4 SST Staff Recognized For Years Of Service

Gretchen Mitchell, Deputy Director, Support Services, had the pleasure of presenting Director Tim Rogers’ letters of appreciation to four SST employees, October 27, 2020.  These staff also received their respective service pins: L/R Chris Tabur and Shawn Norton; each have served five years.   Next to Shawn are Linda Smith and Kathy Lynch and each of these ladies received their 35 year service pins!  Gretchen added, “With a quick together moment for a photo, everyone enjoyed donuts at their desks.”

Good Reflections

Two employees celebrate 35 years each with COJ/JPL in September 2020:  Library Assistant Kathy Lynch and Library Associate Linda Smith.  Both work in SST.  Linda politely shied away from elaborating on her years with JPL. Kathy summed up her 35 years briefly, “I have worked in several departments, both in technical services and with the public.” Then she added some persiflage for old-timers and closed with some reasons JPL staff have persevered and why all of us can be proud of our library system.

“Remember when

you helped someone look up something in the card catalog?

you told customers JPL couldn’t take credit cards for fines?

you told customers, ‘Sorry, you can’t check your personal e-mail at the library’?

you first left a voice message on someone’s phone?

you didn’t know what ‘bundle your TV and Internet’ meant?

a keyboard was associated only with a musical instrument?

you used the *'fugitive fact file' for quick reference?

“So many changes and JPL still stands! JPL has survived budget cuts, hiring freezes, staff shortages, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and COVID-19. We survived and thrived and were named 2017's Florida Library of the Year!  I think it is because at its heart and soul are so many good people doing their jobs every day, no matter what. I have been blessed to work with many of them!”

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*A file of 3x5 cards each library reference desk maintained in the pre-computer era.  It held documented information and suggested resources for difficult and FAQ’s that the library received from customers. This was a means to save staff time and resources.

5 Months & Reading!

Hannah Ringstaff, Support Services Librarian II, Acquisitions, is proud to say, "My son Aiden received his first ever summer reading prize in July at 5 months old. We read together for 20 days and picked out his book prize at Pablo Creek. He just loves to read!" 

 

Please Note:  Aiden's picture will be posted here when Google program allows. 

 

 

Alden James Born January 30, 2020

Mr. and Mrs. James Ringstaff are obviously delighted to give us a peek at their first child, Aiden James, who was born January 30, 2020.  He weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz., and measured 20 inches long. Proud mama Hannah Ringstaff is an SST Librarian II.  She added in her news, "He is the sweetest baby!"  (Your son looks like he thinks you two are pretty neat, too.)

Congratulations from all of us at JPL, James and Hannah!

Get A Load Of This

SST participants in the 2019 ugly sweater contest L/R: Hannah Ringstaff, Stacey McClain, Alisha Levasseur, and Lynn Jacobson.  (Thanks to Hannah Ringstaff, SS Librarian II in Acquisitions, for sharing the results of their creative talent.)

P.S.  Alisha won the contest.

Mr. Stork Beats Santa In Delivery

For P/T E-Specialist Larry and Becky Cahill, the Stork beat Santa in delivery this year! Mr. and Mrs. Cahill welcomed the best Christmas gift of all:  their first grandchild, beautiful Stella Primrose McKnight!   Stella was born December 8, 2019, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz., and 19 1/4 inches tall!

Congratulations to the parents and grandparents from all of us!  

JPL Promoted At Navy Back To School Splash

Above (L/R), JB's Library Associate Dylan Franke and Librarian Julie Rekow, E-Specialist Richard Lamb, and Main's Librarian III Chris Eaton (below), represented JPL at the Mayport Naval Base Back to School Splash, on a blistering Saturday, August 10, 2019. Julie said, "We promoted library card sign up and library services. Richard had kids playing with tech gadgets. Chris Eaton talked to families with special needs and how the library can provide support. It was a great kick off for the new school year."

E-Services Presents At FLA

E-Services Librarian III Eric Soriano (L) gives us this blurb re his and SST's E-Library Specialists' experience at the Orlando FLA Annual Conference, May 23-25, 2018, where they presented on behalf of JPL. "The E-services team made a successful presentation, May 23rd, to an FLA class of about 50 people.

"Some of the feedback and interaction with participants focused on creative strategies and reaching out to the diverse communities we serve. There were some good questions on how we reach out to the Hispanic community as well as older adults (50+). We emphasized how these are two important factors across all Florida libraries given the unique demographic shifts in our state. We also shared how there is no one-size-fits-all approach in technology outreach; flexibility and genuinely connecting to the learners’ technology needs are critical in achieving success.

"More details here: http://www.flalib.org/unleashing-the-power-of-digital-literacy-through-innovative-community-outreach (minus Tara Connolly.)

"This is the 2nd FLA presentation proposal from our department accepted within that last three FLA Conferences."

Above, to the right of Eric, is Luis Terron, Donna Peretzman, and Yuri Jewitt.

Thank You From Janine Stanley

Many of you know Mrs. Janine Stanley.  Janine is thought highly of and worked in the Main Library for years, transferred to SST and now she is back at Main some days working on a project in digitization on the 4th floor.  

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley lost their daughter, Ranell, after a four year fight with cancer, on December 5, 2017.  They want to thank those of you who gave your condolences and they especially appreciate those of you who could take time to attend Ranell's memorial service held for their daughter, December 13, 2017.

Janine said February 14 is Ranell's birthday and she remembered how kind you were to her family during this very difficult time.

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family, Janine.

Exceeding "Getting To Yes"

Mrs. Cathy Santiago, an appreciative KR customer, wrote SST''s E-Services Librarian III Eric Soriano a note of thanks for the computer class she completed at KR recently. She agreed to meet with Eric and KR's Manager Mark Hohnadel, April 26, 2017, to receive her MS Office 2010 Tech Classes Certificate of Completion and have this picture taken.  

Below is another picture of a happy customer. UPK Manager Tamera Branam said, "Summer Parker (center) is a regular UPK tech class customer  and was awarded a certificate of completion for finishing the MS Office 2010 Basics track. Eric Soriano and I presented the certificate on April 26.   She is the first 'UPK graduate' so we are very excited!" 

Luis Terron Wins Spirit Award

Luis Terron won the Spirit of the ADA 2016 Jack Gilrup Award at the Spirit of the ADA event on October 30, 2016, at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The event was sponsored by the COJ Disabled Services Division and the Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida. Luis received the award from Mr. Kevin McDaniel who is the new manager of the COJ Disabled Services Division. Chris Eaton received it last year, so JPL has had two winners.

Theo Tarver, Alvin Joyner & Preston Stokes: Job Well Done!

Assistant Director for SST Gretchen Mitchell said, "Theo ,  "AJ", and Preston were tasked with moving supplies, furniture and equipment with minimal instructions and a deadline. 

                

"Not only was everything moved ahead of schedule, everything was neatly arranged, well organized, and a particularly fragile item was placed in a protected area.

                

"This work is just an example of the strong sense of teamwork that all three men regularly show as well as their commitment to striving for excellence even with every day, non-glamorous tasks."  

JPL Scores Wins At NEFLIN Awards Ceremony

JPL was well represented at NEFLIN's (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) annual meeting, September 23, 2016, at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center in Orange Park.  Lasting most of the day, a good lunch was served with a gold rimmed NEFLIN 2016 Olympic plate as the centerpiece on each table.  Awards were presented by NEFLIN's Executive Director Brad Ward.

To celebrate unity as an organization, everyone who registered received a pair of red Converse All Stars tennis shoes with NEFLIN embroidered on the sides.

JPL's Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott is President of the NEFLIN Board.  He introduced new and retiring board members and announced all of the winners and Olympic Game participants.

Library Director Barbara Gubbin, pictured below with Brad Ward, received the Innovation Award for the Student Library Card Initiative.


JPL's Manager of YS & CO Amber Holley won the Member of the Year Award for her excellent management of the Student Library Card Initiative.

JPL's Bibliographic Systems & Access Manager Lynn Jacobson was a semi-finalist in NEFLIN's Olympic Games and she, along with other contestants, had the "honor" of being wrapped in toilet paper.

JPL donated two of 22 gift baskets that were auctioned off at the event.  Proceeds go to the Jim Morris Continuing Education Fund, which sponsors members' attendance at worthwhile training events and conferences.

Pictured below are all of the winners of 2016 NEFLIN awards: (L/R: Elizabeth Curry, Distinguished Career Award; Director Gubbin, Innovation Award; President of the Friends of Fernandina Beach Library L. Dee Torre Kaufman, Library Champion Award; and Manager of YS & CO Amber Holley, Member of the Year.

Additionally, Director Gubbin was pleased to receive NEFLIN'S Golden Apple Award.  The Jacksonville Public Library had the most employees, out of all of NEFLIN's members, who attended their professional training and conferences.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS FROM ALL OF US!

Randy Mapanoo: Job Well Done!

Gail Blumberg recommended SST's Randy Mapanoo for a Job Well Done award and on August 25, 2016 Karen Walker presented Randy with the award.

Randy has worked well in training, mentoring, and encouraging staff and volunteer instructors in teaching tech classes. He is very supportive in this process and makes it conducive for the instructors to do well. Randy has performed outreach at various JPL functions, demonstrating 3-D printing, promoting e-services and is active in community events, such as the UNF volunteer fair, and visits senior centers, etc. He has developed new and advanced level classes (3D printing, 3D design, Excel 4, and the new MacBook series) that are offered not only at the PCR region branches but also throughout JPL. 

Randy is the program lead for Mac, Excel, and 3D classes so he coordinates with other e-specialists and volunteers who teach these classes. He helps supervise and train the volunteers and staff class instructors at UPK, AR, and PCR.  Randy is an active listener and instructs staff and customers from their viewpoint.  He ensures that he understands their questions and does not give up trouble-shooting until he finds an answer.  One of our regular customers was having trouble understanding the new interface with the self-check machines.  Randy was able to help the patron and consequently helped our clerk at the circ desk.

Justin Keiser: Job Well Done

Karen Walker presented Justin Keiser with a Job Well Done Award, June 29, 2016, on behalf of Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives.  Richard hailed Justin's excellent quality of work, teamwork, and innovation creating a two-minute video for Richard to present at a PLA preconference in Denver in February. Richard said, "The accolades we received for the clip were effusive.  The event coordinator described it as better than they had hoped, injecting the event with energy and enthusiasm for the instruction that was to come.  The success was all thanks to Justin." 

Congratulations To High Scool Grad RayQuan

Zephenia Chester, SST Library Clerk, celebrated a milestone with her son, RayQuan, who graduated from Raines High School, June 8^th.  (He celebrated his 18^th birthday the 5^th.)  Pictured are Trina Cummings (grandmother), RayQuan, and Zephenia on the Big Day.

Lynn Jacobson Qualifies for NEFLIN Olympics

SST's Lynn Jacobson, Bibliographic Systems and Access Manager, has qualified for NEFLIN's Summer 2016 Olympic trials!  Lynn and 24 other top qualifiers now go to the trials representing their respective libraries. The qualifiers will "face a test of their knowledge, endurance, and street smarts and participate in a scavenger hunt at their library."  The day for the trials has not been determined; however, the top ten from this event will move on to the NEFLIN Olympic Games.

At NEFLIN's Septembr 23 annual meeting the top ten people will be pared to the top three using a variety of Olympic Games. The top three will then compete for the Olympic Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals.

LET'S CHEER LYNN ON!

2nd Quarter FY 15/16 Leadership Winners

JPL Board Chair Erin Skinner (Left in pic below) and Director Barbara Gubbin (far right) were on hand at the Library Board Meeting, June 9, 2016, to present the following Leadership Awards and offer congratulations, along with all the Library Board members, to some very deserving employees.

Luis Terron, SST E-Library Specialist (above, 3rd from L), won both the Employee of the Quarter and a Challenge the Process Award for the 2nd quarter of FY 15/16. Carolyn Wiltse (2nd from L) of Vision Education &; Rehabilitation Center at FSCJ, who developed the idea for bathroom tactile maps that were 3-D printed by JPL, also cheered Luis. Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton (2nd from right) hailed Luis' creation of the 3-D model for restroom accessibility guides for visually impaired library customers and said Luis' ideas will be spread to a wider audience.  

CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny (above center) was awarded the "Inspired a Shared Vision" award for researching innovative ways to improve all adult programs so JPL remains current with national standards. Her instrumental lead in the development of Pre-GED/GED programming, a new path for CAL, opened the way for CAL to expand and include the Smart Horizons Career Online High School Scholarship program, funded through the State of Florida as a pilot program for eleven libraries.  Out of those, JPL holds the honor of saying JPL has the first high school graduate through this program.  Katie's staff boasts, "She is a wonderful guide for her team". 

Librarian II Lilia Simonton (above center)  "Encourages the Heart" of San Marco Branch staff.  She prints out recognition of the increased self-checkout (SS had two weeks of error free transactions).  Lilia prints out rewards for staff to sign so the whole branch can celebrate, has reward parties, brings in cookies for staff meetings and sends e-mails about balancing transactions to congratulate employees for a job well done.

As project manager for the JPL 50+ grant program, Librarian III Margaret Morford (above center) "Inspired a Shared Vision" as she coordinated funding, staffing, programming, outreach, and reports. She increased the number of surveys taken by promoting JPL 50+ at local events and held interviews with WJCT Stereo 90 and American Libraries magazine. The finale, March 30, featured Jeannie Blaylock, First Coast News, and CM Sam Newby as guest speakers.

Southeast's Library Associate Anjelica Bencomo (center above) "Challenges the Process" each month as she assists her Teen Advisory Board in creating the large scale decor for a themed wall display at SE.  Additionally, Anjelica's innovation is used to assist in system wide programming and initiatives.  Her creative programming has caused a surge in Teen Advisory Board and other teen program attendance.

Library Assistant Felecia Battle "Modeled the Way" at the Highlands Branch by involving other employees in issues with Oceanway lockers and, consequently, staff began to get positive results.  Felicia is credited with being patient and kind as she instructs others in the mechanics of everyday operations.  In Felecia's absence, Julie McNeil accepted for her. 

SST Team Awarded Job Well Done

SST''s Mary Johnson, Librarian III in Cataloging and Digitization Services said, "The awards have been presented for a Job Well Done in recognition of the SST team responsible for cataloging and processing all of the Radical Jewish Culture Project items in time for the program held May 15th." 

Pictured are employees who worked on this project: (L/R): Front row: Carolyn Woods, Raisa Grigoryeva. Second row: Pertoria Kennedy, Patricia Dowdell, Jill Sherrod. Theresa Barmer was absent.

(Read more about the Radical Jewish Program and the large collection donated to JPL in the "339 Attend Jewish Program" article posted on May 17, 2016, on this blog.)

104 Years Of Service Honored By JPL Board

Three of JPL's employees, who, collectively, have made JPL their careers for 104 years are retiring soon!  They were honored by the Library Board of Trustees at their meeting, May 12, 2016.

Two Library Clerical Supervisors--Cynthia Simmons (SE) and Beverly Brown (PCR)--and SE's Librarian III Cheryl Callavini received a JPL gold card, floral bouquet, and a letter of appreciation from Director Barbara Gubbin.

Cheryl, pictured above with Board Chair Erin Skinner and Director Barbara Gubbin,, celebrates 37 years with JPL this year.  Read more about her in the May 2016 Staff Profile.

Cynthia has spent 32 years at JPL. She began with the Summer Youth Program in 1984 and was hired as a part time page in the Children's Department. She went on to work full time for the Florida and Genealogy departments,  AR, KR, DU, and as Clerical Supervisor at the new Main Library and then transferred to SE. (Cynthia could not be present; Main/Urban Region Manager Michael Sullivan accepted for her.)

Beverly (middle lady below) began with JPL in 1981 and she has been with JPL 35 years, first serving as a clerk at WBK, then Main. Later she worked as an assistant at AR and Tech Services, then became a supervisor for Collection Development. More recently, she worked at JB and PCR.

Cynthia and Beverly were also subjects of the JPL Staff News Staff Profile--Cynthia in November 2013 and Beverly in August 2014. 

ALL OF US AT JPL WISH YOU, CHERYL, CYNTHIA, AND BEVERLY THE VERY BEST IN YOUR RETIREMENT.  WE APPRECIATE YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE.