with branch and Facilities staff, he overcame several issues as this project continued into September. In early September, along came Hurricane Irma Michael was now working daily at the EOC, communicating the progress of the storm and working with JPL staff to get ready. Once the storm hit, Michael worked with other senior staff to deploy JPL staff to POD training and to several PODs as requested by the City. This was the first time in our history that PODs were deployed, so Michael broke new ground here! Michael was front and center in the post Hurricane Irma building assessments and spent considerable time visiting branches to check for issues, as well as working with Public Works and Public Buildings to ensure they knew what the library needed in order to function. Michael worked seamlessly with the in-place facilities staff and they responded to Michael’s leadership by doing everything they could to support the Department as well as JPL."

Model the Way/Carolyn Williams Team Award went to Amanda Whaley (pictured 2nd from left beside Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop, then: Stephanie Boilard, James "Jay" Brasfield, Amanda Whaley, Anthony Villareal, Corey Scott, Joanna Nigrelli, and Stephanie Boilard.  Also awarded but not present: Nancy Swaine, Greg Royce, Sara Radovic, Don Carpenter, Nancy Swaine and Gary Ammons. Main's POP Librarian III Kathleen Brunner said, "Saturday, August 29, 2017, is a day that will live in infamy at Main. The gate count count was 2,625 for that day when Main's average for a Saturday is around 1.600. The gate count was mostly due to the high number of people who came hoping to get eclipse glasses. Main's eclipse program was one of the last  scheduled in the system and we had 185 sets to give away. We had to design a system of distribution that was fair as to who could participate in the program and be eligible to receive the glasses. So our staff worked for hours before, setting up stations all around the edge of the Makerspace to direct people who wanted to participate. We saw a need and took initiative to solve a problem before it happened. Throughout the day, we talked to customers, listened to their concerns, and tried to make waiting a little easier. We passed out library card applications, and after verifying the info on the ID’s, we brought the ID’s and applications to CIRC employees, who then processed them. Then staff brought the new library cards back to the customers.  At the end of the event, several customers thanked us for the efficient manner in which the event was handled and told us that we had done a great job."

SS's Crystal Kadkhodaie (not pictured) was nominated by Teen Librarian II Kevin Douglas, who says, "Crystal consistently puts forth a great deal of effort and determination in regards to her story time programs. Her efforts have not only produced noteworthy programs, they have earned her the praise of many parents whose children attend story time. For example, on August 8, San Marco Branch received a customer comment praising Crystal for the positive influence on her daughter at story time. Modeling the Way for Crystal is providing outstanding customer service."

AYL Manager Kristi Dorney, who nominated Kimberly Bennett  for a Model the Way Award said, "Kim stepped up to cover the summer teen learning program after our teen associate quit. As Kim had only seen Harry Potter movies, she  read the entire series of books before summer. Kim created many props for the Dumbledor’s Army program series. She created 'potion' bottles, Dolores Umbridge’s cate plates, a Dementor and a Monster Book of Monsters. She changed the week 3 craft from flying keys to Monster Book of Monsters. She brought in snacks each week and for the final program, she made Harry Potter food (troll boogies, cockroach clusters, cauldron cakes, etc.) She took a good program and made it great. Each week, participants eagerly awaited the time to go in for the program. One child had no interest in the program until she saw Kim making wands for participants. The little girl attended all six programs. One child had never read a Harry Potter book but started reading them because of the program. Parents who observed the program have been giving Kim high praises. It has been requested that a family version of the program be presented because of this high quality program. Staff has also been impressed by all the props and activities Kim created and/or contributed to the program." 

KR's Margo Crafton, was nominated for a Model the Way Award by KR Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel. Mark credited Margo with "greatly improving the number and quality of adult programming at KR. Adult programs are up 32% this year and average attendance increased from 5.78 last year to 6.80 this year. Margo has done a fantastic job planning quality diverse programs that provide a great experience. For example, Mandarin hosted local author Mark Woods, who talked about his new book Lassoing the Sun, creating an opportunity for customers to connect with a local author and share their experiences. Another successful program featured a community expert who presented a program on Indian spices that are used in cooking and for medical needs. Attendees learned about different spices and had a chance to taste some recipes featuring authentic Indian cuisine.

Laura Minor (not pictured), who works in Special Collections, was nominated by former Librarian I Martha Smith, said, "The Special Collections Department received a bust created by local artist Augusta Savage. The piece (title unknown) had been at Graham Branch for several years when it was decided that it would be relocated to Special Collections and displayed as the work of art it is. Since the Cummer has works by Augusta Savage, Laura worked with their current and former staff to determine the best way to display the piece. She worked with two contractors recommended by the Cummer on the construction of the display box, as well as the installation.This included calling back the installer three days before the unveiling when she noticed a shadow caused by fingerprints inside the case. Laura also worked with CR&M on the wording of accompanying signage and with the Conference Center and Facilities on set up. There were numerous details and moving parts to coordinate that entailed working with other people inside and outside JPL to complete arrangements for the unveiling ceremony. Laura’s attention to detail and perseverance resulted in a beautiful and fitting display for a grand unveiling of this important Savage sculpture." 

AR's Becky Hatfield was nominated by Library Associate Lauren Lazar, for being "one of the most supportive and uplifting staff members at Regency Square Branch.  She develops relationships with all the kids, principals and teachers she talks to--inside the library and in outreaches. Becky thrives on creativity and teamwork, suggesting little things to do to bring the branch together, such as a candy making team building day at Sweet-Pete’s, Karaoke nights and Escape Rooms. She is constantly praising and telling those around her how good they are doing at their jobs, both in public and private and how much she appreciates them. Becky also talks about things we can do in the future to make the library a better place. For the kids, she wants to showcase their work so they feel a sense of ownership in coming to the library and are proud of what they’ve done. Becky is one of the best people you could work for and with. "