Two Celebrations In One

WST Manager Carol Bunker marked two JPL milestones in December 2020. She received both her five year and ten year service pins from Director Tim Rogers.  He also presented two congratulatory letters to Carol--his  own for five years served and Mayor Curry's for ten years of service. Carol had recently applied for a time connection from a layoff in 2012 and her rehire in 2015. COJ/JPL approval recently arrived and, Voila! a double celebration was made possible!

All of us at JPL appreciate your dedication and cheer you on to many more years with JPL, Carol.

Look What A Good Idea Can Do!

WST Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "We’re very proud of Jessica Carpenter's hard work  over the last year.  She  has made friends with authors and drawn customer interest with her displays.  Jessica has featured different writers in her 'Author of the Month' series, contacted many of her favorite authors and asked them to consider donating their books and other items she can spotlight on her display.  She has received bookmarks, magnets, hair-ties, signed copies of books and much more.  She has given some things away that were displayed or held raffles for free books.  Jessica's idea has been a huge success with customers--and consequently for West.  Well done, Jessica!

"Below is a copy of Diana Palmer’s own personal Facebook page, mentioning the wonderful display by Jessica."   (Click once on the picture to get a larger, better look at Jessica's display and what Ms. Palmer said about the display.)

En Pointe & Twirl At WST

For the first Little Movers and Shakers program at West Branch, December 4, 2019, 17 potential dancers met  a real ballerina.  Eve Harm said, "We partnered with Dynamic Dance, a local dance school on 103rd Street to bring in Cecelia Despres, a ballerina and teacher (shown with Ms. Melodie on left.)  She taught the dancers in training the five basic ballet positions, how to go up to en pointe and twirl or pirouette.  They twirled to the 'Waltz of the Snowflakes' from The Nutcracker.  I demonstrated how a real nutcracker works with peanuts.  Ms. Melodie shared how the nutcracker came to life as a solider in the story/ballet, The Nutcracker."

WST Welcomes JSO, JFRD & JEA

The West Branch Library celebrated Community Helpers in our Young Children Read Play and Learn September storytime. After Ms. Eve shared stories and songs about our Community Helpers, attendees went outside and met some of them with their cars and trucks. There was a firetruck, several police cars, and a bucket trunk. The 70 plus attendees saw them all up close and some climbed inside the fire truck and police car. Eve Harm said, "A few lucky kids got on the police car intercom and told us to pull over and freeze!  Thanks to  JSO, JFRD, and JEA for another successful visit with us and for all they do for the people of our city every day."

WST Closes SLP Far Out In Space

"Old Luke", Melodie Brunson, Amy Davis, and Storm Trouper

 

"For West, the closing SLP theme, 'A Universe of Stories,'  led to a galaxy far, far, away, July 29, 2019.  Eighty-five Jedis and a Storm Trooper enjoyed a bevy of activities such as competing in carnival style games, crafts, and making ice cream sundaes. 

Unique way to bowl:

"They also found out what out-of-the world hair color had been voted on for Ms. Eve--and the winner by a landslide was Rainbow Rocket!  The evening of fun ended with a chance to meet and get a photo with the members of the 501st Squad 7 Storm Troopers and participate in a raffle.  We made sure everyone was a winner with a swag bag courtesy of Daily's," reports WST YS Librarian I Eve Harm (pictured below.)









 

West Branch Treats Mother's Day With Finesse

West Branch's Mother’s Day Photoshoot and Tea Party was celebrated with 55 customers attending, May 9, 2019.   Melodie Brunson said, "West has been doing this for three years so word has spread in the community. This year we made it even more special with a tea party to honor our Moms and Grandmothers.  They enjoyed a brief story time then participated in a photo shoot with lots of dress-up options like feathered boas, hats, gloves and cute headbands.  They took the photos (made with a Polaroid camera) home with them. Then we had the pleasure of serving them hot tea, apple juice, petit fours, and cheese and crackers.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!  (The child pictured with me is Vincent.)"


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(L) Eve Harm, Y Librarian, and Melodie Brunson, Y Associate Librarian. Jessica Carpenter, Library Clerk, and a much appreciated volunteer, Wes, helped make this a total success. 

 

 

All Is Merry & Bright Out West

"We hope this anthology of a happy little girl, Tina shown with her mom, holding her  gingerbread house and Christmas tree would bring a smile to all of you.  Tina's little treasure is a product of attending Melodie Brunson’s (and the West Branch Children’s Department) annual Gingerbread House Decorating event, December 14, 2018," said West Branch's Manager Kathleen Brunner.

THANKS FOR SHARING THE JOY! 

Hurrahs For WST Staff

Region Manager Lynne Baldwin shares this grateful customer's letter:

December 11, 2018
Dear Mr. /Mrs. Supervisor,

I wanted the Supervisors in charge at the main library to know about the dedicated, wonderful, and caring personnel working at the West Regional Library.

I am in direct contact on a weekly basis with Ms. Shannon, Ms. Latisha, Ms. Jessica, at the check in counter, and Ms. Amy, Mr. Earl, and Mr. John at the Ask Me Desk.  They go above and beyond their employment duties to assist me with everything I have requested of them over the ten (10) plus years since I have utilized the facilities.  I think very highly of the individuals listed above, and all of the other library personnel that I have not yet met.

At the risk of sounding redundant, I Just wanted you to know that you have an excellent staff of people working at the West Regional Library and I appreciate them very much.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Stewart

WST Boasts New Ideas For Book Displays

 "Jessica Carpenter (left) worked to help local students prepare for a new school year and complete their science fair projects with two awesome displays.  And her book-wrapping display theme for September is 'Fall into a good book.'  Every month she wraps several books and leaves a window for the barcode and adds a fun picture and some hints about the contents of the book.  Several customers liked the tug at their fancy to try something different, and 27 books were checked out from the display in August alone.

"Dana Curry created a display (below) that challenges people to consider what their own personal legacy will be and how to shape it--and helps illuminate the wonderful legacies left by many other famous people from our society," said their proud WST Branch Manager Kathleen Brunner. 

West Engages Customers & Staff

West's Eve Harm shares, "WST staff, except for a shelver, who is out this week but has a place saved for her, participated in choosing their favorite children’s book and getting caught reading it.  The display went up August 10, 2018.  The photos are now a guessing game and a great way for the kids to learn a bit about our staff especially in time for the start of school.  The sign to the side asks, 'Can you guess who is who?  What book would you be caught reading?' Thanks to all the WST staff for helping me create the board."

300 Rock At WST SLP Kick Off

Melodie Brunson said, "West Branch rocked right into our Libraries Rock, June 5, 2018, with at least 300 young to older attendees.  They enjoyed a flash mob dance led by Eve Harm, to Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ song.  Our tie-dyed selves (even adults and children wore tie-dyed), clapped and moved in our kickoff before the party-ers were sent to different fun stations around the library.  

There was a chance to dance with the Wii Dance Revolution game, or visit a music exploration table with different rhythm instruments to play with rock music, as well as an opportunity to dance in bubbles to rock music. We also had a station to get root beer floats and a place to make your own musical instruments such as rain sticks and spinning drums. 

"Of course we signed up LOTS of WST customers for SLP!"  

So Melodie Brunson & Eve Harm have a lot to smile about.

WST Goes To NAS

"The West Branch Library was represented by two employees who kicked off a new partnership with NAS JAX MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation), April 28, 2018:  YS Librarian I Eve Harm and Library Clerk Jessica Carpenter.  They manned a table

at the Navy Base's Bounce-A-Palooza event.  Eve and Jessica made superhero bracelets, such as Wonder Woman, to advertise the three JPL Comic Con events, May 5.  They processed new library cards and talked about JPL's wonderful programs and databases, especially Transparent Language Online. It was a wonderful experience and WST is planning more activities with them," reports WST Branch Manager Kathleen Brunner.

Celebrating Customers & DCPS Art Students

West Branch Library held two important events, April 11, 2018.  Melodie Brunson said, "We had an art gallery opening for DCPS young artists and we celebrated our library customers that we appreciate so much. 

"City Councilman Doyle Carter (L) came by to say a few words and mingle with everyone.

"We enjoyed live music provided by Al Poindexter and refreshments (cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, and cookies) were served. 

"Attendees were treated to tables showcasing some of our programs such as Cool Crafty Crocheting, 3-D printing, Lego building, and a collaborative art project.

                

"The JPL Foundation provided free popcorn while Zoe Carr (R) answered Q's at their table.  

"WST volunteer Ms. Jean at the Cool Crafty Crochet table is seen below while Friends of JPL President Margaret Smith looks on at the end of the table.

"We had a wonderful evening celebrating our customers, enjoying the young artists and talking to their families, as well as Margaret Smith and Zoe Carr."

      WST volunteer Carolyn Koehler and P/T Associate Earl Stitchcomb mind the food. 

Meet The Wearers Of The Green

Meet the West Branch employees who found something green to wear for St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2018:  Front row, left to right:  Stephanie Brantley, Shannon Buchanan, Jessica Carpenter, Cece Sanchez; middle in bright green:  Melodie Brunson; and back row, left to right:  Latisha Woolbright, Eve Harm, Julie Horton, John Jessee, Kathleen Brunner, and Carolyn Koehler.

WST Is Ready For More Check Outs

WST Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "Several displays currently keep customers and staff looking for another book to read. There are two “mystery: are you feeling lucky?” displays.  Jessica Carpenter wrapped several books in green paper, leaving only the bar code uncovered.  She put clues to the book’s plot, characters, location, etc. on the front, and invited people to take a chance on checking out titles they might not otherwise try.  A sign was added inviting people to leave comments on their mystery finds.

 

Another display (above) is based on a customer request for another “Staff Picks” display.  We discovered that another good way to get people to check out more books is to ask them to contribute to a “Picks” display.  Yes, our own staff checked (or re-checked) out more of their own favorites after finding them again in the collection.  We hope others on our JPL team will come out and see our displays; you might get an idea for your library."

Going Away Party For Sharon Kirkes

WST Branch Manager Sharon Kirkes (3rd from left in front) transferred to Graham Branch, January 13, 2018.  Before she left, staff at West hosted a surprise party for Sharon.  She received a gift card to Panera Bread plus a huge good luck card signed by the entire staff and everyone enjoyed a table of delicious goodies.  It was a great sendoff for Sharon who will be missed by everyone at West.  (Thanks to Region Manager Lynne Baldwin for the input and pic.)

How To Get The Whole Family Into It

"Our 4^th annual Gingerbread House Decorating party at West Branch Library, December 15, 2017, was a resounding success as usual. Whole families got into the holiday spirit making these fun Christmas houses," said Melodie Brunson, pictured here with one of the younger participants, Tina, who has never missed one of these events and, as you see, all the folks who came to enjoy this family-friendly community event were not disappointed."

Here's To The Friends Of JPL

WST's Library Clerk Jessica Carpenter showed her support for the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library with a display located in the center of the West Branch Library.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Jessica knows how important the Friends are to JPL and to the community.  Jessica is planning on adding bookmarks to the display promoting the upcoming Friends Book Sale scheduled for February  9,10 & 11, 2018."

What a great idea and hopefully all of our locations will follow suit. 

November Thanksgiving At WST

West Library's YS Librarian I Eve Harm wanted you to know how they celebrated Thanksgiving, "For the month of November, customers wrote what they were thankful for on our autumn leaves.  The leaves were displayed on a bulletin board tree and owl in the Children's department.  Our owl, inspired by all these great thanks, remarks 'Owl always be thankful for...'  It was a great collaboration between WST's staff and customers. 

"For Ms. Melodie’s last November Music and Movement, we gave thanks for the West Branch Library.  We shared Thanksgiving songs and rhymes and learned about Native Americans.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a yummy feast complete with apple cider, mashed potatoes, veggies and cookies.  (What's Thanksgiving without a feast?  I even caught a little of her storytime via video https://youtu.be/IGaHzRpVkQI ".)

400 At WST Eclipse Program

P/T YS Associate Melodie Brunson said, "It was eclipse madness at West Branch, August 19, 2017. A few folks in lawn chairs were in front of our library by 6 am. With about 400 showing up, Bill Figletti, our Teen Associate Librarian, led a great program on solar eclipses. Pinhole viewers were made as well as flip-books that showed the phases of a solar eclipse.  Free-hand eclipse art was created and at the end of the program, if you were among the lucky 100 that had tickets, you received eclipse glasses."