Erin Tuzuner: Job Well Done!

UPK Branch Manager Tamera Branam (L) presented a Job Well Done Award, February 27, 2018, to Erin Tuzuner, Library Clerk at UPK.  Erin was recognized for her contributions to the new  Readers’ Advisory training.  

Kim Kirkland: Job Well Done AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"Kim Kirkland (L), CW YS Librarian II, is a Reader Advisory Training All Star and was  presented a Job Well Done Award, February 26, 2018. Prior to her transfer to Webb, she conducted staff training at Westbrook. Upon her arrival at Webb, she assisted in completing the training. Then, when Graham needed assistance, she volunteered to conduct training for GB staff. In just a month, Kim presented the Reader Advisory training four times at three branches in the system," said nominator Beth Friederich (R).

On February 27, Webb Regional Library staff surprised Kim with a birthday celebration featuring a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday and a table full of party goodies, including a cupcake birthday cake.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin says, "Big thanks to Noah Thomas for organizing the party." It seems you are much appreciated as well as celebrated, Kim. 

CW Staff: L/R (front) – Bobbi Knight, Helena Davenport, Elise Fare, & Robin Cumby.

L/R (back) – Noah Thomas, Kim Kirkland, Marilyn Jordan, Eric Cusaac, Sandra Fahy, & Brenda Johnson.

Richard Mott Reports On ALA Midwinter Conference

Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott was one of the two members of JPL's staff to travel to Denver for the American Library Association’s annual midwinter meeting, which was held the weekend of February 10, 2018. He was there to attend the final meeting of the Public Library Association’s Performance Measures Task Force, of which Richard has been a member since its inception three years ago.

Richard said the goal of the task force was to lay a foundation for outcome-based performance measurement to permeate the library field. By looking at outcomes, libraries are able to demonstrate, not only how many people attend their programs, but how many benefited from them. The instrument the task force created was a series of simple surveys to be completed by customers who attended programs. JPL is currently using these surveys for some of its programs and classes. They include questions such as, “After participating in this program, I am more confident about helping my children learn.” [Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree]

Diffusion of Project Outcome throughout the library field far exceeded expectations; 21% of all US libraries and the majority of large libraries have registered to use the surveys. Being on the task force was “a satisfying experience,” Richard said. “I had the opportunity to work with and build relationships with some of the brightest and most dedicated librarians I have met outside of Jacksonville.”

Julie Rekow & Terry Welch: Job Well Done!

Beaches Branch Library Clerk Terry Welch (L) and Librarian Julie Rekow (R) each received a Job Well Done Award, February 16, 2018. Branch Manager Theresa Rooney recognized Julie for her extraordinary effort on last year’s Deck the Chair, especially in working with the teens from the Fletcher High School Honors Art class to construct the chair, which won an Honorable Mention award. 

Webb Regional Supervisor Lynne Baldwin recognized Terry’s work with the Readers Advisory Committee over the past year, especially in connection with their contribution to the Readers Advisory training.

New Exhibits At Main Open

More than 150 people attended the February 14, 2018 opening of Banksy’s Haight Street Rat and Writing on the Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Exhibits.

 

The Haight Street Rat was created by Banksy in 2010 on the side of a San Francisco bed and breakfast. The 2017 film "Saving Banksy" focused on the piece and the collector and street art curator, Brian Greif.  Greif worked diligently to conserve the piece, preventing it from being appropriated for commercial gain or vandalized by other street artists. We were honored that Grief joined us at the opening.

Our Jax Makerspace gallery features a coordinating exhibit, Writing On The Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Culture, with street art from local artists.  These exhibits will be up through April 14, 2018.  (Thanks to Raelyn Wiirre, JPL's Arts & Culture Curator, for the article and photo credit credit goes to Iryna Kanishcheva.)

Main Children's Colors Their World

The variety of events in February 2018 color the world of the Main Children’s Department:

Marcie O'Dell says, "We have an Olympics Tracking Wall Interactive made by Kelli Heath. There was a great Emoji Lantern’s Program presented by Hannah Genslinger.

"We had kids add hearts to our Kindness Tree to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

"And, to celebrate Black History Month, Marcie O’Dell’s Art Creations class made African Masks!  Be careful if you stop on by because WE’RE  ALWAYS  HAVING  FUN! "

Kudos From Customers

Brentwood Branch:  I changed libraries when my regular library of many years was undergoing repairs. … The staffs at this library (Kathleen Krizek, LaKendra Hicks, Milicia Thomas, Aquilla Stewart, Jackie Perry, David Stevenson, & Christina Garmon) are so friendly, knowledgeable and can either answer any question I have or will find the answer. It is a great place and of historical significance to me as this is the library I came to as a kid after the Springfield library closed and this library replaced the old Brentwood Theater.

Main - Makerspace:  Re: Guitar lessons: I have attended beginning classes now with Jay Brasfield for a year and have enjoyed every moment. I feel I have learned a lot, so much that I would like to learn more. If it is possible I would love for Jay to teach an intermediate class so that I can continue the learning process. I've spoken to Jay about it and he seems to be open to the idea. I hope that this can become a reality. Thank you in advance.

South Mandarin Branch: I would like to compliment two of the employees there. Ralph Henderson and Angela Richman are just without a doubt two of the most professional and helpful folks I’ve ever encountered. They have both gone above and beyond to help me several times and are always ready with a friendly smile. It is wonderful that they represent this library with such helpful attitudes and professionalism. They both deserve a huge pat on the back.  

Southeast Branch:  Wanted to thank/commend the tech expert (Nicholas Beardsley) with whom I had a 1-on-1 Tech Tutoring session at SE Branch…. He was exceptionally helpful and a delight to work with. Please keep this program going and recognize how professional this individual is.  Thank you.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  Ms. Noah Thomas is THE ONLY reason we come to this library!! She is the light of the library and my son loves her. She brings the love of reading in general to story time. We have a library literally three minutes from our house, but we drive 20 minutes every Saturday to "Ms. Noah's" library because my son loves spending Saturday with her! She has a genuine love for her job and the children she interacts with. She learns about her kids, their families, their likes and dislikes and brings a true familial spirit to all she does. She has seen my son grow up and has truly helped me to cultivate his love of books and learning. There have been so many good people that have passed through the children's area of this library, and we miss them, but I can honestly say that if Ms. Noah left, we would have no reason to continue coming here as it would be a true loss to so many children!

Towels For City Rescue Mission

Regency Square Library staff collected 25 towels to donate to the City Rescue Mission for their annual white towel drive.  Sabrina Whitfield plans to deliver them to Nicolle Burton at the Main Library before the deadline. (Pictured above, L/R are Sabrina Whitfield, Ann Ludke, Dawn Brock, Becky Hatfield, and Tim Marcus.)

PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATIONS OF WHITE TOWELS BY FEBRUARY 23, 2018, AND PLEASE BRING THEM TO NICOLLE BURTON, 3rd FLOOR ADMINISTRATION AT THE MAIN LIBRARY.  (Should she be out, the towels can be delivered to Andrew Herron or Sara Gunter who also work in Admin.)

Regency Square Branch Hosts Navy Combo & Swings Into Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month,  AR hosted the U. S. Navy Band Jazz Combo, February 15, 2018.  All ages tapped their feet to jazz, rhythm and blues, as well as popular music by African-American artists.  Library Associate Cindy Mathieson says, "Among others, we

were happy to see a van full of our neighbors from Brookdale Atrium Way there and all of us appreciated the jazz combo playing for us."

KR Highlights Booker T. Washington

Mandarin Branch celebrated Black History Month, February 14, 2018,with a program “With Books and Bricks,” during which children and caregivers learned about Booker T. Washington and his efforts to build a school for black students. At the end of the program 15 students and caregivers built a school using Legos.  (Thanks to Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian I for the input.)

To Murray Hill With Love

The Murray Hill staff had a surprise Valentine’s gift for its customers, February 14, 2018. Dr. Timothy Groulx serenaded everyone playing his trumpet rendition of the Everly Brothers’ Let It Be Me.  (To borrow a phrase, it was the pause that refreshed.)

Dr. Groulx is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of North Florida School of Music. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida in 2010 where he was a recipient of the Presidential Fellowship, and earned his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and Master of Music in Teaching from Oberlin Conservatory in 1999.

This was Dr. Groulx’s Valentine’s Day gift to MH and most of all to his wife, Shirdellah.

AYL's Outstanding Black History Month Display

Library Associate Tracey Mills (above) is a champion of reading.  Tracey is helping to promote reading at the Argyle Branch Library with a display celebrating Black History Month.  You can’t miss the display  - it takes up almost an entire wall.   From books to biographical posters of notable African Americans, this display has something for everyone.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin says, "Kudos to Tracey.  This is another example of creative marketing geared to increase circulation of reading materials as part of Strategic Plan Objective 1.1.1B  (tracking the circulation of reading materials). Let’s work together and help JPL build a community of readers.  Start Here. Read Anywhere." 

Harry Potter Hogwarts Valentine Ball 2018

Tonja Ferrell sent this pic of AYL's Valentine’s Day activity named (as you see in the title of this blurb), developed and hosted by their Teen Advisory Board, February 10, 2018.  Tonja says, "It was well received by the teens and children. One youth even came dressed in her Harry Potter finest. They enjoyed making love potions, Butter Beer, Wands, and assorted Valentine crafts." 

From Hearts To Brains In Fun

 "For Valentines Day, I did an impromptu STEM project with the kids. I gave them gummy candy hearts and toothpicks and asked them to create the biggest or strongest structure they could. They blew me away with their ingenuity and craftiness. While they thought they were doing a fun and tasty activity, they were really giving their brains a treat, too, practicing engineering. It's a pretty sweet way to sneak in some education," reports Lorna Reid, YS Librarian I at Westbrook Library.

Carisia Rooney: Job Well Done!

Region Manager Keli Likins nominated SE Manager Carisia Rooney for a Job Well Done Award and said, "While updating the PIC manual at SE, she noticed the floor plans for the library were old, faded, in black and white, hardly had any detail and were very difficult to read so she worked diligently to create new floor plans.  This excellent work was really settling for nothing less than a high quality outcome.  It exhibits a behavior that supports a core value of JPL – safety of staff, efficiency and effectiveness."  Carisia received her award, February 14, 2018.

Thank You From Janine Stanley

Many of you know Mrs. Janine Stanley.  Janine is thought highly of and worked in the Main Library for years, transferred to SST and now she is back at Main some days working on a project in digitization on the 4th floor.  

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley lost their daughter, Ranell, after a four year fight with cancer, on December 5, 2017.  They want to thank those of you who gave your condolences and they especially appreciate those of you who could take time to attend Ranell's memorial service held for their daughter, December 13, 2017.

Janine said February 14 is Ranell's birthday and she remembered how kind you were to her family during this very difficult time.

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family, Janine.

Jennifer Giltrop Honored

Before Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop left for new challenges, the Library Board of Trustees wanted to thank her for her contributions to JPL.  At the board meeting, February 8, 2018, Board Chair Ronnie King mentioned some of her accomplishments, such as Project LEAP, SDD, Makerspace, DCPS partnership, and a new library in Oceanway.  She was also presented a framed group of photos of her at work in some of these adventures.  Roses were compliments of Andrew and Sara.

The next day, Jennifer enjoyed a going away lunch hosted by some JPL staff in The Lounge at the Main Library.  Director Tim Rogers and staff came to wish her well on her last day at JPL. Nicolle Burton, Donna Crowther, and Diane Alexander made sure everyone was served and the ambiance was delightful.

Library Board Presents JPL Leadership Awards, February 8, 2018

Obviously, JPL's new Library Director, Tim Rogers, (pictured left below next to Alison McCarty) and and Library Board Chair Ronnie King thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the 4th quarter Library Leadership Award winners and presenting their certificates at the Library Board meeting, February 8, 2018.

Tasked to create training for JPL staff, Alison McCarty (pictured above), Chair of the Readers' Advisory Subcommittee, did just that--ahead of deadline (November 30, 2017.)  Alison teamed with RA Committee members to develop and test training for staff. Then Alison created a facilitator's guide for training and a list of activities to be used with the training.  She reviewed training options with her team and they presented the training as a webinar, making it easy for managers to present the training.  Simultaneously, she also 1) created the monthly RA newsletter 2) worked with CR&M and RA Committee to compile a list of Best of 2017 staff pics which are posted on JPL's Overdrive homepage; and passed the Librarian II promotional exam while 4) fulfilling her job responsibilities in  the Collection Development department! (Maybe that deserves two exclamation points, Alison.)

No surprise Alison McCarty received the Enable Others to Act and, subsequently, the Employee of the 4th Quarter Award (October - December 2017).

Margo Crafton and KR Manager Mark Hohnadel organized and inspired the Mandarin staff to assist with Prime Time Family Reading, a program which fosters a family habit of reading and discussing books together. The successful six-week series benefited greatly from staff buy-in, drawing users and non-users to JPL. For this, they received the Inspire a Shared Vision Carolyn Williams Team Award.

Robin West Rogers (mid-right above), Crystal Kadkhodaie (mid-left above), and Alison Pulley (not there) took on an extra responsibility--a monthly art program for a large group of home schoolers.  Alison created and loaned a full series of art history programs for school age children to other branches.  As a result, the library’s profile has been raised with parents and community organizations alike.  For this, Robin, Crystal, and Alison received a Model the Way Carolyn Williams Team Award.

Angelica Bencomo, Library Associate at the Main Library, eagerly serves on multiple committees, including Summer Planning, Youth Services Readers Advisory, and the Maker Con Committee, advocating to all for the library.  For this, Angelica received the Inspire a Shared Vision Award.

Melodie Brunson, Library Associate at the West Library, showed her heart with the Jane Harris project, curating photos and creating a display to honor Jane Harris, who passed away last year shortly after retiring from JPL as West Region Manager.  For this, Melodie received the Encourage the Heart Award.

Justin Keiser, Support Services Librarian for SST, did three days of investigation to solve a major bug that was bedeviling the library’s linked data project when embedded book carousels wouldn’t work in iOS systems.  The vendor was so impressed with Justin’s fix that they wrote him a note thanking him for his accomplishment and will include it in future releases.  For this, Justin received the Challenge the Process Award.

Cindy Mathieson, Library Associate at the Regency Library, worked within a Califa PLACE grant - PLACE meaning “Public Libraries Advancing Community Engagement" - to program events around the topic of global warming.  For this, Cindy received the Model the Way Award.

Brentley Stead, who could not attend, is a Specialist in Community Relations and Marketing. Brentley discovered hundreds of reviews on our libraries on Google and Yelp that had gone unanswered and developed procedures for reporting and responding to them.  For this, Brentley received the Challenge the Process Award and CR&M's Jenna Hassell received the award for Brentley.

Ru’Punzel Wooden, Library Associate at the Bradham Brooks Library, created one of the most well-attended events at the branch – Couponing.  The attendance is so large that Ru’Punzel began a monthly coupon club.   For this, she received the Inspire a Shared Vision award.

Siu Yam (not pictured but present), is a Library Assistant at the Pablo Creek Library.  She encountered a rather difficult customer who returned several magazines with covers ripped off and pages falling out.  Siu assessed the damage and told the customer he would be charged.  The customer balked and walked off with the magazines, then tried to turn them in at the automatic book return, got caught, and argued with staff for 15 minutes while Siu calmly softened him up.  By the end of it, the customer paid the fine and was seen laughing with Siu on his way out.  For this, Siu received the Get to Yes Award.

Come To Big Friends Sale This Weekend

Stock up and save on books, DVDs and CDs. JPL Friends' members can shop February 9 2018, for a special discount on books. If you're not a member, you can join at the door for $10. Everyone is invited to shop February 10 - 11, 2018. All proceeds help support JPL. It's a great way to show your support and take home great bargains at the same time.

Friday, February 9: 4-8 pm - FJPL members only; folks can join at the door for $10
     Books, DVDs & CDs for members discount: $11.25/bag - BUY 1 BAG; GET 2ND ONE FREE

Saturday, February 10: 9 am - 4 pm - $15/bag - BUY 1 BAG GET 2ND ONE FREE
     COME EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION!

Sunday, February 11: 12 Noon - 5 pm - $15/bag - BUY ONE BAG - GET 2ND FOR FREE - 
     CLEARANCE SALE
                      (Add 7% sales tax to all purchases.)

HELP PROMOTE THESE SALES - INVITE YOUR CUSTOMERS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY AND COME YOURSELF TO THE SOUTH END OF UPK TO THE FJPL WAREHOUSE, 3435 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD NORTH FOR THESE GREAT BUYS.

2018 North Florida Regional Braille Challenge

Chris Eaton is the manager of Talking Books and ILL.  His devotion to the hearing and seeing impaired that he and his staff serve is remarkable.  Chris enjoys the annual Braille Challenge, which he worked to have moved to Main, and indeed it was, beginning last year.  

Chris reports on this year's event, "The rhythmic beating of drums marked the conclusion of another successful North Florida Regional Braille Challenge hosted at the Main Library,  January 25, 2018.  Fifty-five students ranging from elementary to high-school age showed their mastery of the Braille language in a competition measuring their spelling, typing speed and accuracy, reading comprehension, proofreading and interpretation of tactile charts and graphs. While the students competed, their educators and family members attended workshops, visited with vendors, networked and assisted where needed. Many community partners came together to support this event and make sure that it was a success. In the end smiles were seen, cheering was heard, prizes were won, drums were beaten and a special kind of reading was celebrated by all."

WBK Has A Fun Way To Involve Kids In History

"This is the Black History Month display Veronica Lee, WBK’s part time Library Assistant, created for the branch with the help of some of our children," said Westbrook Branch Manager Scott Adams.  That's a wonderful way for kids to enjoy learning about history and the display benefits all ages.

Caitlin Ruvolo: Job Well Done

Mandarin Library Clerk Caitlin Ruvolo received a Job Well Done Award, February 1, 2018, for all she does to improve staff morale.  KR Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "Caitlin is always smiling and doing small things for staff for their birthdays."

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT, CAITLIN; THANK YOU!

ArtRAGEOUS: Mardi Gras at EB

"Sixteen school children learned about the history of Mardi Gras, January 31, 2018.  They listened to music from New Orleans and decorated hats for the upcoming celebration with Maja Williams at the Brown Eastside Library. Laissez les bons temps rouler!" EB Branch Manager Shawn Norton reports--and translates the French: "Let the good times roll!"--a popular theme around this time.

Alison Pulley: Job Well Done

Library Associate Alison Pulley was presented with a Job Well Done Award by Margo Crafton at Mandarin. February 1, 2018.  The award icelebrates all the hard work Alison does especially her  creativity in teen programming. 

WHAT COULD SAY IT BETTER?

Mark Hohnadel sent us this great display at Mandarin created by Library Associate Frances Wickes.  (Mark thanks the Helsby family for donating the dinosaurs to KR.)

Author Laura Lee Miller At JB & Coming To WB, PCR & Main

JB's Library Clerk Terry Welch reports, "JB hosted approximately 34 people who attended the Flamingo Book Club, January 30, 2018, to discuss the book, The Ice House by Laura Lee Miller. This was the author's second appearance at our book club and she is a delightful and inspirational speaker. 

 "Ms. Miller also held a writing workshop at JB, January 27, 2018 (15 attendees.)  She will also be holding a writing workshop, February 10, at WB and another, February 24, at PCR and she will be appearing at Main on March 3, 2018, as part of the Jax Book Fest!"

Terry keeps us tuned in to JB's latest--and she admits that authors are her favorite celebrities.  

Webb Region Plans Programs On Memory Loss

CW Manager Kathy Tekin announces, "Webb Region is hosting two programs in February on memory loss with staff from Arbor Terrace Ortega. Three programs, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m., are planned:  February 20, 2018, Conversations Before the Crisis will be held at Webb Wesconnett Branch and on February 27, Role Reversal is scheduled at West Branch Library.  (Our display is promoting both programs within the region.) Then a third program, Caught in the Middle, will be held March 6 at Argyle Branch."

JPL Foundation & Ansbacher Family Partner For Great JPL Events

 Director Tim Rogers greets crowd, introduces himself, then Mr. Lane at the concluding presentation on Saturday.

JPL Foundation's Executive Director, Dr. Jamie Self, hosted Dinner in the Maps, Friday evening, January 26, 2018, where 48 people dined at a $125/plate dinner to hear PBS’s Antiques Roadshow map and print expert Christopher Lane.  And they had the pleasure of meeting our new Library Director Tim Rogers.

Dinner was served at the reading tables in Main's Ansbacher Map collection on the 4th floor of the Main Library. The paper sculpture artists for Dinner in the Maps centerpieces (and seen here) are JPL staff Shirdellah Groulx and Emma Pancho.  (If interested, please contact the Foundation Office for purchase: info@jplfoundation.org.)
                                              i
The next day, about 150 lovers of maps and history attended the Mapping Our Past event at the Main Library. The day began with appraisals of antiques by B. Langston. One of the appraisals made was a first edition of Gone with the Wind  by Margaret Mitchell, appraised at $5,000.  Another appraisal was of a Norman Rockwell painting signed by him, valued at $7500 - $10,000.

Collector and friend of the late Lewis Ansbacher, Michael Fisher, provided a tour of the Ansbacher Map Room. Map activities took place in the Children’s and Teen areas as well as the Jax Makerspace. City Planner Autumn Martinage and planner, developer, and author Ennis Davis provided insight on how maps are used for zoning and transportation in Jacksonville and the state. 

Director Tim Rogers greeted the crowd, introduced himself, then Christopher Lane at the concluding Saturday event. Mr. Lane made a presentation on the myths of the American Southeast in the earliest days of exploration through the 18^th Century. (Did you know many maps include mountain ranges going through Florida?) 

The Saturday event was sponsored by the Ansbacher Family. 

                            Michael Fisher, standing, during the Ansbacher Map tour.

THANK YOU, JAMIE, AND THE ANSBACHER FAMILY, FOR ALL YOU DO AND HAVE DONE FOR THE JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY.   AND WE OWE THANKS TO LISA BUGGS AND LAURA MINOR FOR MUCH OF THE INPUT AND TO JENNA HASSELL WHO SUPPLIED THE PICS.