Ozobots For Outreach

Using Ozobots--small robots programmed to follow lines and dots on a page--proves to be a great draw whether they are used for Teen Tech Week or a Coding Unplugged activity because participants can design an environment for the robot to interact with by simply drawing on a page.

Here GB's Jonathan Sandbach (GB) gives a demo of Ozobots at the John E. Ford Pre-K - 8^th School during their Family Literacy and Makerspace event, January 25, 2018. Main's Joanna Nigrelli provided a table of library information and earlier in the day, Elizabeth McConney from Youth Services presented a more detailed Ozobot program for several classes. (Visit this Ozobots web site for more information:  https://ozobot.com/; thanks to Joanna and Alex Bishop for input.)

Red Any Good Books Lately?

Region Manager Lynne Baldwin says, “AYL Library Clerk Christina Pope created a display to promote reading by highlighting a different color each month along with a catchy slogan.  The color for January is red and the slogan is 'Red Any Good Books Lately?'  Orange is on tap for February. This is exemplary of creative marketing for increasing circulation of reading materials as part of the Strategic Plan Objective 1.1.1B  (tracking circulation of reading materials). Let’s work together and help JPL build a community of readers.  Start Here. Read Anywhere.”

Welcome, Tim Rogers!

Our new JPL Director Tim Rogers' smiling face peeks at us from behind the Pooh Bear picture.  L/R:  Region Manager Keli Likins, SS Manager Lilia Simonton, and Robin West-Rogers, Children's Librarian and all staff (not pictured) heartily welcomed him as he begins his tours of our 21 library locations.

First Storytelling For 50+ Folks At JB

A biggie for Beaches Library was their first JPL50 event, January 20, 2018, dubbed “A Midwinter’s Tale”, storytelling for customers who are 50 years old or older. Retired JPL Librarian Anita Haller captivated the audience with Appalachian folktales. The program was well attended and motivated many to tell their own stories.  Anita is a native of east Tennessee and holds a second master’s degree in storytelling.  She still enjoys working part-time for JPL and we appreciate having such a talented person continue sharing her time with us.  (Thanks to Gail Blumberg for the input and pic.)

Paul Krause: Job Well Done!

EB/NS Manager Kathleen Krizek nominated Facilities' Paul Krause for a Job Well Done Award.  Kathleen said, "Paul provided excellent service to the Brentwood Library during its reopening. He installed shelving, bulletin boards and furniture and removed non-functioning items from the walls, such as a time clock and antique people counter. He made suggestions for better ways to put the branch back in order, such as moving the key box to a smaller wall, which gave us more room for delivery shelves.  He installed a kick stand to the staff door and added an alarmed push bar to the 2^nd floor emergency exit door. He supported our requests to remove unnecessary door hangings, repaired walls, including sanding and repainting.

"At Eastside, there was a sign marked with graffiti I had reported several times to no avail that he was able to fix with paint remover and elbow grease. He is a hard worker who does an excellent job and cares about the finished product."

Paul received the well deserved award from his supervisor, Facilities' Ezra Thomas, January 17, 2018.

Shirley Holcomb: Job Well Done!

Shirley Holcomb received a Job Well Done Award, January 12, 2018, for her help with the Pablo Creek Library’s Deck the Chair lifeguard chair in conjunction with the annual Jacksonville Beach event. She helped create nearly the entire display herself on her own time as she only works part-time. Shirley also sewed six banners of various sizes (like the one in the picture), three shields and a faux stained glass piece for the Game of Thrones themed chair.  PCR's Mandy Elliott, who nominated Shirley, said, "But for her dedication to complete the Deck the Chair project, we would not have had the chair decorated in time.  As the Library’s participation in the community event, the chair was loaned to us to decorate and help promote the annual Deck the Chair at Jax Beach."  Of course the library's participation is important in partnering with other organizations.

It’s Been A Good Time…

Sheenah with her children, Jaden  and Atarah pose on the Big Oak.

"My last day at JPL will be January 26. 2018. Before I go, I wanted all of you to know that I will take great memories of experiences and opportunities I gleaned working in CR&M with all of you at JPL. There were many great days and some a bit more challenging; overall, I enjoyed my time here. Thanks for making an impact in my life. Now, I’m off to pursue things that I believe will continue the purpose God has for me: a career in dance and the arts.  Live your life to the fullest!   Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora, Community Relations & Marketing" 

Sarah Miller: Job Well Done!

Sarah Miller, a part-time shelver, was presented a Job Well Done Award January 12, 2018, by SOM Manager Ann Fridl. Former supervisor, Stefa Witt, wrote, "Sarah is a dependable shelver, whom we can always count on to shelve materials accurately and quickly.  She  provides quality customer service and is always willing to help customers in the stacks.  Sarah is a very talented artist and has kindly donated her talents at a number of events this past quarter.”

Kudos From Customers - January 2018

Kudos have always included compliments from customers that name employees specifically; however, thus far only generalized excellent service at branches has been commented on so this month an exception is made: 

Argyle Branch:  Great friendly service, I was very impressed.

Beaches Branch:  Everyone I had occasion to meet with was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoy the peace and quiet surrounded by so many trips I can read about. I was also told about the "hold" system.

Pablo Creek Branch:  Was amazed about the excellent customer service provided! Definitely 5 stars. The lady was amazing!

Regency Square Branch:  My kids and I had a wonderful experience at the Regency Library. Thank you for making us feel welcome.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  The woman who helped me was extremely polite and informative.

Alexander Hamilton At Main

The Main Library hosted an Alexander Hamilton reenactor, Eben Kuhn, and the program was presented by the National Society of Colonial Dames, January 16 and 17, 2018. About 800 5^th graders from public and private schools were bussed to Main for the program. After the performance, students participated in a Q&A with the founding father. Some students entered an essay writing competition wherein they wrote about Mr. Hamilton. Winners of the competition received a certificate signed by "Mr. Hamilton" and a ten dollar bill.

Left to right below: A representative from DCPS, a Colonial Dame, two essay winners, and "Alexander Hamilton."   (Thanks to Alexandra Bishop for input and pic.)

DU Celebrates Jags' Successes

Michelle Petrin reports, "Celebrating the Jags' successes, Felecia Battle created a fun display for January 2018 showing how much kids at Highlands Branch love the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were encouraged to color a football helmet to show some love. Thanks to Felecia for the great display idea!  Go Jags!"

Observation Station At SE Leaps To Reading

Southeast has leaped off 2018 with an observation station. Carol Bunker said, "We now have two tadpoles that parents and children can observe and watch grow into frogs. Children and parents are leaping into reading and wonder what little creature will come next to the observation station." 

Party for Stephanie Miller's New Baby Charlotte

Main Youth Services threw a baby welcoming party for YS Librarian IV Stephanie Miller’s baby, Charlotte, on January 11, 2018. The shower was Harry Potter themed and wizarding snacks such as chocolate frogs, a spell book cake, and pretzel wands were enjoyed by all. 

Going Away Party For Sharon Kirkes

WST Branch Manager Sharon Kirkes (3rd from left in front) transferred to Graham Branch, January 13, 2018.  Before she left, staff at West hosted a surprise party for Sharon.  She received a gift card to Panera Bread plus a huge good luck card signed by the entire staff and everyone enjoyed a table of delicious goodies.  It was a great sendoff for Sharon who will be missed by everyone at West.  (Thanks to Region Manager Lynne Baldwin for the input and pic.)

NS Staff Thankful For Brentwood Friends Support

"Chris Garmon created a bulletin board thanking the Friends of the Brentwood Library for their assistance supporting our children. Depicted here are the Grand Reopening, Santa visit (FOBL raised money to give 100 children gift bags with a book, ball and blanket) and protests to keep Brentwood Branch open. Additionally, they support the Fall Festival and Back to School event where every child gets a back pack filled with school supplies, " said Kathleen Krizek, Manager of  NS and EB Branches. 

KR's Hot Time With The Firemen

Mandarin Branch Library hosted “Touch a Truck” activity, January 6, 2018 with three firemen from Station 51 Fire Engine.  They explained to 62 kids and caregivers how the truck's engine works and the different parts and tools they use in cases of emergency. Above is part of the audience with Ms. Frances Wickes. Below, Isabel Moreno-Santiago is pictured with firemen Jennings, Vanderveer and Hatcher. 

Kids were delighted to see the fire truck up close and touch the siren. (Thanks to KR's Isabel Moreno-Santiago for the input and pictures.)

Ideas To Help Market Books

Above are some of Maxville Branch's displays by Jimmy Morgan, who made these models, and Jimmy wanted to share his eye catching models and thought they might spawn a few ideas for your areas.  At top is some hefty reindeer pulling Santa, second down is for Western fan readers, next: Super Heroes, & Adult Graphics.

Friends BOGO January Special

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's special sale is on for January 2018.  So, invite your customers, friends and family--and do yourself a favor, too.  FJPL is located at the south end of the University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard North:

ALL FICTION HARDBACK, SOFT COVER AND PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE DURING JANUARY! 

How To Get The Whole Family Into It

"Our 4^th annual Gingerbread House Decorating party at West Branch Library, December 15, 2017, was a resounding success as usual. Whole families got into the holiday spirit making these fun Christmas houses," said Melodie Brunson, pictured here with one of the younger participants, Tina, who has never missed one of these events and, as you see, all the folks who came to enjoy this family-friendly community event were not disappointed."

How Snow White Lives In Florida

Argyle Branch's Tonja Ferrell said, "Several weeks prior to our Teen/Tween Snow White sculpture event, I tickled the kids' imagination by asking them to guess the medium we would use to make their Snow White sculptures.  Prior to the event, December 23, 2017, no one had come up with the right answer.  To the teens' surprise, it was Styrofoam packing peanuts.  One of the boys thought it was a perfect choice since we live in Florida and SNOW White would melt, so the packing peanuts.  I told him he had nailed it.

"The teens had fun; one young lady came for the first time, specifically for this program.  She has since requested an app to join the TAB and Reading Buddies.  I thought this was  a great example of how Argyle is working on the Strategic Plan by supporting Citywide and departmental efforts to improve services to youth with partnerships and programs that promote education and enrichment."

Here's To The Friends Of JPL

WST's Library Clerk Jessica Carpenter showed her support for the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library with a display located in the center of the West Branch Library.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Jessica knows how important the Friends are to JPL and to the community.  Jessica is planning on adding bookmarks to the display promoting the upcoming Friends Book Sale scheduled for February  9,10 & 11, 2018."

What a great idea and hopefully all of our locations will follow suit.