Need Your Photos, Please

Mandarin Library is putting together a Memory Photo Book for Margo Crafton, former KR Librarian II. She retired at the end of December 2020. If you have photos to share, we'd love to include them in her Memory Photo Book. You can email pictures to arichman@coj.net The deadline to e-mail photos is Tuesday, January 26, 2021. (Angela Richman made this request and your help is deeply appreciated.)

Five Years Of Service & Job Well Done: Lan Nguyen

Lan Nguyen was honored, December 17, 2020, by Deputy Director Julie McNeil, Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel, and her teammates for Lan’s five years with JPL. Julie presented Lan with her five year service pin and a letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers.

 

Lan also received a Job Well Done Award because, as Mark Hohnadel said, "She is always working to make Mandarin Library a better place with her creative displays and decorations.  Lan always jumps in and is a true team player." 

Congratulations from all of us, Lan!

Best To You At THANKSGIVING

Kate Kienitz  at KR wanted to share KR's Thanksgiving display and tell all of you in the Jacksonville Public Library System everyone at Mandarin Branch wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Congrats To Robert Moseley

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel announced, "Mandarin Library Assistant Robert Moseley, pictured above,  was presented a Job Well Done Award, November 19, 2020, for taking the time and initiative to create a library book mark for customers that listed both curbside and inside service hours for Mandarin Library.  The bookmark was also shared with other libraries in the region and the bookmark has been well received by customers."  

 

Chute It!

Social distance was no problem for Library Assistant David Foster (R, top pic) on Halloween.  He donned plastic gloves and used a *unique touchless chute to deliver goodies to 34 kids in KR's Children's department.

 

Wearing costumes, some Mandarin Branch staff added to the fun:  (L/R): Library Clerk Rain Duncan, Children's Librarian Katie Kienitz, and  P/T Library Clerk Tammy Hilbert.  Thanks to Manager Mark Hohnadel (L, last pic above) for the input.

 

*Training and Development Manager Tracy Pigott adds, "The touchless candy delivery system idea was taken from a video featured in the October edition of the Professional Development and Training Newsletter!"  So read those carefully; you might find a treasure trove of ideas to use at your library.

 

3 Cheers & Drum Rolls For Dayita Banerjee

Shukti Banerjee, PT Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, is proud to announce, "My daughter, Dayita Banerjee, graduated July 20, 2020, from Stanton College Preparatory School with a GPA of 4.9675.  Stanton held their in-person graduation in their football stadium and social distancing was maintained and masks were a must.  Each student could bring two family members, and since the event was live-streamed, family and friends in Jacksonville, Dallas, Texas, and India could watch and share Dayita's great achievement in real time.  That was amazing.

 

"We later celebrated with a take-out lunch from Olive Garden, a red velvet graduation cake  (Dayita's favorite) and lots and lots of balloons.

 

"Now Dayita is headed to UF Honors and will be majoring in Microbiology and Cell Sciences."

 

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." 

Frozen II Big Hit At KR

Katie Kientz, KR Librarian I said, "Our youth department welcomed 75 children and their parents to a showing of the newly-released film, Frozen II, at KR’s Booktalk and Movie program, Saturday, February 29, 2020. Our neighborhood Domino’s donated pizza for the children to enjoy. As our branch manager said, 'It was a smashing success."

Lucinda Santino: Job Well Done

KR Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel presented Library Clerk Lucinda Santino with a Job Well Done Award, February 26, 2020, for her initiative to "go the extra mile." Mark awarded Lucinda because--in addition to her usual duties--she greets and talks with customers about library cards and services while they wait to have their taxes done. 

And who could resist such an inviting smile?

Thankful For...At KR

Glass case display is courtesy of Library Associate Frances Wickes.

 

Mandarin Library Manager Mark Hohnadel says, "Happy Thanksgiving from the Mandarin Library staff.  Pictured are our two Thanksgiving displays we wanted to share with you and a few statements of what our customers say they are THANKFUL FOR:

 ....Mysterious Benedict Society and the Librarian who introduced me to them.

 ...access to free books and additional materials, as well as library activities.
...all the wonderful people at Kori Road Library.

,,,helpful staff, new books, Hoopla, and free computers.

 

"The Thanksgiving Tree (above) is courtesy of Library Associate Lan Nguyen.  Lan does this every year and customers can write what they are thankful for on the leaves."

Lan Nguyen: Job Well Done

LAS Lan Nguyen earned a Job Well Done Award, October 7, 2019, presented to her by KR Manager Mark Hohnadel for her hard work each month on the Mandarin Library Activities Calendar, which, he said, "goes through many edits before the final version is ready.  Lan does a great job and always manages to get this done on time.  She also does great displays each month that highlight library materials".

 

Lucinda Santino: Job Well Done

Lucinda Santino, a Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch,    received a Job Well Done Award, October 7, 2019, from KR Manager Mark Hohnadel.  He said, "Lucinda has unique and energetic ways of marketing books to our customers.  Lucinda keeps books stocked at the circulation desk with check-me-out slips in them to spark interest.  The books are really moving and getting checked out by customers. Additionally, she has created library displays which have been very popular."

Robert Moseley: Job Well Done

Mandarin Library Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "Library Assistant Robert Moseley received a Job Well Done Award for his extra assistance and guidance during JPL's Sirsi Migration when cash reports were not available.  Robert made sure all the money was accurate and accounted for during this time.  In addition Robert volunteered to come in on his day off for half a day to assist with processing the daily money."

Mandarin's Interesting Programs

Mandarin Manager Mark Hohnadel and his staff, including David Foster (seen below right) and Margo Crafton, were beaming when, as he said, \"94 people attended a not-too- spooky Early Dismissal afternoon of fun at KR, October 30, 2019.  Some of the activities included Boo-Bowling, face painting, crafts, and a parade along with treats and tricks.  The tricks and treats?  Participants had to answer trivia questions to get candy."

Mark added, "On October 26, KR hosted 17 people who came to our Antique Treasures program to have their valuables informally evaluated by representatives form B. Langston's Antiques.

"Here is a picture of Diane Lewis, a former staff member, having a ring evaluated by staff from B. Langston’s:

"I also brought an antique pocket watch and it was worth $150-$200."

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.)



KR Invites You To Visual Treat

        Click on either picture to get a larger, clearer view..

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel and staff welcome you and your customers to visit the Mandarin Branch Library to enjoy the Jacksonville Water Color Society art exhibit during August and September 2019. Here are just a few of the many art pieces on display.

 

CM Michael Boylan Speaks At SLP Closing Party

Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel (standing far right) welcomed the newly elected District 6 Council Member Michael Boylan (center standing) to Mandarin Branch for its summer closing party, "Take Me to Your Reader," July 26, 2019.  Mr. Boylan spoke to a crowd of 100+ and congratulated the children for meeting their reading goals over the summer.  

Participants pinned the eye on the alien and they went home with lightsabers (skillfully made from an overstock of re-purposed cardboard.)  YS Librarian Katie Kienitz and summer volunteers helped families with photo ops, including Frances Wickes' walk-in rocket and a Star Wars droid and spaceship. Face paining was also popular. 

Shukti's Son Graduates Summa Cum Laude!

Dipayan Banerjee, son of part-time Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee, graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, June 21, 2019.  Dipayan earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.  In August, he will begin pursuing his Doctoral degree at Georgia Tech.  Pictured here is Dipayan with his proud family (L/R), Shukti, sister Dayita, Dipayan, and his father Debashis Banerjee.  

Congratulations to Dipayan from all of us at JPL! 
 

JPL At Mandarin Arts Festival

SOM's Julie Fredericks, pictured far right below, and KR's Angela Richman worked a library information table at the Mandarin Arts Festival, April 20, 2019.  Five people signed up for library cards and one card was renewed. Angela said “We have received many compliments from residents and visitors. Most of them were about our new library hours and our library services over all.”

 Keli Likins, Region Manager added, "Thanks Julie and Angela for working the event."

 

Mandarin Promotes Mushy & Spooky

Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel sent these pictures of KR's latest displays proving their staff does a good p.r. job promoting--through the hotline of Valentine's Day--not only KR but also programs that are proven good customer draws, such as the display below highlighting the February 23, 2019, Jax Book Fest (10 am-3 pm) at the Main Library. The event will feature R. L. Stine and Mike Thaler, who will give presentations and book signings--and attendees can mingle with some 100 local authors.  There will be sessions for kids, book lovers, and of course, writers.  The first 60 people in line outside the Hicks Auditorium at 10 am will receive a wristband to have their books signed first.