Carissa Charest: Job Well Done!

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian II, said, “Our part time Library Associate, Carissa Charest, received a Job Well Done Award, October 29, 2019. Ms. Carissa is part of South Mandarin Branch's children staff. She helps with the young read, play, and learn story time programs.  Last week I shared with Carissa an idea of organizing the craft cabinets--a big challenge due to the accumulation of materials over the years.  Ms. Carissa took the challenge and organized the craft cabinets by category in less than two weeks. She went beyond her daily responsibilities and her efforts are much appreciated."  Pictured are Carissa  (R) with Isabel.
 

Mandarin's Interesting Programs

Mandarin Manager Mark Hohnadel and his staff, including David Foster (seen below right) and Margo Crafton, were beaming when, as he said, \"94 people attended a not-too- spooky Early Dismissal afternoon of fun at KR, October 30, 2019.  Some of the activities included Boo-Bowling, face painting, crafts, and a parade along with treats and tricks.  The tricks and treats?  Participants had to answer trivia questions to get candy."

Mark added, "On October 26, KR hosted 17 people who came to our Antique Treasures program to have their valuables informally evaluated by representatives form B. Langston's Antiques.

"Here is a picture of Diane Lewis, a former staff member, having a ring evaluated by staff from B. Langston’s:

"I also brought an antique pocket watch and it was worth $150-$200."

Landscape/Garden OR Grow Your Own Groceries

Growing a garden is new all over again with city dwellers and suburbanites, whether they own homes, condos or rent apartments . "Grow Your Own Groceries" is a program held at the Main Library and the latest was held in the Main courtyard, October 26, 2019.  Kids and adults found the idea of growing things fascinating.  The program, led by Nathan, the Man in Overalls, has been food gardening since he was eight years old.  Nathan's  talk covered how to pick a good garden spot, how much space different plants need, and what to plant when.  Main staff also gave attendees a couple of good handouts to reinforce the talk.  Nathan answered questions and those who wanted to came up and filled a small pot with some of Nathan's special gardening soil mix and they planted lettuce seeds in pots as seen above.

If your library is interested in hosting this program, one can be assured he is knowledgeable in gardening.  He owns his own business and he comes out for personal consults and helps folks start/maintain their own gardens. He has started coming to the library for a spring and a fall program which he does for us free of charge to help people in the community.  He has credentials. (His website: http://maninoveralls.blogspot.com/

"Nathan, Man in Overalls, began planting fruit trees in high school. Throughout his studies in community organizing and social movements at Warren Wilson College (class of '08), Nathan managed a Permaculture edible landscape complete with vegetables, fruit trees, herbs and medicinals as part of his school's student work requirement. While at Warren Wilson, Man in Overalls studied widely on different methods of small scale agriculture, including organic, biointensive, permaculture, and SPIN Farming.  He has won several important awards, too" said Main's LAS Amanda Whaley . 

1,000+ Attend NS Friends Trunk or Treat & Homage Is Paid To Mrs. Turnage

Friends of the Brentwood Library's "Trunk or Treat", October 26, 2019, in partnership with NS staff, attracted over a thousand customers. Thirty Youth Ambassador volunteers helped with 19 activities, crafts, and games--and a dance and costume contest topped off with refreshments.  Another contest had eight cars competing for originality and creativity.  Local artist Terry "Doc" Handy and his jazz ensemble were a hit. The two hour event also hosted Pumpkin Golf with VIP guests Jack Aschenbach and Susan Waite from PGA of America.  

JFRD had a Big Red Engine there for attendees to explore and JSO had a trunk full of treats for the kids. 

Another celebrity Amber Krycka (below) from Action News read to children.

In the opening ceremony, Library Director Tim Rogers, founder of Brentwood Friends Sharon Coon, and others gave their condolences to Mrs. Cynthia Turnage (front center below), widow of Melvin Turnage, President Emeritus of the Brentwood Friends.  Mr. Turnage passed away, October 19.  Councilman Samuel Newby (L) presented a plaque from the City Council to Mrs. Turnage.  The plaque pays honor to Mr. Turnage's life and legacy.

 

All of us at the Jacksonville Public Library offer our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Turnage.

Thank you, Cranston Burney, for the excellent pictures.

KR's Fantastic Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, October 19, 2019, with a program featuring dancing and lively music from Perú Dance, a local dance group dedicated to spreading the culture of Perú.  

The event brought together not only many different Hispanic cultures, but also various non-Hispanic people eager to learn about other traditions. Thirty seven people enjoyed the participants celebrating their Hispanic heritage, including the beautiful dancers, the materials on display, and the room decorated with Hispanic flags from each country.

After the celebration, many of the participants gathered for a photo shoot with the dance group, and some children played a Colombian game called the toad.

Events like these at the library help our community to realize the many contributions that are made by Hispanic and Latino Americans--locally and internationally.

 

Wish we all could have been in on the fun. (Thanks to Angela Richman for sharing their good news and pics.)



GO365: A Piece Of Cake!

What's your goal?  Trim a few pounds, lose that sluggish mid-afternoon low, look and feel better?  Well all you have to do is:

Join us for the Go365 COJ November step challenge!  We have about 20 people on our JPL team right now and we could add Y O U to the list of employees who are going GO365.

Holidays are a almost here and it's a great time to fit in some more exercise and start a few new habits that make you stronger and feel and look better (and who doesn't want to do that!)  If this is your first time taking the challenge and  you aren't sure where to find information, just click here:  www.go365.com , or email Matthewt@coj.net for information.

Don't just make your goal -- BEAT YOUR GOAL!

Four New Members Join BOLT

Four new Library Board of Trustees were introduced and welcomed at the Board's October 24, 2010 meeting:

Virginia Haworth is Director of Government Relations and Community Engagement for Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

Steve Eagerton is Vice President of Investor Relations, Sales Operations and Strategic Initiatives of Black Knight Inc., headquartered here in Jacksonville.

 

Dr. Matt Swanson is Associate Vice President of Financial Management at Jacksonville University.

Fernando Meza opened the Wreck Tiki Lounge in Jacksonville Beach in 2015 where he serves as the establishment's operating partner. 

 

If you happen to see any of these new JPL Board members, please give them a warm welcome.

SOM Celebrates Fall

"South Mandarin Branch celebrated its Fall Festival, October 26, 2019, with 77 customers participating in a costume parade, crafts, pumpkin painting, and lots of candy was provided. 

Kids and caregivers enjoyed the celebration and I wore my Dr. Seuss hat, cat whiskers, and T-shirt, " said Isabel Moreno-Santiago, SOM's YS Librarian II.

 

BOLT Honors Friends Groups

The Board of Library Trustees passed a Resolution to honor each of JPL's Friends groups at their meeting, October 14, 2019.  Director Tim Rogers (L) and Community Resource Manager Zoe Carr (2nd from left) joined Chair Ronnie King (R) to acknowledge all of the Friends groups.  Representatives who were able to attend are pictured L/R: Mike Steve (FJPL), Ted Hornoi-Centerwall (Mandarin Friends), Judy Klein (Murray Hill Friends), Anthony Williams (Brentwood Friends), Ferlandis Green (Brentwood Friends), and Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch Friends).

 Chair King read the Resolution, which declares October 20-26, 2019, National Friends of the Library Week and lists the many accomplishments benefiting JPL that these groups have achieved:  countless hours raising funds to finance programs, events, learning materials, computer technology, e-classrooms, software, staff training, digital access, leadership awards, preservation of historic collections, advocating for JPL with local and state officials, and much more.  Our Friends groups were instrumental in securing vital funding for JPL: $200K from COJ during FY 2020 for security for four libraries; $500K for maintenance and improvements and an additional $200K for materials and $1M in capital allocated for the design of JPL's 22nd location, the Oceanway Branch Library! 

Representatives of these Friends of the Library could not attend; however, we want to gratefully acknowledge them:

Beaches Branch
Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks (Northwest)
Dallas Graham
South Mandarin
Maxville
 
Those accomplishments deserve several exclamation marks!!!!  The next time you see a Friends representative, please thank them for all they do for us. 
 

Honor Paid To 3 Departing Board Members

Three Library Board of Trustees members who are retiring from the Board were honored at the Board meeting, October 24, 2019: Jackie Perry (below) served as a member since 2010.  Mrs. Perry was profoundly thanked for her dedication for serving two extra years beyond her 2nd term and offering new ideas as to how JPL can better serve the community. 

Sybil Ansbacher, with a record of 92% attendance at Board meetings has served since July 2013.  Mrs. Ansbacher was involved with the building of the new Main Library from the planning stage.  She has served as a liaison to the Foundation and has been a tireless advocate to City Hall and Tallahassee. (Her husband Lukie's map collection hangs in the Ansbacher Map Room on Main's fourth floor.)  

Tim Anderson could not attend; however, Chair Ronnie King pointed out he has served since September 2014, commuting form Ponte Vedra for board meetings while juggling other demands of his company. "He also gave much needed advice to the Finance Committee and broached important issues.  His advocacy to community leaders will be greatly missed," Chair King said. 

A book in honor of each departing Board member will be placed in the JPL Collection.

Supporting No Domestic Violence

Mayor Curry's recent COJ Proclamation declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Subsequently, Mayor Curry requested COJ staff wear purple, October 24, 2019, in support of no domestic violence and to recognize Hubbard House's efforts to help families of domestic violence. Director Rogers added his support and many library employees wore purple on October 24, including these three region supervisors--Kelli Likins, Lynne Baldwin & Marshelle Berry--wearing various shades of purple. (They are pictured at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, which happened to occur on October 24.) 

AYL Teens Make A Difference Mentoring

Library Associate and Teen Coordinator for Argyle Branch Library shares, “Argyle Reading Buddies is a recurring reading/mentoring program for school aged children and teens (12-18). Though not a tutoring program, it has helped many children gain reasoning skills, confidence, and motivation by giving them 1:1 reading practice with a teen or tween. Teens volunteer their time to be mentors, coaches, and friends to younger children. A main goal is to develop a love of reading by building children's reading skills. Many children have been coming to Argyle's Reading Buddies since its inception three years ago. Parents have given positive feedback regarding Reading Buddies, emphasizing improvement in their children’s grades and abilities.

 
"Reading Buddies is also a fun event.  Here you see breakfasts our neighborhood Wawa, a wonderful community partner, brought for the children, adding fuel and inspiration to get up early on Saturday mornings.”

An additional result of this program: teens can see the value of sharing their skills and know they make a difference, and kids can see the importance of the teens reaching out to them and, hopefully, this inspires children to do the same as they grow.

25 Years of Go Jags!

Beginning October 1, 2019, Main's Children’s Department kicked off a celebration of the Jacksonville Jaguars 25^th anniversary with  a 'Supporting Our Team!' themed poster.  Marcie O'Dell said, "The next time you visit our department we invite you to don your Jags shirt and catch a picture next to our wall display,  'Go Jags!' The poster will be up until the Super Bowl is played, February 2, 2020."

Fall Is Rising

Marcie O'Dell reports, "To celebrate our 'Fall Into Fun', 0-5 sensory event, Main Children’s Department decorated with a recycled (Styrofoam) thatched cottage and a recycled (cardboard) scarecrow. The first annual Fall Into Fun Event, October 12, 2019, saw 130 attendees enjoying 10+ sensory stations, enhanced by these displays, which made for a fun time for all. (Recycle creations made by Main Library Assistant, Kate Martin.)"

AYL Appreciates Community Workers

Argyle Branch hosted 42 youth and caretakers for a fun-filled Community Helper Storytime, October 11, 2019. It included stories, songs, and fingerplays about different community workers in our area which included firefighters. After storytime, customers walked outside to greet local firemen.

The children were able to sit in the firetruck, explore the vehicle, and some helped spray the water hose while the firefighters talked about how they keep us safe. Some enjoyed taking photos, too. Little Ms. Arya, who was very happy to hold the steering wheel, posed for this photo. (Thanks to Carol Bunker for the pics and article.)

WST Welcomes JSO, JFRD & JEA

The West Branch Library celebrated Community Helpers in our Young Children Read Play and Learn September storytime. After Ms. Eve shared stories and songs about our Community Helpers, attendees went outside and met some of them with their cars and trucks. There was a firetruck, several police cars, and a bucket trunk. The 70 plus attendees saw them all up close and some climbed inside the fire truck and police car. Eve Harm said, "A few lucky kids got on the police car intercom and told us to pull over and freeze!  Thanks to  JSO, JFRD, and JEA for another successful visit with us and for all they do for the people of our city every day."

STEAM Program Builds Bridges & Team Work

Southeast's school-age program, “Full STEAM Ahead: Bridge Building”, was a success, October 2, 2019, as children and parents (34 total) learned how bridges are built.  Plastic cups and tongue depressors substituted for steel and concrete as the class became "structural engineers" and worked together in a bridge building competition.  Gummy bears were awarded for longest bridge, most aesthetic bridge, and the bridge that could hold the most weight. Everyone wore construction hats (safety first!) and had a great time.  (Thanks to Caitlin Ruvolo for input and pics.) 

Job Well Done Team Award To PCR YS Staff

Hongying Song presented Pablo Creek youth services staff with a Job Well Done award, October 2, 2019, for their 2019 SLP success.  Above you see the happy recipients:  Bridgette King, Casey Cassese, David Humphries and Jonathan Sandbach.  Two others not pictured are Mandy Elliott and JohWilliard Utuk. 

Hongying said, "Everyone knows that PCR Children’s library is one of the most popular ones in the system. PCR has the highest number of checkouts, its back-to-back programs serve a vast number of families and lines form out the door every programming day.  Some teachers and schools visit PCR despite being closer to other libraries. This year PCR had the best summer so far from the kickoff to the closing party, everything stood out.  PCR had: 

·         the most reading goals met with 3,143 logs showing 5 days or more of reading submitted.
·         the highest number of days read:  21,530, which nearly doubled our goal of 11,204 days read.

"Jonathan, Casey, David, Bridgette, Mandy and JohnWillard have built a strong following by creating amazing programs that continue to dazzle even during programming breaks and in addition to the summer system-wide programming. Our community and I are fortunate to have these creative staff working together to provide high quality services at PCR. Our surveys, statistics, and stories shared by our customers speak highly for each of them."