JB Remembers & Reminds

 

To raise awareness of the dwindling population of monarch butterflies, the Beaches Library atrium was transformed by Julie Rekow's creation of 150 flying paper monarch butterflies, paper representations of pollinator plants, and two book displays. The theme: “Save the Monarchs, Plant Milkweed.”

 

Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico every fall and their culture celebrates the return of the monarchs with the Day of the Dead.   

 

Additionally, in memory of FOBBL members who had passed away in recent years, JB's Teen Advisory Board members made photos of the FOBBL members and placed them around a table decorated with tissue paper flowers and 3-D printed sugar skulls.  (Thanks to Hongying Song for submitting pics and article.)

JB's Invite From The Bees & Mr. Snowman

YS Associate Dylan Carl created the two children's displays pictured above with the assistance of P/T Associate Lana Carlson. They reflect the talent of JB's staff and resulting attention customers give to new displays at JB. Dylan said, "The first display features our favorite fuzzy insect and states 'I’d rather BEE reading!' It boasts color-filled, 3-D flowers to help our young customers feel warm and fuzzy.

 

"The second display was JB's Assistant Manager Nicole Saville's idea.  It portrays a jolly snowman who, while holding up some holiday lights, says 'Reading makes you BRIGHT!' This display is accompanied by real twinkling lights and book stacks in the shape of the Grinch (the customer favorite so far), Rudolph, and a snowman." 

 

Terry Welch: Job Well Done

JB's Terry Welch was nominated by Hongying Song for a Job Well Done Award, which was presented to Terry, December 15, 2020. Hongying said, "Terry consistently exhibits behavior that supports JPL Core Values. She is dedicated to providing the best customer service and making a positive difference in people’s lives, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since we opened to the public in September, Terry has created all kinds of bookmarks and flyers to go with her displays to help customers find what they want. Examples of her display themes are: True Crime, Tea-riffic, Staff Pick with bookmarks, Staff Best books of 2020, Seasons & Reading, and In Memoriam. Library Aware created a memorial flyer and bookmark templates inspired by Terry’s “in memoriam” display flyer and bookmark. Terry seems to know every customer by name at JB. Customers will ask for her to recommend books and movies for them. You can see how happy they are from their high pile of books and ear-to-ear smiles after they’ve talked with Terry. Because of Terry’s close relationship with JB’s customers, she can notice problems with our hold call list first and notifies SST. When the branch manager receives the hold phone call list, Terry is usually half way through or through her calling system. She wants our customers to be notified as early as possible so they can get to read what they want quickly. How can you beat that for customer service?"

In Memorian & A Great Idea

JB's Terry Welch, The Author Fan, said, "In March 2020, the Beaches Branch celebrated Women's History Month and I created a collage of women instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment (picture of the silhouette).  Then, not halfway through March, we closed for six months.  Recently, to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Julie Rekow helped update the collage and accessorized it with Justice Ginsburg's famous white collar.  The silhouette is now on display next to our 'In Memoriam' book display honoring Justice Ginsburg and other authors who have passed away.

 

"Bookmarks are inserted in each item displayed.  When I create a memorial bookmark, I always include a picture of the author and either a bio or a quote.  Sometimes I include the names of their books on the back of the bookmark or read-alikes (in true Reader's Advisory fashion).

 

"As an aside, I posted the RBG collage on the ALA Think Tank Facebook page and it has been 'liked' over 135 times.  It was also shared to the Public Library Diplay Facebook page.  (Maybe using our creative talents is a sign that things ARE getting back to normal.) 

JB Masks Books

 "Covid-19 has inspired me!  I thought to myself, 'I’m either going to make a 'current events' display or strategically place books with masks around the Beaches branch for folks to find – like Easter eggs!  (Have I mentioned that I have the best job? 😊" That is Terry Welch's ever lemon-to-lemon aide approach to life.

 

 

 

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." 

JPL Leadership Awards Made At Board Meeting

Director Tim Rogers and Library Board Chair Carlo Fassi had the pleasure of awarding JB's Terry Welch (in absentia) with an Inspiring A Shared Vision Leadership Award and Employee of the Quarter Award at the Board meeting, February 20, 2020.

Library Clerk Terry is often heard saying, "Fifteen years later and this is still my dream job!"  What promulgates that remark? She is an author aficionado who LOVES connecting authors with readers. Terry has coordinated author visits in person and via SKYPE at JB's monthly Flamingo Book Club for years and has set up programs with publishers such as Random House. 

Last November Terry coordinated the first "Beaches Reader Fest" with the help of the branch manager, Friends of JB, volunteers, and JPL staff.  Sixteen local authors set up tables in JB and gave readings from their books.  Cassandra King-Conroy (with whom Terry is pictured above), widow of author Pat Conroy, was the keynote speaker to an audience of 145 avid readers. Terry gave out "Reads Well with Others" totes, which included new books she received as donations. 

WHEW! And all of this Terry Welch accomplished in addition to her regular duties. 




Director Tim Rogers and BOLT Chair Carlo Fassi flank Main Library Assistant Paul Schaffner, who won the Modeling the Way Leadership Award.

Paul goes beyond what is expected in achieving goals set for the team in Main's Grand Reading Room. One specific goal is for the five members of the GRR staff to achieve 15 check-outs a week. Every week, Paul doubles, triples, or even quadruples that goal. In October, he finished with an astonishing 209 confirmed check-outs! In one week alone, he had an incredible 63 confirmed check-outs. Paul is not interested in just achieving high numbers; he masterfully promotes materials to customers while he gets all those check-outs. He truly makes a difference in people's lives. Customers even come in and ask for him by name. They appreciate the fact that Paul goes all over the building to grab books for them. His above-and-beyond performance has not gone unnoticed by anyone working at the Main Library. For this, he received the Modeling the Way Award. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND THREE CHEERS TO BOTH OF YOU.  We are proud to serve with you.

Here's Looking At You, Kids--With Cheer!

Hongying Song, East Region YS Manager, shares, "Pablo Creek Library staff and 105 customers enjoyed holiday cheer spread by Santa when he slid down the chimney for PCR's Santa Stops program, December 11, 2019. 

"And before he left, Santa shared candy canes and joy with staff in the work room.

 

"Pablo Creek took a group photo with Santa in our Winter Wonderland so all of us could share a smile and cheer with all of you in JPL."

Beautiful Morning; Beautiful Day

Friends of the Beaches Branch Library celebrated their 40th anniversary, November 16, 2019, at JB in a special way.  They gave the community a literary day and 683 fans reaped the benefits over a four hour period.

Starting at 10:30 am, 100 fans enjoyed coffee with Cassandra Conroy, the keynote speaker.  They gave their rapt attention as Ms. Conroy, shared some of her special memories of her and her late famous author/husband's relationship--more detailed in her newest book, Tell Me a Story.  She told how Pat Conroy never actually proposed.  He took her shopping for wedding bands and when they got back in the car Cassandra asked him if there was something he wanted to ask her.   

Later a panel of authors gave readings from their books and shared experiences with their devotees. Below Shannon Greenland said the inspiration for her book, The Scouts, was the 1980's movie, The Goonies. Katie Devanny (left) joined other customers for Ms. Greenlands recounts. 

Below President of the Beaches Friends Marianna Kane greets Ms. Conroy upon her arrival at the library Saturday morning.  Terry Welch was impressed with Ms. Conroy's social graces.  Ms. Conroy asked Jo Ann Mattingly, one of the committee members for the FOJB anniversary event, if she had read Susan Cushman's book about the Friends of the Library. 

Another memorable takeaway for Terry, "One of our local authors, David Weiskircher, gave Cassandra a copy of his book, A Thin Place.  She graciously accepted it and asked him to sign it.  As others agreed, It was a wonderful day capped by several outstanding moments."

A, You're Adorable

Beaches Branch hosted its annual preschool Halloween party, October 30, 2019, with 56 customers who enjoyed many fun activities, including fishing for pumpkins, the spider web walk game, the eyeball relay, trick or treating and spinning a prize wheel for lots of Halloween goodies.  (Thanks to Nicole Saville for pic and blurb--great job!.)

JPL Promoted At Navy Back To School Splash

Above (L/R), JB's Library Associate Dylan Franke and Librarian Julie Rekow, E-Specialist Richard Lamb, and Main's Librarian III Chris Eaton (below), represented JPL at the Mayport Naval Base Back to School Splash, on a blistering Saturday, August 10, 2019. Julie said, "We promoted library card sign up and library services. Richard had kids playing with tech gadgets. Chris Eaton talked to families with special needs and how the library can provide support. It was a great kick off for the new school year."

Ann Winfree Passes Away

Ann Tracy Winfree, 88, passed away, July 19, 2019.  A remembrance service will be held at Adele Grage Cultural Center, Atlantic Beach, 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019.  (Retiree Elslie Oishi said the parking and seating at the venue where the service is being held has very limited parking and seating capacity.)

Ann was a Children’s Librarian at the Regency Square Branch before going to the Beaches Branch as their head Children’s Librarian under then Branch Manager, Sallie Pickard. She retired from the system in 1999.

Deputy Director Julie McNeil remembers being privileged to hear Ann Winfree present storytime at JB when Julie was first hired, and anyone who knew Ann knew she stood for excellence.  For most of 20 years, JPL and its customers benefited from Ann's voracious appetite for learning.

For further information, please access Legacy.com.

Candy Land At JB

Nicole Saville, YS Librarian II, reports, "Beaches Branch held a life sized Candy Land game, March 16, 2019.  Lots of children enjoyed jumping around the squares.  We had more than 50 adults and children attend."  (Unfortunately no pictures are available.)

Nicole Saville: Job Well Done

JB's Hongying Song nominated Nicole Saville for a Job Well Done Award because, "Nicole settles for nothing less than the highest quality outcomes. If you visit the children’s department, you will be amazed at the unique and wonderful displays on the wall and window, such as Get Caught up in a Good Book, Get Hooked on Books, real life sized I Spy with questions Can you spy……? In February, Nicole went several extra miles to enlist her sister and mom to decorate the wall to promote all the fun programs and resources our libraries offer to the community.  Under Nicole’s instruction, her sister used a silhouette machine to create all the words (Storytime, kids, JPL, crafts, poetry, books, DVDs, learn, Graphic novels, etc.) in different fonts and styles and colors. 'This is what we do during our family time over the weekend,' Nicole said. Together they created a handsome wall display accomplished by several visits from her sister and mom. A salute to Nicole and her family’s dedication to making a positive difference in children’s lives at JB". The award was made by JB Manager Theresa Rooney, March 14, 2019.

More can be seen in the February 8, 2019 article and pictures about Nicole and her family's talents making the Beaches Branch a place customers want to visit.

JB's Nicole Saville Goes Several Extra Miles

At Beaches Branch, Nicole Saville enlisted her family to help decorate the children's department.  (No wonder she can create all those wonderful displays.) Nicole, her sister and her mom decorated the wall seen here with the words and images created by Nicole's sister, who used  a silhouette machine at home.  The handsome job was finished February 6, 2019.  Below is the double paneled "I Spy" display/ collage created by Nichole.  Customers get an invite with her "Can you spy?" placard next to the panels.

Thanks to Hongying Song, PCR YS Librarian III, for the input and pictures, who commented, "I am deeply moved by Nicole's dedication and her family's support of the library." 

Author Fan Welch Adds Steve Berry to JB Book Club Guests

JB’s Flamingo Book Club discussed The Bishop’s Pawn by Steve Berry, November 27, 2018.  Library Clerk Terry Welch (left with Mr. Berry) said, "This was a special event because the author also attended and talked for an hour!  Fifty people, many of them long time Steve Berry fans, attended. Steve’s wife, Elizabeth, told me that he is only able to attend book clubs every three or four years, so this was especially exciting for us.

 

"Interesting tidbit: Steve names some characters after people he knows. He informed us the murder victim in an upcoming book will be named Richard Keene, former board member of Friends of the Beaches Branch Library!"

"To the right is a pic of my signed copy of The Bishop’s Pawn (not gonna lie, I shouted when I saw it!)"

 

Chef Cooks Up Fun At Beaches Branch

Chef James from the Publix Apron Cooking School, gave a step by step and often humorous demonstration of recipes using holiday leftovers at the Beaches Branch, November 14, 2018. He offered tips on techniques, preparation, cooking and storage of unique dishes from traditional Thanksgiving fare. His rapport with the  audience was engaging and informative. Wonderful aromas lured staff and other customers, who joined us in sampling dishes such as Gingered Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing Toast Points.  Chef James is eager to return to the Beaches Branch and all of us are looking forward to his next visit," said Library Associate Gail Blumberg.

Author Kristina McMorris Discusses Latest Book At Pablo Creek Library

Terry Welch works at Beaches Branch and is an author aficionado.  As such, Terry had the pleasure of meeting author Kristina McMorris, September 20, 2018.   Terry tells us, "Historical fiction writer Kristina McMorris included Pablo Creek Library on her national tour!  I had the pleasure of coordinating her appearance to promote her latest book Sold on a Monday. Kristina discussed her writing process and her inspiration for her novels. It began when her grandmother asked Kristina to help her publish a book of family recipes.  This led to the story about her grandparents, how they met and her grandmother asking, 'Would you like to see the letters he wrote me?'"  Her visit was delightful.

"The Flamingo Book Club at Beaches Library will be reading Sold on a Monday at our February 26th meeting.  Hopefully, Kristina will join us via Skype (fingers crossed)! Everyone is welcome to join us."

Reflections On Consolidation

Beaches Branch Manager Theresa Rooney introduced participants in a panel discussion on Jacksonville's Consolidation, September 26, 2018, at the Beaches Library.  Moderated by FSCJ Professor and author Tim Gilmore, the panel included Council Member Bill Gulliford, former CM Matt Carlucci, whose father Joe, was on the first Consolidated City Council; former CM's Walter Dickinson and Walter Williams, and former City Council Auditor Bob Johnson.  They  shared memories of events that led to Jacksonville's Consolidated Government 50 years ago, October 1, 1968.

A few of the primary conditions promulgating the formulation of the new city government can be gleaned here.  

The City in 1950 had a population of 204,000 and was going bankrupt with inadequate civic cooperation and much corruption.  

Earl Johnson, Sr., an NAACP attorney who met with Martin Luther King Jr. to plan civil rights demonstrations, favored Consolidation (although later had his doubts).  

Matt Carlucci was 12 years old when his father, Joe, asked his oldest son to make signs that read "Run the Rascals out of City Hall" and the younger brother, Matt, helped put the signs out just prior to the vote (almost 2-1 in favor).

The newly formed Consolidated City Council put in 60-70 hours a week to bring the City up to speed.  

Royce Lyles (former JEA Managing Director (1979-1995) put together the first Consolidated City government budget. 


Mayor Hans Tanzler (1967-1979) pictured here, was the first Mayor under Consolidation.  With new resources allowed by Consolidation, he started cleanup of the St. Johns River, implemented sewage treatment and other environmental regulations, and created what is now the Downtown Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Director Tim Rogers, several Council Members, and Board Trustee Sybil Ansbacher and others attending thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. 

BIG THANKS from Julie Rekow

Julie Rekow gives credit to bosses and colleagues for her being awarded as the NEFLIN Member of the Year, "The reason for the award, I believe, is because JPL has given me opportunities to push the envelope and develop programs and projects that I am passionate about. I want to give a special thank you to Tamera Branam, Theresa Rooney, Sara Roberts, Rebekah Mitchell, Hongying Song, and Michael Sullivan for giving me a green light when it would have been easier to say no and to Terry Welch and the gang at the Beaches Library for being partners, and Mandy Elliott who is always there when I need her. Having the support of Tim Rogers and Julie McNeil to keep on trying new things and do it better has been golden. This has been quite an honor to receive this recognition from NEFLIN."