Twins Win

SOM's YS Librarian II Isabel Moreno-Santiago enjoyed a "return on investment" in SLP when William Hartman visited the South Mandarin Branch with his twin brother, Daniel, August 18. 2020. Isabel said, "William came to collect his Summer Reading prize: Young Architect. William and Daniel’s mother, Liz Phillips,  told us the twins enjoyed reading so many new books over the summer and their favorite program was Page Turner. The twins, who will attend St. Joseph Catholic School this year, shared their winning strategy with Branch Manager Theresa Rooney and me: they pooled their tickets to increase their chances of winning and agreed to share the prize if they won. Theresa and I were impressed with the twins’ strategy as well as their masks, which they got at Disneyworld."

 

 

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." 

SOM Robotics Club Launches

                             Click on the pic to get a larger view.

isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian II, announced, "South Mandarin Branch Library inaugurated the SOM Robotics Club, March 7, 2020. This program is sponsored by the Friends of South Mandarin Library in partnership with Shiva Robotics Academy. During the program the instructors from the Academy showed a group of nine very enthusiastic teens and tweens how to build their own robots. In the group picture above (L/R) are Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, and one of the Shiva Robotics Academy instructors, the nine students, and another Academy instructor on the far right.  Below the students are engrossed in building their robotics and then some of their final results are shown.  They--and we--were proud of their accomplishments."

Perseverance pays off!

    
The Robotics Club will have two sessions and a final Expo on May 2, 2020, to showcase the students' projects to the public.  The first session, for 5th-7th graders, will be held for two Saturdays beginning March 7.  The second session, for 2nd-4th graders, will run for six Saturdays beginning April 4. 

STEM Is In At SOM

Isabel Moreno-Santiago shares her latest. "Today at South Mandarin Library 11 kids and their caregivers enjoyed the STEM program about “Bugs” and they were introduced to our JPL databases: Kids Infobits and Science In Context.  At the end of our session, the children enjoyed doing their own 'Buggles.'” 
 

SOM Santa Stop

Seventy-six customers came to SOM's Santa Stop, December 12, 2019.  District 6 CM Michael Boylan and his wife and grandchildren joined other kids and caregivers to enjoy a family program with Librarian II Isabel Moreno-Santiago reading The Gingerbread Boy.  Topped off with crafts, cookie decorating, hand painting and pics with Santa, it was a joyful time for all.

(Whip cream on the Christmas cupcake for Isabel was a hug from Santa.)

Welcome Baby Winter

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, Library II at South Mandarin Branch shares, "We celebrated our Children 's Library Associate, SeBria Milton, with a beautiful baby girl shower complete with gifts and great food, December 10, 2019.  All of us at South Mandarin wish SeBria great joy, blessings and health, both for her and baby Winter.”

And the rest of us say "ditto", SeBria!

Carissa Charest: Job Well Done!

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian II, said, “Our part time Library Associate, Carissa Charest, received a Job Well Done Award, October 29, 2019. Ms. Carissa is part of South Mandarin Branch's children staff. She helps with the young read, play, and learn story time programs.  Last week I shared with Carissa an idea of organizing the craft cabinets--a big challenge due to the accumulation of materials over the years.  Ms. Carissa took the challenge and organized the craft cabinets by category in less than two weeks. She went beyond her daily responsibilities and her efforts are much appreciated."  Pictured are Carissa  (R) with Isabel.
 

SOM Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Assistant JSO Chief Lakesha Burton and Lead Teacher Robert Graver proudly flank the signature art piece displayed at South Mandarin Library's art reception for the Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center, May 14, 2019.  The exhibit included about 30 pieces for customers to enjoy through most of the month.

Palm Ave partners, along with the Police Athletic League, and Assistant Chief Greg Burton, pictured below with two other guests, joined teachers and students for the kickoff.  (Thanks to Ann Fridl, SOM Manager, for the input.)

712 Attend SOM's Comic Con

                                                                   The Ghostbusters cool car

"South Mandarin Library held their 2^nd Annual Comic Con and 712 people enjoyed the kickoff, May 11, 2019.  An author panel comprised of six local authors gave book talks, advice to aspiring authors, and had their books available for purchase.  Four local vendors shared their art, comic book store Mythical Mountain, 501^st Legion (Star Wars characters), and representatives from Universal Films shared promotional items for the upcoming movies, Godzilla and John Wick 3.

 

"Storytime with Mia Brack held kids' rapt attention at the top of each hour, 11 am till 3 pm, and crafts, such as making masks (shown below), were available in the Children’s and Teen areas.

 "The biggest hit of the event was the Ghostbusters of Middleburg.  They arrived in their cool car, ran a slime lab in the teen room, and brought their marshmallow man.

 

"The Comic Con ended with a costume parade through the library with superhero music blasting, candy stations throughout the branch--and the Ghostbusters driving off with their siren sounding as music to the children's ears as they waved goodbye," brags Christie Rogers.

SOM Launches DCPS Art Expo

South Mandarin Library held a reception to kick off the DCPS Art Expo, March 26, 2019. YS Librarian II Isabel Moreno-Santiago said, "SOM annually celebrates our students and their exceptional art work from Duval County Public Schools. The event was a great success where 55 parents, teachers, and students admired the art display and enjoyed light refreshments during the reception."

Santa Stop With Photo Ops At SOM

Region Manager Keli Likins shares a happy visit, "Close to 100 people came to see Santa at South Mandarin Library, December 21, 2018.  The children enjoyed story time as well as crafts and cookie decorating.  Best of all, they had their pictures made while visiting Santa.  Council Member Tommy Hazouri (pictured) kicked off the event and talked to the crowd about the importance of libraries in our community.  As you see, Isabel Moreno-Santiago enjoyed the little boy's encounter with CM Hazouri and Santa."

SOM Friends, Staff, & Customers Benefit Each Other

Christie Rogers shares, "SOM's Fall Festival combined with the Friends of the South Mandarin Library book sale, October 20, 2018, gave book lovers a thrill and 63 attendees painted pumpkins, which were purchased by the FOSOM.  Other crafts included face painting and glitter tattoos. Finally, we had a costume parade through the library and three candy stations were set up for the children's treats (instead of tricks.)  During the festivities attendees could purchase books from the book sale to benefit the library."

CM Matt Schellenberg Visits SOM

"Council Member Matt Schellenberg, center, standing, came and spoke about the importance of libraries at the South Mandarin Branch Library, July 26, 2018. closing SLP party. Library Board Chair Ronnie King, standing far right, and his daughter were there, too.  CM Schellenberg took pictures with attendees and congratulated staff on completing their Summer Learning Program goals," said Library Associate Christie Rogers.

Cow Oinks & Bubbles Fly At SOM

South Mandarin Branch Library held its 2^nd Annual Puppet Show, July 24, 2018, presented by the South Mandarin Teen Volunteers. Christie Rogers said, "The show featured the books, The Cow that Went Oink by Bernard Most, and Bark George by Jules Feiffer. The children and parents loved how the characters were making sounds differently, such as when the cow oinked like a pig. Along with the puppet show we sang Old MacDonald Had a Farm and BINGO. After the show, the 68 attendees made a paper bag dog puppet craft so they could perform their own puppet show later at home. The program wrapped up with blowing bubbles, and as you see,  the children were wide eyed."  

140 Glad To Jump Start SOM's SLP

South Mandarin Library wowed 140 people at their SLP Party, June 7, 2018. Christie Rogers said, "Our party had a 70’s theme with pet rock decorating, YMCA dancing, a 70's themed scavenger hunt and prizes for finishers, and Pringles and pop rocks for snacks. We also offered glitter hand tattoos and karaoke. "  Thanks to Kevin Douglas for pics.

         Pet rocks made a comeback and kids loved painting them.

Job Well Done: Jim Olczak

SOM Part-time Associate Jim Olczak received a Job Well Done Award, May 22, 2018, for his hard work and dedication in putting together the Health Fair at South Mandarin Library. When problems arose, James approached them with a positive attitude and worked with both his co-workers and the program’s community partners to help resolve them. He not only made a good impression on customers, he also was praised for his commitment and planning ability by the other groups involved, such as Publix and Walgreens. James has been a positive influence on co-workers and customers, and he has exhibited behavior and initiative that supports JPL and its values.  He sets a strong example of what is expected from library employees. 

SOM Does STEM Outreach

South Mandarin Library represented JPL at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School at its Annual STEM Family Night, 6-8 p.m., May 17, 2018.  This event attracted school students and parents from the surrounding areas. Attendees were treated to a variety of STEM-related hands-on activities in an effort to bolster excitement about a future in science, technology, engineering and math.

Angela Richman said, "We brought several books, HI $5 bookmarks, science and homework database flyers, library stickers, library card applications and our calendar of activities.  We promoted Libraries Rock! Summer Learning Program 2018 and had 85 people visiting our JPL table.

"We brought our Makey Makey kit and some bananas. Yes. bananas.  The kit included wires with alligator clips to connect Makey Makey to objects, and 85 people had the opportunity to observe/participate in this project. We asked questions, such as:  

·        What did you learn from this activity?

·        What else do you think would work to play the banana piano?

·        Can you pass energy to another person to play the banana piano?

"We explained what a Makey Makey is. It is a computer circuit board that helps 

transfer energy from an object that is conductive to a computer to tell it to do 

a task, such as in this program, to play a piano.

"We explained what conductivity is, energy in an object.

How we set up the piano:

§  We Laid six bananas  out in a row, spacing them out enough so they didn’t touch.

§  We connected the wire leads to the fruit by gripping the tops of the alligator clips on the wires.

§  We connected the wire leads to the Makey Makey, starting on the left and hooked them up in the order of left arrow, up arrow, right arrow, down arrow, space/left button.

§  We added the ground lead to the bottom of the Makey Makey. Next we plugged the USB cable to the board, then to a computer.

§  We went to http://makeymakey.com/piano/ to access the piano that works with the Makey Makey kit.

§  Participants were holding the wire connected to the ground section of the Makey Makey with one hand and tap the fruit to play the piano."

Great Day For Comic Con At SOM

CM Tommy Hazouri (3rd from right, back row) and happy winners of the costume contest.

Director Tim Rogers  and Council Member Tommy Hazouri attended South Mandarin's first Comic Con, May 5, 2018, where 356 people enjoyed crafts, storytime, food trucks, Cosplay, sword fighting, and a costume contest--or just enjoyed watching everyone else. 

Youngsters were busy with crafts in the Children’s department and SOM shared a mighty duel between a young swordsman in training taking on a Stormtrooper!  WOW!

                                     Who would you vote for ?

SOM's Customer Appreciation Day

SOM celebrated Customer Appreciation Day, April 18, 2018, with an evening full of fun for the whole family.  P/T Associate   Jim Olczak said, "Miss Victoria Locklin, an excellent local student violinist, dazzled us with several classical renditions.  

"P/T Shelver Sarah Miller (below) doubles as a glitter tattoo artist and shared her gift with all who desired to get 'glittered.'  

"The marquee performer was magician James Donaldson from 'A Sleight Touch of Magic' and he captivated the audience with several tricks.  

"P/T Associate Carissa Charest (below) brought her crocheting talents to the act with a 'Crocheting 101' session for beginners.

"There was plenty of chocolate and popcorn--a small show of appreciation to our customers who attended and those who participated."  

Sarah Miller: Job Well Done!

Sarah Miller, a part-time shelver, was presented a Job Well Done Award January 12, 2018, by SOM Manager Ann Fridl. Former supervisor, Stefa Witt, wrote, "Sarah is a dependable shelver, whom we can always count on to shelve materials accurately and quickly.  She  provides quality customer service and is always willing to help customers in the stacks.  Sarah is a very talented artist and has kindly donated her talents at a number of events this past quarter.”