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.

Sally Doherty & Deborah Wainwright Celebrate 30 Years Of Service

Library Clerical Services Supervisor Deborah Wainwright and Librarian I Sally Doherty--both from Southeast Branch Library--celebrated 30 years of service to JPL, February 26, 2019.  They were joined by family and staff who came to see Deborah and Sally honored by Mayor Lenny Curry and Library Director Tim Rogers.  Mayor Curry presented them both with a 30 year gold pin and a letter of congratulations.

All of us cheer your combined 60 years of service and add our gratitude for all you have done to make JPL a top leader in libraries.  

Win Win For Ms. Wyatt

Traveling Tales Curator Christina Wyatt has a lot to celebrate lately!  She graduated with her Master of Science in Information degree from FSU in December AND Deputy Director Julie McNeil (R) presented Christina with her 5 year service pin and a congratulatory letter from Library Director Tim Rogers, January 14, 2019.  (Thanks to Susan Mankowski for input and pic.)  

Three cheers to Christina! 

Snow Awarded 15 Year Service Pin

A congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and a 15 year pin was presented to Christa Snow, October 11, 2018, by Deputy Director Julie McNeil. There to applaud Christa (right front) are (L/R): Catherine Currier, Jay Brasfield, Laura Minor, and John Wilson.  All of us add our hurrahs for you, Christa.

Four Part-Time Staff Thanked by Director Tim Rogers

Director Tim Rogers wanted to start years of service pinnings--with letters of gratitude from him--for part-time employees, as noted in his Tuesday Memo from Tim, September 18, 2018.  This will now be done for staff when they pass a five year threshold and each five years completed thereafter.

Pictured above with Director Rogers after they received their service pins and letters are (L/R): 

Shukti Banerjee, P/T Clerk – 7 years.

Patty Henderson, P/T Shelver – 5 years.

Tammy Hilbert, P/T Clerk – 18 years.

Frances Wickes, P/T Library Associate (not pictured) was presented with a pin and letter as well for her 12 years of service.

Staff honored their colleagues with a party and added their congrats -- as we all do.

Two Celebrate 30 Years of Service With Mayor Curry & Library Director

Erica Brown (above), Manager of the Main Library, and Stephanie Harley, Pablo Creek Region Library Clerical Supervisor, had the honor recently of receiving recognition and congratulations from Library Director Tim Rogers and Mayor Lenny Curry in the Mayor's office.  Erica and Stephanie received their 30 year gold pins and a letter of congratulations from the Mayor. 

Erica said, "I came to JPL in March 1988 as a Librarian in Periodicals at the old Main Library.  Prior to that, I worked in various academic and public libraries since 1978.

"I promoted to what was then called a Senior Librarian while I was in Periodicals and transferred to Mandarin.  Around 2001 while at Southeast, I was promoted again and sent back to old Main's Fine Arts and Recreation Department.  From Main, I went to San Marco, then Webb Wesconnett, back to Main and again to Southeast Branch  Now I am again at the Main Library for the fourth time."

Stephanie (above) reports, "JPL was my first job and I worked as a Library Page/Clerk (part-time).  Later, I was promoted to full-time Clerk I, then Clerk II, then Library Assistant and now my position is Library Clerical Supervisor.  The journey throughout these 30 years of my career has been GREAT!

"I’m married to a wonderful  man, Greston Padmore, and we have five children and four grand kids.  My favorite thing to do is cook and make sure everyone is all right and having a great time. I love and care about everyone."

CONGRATULATIONS, STEPHANIE AND ERICA, FROM ALL OF US and THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE!

Jackie Curry Celebrates 25 Years With Mayor Curry & Director Rogers

Jackie Curry, Library Assistant at Main's Interlibrary Loan/Talking Books Library, was escorted by Library Director Tim Rogers to Mayor Lenny Curry's office recently where Jackie was presented with her 25 year service pin and a congratulatory letter from the Mayor. 

All of us at JPL add our congratulations, Jackie, and our appreciation for all you do and have done for TWENTY FIVE YEARS!  

Alfreda Whitfield Celebrates 10 Years With JPL

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop (L) awarded Southeast Branch Library Assistant Alfreda Whitfield (2nd from left) her 10 year service pin, December 13, 2016, and presented her with a congratulatory letter from Mayor Lenny Curry.  SE Branch Manager Erica Brown (2nd from right) and Library Clerical Services Supervisor Debra Wainwright(R) were on hand, as well as Assistant Director Julie McNeil, who took this pic, to say, "CONGRATULATIONS, ALFREDA!"  And all of us at JPL say the same, Alfreda!

CONGRATS TO WILL DANIELS FOR TEN YEARS OF GREAT SERVICE!

A very special day was celebrated by Conference Center Specialist Will Daniels to celebrate his 10 years with JPL.  Deputy Director Mark Merritt, Mandie McKenzie, the Conference Center Manager, and Conference Center Specialist Angel Self, hosted Will at the Hyatt restaurant, November 16, 2016, and Will received a congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and his 10 year pin. 

ARTHUR FINLEY HONORED BY MAYOR FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Arthur Finley is not much for the spotlight but on August 10, 2016, he shared it with Mayor Lenny Curry, Director Barbara Gubbin, and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop (who served as photographer) and his immediate supervisor, Librarian II Margaret Morford and other staff who attended for this very special occasion.  Arthur was congratulated by the Mayor and, of course, given his 40 year City service pin and a congratulatory letter from the Mayor.  

We all add our congrats, Arthur!

Cheyla Scantling Hits Her Own Hi-5

April 29^th, Library Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop awarded a five year recognition letter from Library Director Barbara Gubbin and a commemorative pin to Clerk Cheyla Scantling.  Cheyla works at the Murray Hill Branch. Pictured above (L/R) are MH Manager Guy Adkins, Cheyla, Ms. Giltrop, Regional Manager Marshelle Berry and Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil.  Congratulations, Cheyla!

Gloria Armstrong & Kimberly Hamilton Celebrate 30 Years With JPL

Two Library Assistants were accompanied by Julie McNeil, Assistant Director for Public Services (far left) when each proudly received their 30 year pin and congratulatory letter from Mayor Lenny Curry, January 28, 2016.

Gloria Armstrong (2nd from left above) works at Brentwood Branch. Gloria's daughter, Jeaneen Armstrong (far right), wanted to be there for the special occasion.

Kimberly Hamilton (3rd from left below) works at University Park Branch and had her father, Frank Williams, and her husband, Dan, with her to celebrate the big milestone.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GLORIA AND KIMBERLY!

30 x 3 = 90 Years Of Service Recognized By Mayor Lenny Curry

Look who just celebrated 30 years of service, October 30, 2015, when they were recognized by Mayor Lenny Curry and Mark Merritt, JPL's Deputy Director/Administrative Services. Each JPL employee pictured here received her 30 year service pin and  a letter of appreciation signed by the mayor:

           Kathy Lynch is a Library Assistant in Support Services.

      Karen Lewis is a Library Assistant at Brown Eastside Branch.

Linda Smith is a Library Associate in Collection Development and Acquisitions.

If you see these ladies, please add your appreciation for their collective 90 years of service. 

Delores Walker Receives 15 Year Service Pin

GB's Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Delores Walker, Library Clerk at the Graham Branch Library, was presented with  her 15 year pin on October 2 by  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop. Delores was given a letter of recognition signed by Mayor Curry congratulating her for 15 years of service to the library. Delores said she has actually worked for the library for 25 years, having spent the first 10 as a part-time clerk. She recalls working under the former Deputy Director Carolyn Williams at the Bradham Brooks Northwest Library when it first opened. Delores said that she has enjoyed many aspects about the job and watching her son grow up in the library. The Graham Branch staff congratulates Delores Walker on her milestone achievement."

Padma Subramanian Celebrates 15 Years With JPL

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop presented Padma Subramanian, JB Library Assistant, with her 15 year City service pin and a letter of congratulations from Mayor Brown, July 17, 2015.  Region Manager Bob Silkett was on hand for the recognition.

CONGRATS AND THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US AT JPL, PADMA.

Raymond Neal and Michelle Petrin Receive Service Pins

Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, who presented MH Manager Raymond Neal with a 15 year anniversary pin and CW's YS Librarian III Michelle Petrin received her 10 year pin; both are holding their congrats letter from the mayor. The presentation was done at the CW Region leadership team meeting, July 15, 2015, at Panera Bread on Roosevelt Boulevard.

THANK YOU, RAYMOND AND MICHELLE, FOR ALL THOSE YEARS AT JPL.

Robert Moseley Receives 15 Year Pin

Library Assistant Robert Moseley was presented with his 15 year City service pin and a congratulatory letter from *Mayor Brown, July 14, 2015, in a gathering of staff before the library opened.  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop made the presentation and Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil was on hand to congratulate Robert.

Robert has won four Innovator Awards (IA) since the awards were first made in 2012!  He is well known and appreciated for his savvy money handling methods.  Robert's first IA in 2013 was for creating a tip sheet for balancing the audit with the cash report, simplifying the cash handling process (CHP).

In 2014 he won two IA's, first for creating instructions on how to format the audit report, so others could make the report when he was out. The second IA was for reprogramming Mandarin Branch's cash register so the receipts for customers listed the items they paid for--fines, fees, lost books, Pharos printing, guest passes, and JPL bags. Robert also created a manual to instruct other branch staffs in reprogramming their cash registers and now all branches use this method.  Talk about good customer service! In 2015 (at least through June), he has won an IA for creating an online shortcut to make it much easier for staff to locate all the different folders and forms needed to complete the CHP--a real frustration and time saver.  

The second Innovator Award in 2014 won Robert the "Challenge the Process" award and the Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter.
CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE, ROBERT, AND MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP JPL"GET TO YES!"
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*Note: Mr. Moseley completed 15 years of service before Mayor Curry took office, July 1, 2015.

10 Years For Isabelle Pierre

NW celebrated Library Associate Isabelle Pierre’s 10 year anniversary with JPL recently. NW Branch Manager Guy Adkins formerly managed WB and presented Isabelle with her 10 year pin, which shines on her sweater. Isabelle is a Willowbranch Library employee who was assigned to NW while WB undergoes much needed repairs.  (Thanks to Gloria Buenavista for the blurb and picture.)