FOBL & NS Staff Entertain 200 Kids

The  Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library sponsored a Children's Christmas program at NS, December 6, 2019.   NS Friends Founder Sharon Coon (above) happily introduces Santa Claus to an excited bunch of about 200

youngsters, plus caretakers, who gathered at the Brentwood Branch and heard Tenikka Hughes (below), anchor for TV 30/47, read I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison.  Each child received a Christmas gift bag stuffed with a book and a toy from FOBL.

These effervescent JPL elves assisted Mrs. Coon and Santa Claus in making everything merry and bright:

L/R Aquilla Stewart, Pam Beaton, Victoria Price, and NS Manager Kimberly Kirkland.

1,000+ Attend NS Friends Trunk or Treat & Homage Is Paid To Mrs. Turnage

Friends of the Brentwood Library's "Trunk or Treat", October 26, 2019, in partnership with NS staff, attracted over a thousand customers. Thirty Youth Ambassador volunteers helped with 19 activities, crafts, and games--and a dance and costume contest topped off with refreshments.  Another contest had eight cars competing for originality and creativity.  Local artist Terry "Doc" Handy and his jazz ensemble were a hit. The two hour event also hosted Pumpkin Golf with VIP guests Jack Aschenbach and Susan Waite from PGA of America.  

JFRD had a Big Red Engine there for attendees to explore and JSO had a trunk full of treats for the kids. 

Another celebrity Amber Krycka (below) from Action News read to children.

In the opening ceremony, Library Director Tim Rogers, founder of Brentwood Friends Sharon Coon, and others gave their condolences to Mrs. Cynthia Turnage (front center below), widow of Melvin Turnage, President Emeritus of the Brentwood Friends.  Mr. Turnage passed away, October 19.  Councilman Samuel Newby (L) presented a plaque from the City Council to Mrs. Turnage.  The plaque pays honor to Mr. Turnage's life and legacy.

 

All of us at the Jacksonville Public Library offer our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Turnage.

Thank you, Cranston Burney, for the excellent pictures.

Important To Promote Art

The fascinating heart (left) crowned the Friends of Brentwood Library's invitation to their two hour evening kickoff to “Art from the Heart”, April 16, 2019.  The exhibit highlights a gallery of paintings from Andrew Jackson High School students at Brentwood Library.  The gala attracted art lovers from Andrew Jackson High, library staff, Friends of the Brentwood Library, and friends and family of the artists.  Some artists, such as Jordan Buenavista, pictured here with (L) Jeanette Ali, President of Friends of the Brentwood Library, and Marshelle Berry, Regional Manager, provided insight into the students' unique art.  Gloria Buenavista said, "Everyone is invited to visit the Brentwood Branch Library and enjoy the art exhibit until it closes, April 30, 2019."

Below is a very good reason why art is so important in helping youth express themselves.  This closeup of Jordan, 18, who is a senior at Andrew Jackson, with his water and pen painting expresses his grief over losing his paternal grandmother in January:


At the bottom of Jordan's painting is this dedication:

"TO GIVE

This drawing represents that I'd give my life for my grandma who passed away.  The house is how isolated I feel.  The mountains represent the distance that separates me from her.  This painting shows how far I'd go to have her back."

Fun Fall Fest At Brentwood

Two hundred forty people came to the Friends of Brentwood Library and NS library staff's 5^th annual Fall Fest, October 20, 2018.  The afteronoon event included a costume contest and “trunk or treat” bags.  They played Connect 4, fished for prizes, colored monsters and snacked on popcorn and pizza.  (Thanks to NS Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek for the article and pics.)

Winners All!

Library Director Tim Rogers (above) was proud to accept the Golden Apple Award at NEFLIN's (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) annual meeting and awards ceremony, September 14, 2018.  The award represents the member with the most staff training hours taken during the year. 

Beaches Branch YS Librarian Julie Rekow (L) was named NEFLIN Member of the Year.  She was recognized for helping her library attract new customers with its annual Comic Con, which put the library in the spotlight, bringing in people who might not otherwise visit a library.  Begun in 2013, the attendance was over 2,000 in May 2018.  (Comic Con is so popular that two other libraries now have one.)  

Julie and Fletcher High School honors art students created a Harry Potter themed lifeguard chair for the Beaches annual Deck the Chairs holiday event/contest.  The chair won community recognition.  She developed the Harry Potter Yule Ball and a six week Harry Potter Boot Camp series, which tweens and teens attended by the hundreds. 

Founder and Chair of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, Sharon Coon won the NEFLIN Champion of the Year award.  It was noted she demonstrated exceptional support for JPL.  She helped organize and unite the JPL Friends Advocacy Group--comprised of nine groups--that successfully advocate for library funding.  (Sharon Coon was also honored with the Florida Library Association's Outstanding Citizen Award in May 2018.)

Friends of Brentwood Library Show Appreciation

Two Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL), Ms. Jeanette Ali (left) and Mr. Melvin Turnage (back left), attended the Library Board of Trustees meeting, September 13, 2018, to honor Trustee Mario Payne (back right), Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library President Margaret Smith (front right), and Library Director Tim Rogers (back center.) Each received a Certificate of Appreciation for the Friends of Brentwood Library 5th Annual Back to School Bash 2018 Storyteller, August 11. FOBL wanted to thank them for their participation and making a "difference in the community and understanding the value of education empowering future generations." 

FOBL's Back to School Bash sponsored 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for grades K-12 with an attendance of 885 at the event.

Friends of Brentwood Library Load Students W/Fun & Backpacks

Brentwood Branch and the Friends of Brentwood Library (FOBL) held the 5^th annual Back to School Bash, 3-5 p.m., August 11, 2018. The gate count that Saturday was 885, but based on the number of back packs given away (276), estimated attendance was 650 people for the event. FOBL purchased 300 book bags and filled them with school supplies.  Recipients of book bags ranged from K-12^th graders.Back packs left over were donated to local children in the first two days of the school year. (Above center, founder of FOBL Sharon Coon has Director Tim Rogers and Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek's full attention.)

Kathleen said, "Director Rogers, Mrs. Coon, Region Manager Michael Sullivan, and I welcomed everyone.  Director Rogers read Book with No Pictures by J. Novak.  

"Don't miss how much fun Director Rogers and staff had with attendees in their activities-- just click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmofwNo2
There were inside activities, such as coloring and making dragon tails for the children.  E-Specialist Luis Terron had Spheros that caught everyone's eye.  (Sphero fuses physical 

robotic toys, digital apps, and entertainment experiences to unlock the true potential of play and learning.) Outside, participants could hula hoop, blow bubbles, play recycle bottle bowling, hopscotch, Simon Says, etc. FOBL provided snacks and bottled water.

"Staff issued seven new library cards and welcomed many first time customers to our location. Several other branches sent staff to help support the event.

"I was very impressed that Director Rogers was there to participate and enjoy the day. (It was so hot; I tried to rotate staff in and out of the a/c so they wouldn’t fry.)"

Stephanie Harley's pictures are seen here.  Jenna Hassell also took pictures and they are in the link above.

NS Staff Thankful For Brentwood Friends Support

"Chris Garmon created a bulletin board thanking the Friends of the Brentwood Library for their assistance supporting our children. Depicted here are the Grand Reopening, Santa visit (FOBL raised money to give 100 children gift bags with a book, ball and blanket) and protests to keep Brentwood Branch open. Additionally, they support the Fall Festival and Back to School event where every child gets a back pack filled with school supplies, " said Kathleen Krizek, Manager of  NS and EB Branches. 

Grand Reopening For NS, October 30, 2017

Cutting the ribbon, L/R: Jennifer Giltrop, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Kathleen Krizek, Mrs. Sharon Coon, CM Sam Newby, Mr. Philip Mobley and CM Jim Love. 

NS Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek and her staff had some special guests and customers, October 30, 2017.  She said, "The Brentwood Library’s Grand Reopening had activities for adults and children throughout the day, with remarks from Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop, Mrs. Sharon Coon, Founder of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, Councilman Sam Newby, Mr. Philip Mobley, former Chair of the Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, former Chair of the Board of Library Trustees and me. "

The Friends of the Brentwood Library 's fall festival followed the ceremony and they provided hot dogs, a costume contest and trunk or treat for the children, while library staff offered a photo booth, crafts and activities.

NS reorganized its collection during the renovation; the second floor now houses materials and adult services and the first floor serves children and teens.

               Children's area on first floor at Brentwood Branch Library after renovation.

                            Upstairs at Brentwood Branch after renovation dedicated to adult services.

200 Backpacks For Students Given Out At NS

Kathleen Krizek, Manager of  NS and EB , volunteers and staff enjoyed a rewarding day at NS, August 11, 2107.  Kathleen said, “The Friends of the Brentwood Library sponsored the 4^th annual Back to School Bash at the library, August 11^th. Over 200 backpacks, filled with school supplies, were distributed. 

"JSO provided officers to block the street and JFRD had a fire truck and fire fighters on the scene. Food and activities were provided by the Friends, volunteers and library staff. Larry Roziers, former DCPS Executive Director, was the guest reader.

"Cranston Burney took many pictures, which are now in G:\Share\NS. 

"Pictured below, advertising those wonderful backpacks, are L/R: Main/Urban Region Manager Sara Roberts, unidentified person (if you know, email Sara Gunter); Sharon Coon, founder of Friends of Brentwood Library and longtime advocate for JPL; Jeanette Ali, Friends Board member; Joyce (last name unknown); Urban Librarian IV Stephanie Miller; and Acting Assistant Director, Facilities & Planning Michael Sullivan."

Brentwood Friends Award Director Barbara Gubbin

Above front (L/R): Director Gubbin, Jashaiya-Lee Daniels, Mrs. Coon; back (L/R): Library Board Chair Ronnie King and FOBL President Melvin Turnage.

Sharon Coon, Founder, Organizer and Chair of Friends of the Brentwood Library presented an award to JPL Director Barbara Gubbin at the June 8, 2017 Library Board meeting in appreciation for Ms. Gubbin's twelve plus years of outstanding service. Mrs. Coon asked her 8 year old great granddaughter, Jashaiya-Lee Daniels, to read the award for the audience.  

Mrs. Coon  announced that Jashaiya-Lee has made all A's and just finished 2nd grade.  She is enrolled in the National Gifted and Talented program and as such will study next summer at Emory University. (She has to be 9 years old.)  

There was a resounding applause for Jashaiya-Lee and Ms. Gubbin. 

Mrs. Coon said she wanted everyone to see how much libraries influence children's lives. Jashaiya-Lee is an avid reader and has to read 23 books this summer.  She is enrolled in NS' Summer Learning Program and is a NS cardholder. Mrs. Coon said it was important to her personally and for the community to keep Brentwood Branch open when it was being considered for closing. She noted that Jashaiya-Lee is just one example of the value of urban core libraries and she will always advocate for them. She added that we can all see the benefit of working together in unity to keep libraries open.

NS Honors Chess Club Participants

The Brentwood Branch Library and the Friends of Brentwood Library hosted the Brentwood Bishop Honors, February 11, 2017,   This was an awards ceremony to recognize all active participants of the Chess Club.  Billy Allen reports, "The event was a huge success and we hosted over 50 people including chess club members and families."

Pictured (L/R) are David Stevenson, Part-time Library Clerk, Jeanette Ali, who is on the board of FOBL and assisted with the awards, and Billy Allen, YS Librarian I.  Ms. Ali holds a beautiful plant NS staff gave her in appreciation of her assistance with the awards. 

"Santa" Came To Staff At NS

NS YS Librarian I Billy Allen sent us these pics and said, "The Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library decided to bring a delicious lunch for the staff at NS, acknowledging their work serving the neighborhood another year."  (Must have been excellent service to get this kind of lunch!)

NS Celebrates Women's History Month With A Tea

Brentwood Branch Library celebrated a Women’s History Month Afternoon Thank You Tea Party, March 27, 2016. Thirty one ladies enjoyed an inspiring event as they shared their memoirs and gave tribute to women who have greatly impacted their lives. Children and teens also attended and learned how much one person can positively impact their lives and the value an afternoon tea.

A reporter for The Jacksonville Free Press was also there to cover a portion of the event and spoke with Sharon Coon, the Founder/Organizer of the Brentwood Friends of the Library. 

The names for the group photo are:  L/R Seated: Pearl Graham-West, Veronica Y. Njeri-Imani, Nicci Steward, Ivera M. Anderson. 1^st Row Standing: Angela Peterson, Dr. Brewda J. Harris-Green, Annette Hines Dues, Sharon Coon, Helen Giffith. Last Row Standing: Sis. Catherine Cobb, Jocelyn Gaffney, Thelma Frazier, NS Manager Phenessa Gray, and JPL Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop.

Thanks to Brentwood Branch Manager Phenessa A. Gray for the news and pictures.

State Rep. Fullwood & FOBL Make 30 Kids' Christmas Bright

NS Library Associate Sr. Betty Williams writes, "On December 18^th the Friends Of Brentwood Library sponsored their 2^nd annual toy giveaway.  Jolly ole St. Nick (State  Representative Reggie Fullwood of the 13^th district) read to 30 children who are regular attendees of our Storytime and those  young children received a wonderful Christmas  surprise.  

"Branch Manager Christine Cavan started the program with Christmas songs and showed the children how to make it ”snow”. She then introduced St. Nick who was followed by his reindeer pushing two tables loaded with gifts.  The looks on the children’s faces were priceless.

"After Santa read a story each child received two gifts, a Leap Frog “laptop” and a box of smart blocks.  Mrs. Coon, FOBL founder, also gave the children snacks of fresh fruit and popcorn balls.  The FOBL left  several small gifts which included a stuffed animal and a book for the staff to give to other community children who frequent the library.  They also gave the staff a fruit basket.  Another FOBL member, Miss Pearl, who owns a bakery in the neighborhood loaned decorations to make the library festive for the children.

"Our Friends exemplify the spirit of Christmas all year long, but this is always very heartwarming and the community appreciates it."

Brentwood Holds Fall Carnival

Betty Williams, NS Library Associate Senior, said, "Brentwood's Fall Carnival, October 20, attracted 70 participants who enjoyed balloon twisting by the Balloon Lady. 'Too cool' teens and some parents also waited in line to wear 'Curious George' and 'Hello Kitty' balloons on their head.  Brent the Library Bear asked participants to guess the number of pompoms in the plastic bear for a prize.  There was a pumpkin toss and some enjoyed tossing balls into pumpkin cutouts for points.  In the Gone Fishin’ game they used a pole to 'fish' for balls to get points, and in the ring toss, rings were thrown over various sized cylinders for points.  There was also a word scramble game using fall words. Prize bags were awarded to the highest scorers and the closest pompom count. 

"Friends of  the Brentwood Library manned some of the game stations and sponsored the hot dogs and drinks. Navy Federal Credit Union manned a game station and gave away frisbees, key chains, and glow necklaces. Staff popped popcorn, cooked hot dogs on the indoor grill, and went downstairs to work the public service desk. A special thank you to our Library Supervisor, Patricia Morrison, for those cute decorated prize bags and candy."

Friends of Brentwood Branch Receive Resolution

(L/R): Florence Cunnningham, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Melvin Turnage  (back row, left), John Reazer (next to Mr. Turnage), Sharon Coon (with Resolution, front center), Catherine Cobb (next to Ms. Coon), and Jamila Douglas, all looking forward to Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  The Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, passed by the Board of Library Trustees, was presented to all Friends groups at the Board's regular meeting, October 9, 2015.  Everyone pictured, except Ms. Giltrop, are members of the Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library and strong advocates of NS.

Let's all be resolute in our support and promotion of Friends of Libraries Week.  Please think about doing a display, signage, etc. and thank a Friend when you see one.

All Friends Receive Resolution In Support Of FOL Week

(L/R: Library Director Barbara Gubbin, JPL Board of Trustees Chair Erin Skinner, Celia Miller (Graham Branch Friends); Margaret Smith (Friends of JPL); Melvin Turnage (Brentwood Friends); in back, next to Mr. Turnage is Judy Klein (Murray Hill Friends); in front and between Ms. Klein & Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop is Virginia Maxted (Beaches Friends); and far right: Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch Friends).

                                        ____________________                          

At the JPL Board of Trustees meeting, October 8, the Friends groups' representatives were presented with a Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015. It reads,

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have served for many years as the vital link between libraries and the community, holding popular events, encouraging others to join, and promoting the library as a learning commons and an institution essential to literacy and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have devoted countless hours to the raising of funds - funds that finance programming, events, learning materials, computer technology, e-classrooms, software, staff training, digital access, leadership awards, and the preservation of historic collections, and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have advocated to citizens, community leaders, and state officials the importance of the library, its potential, and its future,

The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Library Trustees, on this the eighth day of October, A.D. 2015, does hereby declare its support of

           Friends of Libraries Week, to be held October 18-24, 2015.

                                        (Signed): Erin Vance Skinner
                                                               Chair
                                         The Board of Library Trustees

                                      ________________________     

JPL employees are innovative and you will find ways of acknowledging and promoting Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  If you see a Friend, please thank them for all the hard work they do for JPL and tell them how much we appreciate everything they do for us.  

At NS “Dreams Begin with Dreamers”

The youth of Brentwood Branch Library showcased what they learned during an intense four week camp in their production of “Dreams Begin with Dreamers”, July 31. The students were offered lessons in reading, math, science, interpersonal skills, drama, dance and self-esteem.

  

The Friends of Brentwood Library, along with funding from a grant from Navy Federal Credit Union,, sponsored the FOBL Theater Camp and Playhouse.  The children, ages 4 to 13, also had a muti-cultural field day. First they visited the courtroom of Judge Pauline Drake where she acknowledged and encouraged them in open court.  They also visited the Jacksonville Centre of the Arts, Old Stanton High School, the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Historic Park and finished the day with lunch at CiCi’s Pizza.  They were featured in the Jacksonville Free Press and a front page picture and blurb in The Florida Times Union’s Metro section.  The youth were also encouraged because they were able to earn points during the camp and were surprised at the end of the production when those points were turned into a monetary award.

Artistic Director and FOBL founder, Sharon Coon, developed the curriculum.  With the help of student stage manager Camille Boyd, student production manager Charlai Cooper (also the Mayor’s Summer Student employee who volunteered to stay an extra week), library liaison Betty Williams and the Brentwood staff that took on extra desk shifts, shelving and popped popcorn etc., the “dream” of having a summer playhouse for the young people of Brentwood became a reality.

100 Years of Family History For Teens & Tweens At NS

Pat Morrison and teen librarian Eva Newton conducted four database workshops in February to teach teens and tweens how to explore and map their family history.  100 years of family history was selected in keeping with the 2015 Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.” The group of attendees learned how to research their family history -- from interviewing family and using Ancestry Library Edition database, to Census Records and other resources. 

Students used the information they discovered to create and frame a family tree.  One participant tracked his family history back to Germany.  The workshop was conducted in partnership with JAAGS – Jacksonville African American Genealogy Society and Friends of Brentwood Library.  Thanks to these organizations that donated picture frames, refreshments and prizes for the family history scavenger hunt.