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." 

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.

NS Hosts The Chessmen

      Before lunch, NS Manager Kathleen Krizek welcomed attendees .

NS' Jackie Perry has a happy brag, "Brentwood hosted the Brentwood Bishops Chess Club Honors Luncheon, April 27, 2019. Thirty attendees, including a few proud parents, were treated to a delicious lunch of sandwich platters, veggie trays, chips, and cupcakes. Bobbie Knight crafted beautiful tissue paper flower centerpieces surrounded with paper chess pieces, which were the perfect complement to the luncheon.  After lunch, members received participation certificates.  A few exceptional members received special certificates for outstanding achievements, such as leadership, good sportsmanship, and most improved. The event concluded with a raffle giveaway of four glass chess sets to four lucky attendees.  Surprisingly, the winners were two pairs of siblings! David Stevenson, Clerk at SOM and founder of the Brentwood Bishops Chess Club, did an excellent job planning and organizing the event, along with Bobbie's help, and both the kids and the Brentwood staff were delighted to have him back at Brentwood for the occasion."

Lotsa Art, Little Refresh, All Happy

"Brentwood’s DCPS art reception, April 23, 2019, was an evening event filled with some 120 eager artists and proud, happy parents and teachers.  We were happy to serve the enthusiastic crowd  refreshments provided by the Friends of the Brentwood Library," said NS Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek.

Librarian I Jackie Perry added, "Students wore 'Exhibiting Artist' badges so everyone would recognize the honorees.  When the art teacher from John Love Elementary picked up her students’ art she said all of her exhibiting students attended the reception."

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.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Lynn Baldwin, CW Region Manager, shares a wonderful time, "The Friends of the Brentwood Library hosted the Santa Stop and Photo Ops Program at Brentwood, December 1, 2017.  More than 80 kids from different daycare centers met Santa, took part in a holiday story time with Shawn Norton and took home a large gift bag donated by the Friends of the Brentwood Library.  State Representative Tracie Davis stopped by right after the children had left the building but she did get her photo taken with Santa and met and spoke with the staff and Mrs. Coon and the rest of the Friends."

                                                          

                                      This was so much fun!  

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.

NS Goes 3-D

Students enjoyed a lesson using 3-D pens with E-Specialist Luis Terron after school, October 20,  2017, at the Brentwood Branch Library. They made ghosts, spiders, and a few made original designs. (NS had a "soft" re-opening, October 14, with the grand re-opening planned for October 30.) Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli for input.)

Brentwood Gets Fabulous Facelift

NS/EB Manager Kathleen Krizek boasts, "Brentwood Branch Library had a 'soft' reopening, October 14, 2017, with a few regular customers--and staff--admiring the changes. We’re still shaking out the kinks in preparation for the October 30^th Grand Reopening and annual Fall Festival."

Brentwood Prepares To Close For Renovation

NS/EB Manager Kathleen Krizek sent us a picture of Brentwood Branch Library staff and two SST VIP's (Charlene Adkins and Jill Haile) busy packing NS' collection, August 14, 2017, in preparation for NS getting its long overdue redo:

Aboive, L/R: Aquilla Stewart, Charlene Adkins, Linda Smith, Jill Haile, Diane Willman and Tammy Billings are busy packing Brentwood’s collection. Not pictured are David Stevenson, Milicia Thomas and Veronica Galman, who were packing elsewhere in the building.

Kathleen said, “Boxes are ready for storage and the workrooms have been emptied.

"Renovation, here we come!"

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."

Touch, Feel, Gasp!

Brentwood  Branch’s “Wild Wonders” program, June 20, 2017, allowed many children an opportunity to see and handle a snake, if not their first time with a snake, for most it was their first encounter with a YELLOW python.   NS Manager Kathleen Krizek said, "A day care brought their kids, too, so we had over 50 people in attendance. I was covering the desk and could hear the screams of excitement as the presenter kept asking, 'Do you want to see a bigger snake?' I was very happy to be on a different floor."

Kids also enjoyed experiencing an encounter with other reptiles, a small alligator, etc. Look at that wonderment!

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!)