Five Years Of Service & Job Well Done: Lan Nguyen

Lan Nguyen was honored, December 17, 2020, by Deputy Director Julie McNeil, Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel, and her teammates for Lan’s five years with JPL. Julie presented Lan with her five year service pin and a letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers.

 

Lan also received a Job Well Done Award because, as Mark Hohnadel said, "She is always working to make Mandarin Library a better place with her creative displays and decorations.  Lan always jumps in and is a true team player." 

Congratulations from all of us, Lan!

Terry Welch: Job Well Done

JB's Terry Welch was nominated by Hongying Song for a Job Well Done Award, which was presented to Terry, December 15, 2020. Hongying said, "Terry consistently exhibits behavior that supports JPL Core Values. She is dedicated to providing the best customer service and making a positive difference in people’s lives, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since we opened to the public in September, Terry has created all kinds of bookmarks and flyers to go with her displays to help customers find what they want. Examples of her display themes are: True Crime, Tea-riffic, Staff Pick with bookmarks, Staff Best books of 2020, Seasons & Reading, and In Memoriam. Library Aware created a memorial flyer and bookmark templates inspired by Terry’s “in memoriam” display flyer and bookmark. Terry seems to know every customer by name at JB. Customers will ask for her to recommend books and movies for them. You can see how happy they are from their high pile of books and ear-to-ear smiles after they’ve talked with Terry. Because of Terry’s close relationship with JB’s customers, she can notice problems with our hold call list first and notifies SST. When the branch manager receives the hold phone call list, Terry is usually half way through or through her calling system. She wants our customers to be notified as early as possible so they can get to read what they want quickly. How can you beat that for customer service?"

Holiday Door Decor @ Pablo Creek

The challenge at Pablo Creek was to think beyond the typical wreath on the door and design holiday doors instead.  The challenge was accomplished with team work, creative expression, and fun.  Needless to say, it is a morale boost during this stressful time of COVID-19.

During the winter months when various cultural and religious days of significance are observed, PCR's decorated doors depict popular book and movie titles, as well as being inclusive to all holidays.

PCR staff has extended an invitation to school Advisory Committees, JPL Facebook members, customers, and to all of you: 

Come out and see our Holiday Doors! 

Thank Y O U, JPL Staff

                     Click once on pic for a better view.

Administrative Assistant Nicolle Burton has again collected, stuffed many Christmas stockings, donated, and packed up for delivery to COJ the many gifts JPL employees gave in response to JaxCares Adopt an Angel program. Above are Abel Flores and Jessica Glenn waiting for Mandie McKenzie to get this wonderful shot of all your gifts before taking them over to the Ed Ball building, December 7, 2020.  There your gifts will join other COJ departments' gifts and soon many children will be much happier this Christmas because of your big hearts.

Nicolle said, “Due to the generosity of JPL staff, eighteen Salvation Army angels were adopted and over 30 stockings were filled. The JaxCares representative and I sincerely thank each of you who participated in this worthy cause to brighten the season for needy children in the community. Have a happy, healthy holiday season.”

Job Well Done: Alison Halkovic

Alison Halkovic received a Job Well Done Award from SE Manager Carisia Rooney, December 4, 2020, at SE's staff meeting.  Carisia nominated Alison for the award for initiating and implementing the use of a Microsoft teams platform for creating and saving the daily schedules at the Southeast Library. Carisia said, "With three departments needing to work on creating and updating the schedules each week, we were having a number of 'I thought I saved those changes' glitches and the dreaded 'Read Only' access.  Alison created a SE scheduling team and make sure all schedulers were trained on saving, editing, and printing the Excel docs in Teams.  This new process not only removed the schedule-making problems, but also effected different departments helping one another confidently."

Spirit Of Christmas Thrives At AR

"Regency Square Branch's (L/R) Dawn Brock, Ann Ludke, and Sandra Lockley display gifts for staff's adopted angels, including a brand new bike and tablet.  These Christmas surprises are a result of staff's generous donations for two young ladies during the recent JaxCares Adopt an Angel program. "Thanks to the entire staff for helping with this effort," added Mia Brack.

Adios, Aaron

"A sincere thank-you to LIB I Aaron Neff, who was a HUGE help to the Main Library Children’s Department during his displacement from Westbrook Branch over the last many months. This photo features LAS Kitty Maschan, LIB I Aaron Neff, and LIB 2 Joanna Nigrelli at Main Children’s this past week as we all shared some laughs, which we all did many times while Aaron was here. We’re missing you, Aaron, and hope you’re enjoying your new temporary home at Highlands Regional Branch," said Marcie O'Dell.

Promoting Giving & Sharing

Main Library’s LAS Kate Martin once again used her talents to repurpose a piece of Styrofoam board into this adorable snowman. Giving and sharing are the themes for this winter display--and all  for the kids and your--viewing pleasure through December at Main Children’s. Marcie says, "Kate always has such great ideas!"

A Tree Full Of Reading Fun

Tis the season for holiday fun! Pictured here is LIB I Kate Zakharov’s display featuring YA green book covers creating the tree with a gold choice for the star on top. "For your enjoyment, this will be available through the end of the year, so come on by and boost your holiday enjoyment," invites Marcie O'Dell.

What's A Rainbow Forest?

Marcie O'Dell says, "Rainbow Forests are cool! Featured here is the newest interactive Mad Lib display at Main Children’s. The kiddos can choose to fill in the blanks to tell a story, or go rogue on a completely original creation. If they share it with staff, they earn a prize! What’s not to like about that? This display will be up through the end of this year." (Display created by Main Children’s staff Shelver Shawndrika Trottman and LAS Marcie O’Dell.)

The World's View

Marina Fry of the Southeast Branch created a wonderful display for December to celebrate the festive holiday season. Greetings of the Season became a colorful inclusive celebration of cultures, languages, symbols and joy. Filled with smiling snowmen it shows how we are all alike but unique in celebrating and in greetings. Five snowmen carry signs with greetings of different holidays, their clothing and a symbol of their belief that differentiate them. They are surrounded by 14 other snowmen that wish you Happy Holidays in different languages. She also created handouts to help figure out the language or country flags to take home with you. The staff of the Southeast Branch hopes this wonderful wall shows the warmth and joy of the season to all as they enter the library. (Thanks to SE Region Clerical Services Supervisor Tricia Larrabee for the input and picture.)

 

 

Good Gift Buys at Friends of JPL Book Store

"During December 2020, all items will be offered as buy-one-get-one free at the Friends of the JPL Book Store. Come soon for the best picks and invite your customers, family, and friends to visit for some excellent buys--but come soon; we will be closed, December 24-December 31.  The Friends and I wish all of you and your families a great holiday season and look forward to seeing you soon," said FJPL President Margaret Smith.

The FJPL Book Store is housed at University Park Branch about eight blocks north of JU, 3435 University Boulevard North.  The Book Store is at the south end of the building.  Store hours are Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am - noon and Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm.

Why Be Thankful?

God loves you.  You are. You love. You have respect for others.  You have integrity.  You have family, friends, and coworkers. You have special memories.  You can see, hear, talk, walk, move, and think.  You have a job and you do it well.  You have your dreams, hopes, and a future filled with surprises and challenges--good and bad--and your experiences will make you stronger.  And many more only you can name.  You are rich in many ways. 

Best To You At THANKSGIVING

Kate Kienitz  at KR wanted to share KR's Thanksgiving display and tell all of you in the Jacksonville Public Library System everyone at Mandarin Branch wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

JWD Team Gets It Done

YS Librarian I Kate Zakharov presented Job Well Done Awards to 13 Main Library employees, November 19, 2020, in appreciation for their help with the October Teen Department remodeling project. In the top pic is LAS Paris Goodman and next are LA Kate Martin and Shelver Katrina Mann. In the group pic, L/R, are LAS Allison Mason, LAS Marcie O’Dell, LAS Kitty Maschan, LAS Sheenae Nelson, YS Librarian I Aaron Neff, LAS Lisa York, LAS Hannah Genslinger, LA Kenya Coleman, and Shelver Shawndrika Trottman.  (YS Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli, not pictured, also received a Job Well Done Award, and we thank her for contributing the blurb and pictures.) 

 

Congrats To Robert Moseley

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel announced, "Mandarin Library Assistant Robert Moseley, pictured above,  was presented a Job Well Done Award, November 19, 2020, for taking the time and initiative to create a library book mark for customers that listed both curbside and inside service hours for Mandarin Library.  The bookmark was also shared with other libraries in the region and the bookmark has been well received by customers."  

 

November 11- Veterans Day

33,586 U.S. military are reported as having died in the Korean War.

56,220 U. S. military died in the Vietnam War. Many more have died since the war because of resulting illnesses due to Agent Orange used in Vietnam.

World War I counts 116,516 U.S. military deaths and approximately 320,000 sick and wounded. More died from disease than combat due to the influenza epidemic of 1918.

World War II totals 407, 316 U.S. soldiers killed and 671,278 wounded.

Veterans who have survived these horrific wars deserve our respect and give us pause to think about the many sacfrices by so many for our freedom and the responsibilities we have to preserve our freedom.

CW: Fall Focus & Thanksgiving

Webb Wesconnett Library children’s staff produced Thanksgiving and fall décor to liven up their displays. Tamera Pritchett created a turkey display that features books about Thanksgiving, fall, manners, and cooking. Passhunate Payams made a large display based on the book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. Nerresa Posey decorated the promotional table and the area behind the children’s desk. Passhunate, who sent us the input, said, "Her turkeys and pumpkins reflect her unique creativity—and attract customers to CW’s collection." (Click on the pictures to get larger views.)

Friends Book Store Offers November BOGOS

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Bookstore has reopened and now they are offering November 2020 buy one get one free specials on all their books, CDs, and DVDs. Good buys for gifts and for yourself!

Chute It!

Social distance was no problem for Library Assistant David Foster (R, top pic) on Halloween.  He donned plastic gloves and used a *unique touchless chute to deliver goodies to 34 kids in KR's Children's department.

 

Wearing costumes, some Mandarin Branch staff added to the fun:  (L/R): Library Clerk Rain Duncan, Children's Librarian Katie Kienitz, and  P/T Library Clerk Tammy Hilbert.  Thanks to Manager Mark Hohnadel (L, last pic above) for the input.

 

*Training and Development Manager Tracy Pigott adds, "The touchless candy delivery system idea was taken from a video featured in the October edition of the Professional Development and Training Newsletter!"  So read those carefully; you might find a treasure trove of ideas to use at your library.

 

New Main Library's 15 Years Celebrated

"Main Children's is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Main Library through the month of November. We like to consider November 12 to be Mrs. Owl's birthday. Our celebration includes a take home craft and we have an owl book display created by LAS Marcie O'Dell. Mrs. Owl is not open to visitors at this time, but we can still wish her a Happy Birthday," said Joanna Nigrelli, Youth Librarian II

 

 

Nov. BOGO @ Friends Bookstore

Just a reminder from our great Friends of JPL: In November 2020, all items in the Bookstore will be buy one get one free. The libraries are not taking book donations but the Friends are accepting donations at the Bookstore. There are carts outside the Friends' main door for you to drop off any donated items.

New Face For Main Teen Department

After renovation, the Main Library Teen Department reopened, October 24, 2020, in its usual place on the north end of the first floor. Youth Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli said, “The department closed for three weeks in October for new carpet installation, painting, small repairs, and furniture moving. The Teen Department had been temporarily housed at the south end of Makerspace, adjacent to the e-classroom, so teens could still access books, computers, and our helpful Teen staff.

"Main Teen is grateful to JPL’s Facilities crew, JPL Technology staff, and various employees from all over Main who helped move books and get this project finished ONE DAY EARLY! The teens and staff are enjoying the new and improved space."

Spooky House Contest

 

"Main's Kate Zakharov and Allison Mason devised a Creepy Creations Haunted House Contest for Main Children’s and Teen departments' staff. They were given a picture of a haunted house to use as a starting point. Entries were submitted, October 27, 2020, and were judged by Coordinator of Lifelong Learning & Community Engagement Lisa Buggs and Librarian II's Stacy Van Hoy and Greg Royce. Thanks to Kate and Allison for putting together such a fun staff event! Stop by the Teen Department to see the Creepy Creations," said Joanna Nigrelli. 

The pictures above are in order of employees' entries listed below--with the exception of Aaron Neff's, which, thanks to Google's stubbornness would only place the pic below. 

YS Librarian I Aaron Neff – Haunted Gingerbread House

LAS Allison Mason – Haunted House Picture

LAS Hannah Genslinger – Purple Haunted House

YS Librarian I Kate Zakharov – Haunted House Collage

LAS Marcie O’Dell – Halloween/Not Halloween (two pictures submitted; one shown here)

Youth Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli (two entries submitted; winning shadowbox shown above)

 

Monster Mash Bash

"Our annual Halloween lunch at Regency Square, October 29, 2020, put staffs' culinary talents to the test," said Cindy Mathieson with a smile.

"With Mummy Poppers (shown above) taking a stroll by Graveyard Dip, then on to Monster Mash Eggs and Skull Pizzas, we filled our plates. (Everyone had mixed, wrapped and baked to create the scariest lunch possible.) Our breakroom was full of food, so we dined at our desks to stay socially distant and AR staff were 'stuffed' better than a scarecrow!

"Sandra Lockley and Dawn Brock came dressed as identical witches, causing us to cackle our way through the day."

Adult "Take & Make" Craft: Pumpkins Of Cork

JPL offers “take and make” art kits for children and AR's Cindy Mathieson had a light bulb moment and created adult "take and make" craft kits, October 29, 2020.  Cindy said, "The idea was in the works for a year. (Previously, I offered one craft per quarter, usually in sync with a holiday or a systemwide theme.) Gathering the corks was key and a basket full of wine corks came to me via a virtual yard sale ad. Then the project was a 'go.'  Kits are now ready for any Regency Square customer who asks for one. We advertised in-house with quarter sheet fliers placed at our circ desk. (Two customers have already reserved a kit.) The only real cost was a tube of E6000 adhesive. The corks were free and the silk leaves were left from last year’s fall craft (and there are leftovers for next year.)

" I would never have managed to paint 450+ corks yesterday without the help from our Shelver, Ann Ludke, pictured here on the left."

Wanna be a creative copy cat?  Here's Cindy's recipe:

"The plastic bag craft kit contains 26 painted corks, 3 silk leaves, one tube of E6000 adhesive and the directions. It takes 26 wine corks to make a large pumpkin, 20 for a medium, and 15 for a small. Since we had plenty of corks, I packed 26 corks in each pumpkin kit. We pre-painted the corks for customers; however, you could leave them natural."

Shown at the top of the article are two wine cork pumpkins Cindy made--one natural; one pained orange.  The two sided directions (included in each kit) can be requested from Cindy, if you like her idea. (Directions would have been posted here but print would appear too small to read.)

Shades Of Purposeful Pink

Mayor Curry asked COJ staff to wear pink on October 27, 2020, to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month . Indeed many did and Bill Brinton Murray Hill staff were no exception.  Above L/R: Erin Seaman, Mary Fletcher, China Vaughn, & Portia Price prove ladies in pink are pretty wonderful. (Thanks, Mia Brack, for sending this input and helping spread awareness.)

Head (Inez) To Toe (Aimee) And ALL In PINK

West Branch staff, including visiting staffers from Webb, Maxville, and Argyle branches and one of our ISS contractors, all wore pink to honor those who have suffered from breast cancer. Back row, L/ R: Kim Williams-Odom (CW), Janice Adams, Elise Fare (MAX), Inez (ISS contractor), Aimee Cedres (AYL) Front row, L/R:  WST Manager Kathleen Brunner, Amy Davis, and Tamera Pritchett (MAX). Thanks to Kathleen for the input and pic---and most of all for promoting awareness not only for breast cancer but any other dreaded Big C.

WB Team Takes On Halloween

WB Manager Michelle Petrin is proud of Willowbranch’s "pumpkin patch" and says, “Staff created themes such as Star Wars (The Death Star), Pokémon, and other Halloween creatures and classic characters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a delicious looking "donut" and more.  The painted pumpkins reflect the diverse interests and personalities at WB.  Thanks to everyone on staff for participating: Ryan Reid, Joe Gaskin, Kari Wright, Jason Brown, Christina Pope, Akeem Adell and our special guest, AYL Manager Carol Bunker." 

 

Halloween Fun

 

 Above are some displays created by Library Assistant Kate Martin and Library Associate Marcie O’Dell. Marcie says, "Here at Main Children’s department we like to have fun and what better time than on our kids' favorite holiday, Halloween. You may remember reading about Kate in a previous blog as she enjoys reviving discarded Styrofoam and making it into something worthwhile. Some of her monsters seen here and her Day of the Dead display are made from this material.  These displays will be up in the Children’s department through Halloween weekend. Hope you can stop by and enjoy the fun with us."

4 SST Staff Recognized For Years Of Service

Gretchen Mitchell, Deputy Director, Support Services, had the pleasure of presenting Director Tim Rogers’ letters of appreciation to four SST employees, October 27, 2020.  These staff also received their respective service pins: L/R Chris Tabur and Shawn Norton; each have served five years.   Next to Shawn are Linda Smith and Kathy Lynch and each of these ladies received their 35 year service pins!  Gretchen added, “With a quick together moment for a photo, everyone enjoyed donuts at their desks.”

Life's Cherry & Whip Cream: Arts & Humanities

Pablo Creek Library’s October display promotes National Arts & Humanities Month. JohnWillard Utuk assembled it and construes, “As a musician myself, I wanted the display to elevate customer awareness of the Humanities and local organizations that support Jacksonville culture, such as the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (sponsored in part by COJ.) The display underscores the importance of the arts and humanities—and the fact that JPL provides a plethora of resources to explore on the subjects. Some favorite books included are Poe's The Raven and Other Writings, Conversations with RGB (a biography,) and Mama Mable's All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza! picture book. I also included the Americans for the Arts’ hashtag, #showyourart2020, where patrons are encouraged to post art themes on Instagram for each day in October. I shared the display on Instagram and the Americans for the Arts liked it, too.”

 

Kids Cast Votes At SE

What you see here is not a novel way to diagram a compound sentence but an opportunity for kids to learn about voting. Alison Halkovic said, "Southeast youth staff Christina Garmon, Rochelle Golomb, Caitlin Ruvolo, and I created a youth election activity for October 19-November 3, 2020 that lines up with early voting. It operates more like March Madness, giving kids a chance to vote once each week until the general election.

"The candidates are Biscuit and Clifford (Dog Party); Mercy Watson and Babe (Pig Party); Geronimo Stilton and Despereaux (Mouse Party); and Winnie the Pooh and Paddington (Bear Party.) Stay tuned to find out which two are SE's customers' pic for Best Animals in Literature."

 

Oh, What A Pumkin Can Do

Southeast Library's painted Literacy-o-Lanterns serve as a magnetizing marketing tool. Alison Halkovic said, "Each Literacy-o-Lantern is painted  to resemble a literary character. They include Black Panther, Cat in the Hat, Dog Man, and a Wild Thing from Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. Customers have enjoyed seeing some of their favorite characters on display and have checked out accompanying books."

Above are the artful pumpkins produced by SE Youth staff Christina Garmon, Rochelle Golomb, Alison Halkovic, and Caitlin Ruvolo.  Space here does not do the delightful creations justice. Why not go by SE and enjoy?

How About That!

Nicole Gaudier Alemañy, YS Librarian I at UPK, shares an admirable accomplishment with us:

"My book review, 'Irish Reading Societies and Circulating Libraries Founded before 1825: Useful Knowledge and Agreeable Entertainment by Keith A. Manley,' was published in the Libraries: Culture, History, and Society Journal. It is the Library History Round Table's journal. The citation is: Gaudier, N. (2020). Review. Libraries: Culture, History, and Society, 4(2), 225-227. doi: 10.5325/libraries.4.2.0225.

"Before getting my MS in information, I studied History (BA) and Art History (MA, BA) with a special focus on early modern Europe. I chose to review that book as it is a great combinatin of my academic and professional interests in librarianship and early modern history."

Congratulations from all of us to you, Nicole. 

BBMH Friends Give Goodies

Friends of the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library always come through to enhance the branch's good customer service. The Friends group gave library customers a tray of breakfast goodies to enjoy shortly after the branch re-opened, September 29, 2020.  Mia Brack said, "The employees truly appreciate this gift from the Friends and are grateful for all they do for us."  (Above, Mary Fletcher and Doug Fair flank the goodie tray.)