John Jessee Retires After 17 Years

Argyle Librarian II John Jessee was honored with an in-person and a virtual party, October 2, 2020, the day of his  retirement. AYL's employees--L/R above: Janelle Pornovetz and Tonja Baker-Ferrell (2nd row); in front, Terri Basemore, Carol Bunker, Mike Cooper (next to John) and Anita Boston--enjoyed refreshments with John and personally bade him a reluctant adieu.  (Except for the pic, all observed social distancing and all wore masks throughout the day.) 

A few weeks before the party, Branch Manager Carol had emailed JPL staff inviting those who knew John and would to send a card and include their remembrances of him over the last 17 years. Staff were to send cards to Carol so they would be a surprise for him at the party.  Carol's plan worked well.  John's face glowed with a big smile when the many cards and notes were showered on him.

At the virtual party (via Zoom) many of John's colleagues popped in and out sharing fond memories and wishing the best for John in his new chapter of life.

John wants everyone to know he has read the many cards and appreciates each one.  He said, "The time people spent sharing their remembrances of me over the years made me happy." 

John plans to travel and visit family--and a bit of what every retiree looks forward to: relaxing. 

 

38 Good Years

Karen Lewis retires today, September 11, 2020, and leaves us with a capsule of her 38 years with us, "My journey with JPL began at the Haydon Burns Main Library in 1982 and I remained at Main through the move to the new Main Library in late 2005. 

"Hired as a page through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Jobs Program, I first worked part time in what was known as the Catalog/Technical Service/SST departments.  I was offered an opportunity to stay full time at the end of the summer and continued working for about two years, then quit.  After a couple of months, the Library let me know about an upcoming test for a Clerk 1 position; I decided to take it and passed.  I was assigned to Highlands Branch when it opened in 1985.  To my delight, however, a Clerk 1 position opened in my previous work area--old Main’s Catalog department.

"Later, I passed the Clerk 2 test and went to the Circulation department, then transferred to Interlibrary Loan on the 3rd floor.  While there I took the test for Library Assistant, passed it and moved to the newly created Digital Library.  When the new Main Library opened, I continued in digitization and worked in the Grand Reading Room, which is also located on the 4th floor, and from there I transferred to Non-Fiction.

 "In January 2015, I transferred to Brown Eastside Library where my 38 year journey was to end but the pandemic changed that. EB was closed for a season and I was assigned to DU.  Now I will end my career where I once was supposed to start it—at the Highlands Branch on September 11, 2020. 

 

"Looking back, I did not think I would be suited to the children’s department when I transferred to EB, but surprisingly, I really liked working with children; their effervescence is contagious!

 

"Working in different departments and libraries helped me understand the importance of all of our contributions and when every area works well together it makes for a successful library system."

 

THANK YOU, KAREN, FOR 38 YEARS OF SERVICE TO JPL!  OUR VERY BEST TO YOU.  WE'LL MISS YOU.

2020 Retiree Confab At SE

Elsie Oishi schedules get-togethers for JPL retirees and February 21, 2020, those who could come gathered from 2-4 pm at SE. Elsie wrote, "Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to those who voluntarily brought refreshments. So glad it didn't rain on top of the weather turning cold and breezy!
 

"There were 39 retirees who came and enjoyed seeing old colleagues and catching up on old times. To those who didn't come, we are sorry to have missed you! There are 38 pictured L/R below, bottom row to top; one person (Mark Ely) is not pictured.

"Row 1--Glenda (Atkinson) Lewis, Elaine Randolph, Elaine Kitchings, Elsie Oishi, Flo (Cate) Clark, Jerry Brantley, Margaret Smith, Gloria Zittrauer, Nantana Simpson, Revondolyn DuBois, and Theresa Barmer

"Row 2--Vivian Porter, Barbara Gubbin, Arden Brugger, Katherine Daye, Carol (Brown) Tipton, Laurie Ludwig, Marie-Therese Boyer, Carole (Schwartz) Moore, Lilia Simonton, Sharon Shannon, Nancy Devereux, Donna Long, Mary Zeigler Gibbons, and Margaret Morford.

"Row 3--Mabel Carnahan, Jean (Stewart) Madray, Sally Litton, Padma Subramanian, Carla Leach, Carol Smith, Heather Campbell, Belinda Campbell, Laura Kline, Ila Fann, Stephen Ludwig, Patricia Morrison, and Valerie Evans." 

THANK YOU, ELSIE, FOR ALL YOU DO FOR JPL RETIREES!

(Double click on the picture and you can see a little larger pic than this blog allows.)

 

Margaret Morford Retires W/Crowd Of Well Wishers

 Below is a link with some delightful photos of Margaret Morford's retirement party, January 30, 2020, at Willowbranch Library.  Margaret retired from JPL after 15 years of service to the community on February 1 and City Councilwoman Randy DeFoor presented Margaret with a certificate of service and appreciation.   

Pictured left are Margaret and her husband, Dr. Don Morford (R), as CW Manager Kathy Tekin (L) cuts the cake and Main retiree/now volunteer Theresa Barmer (center) waits for a slice. Main Library retiree, Main Manager Erica Brown and Christa Snow (most recently) along with other retirees, Executive team, colleagues, and friends wanted to honor Margaret and wish her well.  Prior to WB, Margaret worked at Main for several years. 

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H83q6LVCFgCj66oU9

 

(L/R) South Region Manager Keli Likins, Director Tim Rogers, and long-time Main Library Assistant Arthur Finley join Margaret in all the fun.

West Region Manager Lynne Baldwin contributed the blurb, link with pics, and snapped this shot of the four who did an excellent set-up for Margaret's retirement party, L/R: Marilyn Jordan, Beth Friederich, Christina Pope, and Kathleen Brunner. (What she doesn't say is Lynne donates retirement, anniversary, and birthday cakes for her area's celebrations.) 

We're never met a nicer lady, Margaret, and we will certainly miss you at JPL. 

Retiree Lilia Simonton Honored By BOLT

The Library Board of Trustees Chair Ronnie King introduced to the board and guests, July 18, 2019, recently retired and former Manager of the San Marco Branch Lilia Simonton.  Lilia received a resounding applause from the Board members and a verbal and written letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers acknowledging her 24 years and three months of faithful service to JPL.  She was also presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

We'll miss you, Lilia Simonton.

Antinette Walker Waves Goodbye

No sad goodbyes from Antoinette Walker, Circ Library Assistant at Main, as she retires after 20 years at JPL.    Her longtime fans chipped in for a going away lunch, July 17, 2019, where Antoinette received good will wishes as staff signed the Main Library drawing retirees receive at parting time get-togethers.

WE ALL WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN THIS NEW CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE, ANTOINETTE.

BOLT Thanks Erica Brown for 31 Years of Service

The April 18, 2019, Library Board of Trustees kicked off their meeting with a warm tribute to Highlands (currently) Branch Manager Erica Brown.  Board Chair Ronnie King (R) introduced Erica to the board and guests and said, "Erica Brown has been a source of patience and good management at JPL for longer than most people have been librarians.  She is now retiring after 31 years, having started with JPL in March of 1988.  Her handprint is on many libraries here, having managed six of them--Highlands, Main, Southeast, Webb, San Marco, and Willowbranch. Director Tim Rogers read his letter to Erica, acknowledging and thanking her for her many years of service.  Then she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  Everyone applauded Erica and we all wish her the very best in her future.  Erica Brown will retire May 4, 2019.  She will be sorely missed. 

Kate Holmes Is Retiring

Librarian II Kate Holmes began working for JPL, September 2, 2002, and she will be retiring, June 1, 2018--almost 18 years!  Kate currently divides her time between Main Library's Grand Reading Room and Talking Books.

Tables were laden with Mmmmm-good Southern cookin' and a variety of other goodies staff brought for her retiree luncheon, May 24, 2018.  Many employees joined Kate as she cut her retirement cake in Main's employee lounge, and as they did:  WE ALL WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR RETIREMENT, KATE.

Carolyn Hampton Retires With 30 Years Of Service

Carolyn Hampton left us after 30 years of faithful service in TB/ILL as a Library Clerk, March 6, 2018.  Many employees came to the farewell luncheon the week before.  Beautiful decorations and abundant food, retirement cake, two dozen roses, another bouquet brought by a region manager, and hugs all attested to the admiration everyone has for her. 

Carolyn is a quiet, unassuming person who, over the years, earned the highest respect from colleagues and customers.  One rabbi who customarily visited KR and often complimented staff there never failed to mention Carolyn Hampton's efficient service in ILL. 

Heather Campbell, who managed ILL for years, came to the party, as did several other retired staff.  Chris Eaton, who manages TB/ILL now, added his appreciation of Carolyn's dedication to doing an excellent job. I think we'll miss her.     

Tammy Crotts' Retirement Lunch

One "subtle" way you can tell when someone has employees' "thumbs up":  food comes in by the drove for lunch honoring that staff person.  So it was for Tammy Crotts, August 29, 2017, when Main staff came together in a very crowded room to lunch with Tammy, share memories and wish her the very best.

Assistant to the Director of Public Services Julie McNeil praised Tammy for her service and loyalty to JPL these 24 years. Tammy told us of her plans to improve her own health, help care for her aging parents--and enjoy life every day.

You deserve the very best, Tammy, and we certainly appreciate all you have done for us.

Tammy Crotts Retires After 24 Years At JPL

Many of us know Tammy Crotts, P/T Library Clerk at Main, whose last day, unfortunately for us, will be August 30, 2017. We express our appreciation for her many ways of helping us through the years and pray for happiness and the very best success for her in the future. 

  

                Tammy, above left, received a Job Well Done Award in November 2016. 

Tammy wanted to leave you a note:

Hi, Everyone,                                                                                                                                                             

I appreciate and have enjoyed working for the Jacksonville Public Library.  I am sad to let you know it’s time for me to go after 24 years. I first worked at Highlands Branch, then Tech Services, ILL and now at Main's Circulation/Dock. I hope I have touched everyone’s lives and made a difference. My 24 years have been fulfilling, fun, frustrating and hard work.

Now it’s time to leave; it’s time for a new adventure Tammy’s way because every day is a new adventure. I have good memories of my years with my friends at JPL and I’ll miss you all. 

With love, kindness and God’s Blessing,

Tamara (Tammy) Crotts

JPL Supporter and Friend

Unique Gift For A Unique Library Director

Highlands Branch employees were quite creative in thinking of an unforgettable going away present for Director Barbara Gubbin. They had a gorilla named for her at the Jacksonville Zoo! Here she holds the certificate affirming the naming and Director Gubbin received a toy gorilla to remember Highlands staff by. She wanted to share this with you on June 30, 2017, her last day with JPL as our Library Director.

Director Gubbin Receives ALA's Earnest A. DiMattia Jr. Award

The American Library Association's 2017 Earnest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and the Profession was presented to our Library Director Barbara Gubbin, June 25, 2016, in Chicago at their annual conference.

Pictured are the President of ALA, Julie Todaro, on the left, and Mrs. DiMattia and her son.  

Scroll down to see the June 19, 2017, article in this blog about her retirement party and why it is no wonder that Director Gubbin was chosen to receive this award.

Director Gubbin Honored At Retirement Party

Library Director Barbara Gubbin was honored with a retirement party at the Main Library, June 15, 2017. Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, who MC'd the event, and other JPL executives made sure it was a memorable occasion.  A video was played of Mayor Lenny Curry and ALA President Julie Todaro enumerating Director Gubbin's many outstanding accomplishments. Library Board Chair Ronnie King, Chair Emeritus of the JPL Foundation Betsy Lovett, President and CEO of WJCT Michael Boylan and Dr. Jamie Self, Development Director of the JPL Foundation, followed suit. 

For an array of pictures of this event, click here:   https://flic.kr/s/aHskXjrBEW

The Resolution passed by City Council, copied below, covers Director Gubbin's many accomplishments not only with JPL but serves as a bio of her profession as a librarian and a Library Director, and includes what the speakers honored her for at the event.  One star in her crown, which should be listed is FLA named JPL as 2017 Library of the Year.

Introduced by Council Members Hazouri and Crescimbeni and Co-Sponsored by Council Members Brosche, Newby, Love, Bowman, Wilson, Anderson, Becton, Dennis, R. Gaffney, Morgan, Carter and Gulliford:

RESOLUTION 2017-330

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING BARBARA A.B. GUBBIN FOR HER EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP AS DIRECTOR OF THE JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY FROM 2005 TO THE PRESENT ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

            WHEREAS, as repositories of literature, history, the arts and many other facets of our culture and heritage, libraries are the intellectual and cultural anchors of great cities; and

WHEREAS, for the past twelve years, Barbara A. B. Gubbin has been the Director of the Jacksonville Public Library, providing widely recognized leadership that has made Jacksonville’s library system an invaluable resource that  provides City residents access to a great collection of books, art, film, children’s projects, the information superhighway, various educational courses and more; the Jacksonville Public Library has 21 branches, employs about 400 employees, had 3.4 million customers in 2016, and has a $33 million budget; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in India, Barbara Gubbin has lived in England and West Africa; she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors at the University of Birmingham in England; a Master’s degree in Library and Information from the University of London followed; while teaching for a short period of time in West Africa, she worked in the school library where her interest in library work was piqued; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Gubbin’s first job in the United States was as “teen services” librarian at the San Antonio Public Library in Texas, 1977-1979; she subsequently served as Assistant Director and Director of the Houston Public Library from 1989 to 1995; and     

WHEREAS, innovation has been the hallmark of Barbara Gubbin’s tenure at the Jacksonville Public Library since her arrival in 2005; she is credited with leading the library into the technology age; under her watch, digital materials are now as much at the core of the library’s resources as traditional books; self-service checkout has replaced long lines; in 2015, the library partnered with the Duval Public Schools to introduce “virtual library cards,” a program that provides over 130,000 students with access to the Jacksonville Public Libraries; with its G.E.D. program, the library has become a center for adult learning, community interaction and work force development; in 2015, Project LEAP – the Library Enhanced Access Program – was created to send librarians, armed with computers and other materials, to community centers in underserved neighborhoods to promote literacy for all age groups; in 2016 the library won acclaim for its Careers On Line program that enables high school students to earn their high school diploma; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, in recognition of Barbara Gubbin’s outstanding leadership and accomplishments, she was awarded the 2017 Earnest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and the Profession by the American Library Association, an award that recognizes a public librarian from among the more than 9,000 systems in the country who demonstrates leadership in anticipating emerging trends, services and technologies that enhance the library’s position in the community; and

WHEREAS,  Jacksonville has been truly fortunate in having an individual of Barbara Gubbin’s caliber and commitment to lead our library system and enhance the library’s image and use in every neighborhood and community of our City, and it is our honor to recognize, commend and honor her for her exemplary achievements; now therefore

            BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Jacksonville:

            Section 1. The City Council does hereby honor and commend Barbara A. B. Gubbin for her exemplary leadership as Director of the Jacksonville Public Library from 2005 to the present and extends its best wishes on the occasion of her retirement.              

            Section 2. Effective Date.  This Resolution shall become effective upon signature by the Mayor or upon becoming effective without the Mayor's signature.

Form Approved:

__/s/ Paige Hobbs Johnston

Office of General Counsel

Legislation Prepared By: John J. Jackson, Council Research Division

Several gifts were presented to Director Gubbin, including a bouquet of flowers from Mrs. Lovett; a lifetime membership in ALA from many well wishers; a wonderful caricature of Director Gubbin drawn by Roosevelt Watson, III; a handcrafted bowl from the Friends of the Beaches Branch, which was made by Mark Wood; and the staff at the Highlands Branch made her an Honorary Zookeeper at the Zoo and named a gorilla for her. Other gifts were also left by some well wishers for her to open later. 

Attendees enjoyed the event, shared good memories over hors d'oeuvres and cake, and everyone lifted their glasses in a toast made to Director Gubbin led by Deputy Director Mark Merritt.

Director Gubbin thanked everyone heartily for coming, the many gifts and acknowledgements, and for an evening she enjoyed immensely and will not forget.  

Deputy Director Giltrop expressed her and JPL's appreciation to the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Inc. and the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation for sponsoring the event.

Darlene Nicholson Retires: 33 Years W/City & 10 Years W/JPL

Darlene Nicholson, A P/T Aide in Mark Merritt's Financial Manage-ment department at Main, had good reason to flash this beautiful smile, May 24, 2017. A horde of JPL employees honored her with a luncheon, a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket, and many well wishes. Darlene retires May 25, 2017, and leaves us a brief review of her long tenure with the City and JPL. She said, "I retired from the City's Administration and Finance Department, August 17, 2007, after 33 years of service and started working at JPL on October 27, 2007. My plan was never to work again but I am glad that I had the opportunity to work at JPL. It has been a learning experience. I did not know what it takes to keep the library going and updated. I have had the privilege of working with some great coworkers that I will miss. God bless JPL staff.

"Now, I plan on spending more time with family and traveling and, of course, I plan to read more."

Outstanding Staff Development Day

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop opened SDD, May 1, 2017, and welcomed JPL staff and introduced Director Barbara Gubbin, who confirmed her plans to retire, June 30.
Director Gubbin reviewed some of her exceptional experiences while at JPL and mentioned some of the many Board members, Friends of JPL and employees who had made those memories possible. She thanked all JPL employees who contributed to her winning ALA's 2017 Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession and for JPL being named Library of the Year by FLA. During the closing session, the Admin team, one by one, named her many other accomplishments over the last 12 years.

(L/R:  Julie McNeil, Chris Boivin, Keli Likins, Lynne Jacobson, Gretchen Mitchell, Marshelle Berry, Mark Merritt, Richard Mott and Charlene Adkins all hailed Director Gubbin's many achievements. 

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop presented Director Gubbin with a bouquet of red roses and a picture of the JPL team taken in Main's courtyard two hours before. During the closing assembly, Director Gubbin received a standing ovation from everyone in the auditorium. 

Below, JPL's super charged team cheerleader, Katie Devanny, started us off with a repeated cheer, the SDD theme: Passion + Purpose = Impact!

Each branch and support department prepared its own Imagination Squared (emulating the many artistic Imagination Squares displayed on Main's conference level wall.)  JPL's squares, however, were 3" bigger (8"x8") and each expressed their vision of the SDD theme: P + P = I.  The squares, displayed outside the auditorium, drew a lot of attention.

                                          L/R: Katie Gaurino and Sara Roberts

SDD Committee Chair Sara Roberts and her team--Katie Devanny, Lynne Baldwin, Tracy Pigott, Nicolle Burton (R), Diane Alexander (L), John Carter, Shirdella Grouix, and Shai Ford--were aided by the Conference Center's Mandie McKenzie and Will Daniel's expertise. Additionally, other volunteers contributed their valuable time and effort.  

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop kept the well organized SDD on a fast track. After the morning kick off, classes and lunch, she assembled staff for a group photo in short order, had the picture printed and ready for Director Gubbin at the closing session.

Julie McNeil suggested a memorial table at SDD for employees who had passed in the last two years and Lynne Baldwin volunteered to make it happen.  Arthur Finley designed and organized the table with information, photos and help from Laura Minor, Kathy Tekin and Sara Gunter.  Arthur did a wonderful job with the memorial table and many stopped to pay their respects for Ananth Subramanian, former Director Judy Williams, Jane Harris, Amy Swisher, Alan Clark, Mary Ann Pearson, Gail Marion and Mary Cardell. 

                                            Arthur Finley and another staff member remembers... 


SDD closed to the music of resounding applause from JPL staff for this well planned, very successful event.

We all had an unforgettable time, learned a lot in the morning and afternoon classes, met employees we did not know in the ample time between sessions and enjoyed the delicious food and drinks provided.  Thank each and every one of you who made 2017 SDD happen and did it SO well.  

We will practice Passion + Purpose to make lasting Impact! 

Hasssan Hamid Retires

Hasssan Hamid, AR Library Clerk, will officially retire April 28, 2017; however, Hamid, as he has preferred to be called during his 27 years at JPL, is on vacation presently enjoying coconut trees and tropical sunsets. 

During Hammid's long JPL career he has served at  SST, Southeast Branch, Main and twice at Regency Square Branch.

AR Manager Greg Pierce said, "To know Hamid is to love Hamid and we will miss him.  Please join us in wishing him well as he retires from JPL." 

And all of us certainly do wish Hamid the very best always. 

Padma Subramanian Retires After 18 Years

Padma   Subramanian began her library career at JB in May 1999 as a part time clerk, then transferred to KR for 15 months and back to JB for a short period. Later promoted to Library Assistant, Padma was assigned to  SE and after a year moved to  PCR  in time for its grand opening and worked for Mindy McClure and Carol Bailey.  She was transferred back to JB in 2011 and is retiring there, March 20, 2017. 

Padma said, "I am so grateful to have worked with so many good people. I wanted to thank each and every one who worked with me. I made so many friends through JPL and have a lot of good memories. Thank you all again." 

You will be sorely missed, Padma.

A Note From Jane Harris

Jane Harris, Webb Region Manager, is retiring February 24, 2017 and wanted to leave this note as a fond farewell:

Dear Library Staff,

Thank you so much for the flowers, cards and calls I received these past months.  I really appreciate your concern.  I’m really sorry to have to take early retirement.  It has been a joy and pleasure working with all of you.  I will miss seeing all of you but hope we can keep in touch.

Thank you,

Jane

Who Will We Really Miss? Michael Shell Retires 9/29/16

Mike Shell, Librarian III and Training Coordinator for JPL is retiring September 29, 2016, after 16 years with JPL.  He has worked at CW and SE, in ILS, Main Reference, and later took over Training in October 2012 after Sara Radovic. Mike plans to further develop his

writing, editing, and photography skills and do freelance work in those areas. Mike was honored at a luncheon with much home-cooked dishes and goodies on his next to last day and Julie McNeil had to get a photo with him.  He leaves us this note: 

Folks,

I have three encouragements to give all of you:

First, to our customers, if you work in the library you are a librarian.  That’s a good thing.  They come to the library because they know and trust that you will find a way to help them.

Second, you are what libraries have that tops Google and Amazon.  You are skilled human beings who help customers put their needs into the right words and to find the best solutions.

Third, your customers know that public libraries are “first responders.”  Libraries are among the few public services agencies where people can still walk in and talk face to face with expert problem-solvers.

When you think about your own library career, therefore, don’t worry about training hours.

Instead, ask for learning experiences which will help you feel better and more competent as you serve your public.

You are wonderful people.

Blessings,

Mike