Holiday Door Decor @ Pablo Creek

The challenge at Pablo Creek was to think beyond the typical wreath on the door and design holiday doors instead.  The challenge was accomplished with team work, creative expression, and fun.  Needless to say, it is a morale boost during this stressful time of COVID-19.

During the winter months when various cultural and religious days of significance are observed, PCR's decorated doors depict popular book and movie titles, as well as being inclusive to all holidays.

PCR staff has extended an invitation to school Advisory Committees, JPL Facebook members, customers, and to all of you: 

Come out and see our Holiday Doors! 

Life's Cherry & Whip Cream: Arts & Humanities

Pablo Creek Library’s October display promotes National Arts & Humanities Month. JohnWillard Utuk assembled it and construes, “As a musician myself, I wanted the display to elevate customer awareness of the Humanities and local organizations that support Jacksonville culture, such as the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (sponsored in part by COJ.) The display underscores the importance of the arts and humanities—and the fact that JPL provides a plethora of resources to explore on the subjects. Some favorite books included are Poe's The Raven and Other Writings, Conversations with RGB (a biography,) and Mama Mable's All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza! picture book. I also included the Americans for the Arts’ hashtag, #showyourart2020, where patrons are encouraged to post art themes on Instagram for each day in October. I shared the display on Instagram and the Americans for the Arts liked it, too.”

 

Whetting Appetites

Hongying Song, East Region's YS Service Manager, shares pictures of Pablo Creek's displays that will have customers searching the library for these titles.

 

"The first picture shows YS Library Associate David Humphries' adroit voting display,“FREADOM 2020.” David supports early voting at PCR with children's civic education in mind. He has been working diligently to bring hands-on voting to kids.  He says his efforts were aided by his wife’s Cricut and Button Badge Maker machines.

 

"In the second pic, YS Library Associate Bridgette King created a Diversify Your Reading display that encourages kids to read fiction of different genres as well as nonfiction books.

 

"A books to movies display in the third picture is the result of  YS Library Associate Bridgette King's and Adult Librarian Abbey McGeathey's collaboration to whet the appetite for JPL's many book to movie combos.

 

"As you see, the creative staff at PCR continue providing the best customer experience and service."

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." 

PCR Basks In Customer Admiration

During the month of February, Pablo Creek children’s department asked their customers, “What do you love about your library?” Each customer was given a cardstock heart to write a personal message about PCR, resulting in 71 responses. Many of the hearts spoke about the variety of books in PCR's collection, the monthly children's scavenger hunt, and the play and learn area. Below are a few of the messages left on the “love wall”:
·         I love this library because it’s close to my home and it’s small and clean. It’s quiet and has activities for kids. It also has nice staff members. (Anonymous)
·         I love the library because of the nonfiction section. I have always wanted to learn about the world. (Sofia)
·         The library is a good place to spend family time and read. (Anonymous)
·         I love Storytime! (Anonymous)
·         I like this library because of the play area. (Daniel)

Pictured are David Humphries and Bridgette King at PCR's "love wall." 

 

Thanks to Jonathan Sandbach for the picture and article.

Great idea, PCR!

Old McDonald Had A Farm

Pablo Creek Regional Library is booked almost all Mondays and Thursdays from September to mid-April by 11 elementary schools for DCPS field trips. Hongying Song says, "YS staff is dedicated to making memories for our young customers and their teachers.  Here you see YS Associate David Humphries and Casey Cassese putting on a puppet show using the reference desk as a stage where elephants stomped and dragons roared on the 'Old McDonald’s Farm,' November 18, 2019."  (Old McD. expanded  his range of creatures, I see, and much to the children's delight.)

 

Pumpkin Fun At PCR

Hongying Song shares, "PCR hosted Jonathan Sandbach’s second annual Pumpkin Decoration program, October 30, 2019, and 60 participants decorated pumpkins and took them home after the event. On October 31, PCR’s Treat-or-Trick Spooktacular attracted 181 participants. YS staff decorated a world-class haunted house, set up a scary sensory table in addition to the pumpkin and mummy crafts.  Both customers and staff had a fun Halloween. Here is a nice compliment from one of the participants who brought her kids to both programs.  (Thanks to YS staff who created the props and presented the October 31st program: Casey Cassese, David Humphries, Bridgette King, and Mandy Elliot.)"

Mandy Elliott Gets A Bow

Hongying Song works at PCR and consistently notices others' accomplishments and so it is in this case.  She sent in this quote from a Pablo Creek Branch regular customer, Dr. T. D. Reese, dated September 28, 2019:

“Mandy Elliott does a great job with the Pokémon meetup. Today, nineteen young library patrons participated in the meetup. Mandy not only manages these monthly events, she also proves three other important services:
 
1.       She assists the less socially adept participants to connect with other participants.
2.       She coaches participants regarding play, rules and strategy.
3.       She serves as a valuable references for the participants as they evaluate the desirability of various Pokémon cards given her encyclopedic knowledge of all things Pokémon.

"She is a valuable resource to the Pablo Creek Branch."

WOW!  WAY TO GO, MANDY!

New Spin For Aspiring Artists

 

Children at the Pablo Creek Library learned a new way to celebrate the July 4^th holiday with our YS Librarian II Jonathan Sandbach (center above) at the Little Artists programs, July 2, 2019.  Jonathan used a salad spinner to spin the paint and glitters on a black sheet of paper. Can you guess what came out? Colorful and sparkling fireworks. How creative can you be? (Thanks to Hongying Song, YS Librarian III, East Region for the input.) 

PCR Turn It Up For Fire & Rescue

Pablo Creek offered a variety of activities in June including the popular Turn It Up program, Thursday, June 20, 2019. Customers of all ages enjoyed an interactive experience with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. The ladder truck was on display and everyone took turns (under supervision) with the fire hose. Music, crafts and tech games are also part of this event which occurs quarterly. PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event continues to build relationships with local organizations that support the programming by taking part in some way. Florida Blue hosts Pablo Creek’s bingo games and The Northeast Florida Music Conservatory provides music to name a few local businesses that are regulars at the event.

A Proud Day

Hongying Song, East Region YS Librarian III, shares a monumental achievement, "My daughter, Selina Wang, graduated May 17 as the 2019 valedictorian of the McDonough School of Business from Georgetown University. We are very proud of her and hope she will do well for herself and the world."

 

Congratulations to Selina and her parents from all of us. 

                  (To get a better view, click on the picture.)

Duo Sets National Library Week To Music

In celebration of National Library Week, April 7 - 13, customers at the Pablo Creek Library enjoyed a live classical musical performance, April 13, 2019, by PT Library Associate and pianist JohnWillard Utuk (R) and cellist Marsel Malolli (L)). The duo played several tunes at the entrance to the lobby. Customers checking out materials, getting their first library card, or working on computers enjoyed the relaxing music.

Pirate & Parrot At PCR

"Pablo Creek Branch’s YS Associate David Humphries was dressed as a pirate and used a hand puppet parrot to get kids engaged during his Young Children Read/Play and Learn program, February 8, 2019--and the kids had lots of fun treasure hunting with him later," said Hongying Song, PCR's YS Librarian III. 

 

 

Wanna Make Kids & Dogs Happy?

This Labrador retriever named Jasper is one happy dog.  One reason is he enjoys his monthly visits with his owner, Miss Linda (both pictured above) to Pablo Creek Branch Library.  This is where Jasper has the pleasure of hearing  kids read to him. Children choose a picture book and take turns reading to Jasper for about an hour. Youth Services Librarian II Jonathan Sandbach says, "We essentially provide space for him to visit with kids and call it 'Come Read with Jasper'. The picture here is one used on flyers advertising his popular visits.
 
"All children ages 5-12 are welcome to join the fun; the next date with Jasper is February 16, 2019."

Job Well Done: Jason Enoex

Erik Larsen nominated Jason Enoex, who works at the Pablo Creek Library, for a Job Well Done Award, which was presented to him, January 16, 2019.  Erik said, "Jason is very proactive and conscientious in disseminating information he receives from the regional Adult Programming Committee. He conducts a monthly programming meeting at the branch to insure that we’re all well informed and that each program has a staff presenter assigned. He takes initiative in locating presenters and making all necessary arrangements.  He insures that we often have new and unique programs available. Should any problems arise, he solves them quickly and efficiently, making sure to update Evanced (the library's online public meeting room schedule) so the most current information is available to the public.

"Adult programming is Jason’s largest single assigned duty. He takes this role very seriously.  He keeps this large responsibility running very smoothly with minimal supervision.  He richly deserves this award."

 

PCR's Fun Halloween Crafts

"For an hour in October, the children’s area at Pablo Creek library (PCR) became a pumpkin patch. A total of 43 participants of all ages got a chance to choose a pumpkin from our “patch” and decorate them using all kinds of materials; paint and glitter were the most popular. We even had a pumpkin mummy. Some of our regulars brought in their own pumpkins. Some folks chose to use cardboard to make and paint pumpkins from scratch. Books about Halloween and crafts were available for inspiration and checkout. One parent commented that they are new to Jacksonville and this was most fun library program they have ever experienced! Holiday music filled the air of the festive atmosphere while kids and their caregivers joined in making some fabulous pumpkins, some of which now decorate our children’s library at PCR," said Manager Jackie Spiritas.

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."

340 Enjoy Community Talent At PCR

Turn it Up Thursday program at Pablo Creek Library, September 20, 2018, was a rousing success with 340 customers enjoying the now quarterly two-hour event. Community groups such as the Ancient City Brass Band (left), Square Dancers Association, and Home Depot were on hand for the event, providing music appreciation, crafts for kids, and educational information.  A spoken word performance was enjoyed in the browsing area courtesy of Jax Youth Poetry Jam performer Kaitlyn Delgado (seen below.)  One young girl told Ms. Delgado she would start writing down her poetry now.

One middle school student from La Villa (pictured below and admired by Library Clerk Danielle Linnen) took out his violin and began performing for customers while waiting for his grandfather.

Ever popular, face painting was provided by Sister Cities Organiza- tion member Ruth Jernigan.  (Thanks to PCR Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas for input and pics.)  

Eerie Banned Book Week & Mystery Howl At PCR

"PCR part-time staff maxed out their magic talents with this display-and our managers encourage us to unleash our creativity and provide us with opportunities to showcase our talents, " said PCR's Illesha Massaline.

"Here P/T Library Associate Nicole "Niki" Denton got her creativity on with a table for Banned Book Week. Her display, 'Ask a banned Prison', is a play on words from one of the Banned Books, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban. Niki created all of the props including ghosts, potion bottles, paper crafts and magic wands," added Illesha. 

This display below,"Mystery Hunt in the Stacks," is P/T Clerks Kristina Mikhedok's and Arlin Estes' creation and it entices hunting for a good mystery read. Kristina and Arlin selected famous quotes from mystery novels and added them to the display. They also made paper magnifying glasses for a final touch. 

PCR & JB Staff At Winn Dixie Reopening

PCR Region Manager Michael Sullivan and PCR Teen Librarian Mandy Elliot joined JB Teen Librarian Julie Rekow and JB Manager Theresa Rooney, August 24, 2018, at a community event to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Winn Dixie store in Neptune Beach. Michael and Mandy participated in a Jenga contest in which the winner could designate the $2,500 prize to their favorite charity.  Both played valiantly and Mandy won the first round; however, she was ultimately felled by a team from the Jacksonville Humane Society. Although JPL was not the winner, they definitely had the largest crowd of supporters cheering them on, including many members of the Friends of the Beaches Branch, AR Manager Greg Pierce and his wife, Amy, who coordinated the event.