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.) 

Interim Director Giltrop Praised By Friends Of MH

Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop is flanked by Friends of Murray HIll: (L) Florence Rando and (R), Judy Klein; both are strong advocates for JPL.  

Everyone appreciates a kudo for a a job well done and JPL Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop shares this note of appreciation from a VIP for her presentation, August 11, 2017, to the City Finance Committee at City Hall.

Hi Jennifer,

Just wanted to let you know again what a great job you did advocating for our Jacksonville Library System at the Finance Committee meeting on library funding! The Friends of the Murray Hill Library are happy to stand with you along with all of the Friends groups in Jacksonville and push for increased funding for materials and hours.

Thanks,

Judy Klein 

The JPL Owl Is Full of Compliments

 “How do you like the library’s new hours?” was a recent question customers were asked system wide.  The raves poured in--so many that the project originator, CR&M’s Manager, Chris Boivin, had his staff created this JPL owl comprised of customer compliments written on sticky notes.  The owl appears small here; however, it stands 8 ft. tall and is 8 1/2 ft. wide!  

We can thank the diligent work of our Library Director, Barbara Gubbin, the Admin Team, and the Library Board because they petitioned the City Council last year to restore some of the library hours previously cut. The City Council heard their voices echoing library customers' repeated requests for longer hours and voted to restore 88 service hours to our libraries. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, CITY COUNCIL FOR THE 88 LIBRARY SERVICE HOURS!

Changes in Civil Service and Personnel Rules & Regs

Just in case you haven't noticed, the Civil Service and Personnel Rules and Regulations have been updated for the first time in more than a decade. The effective date of the new Rules is Oct. 1, 2010, with a new advisory being added recently. Check out the links on the City's home page.

City's HR Initiates Trial Period for Volunteers

Sandra Stonestreet said that Human Resources is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. Currently volunteers are required to clear a background screening before they can begin volunteering. JPL volunteer coordinators find many adults don’t understand the nature of the work or it is not what they expected and do not come back to complete the 30 hour commitment. A trial period will give adults an opportunity to experience the work first hand before going through the background screening process. We hope this will result in more satisfied volunteers and a savings to the City.

The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.