Rep. Jason Fisher Visits KR

"State Representative Jason Fisher was the honored guest at  Mandarin Branch Library, August 30, 2018.  Rep. Fischer addressed the audience of 48 children and caregivers about the importance of libraries and encouraged their continued support.          
"As part of the program, Rep. Fischer read the book Ready, Set, Kindergarten! by Paula Ayer.  As you see, he had their full attention," reports YS Librarian Isabel Moreno-Santiago.  (Pictured above is Rep. Fisher and Mrs. Santiago and KR Manager Mark Hohnadel are with him in the other photo.), 

State Sen. Aaron Bean Wows 'Em At PCR

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Florida Senator Aaron Bean had a great experience as our guest reader at Stories and Art for Early Literacy at Pablo Creek Library, June 6, 2017. Senator Bean captivated everyone's attention with one of his favorite childhood books, Harry the Dirty Dog by author Gene Zion, where he acted out the parts and scenes with gusto. He praised the parents’ participation and acknowledged their commitment to their children’s education by bringing them to the program.

"Pablo Creek hosted 110 kids (over two Storytime sessions) despite the downpour, and parents and children alike were entertained by the Senator. He introduced the letter of the day, the shape (his favorite, the circle) and the number 6. He read Harry aloud as animatedly as if he had written it himself and was starring in the role. The Senator then posed for pictures in which he hammed it up for the camera, insisting that Children’s Librarian Tristan Denmark and I pretend we were reading and then we just act surprised by the camera. He charmed the crowd and hinted about what he would like to read when he visits again (Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, spoiler alert!)

"A few extras during the program which went over big with the Senator: The staff created a puppy dog paw print trail that lead the Senator and the kids to Community Room A when Storytime began.  Treats of Scotty Dog shaped shortbread biscuits and Scooby Snacks were given out to the kids and the Senator took some back to the office 'for research purposes only,' or so he told the crowd glibly. Senator Bean liked that we tied all of the doggy themes into his book of the day.  (Tristan even taught the kids the word dog in Spanish and how to sign dog in sign language.) Just when he thought it couldn’t get more exciting,  Tristan let loose with the bubble machine and the Senator was seeing stars. He was very appreciative of the Storytime experience and left with a sense of how important Pablo Creek Library is to our community. He will not forget his experience anytime soon nor the impact that PCR has in the community.

Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas reports that “hosting Senator Bean was one of the more rewarding experiences of being a part of the Jacksonville Public Library system. All of the work we do going out in to the community and hoping the word gets filtered “up” – I was able to show off the library to one of our most compelling library advocates in a visible way.”

Florida's First Lady Reads At Main

Mrs. Ann Scott visited the Main Library Children's department, March 15, 2017, during Carisia Rooney's story time. After a warm welcome by Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Carisia and her staff, 4th grade students from Lone Star Elementary were introduced to Mrs. Scott. She had come to read a story and everyone found her to be an engaging story teller. As you can see in the link below, everyone gave their rapt attention as she read the book, It's Because of Winn-Dixie, by Katie DiCamillo. 

Mrs. Scott told the 50 students, two teachers, and a few parents that she is a strong advocate for literacy and reading and she is a proponent of healthy living.

Treat yourself:  (Mrs. Scott is the lady in the black dress; Ms. Giltrop wears the red jacket, and Ms. Rooney dons the grey top.)

https://flic.kr/s/aHskQTYHuj

Library Day in Tallahassee -- JPL Board & Execs Ask for State Aid

One day each year while the legislature is in session, JPL executives and library advocates head to Tallahassee to visit with State Senators and Representatives who help determine who gets what share of the the State Aid pie. JPL's value and a fair share of that pie are uppermost in the minds of those who call on our legislators that day. This year, Library Day was March 9 and again the case for JPL was told well.  At left, L/R are Director Barbara Gubbin, State Rep. Jay Fant, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Library Board Member Sybil Ansbacher, and former Mayor of Neptune Beach, Harriet Pruitt.  

Above, L/R: Mr. Leroy Hutchins, Jr. (JPL Board member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins' husband), Harriet Pruitt, Library Board Chair Ronnie King, Jennifer Giltrop, State Rep. Tracie Davis, and Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins.

Sen. Aaron Bean Visits San Marco Branch

Kids and parents were treated to a story time program with Florida State Senator Aaron Bean, December 7, 2016, at San Marco Branch Library.  Sen. Bean read Little Blue Truck's Christmas to some 45 children and parents and afterwards the Senator spoke and posed for pictures with the children.