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.)



CM Matt Schellenberg Visits SOM

"Council Member Matt Schellenberg, center, standing, came and spoke about the importance of libraries at the South Mandarin Branch Library, July 26, 2018. closing SLP party. Library Board Chair Ronnie King, standing far right, and his daughter were there, too.  CM Schellenberg took pictures with attendees and congratulated staff on completing their Summer Learning Program goals," said Library Associate Christie Rogers.

CM Aaron Bowman Serves Up Safety & Fun At PCR

Pablo Creek Branch had a special guest for Storytime, February 27, 2018, when District 3 City Councilman Aaron Bowman visited as a guest reader.  Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "He read a book about bicycle safety and even brought his helmet. He explained to the young audience that the helmet saved his life when he was in an accident a few years ago. The letter B,  the Stop Sign symbol (octagon shaped), the number 8 (for 8 sides of the octagon), and colors were all taught and reinforced through books and song. The children decorated paper helmets after the program. There were approximately 45 children and caregivers in attendance.

"CM Bowman experienced firsthand how more hours would translate to more Storytimes such as this one. I drove home the point.  I believe he had a good time shaking his sillies out before Council day started!"

CM Joyce Morgan Reads & Plays At UPK

If CM Joyce Morgan did not sit on our City Council, we would like to invite her to regularly read at JPL's Storytimes because she obviously has charisma. Above, CM Morgan reads one of three books that held kids spellbound at University Park Library, March 20, 2017. Later, CM Morgan had these little ones giggling as they played "Ring Around the Rosie" (center pic) where they fell down and bounced back up again. The 15 children and parents--and UPK staff--say, "Thanks and come again soon, CM Morgan."

Above CM Morgan--with some of her fans-- holding one of three books she read, Megan and Michael Get Dressed, by Denise Fleming. YS Assistant Kim Hamilton stands behind CM Morgan.

Jax Black History By Lori Boyer, President of City Council

President of the City Council and representing District 5, Lori Boyer (standing, center) tells children about Jacksonville’s place in Black History, February 8, 2017, during her visit at the San Marco Branch.  (Thanks to Kevin Douglas for the pic and heads up.)

SOM Hosts CM Schellenberg

Region Manager Keli Likins reports, "Council Member Matt Schellenberg (third from left above) attended the Gingerbread program, December 27, 2016, at South Mandarin Branch Library.  He read the narrator part of the Gingerbread Boy play.  Afterwards the kids made their own gingerbread boy cookie. 

"Thanks to the SOM staff for a good program."

Keli Likins Hosts CM Willson & Board Trustee Anderson At SE

Library Board Trustee Tim Anderson (L), SE Region Manager Keli Likins, and Council Member Scott Wilson met at the Southeast Branch Library, October 14, 2016.  Keli said, "CM Wilson was not assigned to any library because no libraries fall into the boundaries of his district, which is between PCR, AR and SE.  When I saw the elected officials document on the Neighborhood web site showed 'none', I decided to invite him since probably no one had before.  We took a tour of the library." (Click on the pic to get a larger view.)

Hooray for Keli Likins!

PCR Has Local Dignitaries Visit

Jackie Spiritas, Pablo Creek Branch Manager proudly reports, "District 3 Councilman Aaron L. Bowman hosted an informative Town Hall Meeting at Pablo Creek Regional Library, August 8. Mayor Lenny Curry spoke about the upcoming Pension vote on August 30 and took 

questions from the community. Following Mayor Curry, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop reported on the recent events and accomplishments of the Jacksonville Public Library, including the launch of the new JPL website, Makerspace at the Main Library, and the upcoming DCPS partnership press conference to be held at the Brentwood Library. Other city departments reporting included JSO Zone 3 Assistant Chief Mitchell, JFRD Director Kurt Wilson, and Bryan Mosier with Code Enforcement. Dr. Charles Moreland, Director of Community Affairs, and some other departments were represented. 

"I said that Town Hall meetings are a perfect way to introduce the community to their local library branch and promote upcoming activities. It was quite an honor to host one that Mayor Curry was able to attend. The branch was looking good and staff really pulled out all the stops to stock fliers, fill and create new displays so that we were ready for our special guests.”

BIG Jazz Concert Celebrates PCR's Open Mondays

   Terrance Freeman, City Councilman Aaron Bowman’s Executive Council’s Assistant

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas proudly reports, "The Pablo Creek Library hosted a Jazz concert in the Children’s department, Monday, February 22, 2016, featuring music from the award winning UNF Jazz Ensemble III led by Dr. Marcus Dickman. Seventeen Jazz musicians entertained a crowd of approximately 40 children and 52 adults, including Board of Library Trustees member Ronnie King. 

The program began with a story about 'Jazz Cats' and then the band cut loose with jazz music that could be heard throughout the library. In between music sets and bluesy vocals, Dr. Dickman narrated the program with bits of jazz history as it related to black history and the songs being played. 

Customers who ordinarily may not have come into the Children’s department wandered in, drawn by the community style concert which was improvised outside of the meeting room. The jazz program, geared toward children ages 6-12

and their families, concluded with a jazz scavenger hunt where all of the children searched the department for different pictures of instruments. All in the all, the program proved to be a success with everyone enjoying the atmosphere and entertainment. 

"This program is just one of the many educational and cultural events offered at PCR. A special thank you to the Newcomer’s Club whose members fund children’s programs in the Pablo Creek Region.

"Although the program was held on a Monday afternoon, it was well-attended. I took the opportunity to take a picture of Terrance Freeman (pictured first above), City Councilman Aaron Bowman’s Executive Council’s Assistant, in front of the Post-it Note survey board as more evidence that Monday hours add value to library customers' lives."  

Main Library's 10th Anniversary A Big Hit

November 7, 2015, the Main Library celebrated its 10th anniversary with 3724 customers enjoying the Navy honor guard who opened the official ceremony with the Pledge of  Allegiance, the fantastic Navy musical quintet, a dance group, the Orange Park/Jacksonville English Country Dance Group performing 16th and 17th century dances to the delight of young and old alike.  Customers and employees consumed the huge anniversary cake (to the last crumb) and refreshments and children, teens, and adults enjoyed the many programs and displays.

A Resolution recognizing Main's 10th anniversary was delivered by one of the Mayor's staff and Council Member John Crescimbeni (above) read the Resolution from City Council and presented it to Board Chair Erin Skinner and Library Director Barbara Gubbin and made a congratulatory speech, as did Chair Skinner and Director Gubbin. Joy Korman, who was Library Board Chair when the Main Library first opened was there, spoke briefly and was happy she could return for this occasion.  

Many JPL employees volunteered and contributed greatly to this smooth sailing event.  Pictured below are Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Eric Soriano flying high with the owl. 

Michael Sullivan, Main/Urban Region Supervisor did the same:

To say a good time was had by all would be an understatement.

Congrats to DU For 30 Years Of Service

Kristi Dorney, Highlands Branch Manager, recaps DU's big day, "Highlands Regional Library celebrated 30 years of service, October 24, with the theme 'Preserving Our Past, Forward to the Future'. Guests were greeted at the front door by friendly scarecrows who complemented the library's fall decorations.The celebration included a ribbon cutting for DU's new E-classroom, face painting, clowns, balloon twisting, crafts, and door prizes. Everyone enjoyed delicious sweets (including the 30th anniversary cake) and drinks served with a background of 1980's music. 

L/R are Board Trustee Mario Payne, CM Katrina Brown, Board Chair Erin Skinner, Director Barbara Gubbin, and DU Branch Manager Kristi Dorney are pictured at the E-classroom ribbon cutting. Region Manager Jane Harris and Executive Assistant Andrew Herron also attended,. 

"Councilwoman Katrina Brown presented the branch with a resolution of service from the City Council. After remarks from Board Chair Erin Skinner, she and CM Brown cut the ribbon for the E-classroom. 

"I wish to thank my staff at the Highlands Branch Library for the success of the 30^th Anniversary event. Everyone pitched in to help in some way. I wish to particularly thank Mia Brack for assisting the custodian in cleaning up the huge mess our dumpster diver made just hours before the celebration. The event would not have been so successful but for the incredible vision and hard work of Felecia Battle and her team. Felecia created the theme and vision for the day and Farryn James and Barbara “Bunny” Fritz helped her to realize it. I am so fortunate to have had such a great team for the anniversary. Thank all of you so much."

Thanks to  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop for the pics.

A Special Thanks From A VIP For NW

Antonia Bryant, Chairperson, District 8, Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, visited NW, September 25, bearing cake, cupcakes, and a card to thank Bradham Brooks Northwest employees for assisting with the town hall meeting featuring newly-elected City Council Member Katrina Brown. Erick Larsen and Gloria Buenavista took a few photos. Ms. Bryant’s handwritten message reads,

“Dear Bradham-Brooks Library Staff and Management, On behalf of District 8, Duval County Democratic Party, I wanted to thank you for the support you gave us for our Town Hall meeting with Councilwoman Katrina Brown. You went above and beyond the call and we truly appreciated your help. You are indeed a very important part of our community."

A Little Thank You For Council Members

Library Board Chair Erin Skinner sent this picture of Council Member at Large, Group 5, Sam Newby, pictured here with a letter of appreciation and cookies. They were presented September 30, 2015 for his support in the FY2016 budget season.  Chair Skinner said, "Assistants of all others on City Council have received letters and cookies personally to give to their CM’s." 

Council Member Matt Schellenberg Reads At SOM

Library Associate Christie Rogers reports, "The South Mandarin Library was pleased to have Council Member Matt Schellenberg join us and read at story time on September 18, 2015. He read two stories that featured cats.  He then let everyone ask him questions and shared some personal information. 

"Most of the questions were in regards to the books. He brought zoo tickets and would ask the children 'What was the name of the cat?' and 'What color were his shoes?' When the child answered correctly he/she received a zoo ticket. CM Shellenberg shared that he is one of eleven children and he has a new grandchild. When someone mentioned noise he said that noise doesn’t bother him since he comes from a large family. He enjoys coming to the library and thanked everyone for having him. 

"Sixty two customers enjoyed our special guest."

Beautiful West Regional Library Celebrates 10th Anniversary

WST's Manager Kathy Tekin recounts their big day, "A fun time was had by all who attended the West Regional Library’s 10^th anniversary party, August 29, 2015.  Despite a bad rainstorm, we were honored with 200+ guests and we commenced with the reading of an official proclamation by the Jacksonville City Council recognizing West Regional’s 10th anniversary. Library Director Barbara Gubbin welcomed everyone and recognized Melodie Bishop, architect for West Regional, and her husband, former Council member Bill Bishop. Representatives of the Maxville Friends of the Library and Friends of JPL were also there.

"Festivities included storytelling by Northside Storytellers, music with Al Poindexter and adult crafts by Elise Fare.  The children were encouraged to participate in craft activities relating to the St. Johns River and pretend fishing in the river to win prizes.  Refreshments of cake, chocolate dipped strawberries, popcorn, and punch were served by our local Girl Scout Troop 607. 

"Party attendees were afforded the opportunity to meet City Councilman Doyle Carter and Board of Library Trustees Vice Chair Guy Anderson (pic at top), who addressed the gathering.  Guests also had an opportunity to ask questions and learn from our community partners, Duval County Cooperative Extension Office, AquaJax, and our own Talking Books and Special Needs Librarian II, Chris Easton (pic below)."

Jax Reads! Kickoff Big Draw For VIP's

Library support was vibrant at the Jax Reads! kickoff at the Main Library, September 1, 2015, attended mostly by VIP's.  

CR and M's Manager Kathy Lussier welcomed everyone and introduced Director Barbara Gubbin, who acknowledged many VIP's individually. Attending were State Senator Audrey Gibson's Aide, CM and Chairman of the Finance Committee Bill Gulliford, CM's Aaron Bowman. Katrina Brown, Doyle Carter, Al Ferraro, Jim Love, Joyce Morgan, Sam Newby and Scott Wilson; Margaret Smith with the Friends of JPL; some Library Board members; Leslie Kirkwood, Chairwoman of Banned; Michael Boylan, WJCT's President and CEO and other media reps, and some of the Mayor's and JPL's staff. 

She thanked the city for not reducing the JPL budget FY2016 and recognizing the importance of libraries.  Director Gubbin also thanked the CR and M staff and JPL employees as a whole. She gave a brief background of the author and said the book, written in poems, won the National Book Award and other awards. The Mayor and CM's will receive copies of Brown Girl Dreaming. She then introduced Mayor Lenny Curry.  

Mayor Curry acknowledged that reading precedes any success in life and the importance of libraries. He said sports as priority one in his life was overturned by reading in his youth and reading was a major contributor to his success as it can be for anyone. His family uses the San Marco Branch. 

Mayor Curry encouraged everyone to read Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson, during this city wide effort, September 1-October 4.  

Director Gubbin and Board Chair Erin Skinner unveiled the READ poster designed especially for Mayor Curry and the Jax Reads! kickoff. He was obviously delighted with the poster and thanked everyone.

Ms. Lussier also thanked all JPL staff without whom there would be no Jax Reads!--and particularly graphic artist Denise Turner for the Jax Reads! logo and color combination used in all of the attractive promotional materials.

Author Jacqueline Woodson will be at the Main Library Hick's Auditorium, October 4, to culminate the Jax Reads! program. 

To view more of these really good pics (thanks to Olga Bayer), you can link here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofjax/albums/72157655721146634

SE: New CM Becton Visits & SLP Wraps Up

Councilman Danny Becton's August 5 visit to Southeast Branch was much appreciated.  He introduced two of their Superhero Stories for Young Children and Preschool Art and addressed a total of 102 people.about libraries and the importance of reading.  

Also,, SE's End of Summer Party on August 4 featured Minions. In addition to taking pictures with their life sized minion, patrons made their own minion goggles, ate banana pudding, searched for bananas in a scavenger hunt, and played Pin the Goggle on the Minion.

Friends of Brentwood Library Have A Big Bash

The Friends of Brentwood Library put smiles on the faces of children, parents, public officials  and even public safety officers with the help of a few fabulous community partners.  FOBL presented a Back to School Bash at the Brentwood Library, August 15, 2014.  It was an afternoon of fun, food and information.  Parents and children queued up inside for the backpack give-away where they were treated to words of encouragement by Councilwoman Group 1 At-Large Kimberly Daniels, and a short presentation on The New Core Curriculum by a representative of DCPS’ Parent Academy.  Parents were encouraged to attend the educational sessions before the giveaway began. Then 124 backpacks were distributed to an appreciative group of parents and students.  Meanwhile, in the downstairs meeting room there was beading and foam jewelry making fun, and 35 youth participated in the crafts program conducted by our youth librarian Michelle Petrin.  The church across the street from the library allowed the Friends to use their parking lot for the outside activities. 

The fire department brought the big red truck and JSO brought the K-9 unit as well as the bike safety unit.  The officers directed traffic as customers crossed the street to pet the dog and climb into the fire truck.  Another local church provided hotdogs, chips, and drinks for 200 people.  There was jump rope fun and a hula hoop contest judged by Navy Federal Credit Union staff.  The Credit Union provided the prizes for that contest.  FOBL founder Sharon Coon stated “I’m very pleased that we’re able to serve so many people”.  She gave certificates of appreciation to all the volunteers.  Betty Williams, Library Associate and David Stevenson, part-time Clerk helped with the backpack giveaway, Michelle Petrin did the beading class and Gloria Armstrong took pictures.  Our little staff did our part  to help with the back to school bash and continued to Get to Yes with our other customers.  Betty Williams says, "Thank you all for your hard work, everyone.  We were tired but smiling at the end of the day."
In addition to providing monetary and volunteer support to the programs presented by the Brentwood Library staff, FOBL has identified three events they will plan and present this calendar year. The Back to School Bash was one of those events.  (Thanks to Betty Williams for this article.)