DU Does Displays W/Deliberation

Displays pictured here are typical of Highland’s monthly creations that reflect their collection and focus on timely subjects.  DU also highlights JPL’s databases.  Marla Roberson says, “We hope the displays inspire you to create displays that engage your customers.” 

 “A number of DU’s October displays speaks to voting and U. S. Presidents.  Our children’s area created ‘How Important Is One Vote’ with a variety of quotes such as ‘Someone struggled for your right to vote.  Use it.’ (Susan B. Anthony); ‘A man without a vote is a man without protection.’ (Lyndon B. Johnson); and ‘Vote the change you want to see in the world.’  The children’s collection has age appropriate books such as I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman and Serge Bloch and V is for Voting by Kate Farrell.

“One adult area display is ‘Presidential Crisis and Words of Inspiration’.  This display reminds us of a few of the crises some Presidents faced and how they led during difficult times  We also included Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin; Words from the White House by Paul Dickson and The New Big Book of U.S. Presidents by Marc Frey and Todd Davis.  The display includes a timeline of 13 Presidents and various speeches they made.  Books include not only the Presidents but events such as 9-11.

"October is Computer Learning Month so we constructed the AXIS 360 database display.  We notice our customers like having a list of apps they can use and download them away from the library.  The display handout includes instructions on how to log into Axis 360 and actually check out a book."

JPL Starts Reopening

The Main Library resumed customer service inside the building, June 3, 2020. Nine other branch libraries began curbside service only the same day--Beaches, Graham, Highlands, Mandarin, Pablo Creek, Regency Square, Southeast, Webb Wesconnett, and West.

 

Deputy Director Julie McNeil said, "Presently, the Main Library is open to the public to come in, Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm.  Curbside service at the above branches is Monday-Thursday, 10 am - 7 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm.  No Jacksonville Public Library Sunday service is available right now.

 

"Argyle, South Mandarin, Willowbranch, and University Park branches will add curbside service later this week, although the date has not yet been determined. Brentwood Branch Library will begin curbside service, June 15, 2020."
 

Terry Welch, a library clerk at Beaches Branch, coined a new word when she reported Theresa Rooney Nicole Saville, Dylan Franke, Robbie Crabtree, Amber Pierce, and she are the original JB "curbies." Terry said, "At first, service was slow but has picked up steam. Customers are happy to see us and we are happy to be back and serving them again." 

Mitchell Makes DU Book Club Happen

Sharon Mitchell facilitates DU's New Leaf Book Club. Sharon says, "The club meets monthly and we read books related to the theme for the month.  At our meeting, February 22, 2020, we highlighted David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell for Black History Month.  For March, the book club will be reading the novel, The Woman Who Would Be King, in honor of Women's History Month. Immediately following this meeting, Karin Lemor, a local author, will present her own workshop.

"Based upon comments shared at each meeting, members have expressed their appreciation to have conversations about what they have read. Members love to read, but most importantly, they want to share their thoughts about what they have gleaned from the readings. They find comfort and solace in reading and sharing."

 

MANY THANKS To JPL White Towel Donors

COJ's JaxCares sponsors the white towel drive for the City Rescue Mission each year and JPL employees always donate a lot of towels.  Nicolle Burton, Julie McNeil's Administrative Assistant, has coordinated this drive for years and is amazed at the generosity staff show not only for this particular drive but for any other worthwhile project JPL is asked to support. 

This year, in addition to the manifold thanks Nicolle and JaxCares want to convey to JPL employees, they would like to also acknowledge and thank Highlands PT Clerk, Kennedi Ray (pictured right) and her National Honor Society group at Sandalwood High School for their very generous donation of over 90 towels during the City's white towel drive for the City Rescue Mission.  This extraordinary donation, along with all the others from JPL staff, helped exceed the 150 towel goal for this year.

Rodney Hurst''s Writers Workshop At DU

DU's Alisha Lockley gives this review of Rodney Hurst's writers workshop at Highlands, January 4, 2020: 

"Highlands Regional Library had the honor of hosting a non-fiction writing workshop with local author, activist, and civil rights icon Rodney Hurst.    The It was Never about a Hot Dog and a Coke! : a personal account of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations in Jacksonville, Florida and Ax Handle Saturday author gave tips, valuable advice, and historical highlights from his experience to 12 aspiring authors of the genre. Mr. Hurst also discussed what incited his writing journey.  He recalled attending a panel discussion, which he says he rarely attends due to the superfluous nature of varying opinions. He recalled that when recounting the events of Ax-Handle Saturday many of the commentators gave inaccurate historical information.  As a historian, and someone who witnessed the events first hand,  (https://www.visitjacksonville.com/blog/jacksonvilles-civil-rights-movement-ax-handle-saturday/), this angered him.  Mr. Hurst said that when writing a non-fiction book it is important to recognize the motivation behind the project.  It Was Never About a Hotdog and a Coke initially was a project of passion that came from a desire to correct previous inaccuracies but later transformed into a mission to inform others about the civil rights movement demonstrations that occurred in our city.  His frustration inspired him to lend his own voice to the literary world in a way that was fierce, impactful, and necessary.

"Mr. Hurst’s second work is Unless WE tell it... it never gets told!.  Both books are available at JPL."

Games, Games, & More Games

DU's Beverly Mason inundated two teens with games, December 19, 2019.  Though there were only two in tow, Beverly and P/T shelver Joshua Long made sure the teens' time was entertaining and a little challenging during the program, Game On:  Minute to Win It Holiday Edition.  Beverly said, "Joshua and I served as human Christmas trees and the teens decorated us.  They competed to see who could use all their supplies first; it turned out about a tie and they enjoyed bedecking us in less than splendor.  You may want to use some of the games we played so I'm sharing those:

"White Elephant - Book Style! – Teens introduced themselves and familiarized themselves with different teen fiction books.  They took a few minutes to preview the books involved and shared a brief summary of a few of the books.

"House of Cards – We discussed Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen.  Then the teens had to see how tall of a shelter they could build with a deck of cards in one minute.

"Progressive Snowball Balance Relay – Teens ran a relay race while balancing paper snowballs.  They started with a snowball between their knees.  Then they added a snowball under their chin.  Then they held a last snowball between their elbows.

"That’s a Wrap! – Teens competed to see who could unwrap the most Hershey kisses with one hand in a minute.

"Present Time – Teens competed to see who could unwrap their gift first while wearing a pair of ski gloves.

"Snowball Stack  - Teens competed to see who could build the tallest tower with their marshmallows(snowballs).

"Christmas Pictionary –  Teens used their drawing skills to see if they could draw a picture well enough for other teens to guess the word or phrase.

"Then the teens enjoyed Gingerbread Cookies."

Head And Headless And More At DU

 

 

For DU's November Homeschool STEAM Dinosaurs Program, Kathy Frazier reports, "We had two fun activities. The kids dug for fossils in "dirt" (dinosaur pasta) with little paint brushes. Then they used the fossils to create their own dinosaurs.  I created the headless T-Rex named Marie Antoinettesaurus (shown at right.)  Dinosaurstella is smiling above."

Special Day For Special Graduate

Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Services Supervisor. shares her good news, "My daughter Kezia Weston's graduation day, May 23, 2019, was a special event for us.  Kezia is pictured here with her father, Kevin Weston, and me.

 "Kezia graduated from Bishop Snyder High School here in Jacksonville.  She will be working for the Mayor's Summer Youth Program and will be starting school at FSCJ in the fall."



Thanks for sharing, Tyhedra, and congratulations to Kezia from all of us. 

 

Color Them Neon For DU's Rock the Ages: 80's Edition

DU staff from left to right: Cassy Manning, Michelle Petrin, Tyhedra Wilson, Moriah Rose, Lisa Parisi, Maria Bridges, and Cheri Long

"Highlands staff broke out their neon clothes and Madonna accessories for Teen Associate Beverly Mason’s 'Rock the Ages: 80’s' edition, February 7, 2019.  Six teens joined in to practice dances like the Robot, Moonwalk, and Cabbage Patch and used their moves to dance off in a version of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors.' They also discussed historical events and culture with the teens who made their own 'Ghostbusters' slime and edible marshmallow 'Stay-Puff' men," reports Maria Bridges.

Rock the 60's Decade

Highlands Library staff added their “flower power”, December 13, 2018, dressing in vintage 1960's style for Teen Associate Beverly Mason’s “Rock the Decades Teen Program: 60’s Edition”.  Eleven teens learned about historical events of the decade, played trivia games, and identified books and music written in the 60’s.  They made tie-dye bandanas and enjoyed snacks such as Easy Cheese and 100 Grand candy bars which were popular then.  Pictured staff L/R are:  Beverly Mason, Maria Bridges, Cheri Long, Lorna Reid, Michelle Petrin, who shares the pic and blurb, and Cassy Manning. 

 

Your outfits put an exclamation point on your program - WAY TO GO!

And The Stockings Were Hung By The Fire With Care...

Twas the Night Before Highlands’ Holiday Fare,

When the stockings were stuffed with oh so much care.

The staff was instructed to start on the first,

And fill every stocking until it would burst;

With coins and candies and do-dads a-plenty,

No one would be left out and not get any.

Just pick one day from the first to the twelfth,

And prove to Santa you’re a generous elf.

Stuff every stocking so no one can see,

Or be the wiser about your special treat.

The joy that you bring to your coworkers and friends,

Will return to you ten-fold, even after the season ends.

 

Happy Holidays to our JPL family!

 The Highlands Regional Library Staff

Pat Morrison & Elves

DU Continues To Rock

Lorna Reid, YS Librarian II, shares, "Teen Associate Beverly Mason hosted a Rock the Ages: 1950’s Edition program, November 29, 2018.  The program was originally created for 2018 SLT. In the spirit of the program, some staff members decided to have fun and dress up in their best sock hop attire, which brightened everyone’s day -- staff and customers alike."

New Berlin Elementary Hosted By DU

Lorna Reid reports, "Highlands Regional Library proudly hosted about 57 parents and students at our New Berlin Elementary's annual Family Reading Night, October 22, 2018. For this year's camping theme, staff dressed outdoorsy and treated the kids to a fun
campfire storytime (with a faux firepit), scavenger hunt, and e-resources display.  Kids made their own 'binoulars' as a craft and it was a memorable experience for all of us."

 

Guyton, Fritz & Linden Receive Service Pins

Highlands Branch Manager Pat Morrison announced, October 5, 2018, "Deputy Director Gretchen Mitchell presented service pins to three longtime part-timers at Highlands Regional Library.  Ruth Guyton (1st pic left) and Barbara Fritz (2nd pic down) received a five year pin and a ten year pin for their service to JPL and a letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers.

"Both ladies are shelvers in the children's department.  Ruth Guyton is a top notch shelver who maintains children's nonfiction, adult biographies and African American genre sections.  She keeps her sections neat and in order all the way from Dewey and author, up to the title.  Ruth also artfully displays just the right title or series of titles on the shelves; she has a keen eye for marketing popular titles and shelf sittetrs.

"Barbara Fritz (2nd pic down) has worked at Highlands since the 1990’s.  She began when shelvers also worked at the circulation desk; now she is primarily assigned to shelve in children’s.  Over the years Barbara began decorating the branch with seasonal flowers and foliage, and she also has a talent for creating eye catching displays.  Barbara always incorporates books, non-print and realia in her displays.  Her 'For Dummies'  display is always extremely popular.

"Jan Linden (3rd pic down) was our third recipient.  Jan began working as a full time librarian with JPL back in the late 1980’s.  She worked in what was then known as the BSD department (Business, Science and Documents).  She has also 'done time' at CW and a couple of other locations in the system.  Now a part-time librarian at Highlands, Jan uses her professional skills and knowledge to assist customers at the reference desk, process new materials, assist with collection development, and coordinate the New Leaf Book Club." activities.

"Our sincere gratitude to these ladies for learning the job and sticking around to share-back all that knowledge and experience.  Thanks Barbara, Ruth and Jan."

Mr. Hedgehog Gets A Fall Outfit

“Our Young Children Read, Play, & Learn program at Highlands Regional Library, September 19, 2018, gives us an opportunity (these two beautiful children with their art) to share our joy in seeing kids having a great time learning about a new animal--the hedgehog!  Each child "outfitted" Mr. Hedgehog with autumn leaves instead of quills,” reports Lorna

Reid.

DU's First Comic Con Draws 700+

       State Representative Tracy Davis found DU a fun place to be.  

“Saturday, May 5, 2018,  Highlands Library hosted its very first Comic Con with a Free Comic Book Day giveaway sponsored by Coliseum of Comics. Highlands offered a costume contest, face-painting, a superhero scavenger hunt, mask making, refreshments and more. Local attorney Obi Umunna, partnered with DU to create our first Comic Con event on the Northside of Jacksonville.  The refreshments were generously provided by Councilman Reggie Gaffney.  Library staff received many inquiries about library card sign-up and library resources.  Attendance exceeded expectations with over 700 people enjoying the festivities,” reports Michelle Petrin.

Attorney 

Umunna, CM Gaffney, Region Manager Marshelle Berry and community leader Darryl Willie  high five Comic Con.

                                       Felicia Battle (R above) intrigues the children.

       All ages found more than one thing to enjoy at Highland's first Comic Con.

Danielle Gets 'Em Going In The Right Direction

DU Manager Pat Morrison reports, "Part-time Library Associate Danielle Christensen shows off an appearance and accessibility project she recently completed.  In the wake of Collection HQ, the collection at Highlands has undergone lots of thinning and shifting so existing directional signs were no longer accurate.  When asked to assist in updating the signs, this graphic design student at Florida State College at Jacksonville grabbed the reins and didn’t halt until she had a product to be approved.  We now have larger and bolder font that can be read from a greater distance and the addition of directional arrows.

"Danielle is a champion of strategy 1.1 and helps promote reading and marketing some of our shelf-sitters by creating appealing shelf-ender displays, complete with bookmarks and posters she produces using Library Aware.  Great job Danielle!"

A First Hard To Beat

DU's Beverly Mason had the honor and joy of helping her niece, Mary, age 5, get her library card and check out her first book, April 26, 2018.  Beverly said, "Mary loves Dr. Seuss' books and she chose Great Day for UP.  While she was here, she played with our literacy toys in our Play and Learn Area and played on our AWE computers.  Mary lives on the Westside, but the family wanted Aunt Beverly to help her check out her first book at the Highlands Branch."

DU Anime Afternoon

Highlands Regional Library held its second Anime Afternoon, April 14, 2018.  Beginning with a game of rock, paper, and scissors youth discussed the difference between U.S. typical school lunchtimes and how Japanese lunches are conducted.  (Did you know very few people take their lunch to school in Japan and they aren’t allowed to eat sweets and junk food with their lunch? Imagine that!)  Teens also took a food quiz to see how much they knew about various Japanese dishes.  Then Danielle Christensen, one of our P/T Associates, did a chibi art tutorial for the teens.  This was followed with making candy sushi while watching Dragon Ball Super.  Beverly Mason said, "We had a total of 15 for this program."

DU Holds 2nd Prep For College & Career Fair

The Highlands Regional Library held two workshops preparing teens for the 2018 College and Career Fair coming up at Main, April 28.  Beverly Mason said, "The second program 'Prepare Yourself for Job Success' was facilitated by Children Enriched with Opportunities, April 14.  The organization enlisted help from volunteers in the community.  Teens went to different stations discussing how to research their future, how to give a proper handshake and introduction, and how to dress for success.  At the close, they also had a chance to experience a mock interview.  Five teens attended this event with a total of 13 people involved.