Notes from Collection Development:

Summer arrived yesterday and summer reading lists abound! Here are a few titles being published during the summer months that have been highlighted on media reading lists. Check them out!

Dune Road by Jane Green

LJ Reviews 2009 June #2

If the financial crisis hit Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane, the result would be Green's (The Beach House) latest novel. After a meandering initial 100 pages, the plot involving a group of fortyish girlfriends finally takes shape. Each of the three friends finds herself in the middle of her own soap opera: Kit's newly discovered half sister is sneaking around with her ex-husband, Charlie's silver spoon is yanked from her mouth when her banker husband loses his job, and Tracy's abusive first husband threatens to reveal her past to her friends. Life in the bedroom community of Highfield, CT, can't escape the chaos that the Wall Street crash inflicts. When the town's local celebrity an infamous and reclusive author opens his Dune Road home for a party, the drama of these residents is suddenly out there for all to see. VERDICT Whether you care about these characters or not is irrelevant in this quick, easy beach read. Green's name on the cover will be enough to attract interest.

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by Randy J. Taraborrelli

LJ Reviews 2009 May #1

Taraborrelli has had a long career writing juicy biographies of celebrities (e.g., Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Princess Grace, and the Kennedy women). Here, he promises never-before-told facts about Marilyn Monroe's family dynamic, the identity of her father, and her relationship with the Kennedys. And he delivers. Taraborrelli also reports that Marilyn's mother, Gladys Baker, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and that Marilyn struggled with her own mental deterioration. Taraborrelli's style is sometimes over-the-top as he assumes the feelings and motivations of his subjects, but this device makes his books readable and mesmerizing. He had access to newly released documents that were not scrutinized for other biographies, and he researched family and medical files and personal correspondence and interviewed countless family members, friends, costars, Secret Service agents, and others. He also provides previously unseen photographs. This will probably stand as the definitive Monroe biography; highly recommended for all public libraries.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

PW Reviews 2009 June #1

Charleston, S.C., gossip columnist Leopold Bloom King narrates a paean to his hometown and friends in Conroy's first novel in 14 years. In the late '60s and after his brother commits suicide, then 18-year-old Leo befriends a cross-section of the city's inhabitants: scions of Charleston aristocracy; Appalachian orphans; a black football coach's son; and an astonishingly beautiful pair of twins, Sheba and Trevor Poe, who are evading their psychotic father. The story alternates between 1969, the glorious year Leo's coterie stormed Charleston's social, sexual and racial barricades, and 1989, when Sheba, now a movie star, enlists them to find her missing gay brother in AIDS-ravaged San Francisco. Too often the not-so-witty repartee and the narrator's awed voice (he is very fond of superlatives) overwhelm the stories surrounding the group's love affairs and their struggles to protect one another from dangerous pasts. Some characters are tragically lost to the riptides of love and obsession, while others emerge from the frothy waters of sentimentality and nostalgia as exhausted as most readers are likely to be. Fans of Conroy's florid prose and earnest melodramas are in for a treat.

Jacksonville Public Library Kicks Off Awareness Campaign

Have you seen the library’s new billboards or heard any of our radio spots on your favorite station? There’s even a page on our website all about the awareness campaign that you can check out.

The awareness campaign is meant to inform the Jacksonville community of all the services and programs the library offers at no cost to the customer. Over the next three months, you will hear our radio spots and see billboard advertisements, newspaper ads and television commercials used to spread the word.

JPL unveiled the new library card design and convenient key chain card to staff, customers, Library Foundation and Library Friends members at the campaign kick off during the June 3 Art Walk. (At left is the new billboard.)

Barbara Gubbin, District Councilman Don Redman and First Coast news anchor Angela Spears talk about the new card design. They shared their experiences of the library and welcomed and encouraged those in attendance to sign up for a new library card. Stories of customers' library experiences were also shared and left the audience inspired by the power and influence of the library on many lives.

At right, Ribault High School drum line exits after performing at Art Walk

See more pix @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/sets/72157619197216235/?page=2

Specially commissioned art work was contributed to the campaign by local Jacksonville artists to reinforce the powerful partnerships that develop through community resources like our library. The artwork is currently being used in the advertising. For more info about the campaign visit the web page,
http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/awareness/awareness-campaign-2009.html

MURRAY HILL BRANCH PROMOTES WATER CONSERVATION

Christi P. Veleta, Program Administrator with the Environmental Protection Board, came to Murray Hill Library and presented the Drippy Water Program on Thursday, June 11 at 1 p.m. This was in conjunction with the library's School Age Program. Ms. Veleta came with Drippy, the EPA's water mascot, to talk to the children about water conservation.

Staff Profile

Kudos for Mary Mlady who has been with JPL since 1986! She started working as a Page in the Mandarin Branch. She then worked in Human Resources until 1990. She received her Masters Degree in Library Science and in 1994 went to work at Webb Wesconnett Branch. In 1995, she started working at the Mandarin Branch and has been there ever since.

Mary is the Reserve Guru! She is in charge of ILL’s and periodicals. Mary has a lively adult book club that meets once a month and she is the adult volunteer coordinator.

Mary’s hobbies include reading (of course), cooking and playing piano. One of her favorite books is Ahab’s Wife, by Sena Naslund. She has been married to husband Jim since 1991, and has two daughters and two grandsons. Mary is a pleasure to work with and an inspiration (she always has chocolate in her desk drawer!)

Councilman Clay Yarborough Reads To Families at Regency Square Branch

On Thursday, May 28, City Councilman Clay Yarborough read stories to a group of excited families at the Regency Square Branch Library’s Family Story Time program.

“He was fun and very engaging. He included the parents and seemed to be having a great time,” stated Senior Librarian Lanette Jackson, who hosts the monthly program at her branch.

Councilman Yarborough’s interactive style made Dr Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham come alive for the listeners. “I was impressed by the way he incorporated concrete concepts such as numbers and colors into the stories. He is definitely no amateur at reading children's stories,” said Ms. Jackson.

The Councilman also chose another book from the collection to read. However, as he opened the book, the audience and Councilman found themselves glaring at a slight tape repair that had been made to one of the pages. A lighthearted chuckle ensued from both the audience and Councilman as Ms. Jackson announced, “The library always needs more money for books.”
The program included a craft and movie. Ms. Jackson plans to invite Councilman Yarborough to return for an encore presentation.

By M. J. Berry

$50,000 Check From BOOKtique

Our Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library BOOKtique is a profitable operation.

A $50,000 check from FJPL's used bookstore and gift shop was presented to the Library this month. Pictured at left (L to R) are Barbara Gubbin, Library Director; Mark Wood, Library Board Chair; Estelle Vickery, volunteer; Sharon Futch, FJPL Executive Director and Store Manager; Harry Reagan, FJPL President; Margaret Smith, FJPL Vice President for Programs, and in back, Carolyn Williams, Deputy Director; and Barrett King, Deputy Director for Administrative Services. (You can enlarge the picture by clicking on it.)

FJPL President Harry Reagan congratulated Sharon Futch and all of the BOOKtique volunteers. The BOOKtique opened November 12, 2005, when the new Main Library opened.

"The BOOKtique is an important part of our ongoing efforts to raise money for the Library," Mr. Reagan said. "Jeanine Peterson (former FJPL President) and the FJPL Board deserve credit for bold, creative thinking."

Mr. Reagan said the BOOKtique offers a year-round opportunity to find book bargains, as well as unique gifts.

Helping keep the BOOKtique open 53 plus hours per week are: Omari Daniels, Jackie Delk, Terri Hudson, Sally Kenaston, Cynthia Murray, Jackie Nash, Joyce Patten, Marti Pounder, Gara Roberts, Byron Rocher, Jennifer Simpson, Nitya Sivasubramanian, Bettye Stilley, and Estelle Vickery.

Soon, the Library will receive another FJPL check -- money from the Great Jacksonville Book Sale, Saturday Morning Bookstore and online book sales.

Adult Summer Reading Program FAQ's

Adult Summer Reading Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Adult Summer Reading?
For the first time, JPL is participating in the adult component of the Summer Reading Program. This year’s “Express Yourself” theme is all about creativity and “mastering the art of reading”. It is a more grown-up version of the children’s “Be Creative” theme. Anyone can participate. Customers do not have to be artists or performers to join in the fun. More information about the theme and upcoming programs can be found on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site or in the Adult Program Highlights guide.

How do I sign up?
Customers can sign up by filling out a participation form. Copies of this form have been sent to all library locations and should be available at information desks or areas where program flyers are kept. Customers can also sign up by calling 630-0495 or emailing artofreading@coj.net .

The Community Education & Enrichment Office is happy to assist customers wishing to sign up. Please send participation forms directly to the Comm Education & Enrichment office. Staff can also add names to the Excel document used to track participation in G:Shared\Community Education & Enrichment\Summer Reading.

Participation information is being collected primarily to informally gauge the number of adults planning to read arts-related materials and/or attend creativity-based programs. Customers who have signed up for Adult Summer Reading will automatically be eligible for prizes to be awarded at the end of the summer. Each customer is equally eligible for prizes and may not submit multiple participation forms in hopes of increasing their chance of winning a prize.

How does it work?
Customers are invited to read books related to this year’s summer reading theme. They are also encouraged to participate in related thematic programming offered by JPL. There are no reading “requirements.”

To make it fun JPL provides reading logs for customers to keep track of the books they read. Book review forms also allow the customer to give a “Boo” or “Bravo” and comment on the books they read. Staff is encouraged to display book reviews on a bulletin board or other community venue if possible so customers can see what fellow readers have to say about books they’ve read.

Each location received copies of all forms. More are available in PDF format for staff or customers to print on the Adult Summer Reading webpage featured on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site. Branches may also contact the Community Education & Enrichment Office for more copies.

Each branch location has been provided with a copy of the Adult Summer Reading staff manual and has been invited to create book displays, host programs, and otherwise participate in Adult Summer Reading. Each branch will determine its own level of participation. Branches are encouraged to submit information about their programs to the Community Education & Enrichment Office for inclusion in promotion.

When does it start?
Adult Summer Reading takes place from June 1 – August 31. Prizes will be awarded the first week of September.

Where do I take my list of books that I’ve read?
This year JPL is not requesting that adult customers turn in lists of books read. However, we do want customers to submit book reviews for display at the branches. As part of future Adult Summer Reading programs we may collect reading lists or have additional ways for customers to interact with the program.

Other questions?
Feel free to refer customers to Jenny Mooney or Frank Smith in the Comm Ed and En Office at 630-0495 or email artofreading@coj.net.

Jax Reads Ribault Essay Contest Winner

Malik Jackson, pictured left, reads his winning essay during the Jax Reads Finale at the Main Library, May 5. In addition to winning a laptop computer, Mr. Jackson also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jaguars Stadium.

Notes from Collection Development

Now showing at a library near you!

Harvey Shine (Hoffman) is a struggling jingle writer who risks losing his job to attend his daughter's London wedding, only to discover he is not exactly welcome at the ceremony. While seeking refuge in the airport bar, Harvey meets a lonely statistician named Kate (Thompson) and soon finds himself happily thrust into an unexpected romance. Hoffman and Thompson both picked up Golden Globe nominations for their roles.

The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

Paul Blart (James) is an overzealous security guard who finds himself in way over his head when he attempts to thwart a criminal mastermind's (O'Donnell) plot to rob an entire shopping mall.

It's Teen Time at Mandarin Branch Library

Don Carpenter, Library Associate, is in charge of the Teen Programs at the Mandarin Library and many fun teen events are happening there this summer!

PLAYSTATION Games on THE BIG SCREEN are every Thursday, 3:30 p.m - 5 p.m.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP meets on Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m., to advise and assist on books, movies, CDs, decoration and programming.

TEEN ANIME CLUB meets on Tuesday, June 9, 6p.m. & Saturday, June 20, 4p.m.

BEDTIME STORIES, starring Adam Sandler, will be shown on Tuesday, June 16 at
3 p.m.

TEEN WRITERS WORKSHOP will be held on Monday, June 29, 12 p.m. - first in a 3 part seminar which will include: an introduction to creative writing for teens, strategies for generating creative writing, strategies for creative writing development, tips on being a peer reader, and, sessions on the ULTIMATE CREATIVE WRITING PROJECT.

Rove with M.A.P.H.A.T.: Six Steps to Excellent Customer Service

Have you “roved” lately? Do you know the six steps of roving?

Meet and greet the customer – make them feel welcome!
Ask a quick question – let them do the talking!
Probe for clarification – be sure you’re on the same wave-length!
Hear the customer – use active listening!
Assist them – help them find the resources they need!
Thank them & invite them back – we need them!

Click on the YouTube video, “Roving Librarians”, by Ontario-based Mentor Group Training, Inc., to get your “rove” on!

Argyle Branch's Children's Department Makes Something Out Of Nothing

This close-up of a dog's face is part of an art project DeLon Rowan did for the Jax Reads Campaign, Call of the Wild, and was part of a Family Art Fun Program recently. Toddlers to eight year old children constructed their own individual interpretation of the sled-dog character, Buck, the main character in the book. Children learned about facial features and expressions using this three-dimensional design. Ms. Rowan always uses recycled materials in her art programs. In this case, shredded tires were used to create textural fur. Scrap poster board and used cups were used to create other features. Click on the picture for an enlargement that shows the intriguing details.

Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns River & YOU Are Invited

In partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, JPL is hosting a Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns River, Friday, June 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. The cruise is free and will depart from Friendship Fountain.

Joining us that evening will be poet, teacher, and author of Endless Nights, Felton “KnightKrawler” Stergis who is a JPL staff favorite to work with. He has participated in several poetry jams with the Main Library’s Teen Department and will be teaching a writers workshop this summer as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program. For this excursion, Stergis has written an original piece of poetry celebrating our river. He will also share inspiring works by other poets infused with elements from the natural world. The Riverkeeper will partner with our poet by providing participants with a naturalist’s perspective on the St. Johns. This event not only celebrates the Year of the River, it will launch a renewed JPL poetic spirit. It is the first in a series of several programs highlighting the “Language of Conservation”, a three year project in partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Poets House. Over the three year period, JPL will host eight poetry programs that specifically recognize the importance of conservation through poetry.

Library employees are invited to join us on this cruise. Bottled water and granola bars will be offered free of charge, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks/dinner. Please contact the Community Education & Enrichment Office, 630-0495, to register; or email: ArtofReading@coj.net. Seating is limited so it is important to reserve your seat now.

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch - Over the years I have been assisted often and with amazing skill by Katherine Daye. My children have benefited by her skills and experience; I am grateful for her presence at MY library.

Main Library - Reference/Periodicals - Mrs. Lilia Simonton went further than the normal call of duty and found some information and printed out what was necessary to complete a legal matter. Thank you.

Southeast Branch - I just want to let someone know, Ms. (Deborah) Wainwright is/was a wonderful help in tracking down a double charge of late fees. Ms. Deborah was very friendly, saw the error right away and apologized for an error she did not create. Please let her know we are very grateful for her helping us.

South Mandarin Branch - Ms. Nicole Veal was amazing today. She helped me get books for Read-a-Thon next week. She gave me several options and was very patient.

West Regional Branch - I use the conference rooms 11 times out of the year and the lady (Yuri Jewitt per Ms. Harris) who makes the schedule has always responded back in a timely manner if there were any problems or conflicts in scheduling.

Director's Town Hall Meeting Notes

Greetings:

Notes and Q&A from the April 2009 Director's April Town Hall meetings have been posted to the Team Site on the Portal:
http://inside.coj.net/li/dnext/imp/Shared%20Documents/Town%20Hall%20Meeting%20Notes

To leave questions or comments, click on the word "comments" below.

Melonee Slocum

Mandarin Branch Reaches Out To The Community

Staff at the Mandarin Branch Library had a busy month last month! The Mandarin Senior Center hosted an Arts and Crafts Fair, Saturday, April 18, from 9-5, and featured a table with information on library services and programs. The seniors were very interested in Mandarin Branch's programs, especially the movies they offer.

On April 25, several staff members had a booth at the Riverside Arts Market. An attractive display with flyers and pamphlets promoted activities at the Mandarin Branch. The weather was beautiful and the setting was wonderful, right by the river. Shown in the picture, left to right, are Lisa Veal, part-time clerk, and Margo Crafton, children’s librarian senior.

Notes form Collection Development

Summer is around the corner so that must mean new books on the American Past time and the Boys of Summer (some of them bad boys!)--

A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez

Documents the life and controversial career of the baseball star, including his childhood in New York and the Dominican Republic, his rise to stardom with the Seattle Mariners, his record-breaking contract, his marriage, his relationship with Madonna, and the revelation he used performance-enhancing drugs.

Straw: Finding My Way

PW Reviews 2009 March

Website: http://www.publishersweekly.com/

From the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers in baseball, a perennial All-Star who was dubbed "The Black Ted Williams." Sadly, his effortless production on the field belied his troubles off it. Growing up in South Central L.A. with an abusive, negligent father left Strawberry unsure on "how to become a man," and playing pro baseball provided the foundation and means to become an alcohol and drug addict. Thanks to Strawberry's hard-living lifestyle, his attempts at domestic stability are colossal failures, and his halfhearted attempts at rehab lead to jail time and a damaged reputation. At his lowest point, Strawberry turns to God, leading him to redemption. The sheer turbulence of his life which also includes two bouts of cancer in his 30s certainly makes for a readable book, though not a probing one.

The Road to Omaha: Hits, Hopes & History at the College World Series

Booklist Reviews 2009 May

McGee delivers an all-embracing profile of the College World Series and its historic setting, Omaha's 60-year-old Rosenblatt Stadium, which, sadly, is scheduled for demolition after the 2010 season. Focusing on the 2008 series, won by upstart Fresno State University, McGee had exceptional access to coaches and players in covering every game played by the eight-team field, culminating in Fresno State's best-of-three win over favored University of Georgia. He complements his play-by-play with a loving, if at times tedious, portrait of the principal players and coaches, fans both locals and out-of-towners and the "Blatt" and its colorful south-side locale, leaving readers a memento marking what is soon to be the end of an era. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

Bottom of the Ninth: Branch Rickey, Casey Stengel, and the Daring Scheme to Save Baseball from Itself

PW Reviews 2009 March

Website: http://www.publishersweekly.com/

In 1958, after the Dodgers and Giants had both left New York for California, a group of investors sought to bring the city a new baseball franchise, and their proposal was a bold one. Led by former Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, they sought to create an entire new major league. Meanwhile, as the advocates for the would-be Continental League tried to make their case before the existing major league owners, New York Yankees manager Casey Stengel struggled to keep America's most popular team in championship form. Shapiro (The Last Good Season) parallels these two stories, arguing that they represent a hinge point when team owners could have taken radical steps to reclaim the sport's hold on the public imagination, but chose instead to cling tightly to their near-monopoly, paving the way for other sports, like football, to rise in popularity. The history, filled with colorful personalities, is told in a straightforward manner. While its two halves don't always fit together neatly, they offer a lively perspective on backstage dealings that almost changed the course of professional sports in America.

Southeast Branch Welcomes Its New Branch Manager, Theresa Barmer

During lunch time on Wednesday, May 13, Southeast Regional Library welcomed the arrival of its new Branch Manager Theresa Barmer, with a late spring cookout and paper flight competition. Grilled hamburgers were served, as well as a variety of side dishes for the occasion. Mrs. Barmer was able to meet with most of the staff and also participated in the paper airplane contest. Pictured above is newly arrived Manager Barmer completing a toss of her personally designed paper airplane, with Radhika Kandlakunta, Library Associate Senior, in the background.

Pictured from left to right are competition winners Bob Silkett, Librarian Senior, (third place with a 37 foot flight), Carisia Rooney, Children's Librarian (first place with a 44 foot flight), and Michael Platzer, Librarian, (second place with a 43 foot flight.), who are standing in Olympian order after receiving their winners certificates from Manager Barmer.

JPL's Center for Adult Learning Recognized for "Exemplary Project"

The Center for Adult Learning was recently recognized by the Division of Library and Information Services for a project targeting lower-level adult readers and their tutors. This initiative, Volunteers as Special Educators, was selected as the “FY 08-09 Exemplary Project” among those supported by LSTA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Volunteers as Special Educators received accolades for its innovative way of teaching syllable division and syllable types to literacy tutors and adult new readers. CAL has provided training throughout the state and recently demonstrated components of this new curriculum at the 2009 Florida Literacy Conference in Clearwater.

JPL’s Center for Adult Learning first began providing reading instruction to adult learners in 1985. They currently offer small group and computer-assisted instruction in reading, math, pre-GED and English language skills to more than 800 adults annually.

Happy Mother's Day

Beware: This May Be Your Mother
By: Latosha Franklin from Northwest

This is an All-Points-Bulletin
Be on the look out for a woman approximately
20 to 30 years your senior.

She may be carrying a belt or a wooden spoon in her oversized handbag.
Now, don’t be alarmed and don’t run for cover,
This woman may very well be your mother.
If she’s ever braided your hair so tight that you looked surprised all day long,
She may be your mother.

If you ever had to endure wardrobe readjustments in front of your friends at the bus stop
The culprit may just be your mother.

If you ever had to wear a sailor suit for your class picture,
The woman responsible for this heinous act may be your mother.

If she tortured you by sitting and watching to make sure you ate your most hated food,
You can be sure that this woman is your mother.

If she ever almost came to blows with another woman over whose kid hit who first,
She might be your mother.

If she ever chaperoned your first date
This traumatic experience may have been caused
By your mother.

If she ever caught you smoking and beat you with her shoe,
Then she’s definitely…my mother
However…
If she ever stayed up all night with you because you had a fever,

Or sat and watched cartoons with you on Saturday mornings,

Or let you keep your favorite stuffed animal when she gave all the other ones away,

Or let you sleep in her bed during a storm,

Or let you lick the spoon,

Or took you to church and taught you how to pray,

She may be your mother.

If you see this woman, call a florist, call a candy maker, and call Jesus
And tell HIM , thank you for this lady
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to tell her you love her.
Rise up and call her blessed
Because this woman is your Mother.

Staff Profile

Natacha Leftwich has a bright smile that enhances her service at the Murray Hill Branch.

Q: How long have you been working for the Murray Hill Library?
A: I have been working at the library for two and half years.

Q: What is your current position?
A: I am a part-time clerk.

Q: Are you currently in school or college?
A: I am a full-time student at the University of Florida.

Q: What is the one thing that you want people to know about you?
A: I am a nice, sociable person and people can always ask me for help.

Q: What are you reading or what is your favorite book?
A: My favorite book is The Guardian, by Nicholas Sparks. I am currently reading Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, by Steve Harvey

Notes from Collection Development

Personal Finance

330.973 DENT 2009

The great depression ahead : how to prosper in the crash following the greatest boom in history / Harry S. Dent, Jr.

ISBN: 1416588981

Booklist (Monday , December 01, 2008)

Dent, author and consultant, predicts the economy is moving toward a major depression, with the deflation of bubbles in stocks, real estate, and commodities between mid- to late 2009 and mid- to late 2012, and it could last for a decade or more. Rather than offering only a gloomy outlook, Dent presents a road map for the difficult times ahead, suggesting cash and money-market investments initially and then highest quality U.S. Treasury, municipal, and corporate bonds and that same quality of bonds in stable Asian and European economies. When assets eventually fall in value, there will be unprecedented buying opportunities for those who are lean and mean. Theories and forecasts abound in the financial turmoil facing the U.S. and global markets in late 2008, and everyone may not agree with Dent. However, he makes a compelling case for his predictions and this is an excellent book to challenge a broad range of library patrons.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

THE NEW COFFEEHOUSE INVESTOR : how to build wealth, ignore Wall Street, and get on with your life / Bill Schultheis

ISBN: 159184245X

Booklist (Sunday , March 01, 2009):

This little how-to-invest book, which elegantly summarizes our common worries about how to build wealth, was initially published 11 years ago. This updated, revised, and revamped edition stands the test of time and of updating. Seattle-based Schultheis states his three principles of investing allocate assets, approximate stock-market average, and save then proceeds to expand and expound with personal stories and provocative questions. When is enough enough? What’s behind this Wall Street obsession to beat the market? Why do we need to lead a penny-pinching life today for a high retirement style tomorrow? Forget the complicated formulas, the diversity of spreadsheets. Concentrate instead, he advises, on understanding your burn rate, the meaning of diversification, and the value of being on financial autopilot. Like his peers (Suze Orman et al.), the author exposes two myths: no load mutual funds and great companies make great investments. All in all, solid and comfortable investment counsel that will help balance (and, eventually, grow) your balance sheet. Appended: partial list of index funds; notes; additional reading. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

330.9 EPPING 2009

The 21st century economy : a beginner's guide : with 101 easy-to-learn tools for surviving and thriving in the new global marketplace / Randy Charles Epping

ISBN: 0307387909

Booklist (Wednesday, April 15, 2009):

The economic upheaval of 2008 has left many investors and ordinary citizens stunned and confused, as it seems like none of the normal rules apply in this fast-paced world of electronic trading and instant information. We hear many terms thrown at us, but few understand their meaning or why they have any relevance to our own financial health. Epping, author of A Beginners Guide to the World Economy (1992), has created this beginners guide to fundamental economic terms and concepts to help the average person understand and navigate the rapidly changing twenty-first-century economy. Oft-heard but confusing terms such as credit default swap and collateralized debt obligation are defined in concise, easy-to-understand language to help readers make sense of the information overload coming via media sources like CNBC and the Internet. There is no guarantee that this guide will make you a better investor, but today more than ever it is essential that more citizens become economically literate, and this is a great place to start. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

332.024014 PARNESS 2009

Rule your freakin' retirement : how to retire rich by actively managing your assets / Michael Parness

ISBN: 0312375751

Booklist (Sunday , March 01, 2009):

The advice given here prompts every American, wealthy or not, to not only understand finances but also to manage money not invest it for the long term. It begins, as most financial planners agree, with a firm analysis of ones assets, liabilities, and needs, including all types of insurance, estate planning, and an objective look at Social Security. Then the usual content follows, including discussions of 401(k)s, mutual funds, bonds and bond funds, cash, and asset allocation. Yet the author does dive into the kinds of tips usually known only by financial pros, such as possible fleecing in terms of management fees from mutual fund companies, the differences between mutual funds and the advantages of ETFs, and defining the bond ladder with a few simple how-tos. Part 3, then, clinches the deal, where Parness shares some ideas and tricks used by traders and inveighs against investors. With end-of-chapter quizzes and an approachable colloquial writing style, Parness helps ensure his future as a TV and radio expert. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

332.02401 FISHER 2009

The ten roads to riches : the way the wealthy got there (and how you can too!) / Ken Fisher, with Lara Hoffmans

ISBN: 0470285362

Booklist (Wednesday, October 15, 2008):

There’s not enough space to list all 10 roads, but here are 5 of them: start a successful business, become a CEO of an existing firm, turn celebrity into wealth, capitalize on other peoples money, and this reviewer's favorite marry well. Fisher, a self-made billionaire, chronicles how some of today’s millionaires made their fortunes and how you can, too. He offers case histories of famous and not-so-famous examples of success and failure. In his final chapter, The Road More Traveled, Fisher says that the first step is saving, and the second is to invest in something that offers substantial returns. He warns that bonds are a riskier investment than stocks, and he provides a five-step guide to saving and investing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

Southeast Branch Honors Its Volunteers

On Tuesday, April 21, Southeast Regional Library held a Volunteers Appreciation event for the branch volunteers. Light snacks were served and each volunteer was presented with a volunteer t-shirt and notebook/pen set. Volunteers are indispensable members of the Branch family, helping to provide assistance with a variety of tasks necessary for the efficient operation of the library. Southeast greatly appreciates the hard and valuable work our volunteers perform for the Branch each day. Pictured are a few of the volunteers and employees who participated in the event. Shown from left to right are Neeraja Jampani (Volunteer), Joyce Myllykangas (Clerical Service Aid II), Tiffany Losco (Volunteer), Annah Bowser (Volunteer), Anthony Martin (Volunteer), Marie Boyer (Librarian - Volunteer Coordinator), Bill Richer (Volunteer), Arlene Wilson (PT Shelver), and Lauren Banks (PT Shelver).

Take the Genealogy Collection Virtual Tour

Last week, the Genealogy Collection placed their new virtual tour of the collection on the JPL website and debuted the tour in front of a large audience at the Spring Seminar & Genealogy Fair. The virtual tour highlights the resources of the Genealogy Collection. David White, David Fuller and Kate Holmes worked together to create the tour. David Fuller wrote the script; David White provided all the photography and narration and Kate Holmes edited the tour with the Training Department’s Adobe Captivate software.

This is a narrated tour, so headphones or speakers are recommended. You can view the virtual tour at http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/training/narrated-tour-all.htm

Interlibrary Loan Employees Celebrate Service

On April 1, Special Services invited the JPL staff to help them celebrate the 5th anniversary of ILLiad at JPL, the 30th anniversary of OCLC's online ILL service, and the debut of Lyrasis--created from the merger of SOLINET and PALINET-- and to thank them for their contributions to the success of Interlibrary Loan at JPL.

Notes from Collection Development

The Pulitzer Prize winners were announced on April 20, 2009.

The Pulitzer Prize is an U.S. award for achievements in newspaper journalism, literature and musical composition. It was established by Joseph Pulitzer and is administered by Columbia University in New York City. Prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories.

JPL owns copies of each of the winning titles below.

The 2009 winners for literature are!

Fiction - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (Random House)

Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Hell. We’re always alone. Born alone. Die alone, says Olive Kitteridge, redoubtable seventh-grade math teacher in Crosby, Maine. Anyone who gets in Olive’s way had better watch out, for she crashes unapologetically through life like an emotional storm trooper. She forces her husband, Henry, the town pharmacist, into tactical retreat; and she drives her beloved son, Christopher, across the country and into therapy. But appalling though Olive can be, Strout manages to make her deeply human and even sympathetic, as are all of the characters in this novel in stories. Covering a period of 30-odd years, most of the stories (several of which were previously published in the New Yorker and other magazines) feature Olive as their focus, but in some she is bit player or even a footnote while other characters take center stage to sort through their own fears and insecurities. Though loneliness and loss haunt these pages, Strout also supplies gentle humor and a nourishing dose of hope. People are sustained by the rhythms of ordinary life and the natural wonders of coastal Maine, and even Olive is sometimes caught off guard by life’s baffling beauty. Strout is also the author of the well-received Amy and Isabelle (1999) and Abide with Me (2006). Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

History - The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed (W.W. Norton & Company)

Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* In the long-awaited sequel to Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy (1997), Gordon-Reed delivers a powerful composite portrait of the African American family whose labors helped make Jefferson's Virginia residence a fountainhead of American culture. Primary interest naturally attaches to Sally Hemings, the gifted black woman who chose?at age 16?to live as Jefferson's enslaved mistress in America rather than as a free woman in France. But Gordon-Reed highlights the family role of Sally's mother, Elizabeth Hemings, whose experience in bearing children to both black and white fathers schooled her in the racial dynamics of early America. Biracial relationships immensely complicated life at Monticello, where the Virginia planter famous for declaring the equality of all men counted among his slaves four of his own children, fathered in a union he never publicly acknowledged. Gordon-Reed teases out telling clues from correspondence and journals of the Hemingses' struggle for dignity despite the cruel constraints of slavery. That Jefferson finally freed his children by Sally does not obscure those restraints, nor does it hide the tragedy visited upon other Monticello slaves when Jefferson's posthumous debts licensed the auctioneer to break up black families to increase their market value. A must-have acquisition for every American history collection. Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Biography - American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham (Random House)

Booklist Reviews

There are numerous books on the seventh president, but this one is distinguished by its particularly fluid presentation. As the subtitle indicates, it has special appeal for those readers who may be uninterested in a complete cradle-to-grave treatment but are looking for a particular focus on the Jackson presidency. The “evolution of presidential power” is the basic theme around which Meacham constructs his riveting account of the freshness Jackson brought to the White House—meaning, before his advent into the chief executive office, political power was considered to be best left in the hands of the landed elite, but Jackson believed in the “primacy of the will of the common people,” and during his administration, “democracy was making its stand.” This was a difficult time for the American republic; the issue of slavery was developing into a major political issue, and with that, the rise of southern questioning of just how strong the union of states was and what rights individual states possessed to safeguard regional interests. But Jackson administered the ship of state with good instincts and wisdom. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

Poetry - The Shadow of Sirius by W.S. Merwin (Copper Canyon Press)

Booklist Reviews

With no punctuation and a solitary launching capital letter, Merwin's elegant poems are built to the measure of breath and sweep the page like palm fronds. Yet each word is old, lustrous, and solid. Only a poet as seasoned as Merwin can wrest so much meaning from dark, moon, wake, river, and song. The questions he poses are as old as night, and the answers are forever elusive. The contrast between airiness and earthiness is intrinsic to master poet Merwin's newest poems, lithe works steely in their testing of the mesh of memory and sensuousness; the coil of time, our continuing fiction; and the ripple of shadows attendant upon the brightest star, the most radiant life. Childhood reminiscences summon the dead and recall the now obsolete; the underworld masquerades as a coal mine or a shadow without form or the darkness that is the mind of day. And Merwin contemplates the earth's verdant singularity in the vault of darkness, our entreaties straying far out past the orbits and webs. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

General Nonfiction - Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A. Blackmon (Doubleday)

PW Reviews

Wall Street Journal bureau chief Blackmon gives a groundbreaking and disturbing account of a sordid chapter in American history—the lease (essentially the sale) of convicts to “commercial interests” between the end of the 19th century and well into the 20th. Usually, the criminal offense was loosely defined vagrancy or even “changing employers without permission.” The initial sentence was brutal enough; the actual penalty, “reserved almost exclusively for black men,” was a form of slavery in one of “hundreds of forced labor camps” operated “by state and county governments, large corporations, small time entrepreneurs and provincial farmers.” Into this history, Blackmon weaves the story of Green Cottenham, who was “charged with riding a freight train without a ticket,” in 1908 and was sentenced to “three months of hard labor for Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad,” a subsidiary of U.S. Steel. Cottenham's sentence was extended an additional three months and six days because he was unable to pay fines then leveraged on criminals. Blackmon's book reveals in devastating detail the legal and commercial forces that created this neoslavery along with deeply moving and totally appalling personal testimonies of survivors. “Every incident in this book is true,” he writes; one wishes it were not so. (Mar.)

Mandarin Branch Honors Its Volunteers

The Mandarin Branch Library has many dedicated and loyal volunteers. Many have volunteered there for years, starting when the library opened in 1986! In appreciation of their service, the staff of the library hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Day on Wednesday, April 22. Volunteers enjoyed a wonderful luncheon with a Honey Baked ham and plenty of delicious sides. Featured are (clockwise from lower left) Arthur Martin, Kathy Reiff, Barbara Permenter, Dorothy Hill, Leslie Smith, and Dot Gray.

Kudos from Customers

Argyle - My son loves the family art. We never miss a week. Ms. DeLon (Rowan) always has great projects planned and she does a great job with the kids.

Main - Florida Collection & Remote Reference - I got exactly the information I required (online) from Catherine L. Currier and I received another email from Michael Shell checking that I had in fact received the information that had been sent. Very good service & thanks.

San Marco - I would like to comment about Erica Brown. She was by far the most helpful and pleasant librarian I've spoken with at the San Marco Branch and has given me a new Grade A opinion here.

University Park - Your staff is like family. Mina Figuerrez is always helpful.

Webb Wesconnett - The Children's Department is great--Jackie Bartha, Jack Betancourt, and Tenesha Anderson.

A Unique "Mini Museum" at Southeast Branch

Have you ever heard of the rock band Paramore? No! That’s ok, nobody else has either. Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant of Southeast Regional Children’s Department, remembers asking people about the band years ago and always getting an “I never heard of them” response. Paul has an interest in all things musical. He recently organized a children’s program for two to five year olds making 100 guitars out of empty tissue paper boxes, paper towel rolls and rubber bands. As Paramore’s number one fan in Jacksonville, or the southeastern United States for that matter, Paul has decorated his cubicle with a montage of items and posters of the band. Surprisingly, according to Alternative Press magazine, the band recently won band of the year. Pictured is Paul with his tribute cubicle to Paramore. So, if you have an opportunity to visit Southeast Library, you are welcome to take the tour of probably the only Paramore museum in North America.

Staff Development Day Banners in LIVING COLOR

If you didn't get a chance to view all the creative SDD banners, or look as long as you would have liked, we have added a slide show to the right for your viewing pleasure. (You can click on the picture on the screen and it will bring up an enlarged version, and then click the right arrow above the picture shown to proceed and see enlargements of each banner.)

The Great Job Hunt at Mandarin Branch Library

The Mandarin Library offers a variety of job resources, including a good selection of resume and cover letter books, as well as job research books. At left, librarian Elizabeth Garnett is shown next to Mandarin's job resource area. This area is designed to highlight the many job resources found at this branch.

Southeast Regional Branch Holds Its First Annual Employee Easter Egg Hunt

The first annual Southeast Regional Library Employee Easter Egg Hunt was held before the library opened on April 8th and 9th. Participants included full-time and part-time employees as well as volunteers. Pictured to the right is the starting line for the second day hunting event. (L to R, first row: Deborah Wainwright, Josh Riffe, Tiffany Losco, Bob Silkett; back, L to R: Nelly Harnisch, Crystal Kadkhodaie, Arlene Wilson, Cathy Smith & Mike Dubnick. If you double click on the picture, you can see the frog in the back jumping for joy as they start.) One hundred eggs were hidden in the Children’s Department on each day of the two day event. First day winners were Lauren Banks and Anthony Martin. The two determined fortune hunters located a total of 21 eggs each. When he found the fabled "golden" egg, Anthony Martin also won the supreme prize, a large chocolate bunny.

Contestants and Easter Egg Hunt fanatics were eagerly on hand for the second and final day of this prestigious sporting event. The winners of the second day were Deborah Wainwright, who found the “golden” egg, and Crystal Kadkhodaie, who found the winning total of 23 eggs. Each of them won prizes commensurate with their achievements and the previous day’s prizes. Pictured around the table are contestants, L to R: Arlene Wilson, Nelly Harnisch, Crystal Kadkhodaie, and Cathy Smith, during the final egg count on the second day.

Many thanks to Joyce Myllykangas and Carisia Rooney for organizing and officiating this event.

Calling All JPL Staff to Read "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London

Looking for a good read? Something that tugs at the heart perhaps or leaves you wanting more? The Call of the Wild has all that and more! This book is an exciting story about Buck, a once beloved pet that is torn from his home and comfortable lifestyle only to be thrown in the trenches of a dangerous and brutal pursuit of riches and power.

This is a short and fast read that you can enjoy on your lunch hour or at home with your family.

We invite you to take the poll over in the right column (just under "Labels" and "Subscribe to JPL Staff News"), if you have read, re-read or plan to read The Call of the Wild before The Big Read finale, May 6, 2009--and let us know your thoughts.

Staff Profile

Alfreda Whitfield is a Clerical Support Aide II at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library, who obviously enjoys serving library customers.


Q: As a native of Jacksonville, you lived several years in Alaska. Where in Alaska did you live, how long, and what did you find most interesting there?
A: I lived five years in the heart of Alaska, which is Fairbanks. What I found most interesting while I was there was that at any given time, you might find a moose in your yard gnawing at a tree. You could also find them walking down the street as a little family or just roaming through the neighborhoods. The caribou were so cute; you could be driving along a long stretch of mountainside road, and it seemed they would stand and actually pose for a picture. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking and I miss the snow dearly.

Q: What do you think is the most important contribution you make to good customer service?
A: I feel I serve my purpose while working at the circulation desk. When a customer comes in and says, “There’s that smile,” and some look for me as if I were that important, or just because they really appreciate my service to them, that’s my contribution, my personality, and spirit.

Q: Tell us a little about your family.
A. I am one of eleven brothers and sisters. I’m at the bottom: number nine. I’m a wife and mother. Between my husband and me, we have three girls, five granddaughters, and one grandson. I’m married to someone I’ve known since fourth grade, who has always had a crush on me. We had both been married and divorced when we ran into each other back in 1998. After my daughter and I came home on vacation in July 2001, Gartrell and I were married, and my husband followed us back to Alaska; the rest is history.

Q: What is your favorite book and why?
A. I don’t really have a favorite book. I love books period--mostly inspirational books. I love that pick-me-up feeling they give me, and Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of my favorites, the stories are touching, and get right to the heart. I guess you can tell I’m one of those sentimental persons.

Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
A: I’ve often heard that I don’t look my age, but something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a great grandmother of a beautiful boy and girl.

April Town Hall Meetings

What are Town Hall meetings? Town Hall meetings are scheduled periodically by the Library Director to give all staff members an opportunity to learn more about the Library, get to know senior staff and to ask questions. They also give the Director and her staff an opportunity to know about issues that are important to you!

How do I participate? Let you manager know if you are interested in attending and he/she will accomodate attendance by as many people as possible. Even if you aren't able to attend, you'll be able to read notes from the meetings on the blog. Remember, you can submit your questions ahead of time by clicking on the "comments" button below. (Comments can be anonymous.)

April Meeting Schedule:

4/21/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
4/22/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
4/23/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00

Mandarin Branch Library Celebrates with Spring Break Programs

The Mandarin Library is the place to be for fun Spring Break programs! Tuesday and Thursday, March 31 and April 1, the Teen Department held a Video Game Gala, featuring Wii sports. Staff tried out the Wii to check for “quality assurance”. Jeff Geiger, Librarian, demonstrated his proficiency at the game of tennis while members of the staff cheered him on.

One Millionth Customer at University Park Branch Library!

On March 30, the one millionth customer walked through the doors of the University Park Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library. Anjill Herron and her son, Kaleb Herron, were presented with a gift basket provided by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and an anonymous donor. The gifts included a membership in the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.

Located in a remodeled K-Mart building near the intersection of University Boulevard North and Fort Caroline Road, the University Park Library opened in October 2004. During the four and a half years it took to reach the milestone of serving one million customers, this library branch has become a community hub in the Arlington area providing free meeting space for meetings and programs of nonprofit community and government organizations. Some of the groups that have provided programs include AARP income tax preparation, Greater Arlington and Beaches Vision Plan, U.S. Census employment recruitment, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission Study Circles and numerous homeowners and neighborhood associations.

The library itself provides a wide variety of its own children’s and teen programming. These programs have included storytimes, summer reading programs, Hispanic heritage festivals, Native American heritage festivals, Black History, movie nights, teen art contests, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Mother and Daughter Self-Defense, Stocks to Study and many more.

Free computer access to the Internet and to word processing programs are also available. Customers can bring their laptop computers to the library to use wireless Internet access. The branch offers free checkout of not only print materials but also books on CD, CD music, DVD movies, DVD documentaries and DVD nonfiction. Reference and children’s librarians are always on hand to assist customers in finding the materials they need for recreation, education or information purposes.