CW Staff Visit StoryWalk

 

Webb Youth staff visited Springfield's Klutho Park, January 16, 2021, to see the recently installed StoryWalk. Passhunate Payams, CW's YS Associate, said, "We were joined by two former staff members, Noah Thomas and Kim Bennett, on that beautiful, clear, and chilly Saturday. Each staff member took turns reading different pages, while others were doing actions found in the book. It was amusing to see the looks we received while clapping, counting, and wiggling our fingers. It was fun and going there provided us with hands-on knowledge as to what StoryWalk is and its location. We will use the experience to improve ways we promote and explain StoryWalk to patrons." 

 

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.)

Lunar New Year At CW

"CW celebrated the Lunar New Year this February by 'touring' three Asian cultures: India, Japan, and China.  For each culture, participants engaged in themed adult art and craft activities, culminating with Chinese inspired painting. 

"Eight customers participated in the final program, February 24, 2020, and three regulars--Barbara, Richard, and Denise--are pictured above holding their artwork, reports William Figlietti.

 

Remembering Mayor Jake Godbold

A memorial program celebrating former Mayor Jake Godbold was held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, February 20, 2020, and Webb Wesconnett Library honored this gentleman who dedicated much of his adult life--as Mayor and before and after that--to seeing how much good he could do for Jacksonville.  CW's Brenda Johnson, pictured R below, created a montage of pictures in honor of Jake Godbold. CW displays this memorial at the front of the library so customers can reflect on the many things Mayor Godbold was instrumental in bringing to Jacksonville.  (Thanks to Marilyn Jordan for sending this news for all of us to also pause and honor a great man.)

CW Partners W/DCPS' Literacy Week

 
In support of DCPS' Literacy Week, CW hosted Literacy Night, January 29, 2020, as 258 customers celebrated with staff.  Several literacy-based stations were located throughout the library.  In the teen and adult sections, there were various literacy games and activities.  Two reading therapy dogs, Jule and Zoe, came by and enjoyed customers reading to them. 

In the children's department there were puppet shows, story times, and book related crafts.  After they participated at the various stations and acquired the required stamps,  customers' scavenger hunt tickets were stamped and prizes and treats were given out.

A fab event for customers and staff alike and staff enjoyed connecting with customers while promoting JPL's programs and resources.

(Thanks to CW Youth Associate Passhunate Payams for the blurb and pictures.)

 

CW Encourages Teen Artists

      Click on either picture to get a larger, clearer view..

Webb Wesconnett Library celebrated a local teen artist, Timothy Elder, with a reception, August 5, 2019.  Library Associate Janice Adams hosted the reception and prior to that created this display unveiling Timothy's art.  She complemented it with art related books beneath Timothy's works.

Timothy is originally from New Orleans and has lived in Jacksonville for several years.  He currently attends Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.  He is also a singer, dancer, and instrumentalist.  Janice added, "The 18 year old prefers drawing with pencil but also paints with acrylics. He enjoys using perspective in his art and is currently working on a large scale image of a tunnel that will draw the viewer into the painting. Although he has not decided where he will attend college, he has been offered scholarships at two different schools for art and music."

Timothy spoke about his art at the reception, inspiring others to develop their talents.  Passhunate Payams, CW Youth Associate, said, "This was a great event and we plan to encourage other local teen artists to display their art."

 
The exhibit will be up through August and staff invite everyone to visit CW and enjoy this emerging artist's talent.

  

CW's SLP Closing Party: UMMM Good!

                          Sponsoring businesses' goodies load table. 

 

              Businesses' names on wall above party table.

Webb Wesconnett Library staff enjoyed seeing 150 customers (old and new) celebrate the July 24, 2019, Summer Learning Program closing party.  Staff were ready for the crowd, providing:  a photo booth, giant Jenga, a coloring station, toddler corner, parachute games, and bowling.
                                          UMMM!
 
          Peterbrooke's chocolate popcorn and other treats.

Passhunate Payams said, "We appreciate our go-getter, Nerresa Posey, who contacted numerous local businesses and they responded with an abundance of food:  WAWA, Peterbrooke, Great American Cookies, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Papa Johns, Firehouse Subs, Domino’s Pizza, Sweets by Holly, Subway, and Target.  Many thanks to our sponsors and the great team at Webb, and two teen volunteers.  Because of this team effort, we saw this huge crowd well entertained and fed.  The event could not have been more of a success." 

Noah, Passhumate, Kim & Kerresa: Job Well Done

 L/R with their JWD Awards are Noah Thomas, Passhunate Payams, Nerresa Posey, and Kim Bennett.

Webb Wesconnett’s children’s department team received their Job Well Done Awards from Kara Chenoweth, July 11, 2019, who nominated them and noted, "These employees exemplified teamwork by combining their talents to make our Firefighter Storytime, May 4, 2019, a success. Noah Thomas planned an awesome Young Children Read, Play & Learn program, including a craft, using the theme of firefighters & fire trucks for all to enjoy before a visit from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.  Kim Kirkland created flyers to post around the branch and passed them out to customers to help us promote the event. Passhunate Payams ensured that parents signed the photo waiver and took pictures of the children wearing their firefighter hats, climbing through the fire truck and spraying water from the truck hose.  Nerresa Posey prepared a basket of goodies to present to the firefighters to show our gratitude and in honor of International Firefighter Appreciation Day.  Approximately 70 children and parents attended.  However, the success of the event is not measured solely by numbers. This was a positive community event and rewarding to customers and staff alike.  It was good to see so many happy, excited youth being educated about the critical role of firefighters and fire safety."  

How About That!

CW Associate Noah Thomas shares a happy milestone, "My daughter Kayla graduated, May 9, 2019, from Florida State College at Jacksonville with her Associates in Arts degree and with High Honors. She is 19 years old and doing some great things with her life. Kayla will be heading to FAMU in the fall and moving forward with her studies in Veterinary Science. God has truly blessed this amazing daughter of mine and I am so proud to share this good news."

 

We are all smiling with you, Noah and Kayla! 

CW's Firefighters' Day

"Webb Wesconnett celebrated International Firefighters’ Day, May 4, 2019, with a firefighter themed storytime, topped off with a visit from the local firefighters who drove their truck over and taught the crowd about fire safety.  The children liked wearing firemen's helmets and big and small kids could take a walk through the fire truck and shoot water from the fire hose. As a token of our appreciation, we gave a gift the firefighters a basket prepared by our own Nerresa Posey," said CW's Passhunate Payams, who also shared these photos.

CW Elves Work To Welcome All Cheerfully

Sandra Fahy shares these pics of Webb Wescon-nett Library's two beautiful Christmas trees (among other decora-tions around the library not shown.)  She adds, "Here are some of the results of our Christmas elves' hard work."

 

CW's Minecraft Display Results In Book Check Outs

Bobbie Knight in Webb Wesconnett’s Children’s department transformed one of JPL’s three-tiered shelves into an awesome Minecraft display. Bobbie relays, "The bottom tier represents stone blocks with redstone ore and diamond ore and the middle tier is a grass block. These are materials used to build within the Minecraft game. The top tier is the crafting table where players put materials together to build other items. Her motivation for designing this was to showcase the new Minecraft fiction series. The children have enjoyed seeing her creation, and CW's books have been flying off the blocks!"

82 Go For CW's SLP Kick Off

Bobbie Knight reports, "CW had 82 people attend our Rockabilly themed Summer Kick-off Party, June 6, 2018. Participants enjoyed a serving of root beer or cola floats and 1950’s themed games like bowling, record toss, and a muscle car relay race while listening to classic Elvis songs. Several kids said they had never had a root beer float before and loved the new dessert. CW’s staff was pleased to host a full house on a day when library attendance was low due to computer issues."

What A Can-Do Attitude Can Do

CW Branch Manager Kathy Tekin has good reason to brag on her staff.  She said, "Webb Wesconnett Branch reached our goal plus, May 26, 2018:  $840.  What a fantastic team to work with."   Pictured L/R are employees who make up CW's circulation team: Helena Davenport, Eric Cusaac, Ramona Jay, Sandra Fahy, Robin Cumby and Brenda Johnson.

As you see on the right ("gadget") side of the blog, on May 19 CW was $135 short of goal and in one week the branch exceeded it.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!

Mother's Day At CW Is Special

Argyle has a touch of the poet in Library Clerk Terri Basemore, who is a proud member of their team and a proud mother of two beautiful daughters.  

Mothers deserve to be celebrated the entire month of May, not just on May 13.  So in honor of Mother’s Day (and month), Terri created a display to help promote reading to customers. For a personal touch, Terri asked her colleagues to share photos of themselves as mothers or with their mothers to be used as part of the Mother’s Day display.  Then she highlighted the collection with a variety of print and media items.  Terri topped off the display with a bouquet of roses and an original poem she wrote called Mothers.  This is a great example of creative marketing to increase circulation of reading materials as part of the Strategic Plan Objective 1.1.1B  (tracking the circulation of reading materials).  Thank you, Terri, for helping JPL build a community of readers.  Start Here. Read Anywhere.  Happy Mother’s Day!

(Thanks to Lynne Baldwin, Webb Region Manager for the input and pic.)

 Mothers

by Terri Basemore

Mothers celebrate this month.

Because you’re worth more than a day!

Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.

You go above and beyond; you do more than you think.

No matter what your baby does you will never let them sink.

Let it be known that you’re doing an amazing job.

Know it never ends!

So with that said

Happy Mothers Day

From your Argyle Friends!

CW: Going "Go365"

In the spirit of Go365, Webb Regional Library staff meet 10 minutes before starting work and walk through the stacks.   Janice Adams brags, "We get in about 1000 steps; then we're energized and ready to start the day." (Thanks to Janice for input and Sandra Fahy for the photo.)

(Staring w/the ballet shoes at lower right, going clockwise, employees are: Jessica Serrano, Sandra Fahy, Bobbi Knight, Janice Adams, Kimberly Kirkland, Brenda Johnson and Noah Thomas.)

How about you--are you Going 365?

Everything For Green Thumbs

Maxville Branch has more than a few suggestions for spring gardeners. Under the red umbrella, MAX has displayed these titles:

The Rain Came Down by David Shannon; Umbrella by Taro Yashima; Come On Rain by Karen Hesse; The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.

Complementing the April Showers display, MAX has more gardening books for May (titles are readable in pic) and the display is placed just ahead of the New Books area where they get plenty of attention.

Branch Manager Kathy Tekin said, "We hope our customers stay dry and plant their own beautiful gardens with suggestions from these books and have lots of floral blooms in May."

Beth Friederich: Job Well Done!

Beth Friederich, Webb Region YS Librarian III, received a Job Well Done Award, March 20, 2018, for assisting PCR Manager Michael Sullivan with tablet training for Clerical Supervisors and YS Librarian IIIs, March 7, 2018, at PCR. Region Manager Lynne Baldwin, who nominated her, said, "Beth worked with Michael on the outline and was lead instructor for the class.  Michael praised Beth’s performance to CW Manager Kathy Tekin: 'I want to let you know that Beth did a great job with the tablet class today.  I am sure everyone at the class appreciated her expertise and helpfulness.'  Michael also praised Beth’s performance at the admin meeting, March 9.  Webb Region Clerical Supervisor Marilyn Jordan, who attended the class, was very impressed with Beth’s skill set and how helpful she was to everyone in the class.  She exemplifies Teamwork and Excellence."

                      Beth Friederich (L) and Lynne Baldwin

Noah Thomas: Job Well Done & Happy Birthday!

Noah Thomas had a double dip of recognition, February 6, 2018: Beth Friederich presented her with a Job Well Done Award and Webb Wesconnett staff celebrated Noah's birthday with her.  

Beth said, "If 'encourage the heart' could be found in Noah Webster's dictionary, Noah Thomas' picture would be there, along with a notation of how Noah inspires happiness and community among branch staff at CW. When an employee is transferred or leaves, she plans a party for them. Recently, she started a monthly celebration of staff birthdays and coordinates the party herself. Celebrations include a cake, snacks, a card that all staff sign, special décor (tablecloth, confetti, etc.), and a small gift. Noah is not assigned this task but she presented the idea to Branch Manager Kathy Tekin, who agrees: celebrating CW successes and its team are important --and aren't we glad." 

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.