Main Children's Super Hero

SS Library Associate Robin West Rogers did some Super Hero helping in Main Children’s department. Marcie O'Dell said, "Like many other JPL employees who were temporarily relocated, Robin became someone we depended on and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to work with her. She’ll be dearly missed. Robin went back home for San Marco's reopening, October 5, 2020.  All the best to you, Wonder Woman!" 

 

Cause for Celebrations For San Marco Staff

Christie Rogers, SS YS Librarian I, and staff were ready to celebrate, June 12, 2020.  Christie said, "San Marco Branch staff caught up on birthdays and bade a sad farewell to Allegra Harris, who is going to work in the medical field at Shands.  Belated 'Happy Birthdays!' were extended to employees who celebrated their birthdays in April and May.

 

"Our celebrations were enjoyed with a Covid-19 appropriate staff party.  We dined on individual Chick-fil-a box lunches, Little Debbies, and sodas.  Pool noodles were used to keep appropriate distance.

 

"April birthdays included Library Clerk Tammy Mincey, Library Associate Robin West Rodgers, and Library Assistant Davi Harmon.

 

"May birthday celebrants were Part-time Clerk Selena Mann, Part-time Marilyn Maron, and Library Clerk Allegra Harris, whom we wished the very best in her new adventure."

 

Please Note:  Pictures would not align so all three employees would appear on this page so they are not used here.

 

Selena Mann: Job Well Done

Christie Rogers (R above), San Marco YS Librarian I, said, "Selena Mann was awarded the Job Well Done award before Covid-19 because a customer complimented her on how she took time to fix her family’s library cards so they can be active users again at JPL. The customer was grateful and this positive interaction will ensure she will continue to use the library and tell others about their positive customer service, which can lead to more active users. Selena, a P/T Clerk, always demonstrates positive customer service. Even now she is offering help to call customers about their holds."

87th Birthday Party For Ted Geisel

Dr. Seuss' birthday party at San Marco Library was taken fun-seriously by Library Associate Robin West Rodgers who read Green Eggs and Ham with the help of Thing 1 (YS Librarian I Christie Rogers) and Thing 2 (Library Clerk Allegra Harris). March 2, 2020, 38 participants first enjoyed themed crafts and games, then birthday cake and goldfish crackers dished out by The Cat in the Hat (Branch Manager Raelyn Wiirre). Thanks to Christie Rogers for cheering us with the news and pictures. 

Theodor "Ted" Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) found time to be a political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker--beside writing and illustrating 60+ Dr. Seuss books. Some quotes that make one think about the great value everyone's life can have:

 "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not." 

 "A person's a person, no matter how small."

And a favorite, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS!

 

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.

Allegra Young: Job Well Done

San Marco Branch Library Clerk Allegra Young, received a Job Well Done award from SS Librarian II Sandra Ostroski, March 28, 2019.  Sandy said, "One of Allegra’s duties is processing new items received. For the last four months, SS was not on the In Process list, which the branch is on if there are items not processed.  Not being on the list means the branch’s new items are getting out to the customers quickly.  Allegra is a positive influence on other staff and shows by example the Library’s expectations for behavior.  She always follows through on commitments made."

Robin West-Rogers: Job Well Done

A Job Well Done Award was presented to San Marco Branch Children’s Library Associate, Robin West-Rogers (L), March 26, 2019, by Librarian II Sandra Ostroski (R), who nominated her for outstanding work promoting JPL educator cards.     

Sandy elaborated, "During the SS educator card initiative, Robin spoke at two staff meetings about the importance of inviting teachers to sign up for educator cards and staff highlighting other library services to customers.  Consequently, 16 teachers now have their new educator cards and SS has added 16 to its total in the New Card Scorecard.  Robin is a positive influence on other staff.  She shows by example the Library’s expectations for behavior and she always follows through on commitments made."

Santa Stops The Show At SS

"Our Santa Stop, December 5, 2018, was a happy time for some 75 children and adults who came and most had pictures taken with Santa.  We wish everyone could have taken pictures with the guy in red, but as always we had some tears but they were quickly stopped with a candy cane from the San Marco Branch staff.  Cookies and gummy bears topped off the fun.  In the holiday spirt, the staff at SS also had pictures made with Santa," said Robin Wes-Rogers. 

SS Hosts Spring Park Elementary

A crowd of 125+ children and parents attended the Spring Park Elementary School Literacy Night at San Marco Branch Library, October 11, 2018.  Principal Parker read a book on bullying, You Can Be a Friend, and YS Associate Librarian Robin West-Rogers read the book Whoops.  Robin reports, "More than half of families in attendance checked out books after the program and refreshments were served.  Craft tables were set up and the children enjoyed making book marks and paper pumpkins.  The children’s library was packed so next year we may hold this event next door at the Bails Center."

70 Enthusiasts Open SLP At SS

San Marco Library launched SLP, June 5, 2018, hosting 70 enthusiastic customers," said Robin West-Rogers.  "Younger children made walking robots while the older kids enjoyed a library scavenger hunt.  They liked it so much we decided to keep it going all week.  (Staff enjoyed seeing the kids searching through the library to find items on the list.) A Harry Potter table was available for children to find out which wizard house they fit in.  Most of the participants were parents with school-age children.  Parents received information about all upcoming SLP events.

SS Hosts DCPS Art Reception

San Marco Branch held an art reception honoring DCPS young artists, April 19, 2018. There was an award ceremony in the Balis Center where the students received certificates of appreciation for their hard work and artistic abilities. There were two guest speakers, Library Director Tim Rogers, and the Director of Art for DCPS, Jeffrey Smith. Over 70 people attended the award ceremony and reception that followed and guests were treated with music and refreshments. The event was coordinated by San Marco Branch Manager Lilia Simonton and Robin West Rogers. Photos were taken by Anthony Baltiero.

Welcome, Tim Rogers!

Our new JPL Director Tim Rogers' smiling face peeks at us from behind the Pooh Bear picture.  L/R:  Region Manager Keli Likins, SS Manager Lilia Simonton, and Robin West-Rogers, Children's Librarian and all staff (not pictured) heartily welcomed him as he begins his tours of our 21 library locations.

Robin West-Rodger: Job Well Done

San Marco Branch's Robin West-Rodgers was presented a Job Well Done Award, December 22, 2017, by Kevin Douglas.  Kevin  credits Robin with successfully assisting with various projects, programs and events using her strong customer service skills.  For example, Robin's November 17th Stories for Young Children program was recently featured as part of JPL's YS new employee orientation. 

A Wonderful Day For Kids & Dogs At SS

These delightful 7 year old twins, Gigi and Ryan Giles, authored the book they are holding entitled Too Licky* that recounts their adventures with their dog Sugar. They attended San Marco Branch's book signing and pet adoption event October 28, 2017. SS partnered with the Department of Animal Care and Protective Services and their reps brought a few dogs for adoption. The girls signed their book for customers and everyone enjoyed the canine presence.  
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*Here's a Website:  http://toolicky.com/ 

San Marco Branch Closes SLP

SS Branch Manager Lilia Simonton and her hard working staff wanted us to know their closing celebration of the 2017 Summer Learning Program, July 25, saw 55 happy faces reflecting the fun SLP has been all summer--and State Senator Audrey Gibson (back left) and Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop mirrored everyone's delight. Southeast Region Manager Keli Likins is not pictured but was present.)

Senator Gibson explained to the children what a senator does and how it impacts Jacksonville.  She handed out books and congratulated two of the children who read the most books over the summer. (Sen. Gibson is a native of Jacksonville, FL and graduated from Florida State University.)

Mrs. Molly Curry Reads At San Marco Branch

Region Manager Keli Likins reports, "We were pleased to have Mrs. Molly Curry, the Mayor’s wife, as guest reader at a special story time at San Marco Branch, May 10, 2017, in honor of Mother’s Day.  Seventy six attendees, including 35 mothers, came to hear Mrs. Curry read Mama's Day with Little Grey. Later, everyone received a treat compliments of Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and Mrs. Curry was presented a wrist corsage.

SS Hosts DCPS Art Exhibit

San Marco Branch hosted 67 attendees at their art reception March 30, 2017. Larry Roziers, Ex-Officio member of BOLT and DCPS Executive Director, had the pleasure of assisting the art teachers award  the certificates to deserving students. Everyone, including Julie McNeil, enjoyed thie special treat--meeting teachers, kids and viewing their art work.

Jax Black History By Lori Boyer, President of City Council

President of the City Council and representing District 5, Lori Boyer (standing, center) tells children about Jacksonville’s place in Black History, February 8, 2017, during her visit at the San Marco Branch.  (Thanks to Kevin Douglas for the pic and heads up.)

SS Hosts Santa & His Fans

       SS staff, Kevin Douglas(L) & Robbie Crabtree, welcome Santa.

Santa Claus came to San Marco Branch, December 17, 2016, and brought candy canes and good cheer for all--and 75 parents and kids came out to meet him.  

Each child either waited in line to tell Santa what he/she wanted or stood to the side to make collage Christmas trees out of colorful strips of paper.  After all the children had a chance to talk with Santa, he soared away on his bright red sleigh, off to spread holiday cheer elsewhere.

Sen. Aaron Bean Visits San Marco Branch

Kids and parents were treated to a story time program with Florida State Senator Aaron Bean, December 7, 2016, at San Marco Branch Library.  Sen. Bean read Little Blue Truck's Christmas to some 45 children and parents and afterwards the Senator spoke and posed for pictures with the children.