Notes from Collection Development:

Recent DVDs set in the realm of the fantastic:

Knowing



Fifty years after a time capsule was buried at a local school, teacher Ted Myles (Cage) examines its contents and discovers that it holds many shockingly true predictions. Soon, Ted is convinced that his family will play a role in an impending apocalypse. Diana Whelan (Byrne) is the daughter of the woman who first buried the capsule. This tense blockbuster thriller is from ace sci-fi auteur Alex Proyas.

Push



On the run from the Division, a dangerous government agency that uses people with psychic abilities to do their bidding, telekinetic Nick Gant (Evans) and clairvoyant Cassie Holmes (Fanning) team up to find a third psychic who can help them destroy the organization. But when the Division picks up their trail, it sends a powerful agent (Hounsou) to stop them at all costs. Paul McGuigan directs this thriller.

The Unborn

Tortured by frightening dreams at night and the ghost of a young boy during the day, young Casey (Yustman) turns to a spiritual adviser (Oldman) for help. Together, the two uncover and try to stop a powerful family curse dating back to the Nazi era. David S. Goyer writes and directs this supernatural thriller.

Argyle Children's Program Creates "Baby Bot"

Here is a photo of the results of the School Age Art Program that DeLon Rowan, Library Assistant at Argyle Branch, led children to create last week. They used recycled foam packing from light fixtures, parts from a keyboard, and other materials to create a baby "robot" and dubbed it “Baby Bot”. DeLon designed the program to conform with the Florida Library Youth Program theme, "Be Creative @ Your Library". In this program, children developed pre-literacy (cognitive and physical skills) while creating three dimensional pieces such as Baby Bot. (Click on the picture to get a larger view of "Baby Bot".)

Marie Boyer Will Retire from Southeast Regional Branch

After 21 years with the Jacksonville Public Library system, Librarian Marie Therese Boyer will retire, August 1. On Wednesday, July 22, Southeast Regional held a luncheon to commemorate her many years with JPL. Marie noted she has seen a great many changes with the JPL system during her time with the library. Specifically, she described the completion of the new Main Library as one of the most significant accomplishments of the Jacksonville system as a whole. Marie said her enjoyment of many years with the library was primarily due to the wonderful people she has worked with and the variety of work tasks to be completed each day. With the tasks changing hourly, there was never a boring moment.

Marie spent her early childhood in France, has family there, and even after living in America for many years, still has a distinctive French accent. Therefore, a French theme was used for the gathering, with a menu comprising of many common French delicacies such as fried chicken faire un bide (to make a big belly), Laissez-faire (let it be) sausage and green peppers, and Pret-a-porter (ready to wear) macaroni and cheese.

To assist Marie in her future retirement endeavors, she was presented with a personalized floating pool chair. In the picture above, Marie is displaying the chair box after removing the wrappings. You may notice that the person on the picture of the box has a very familiar appearance.

We at Southeast wish Marie the best of luck and a great retirement.

Notes from Collection Development

Zombies: The New Vampire?!

You may have noticed a lot of Zombies appearing in fiction recently. A few titles customers can find and devour at JPL—


Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Booklist Reviews

This may be the most wacky by-product of the busy Jane Austen fan-fiction industry at least among the spin-offs and pastiches that have made it into print. In what's described as an "expanded edition" of Pride and Prejudice, 85 percent of the original text has been preserved but fused with "ultraviolent zombie mayhem." For more than 50 years, we learn, England has been overrun by zombies, prompting people like the Bennets to send their daughters away to China for training in the art of deadly combat, and prompting others, like Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to employ armies of ninjas. Added to the familiar plot turns that bring Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy together is the fact that both are highly skilled killers, gleefully slaying zombies on the way to their happy ending. Is nothing sacred? Well, no, and mash-ups using literary classics that are freely available on the Web may become a whole new genre. What's next? Wuthering Heights and Werewolves? Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

The Zombie Survival Guide

PW Annex Reviews

Website: http://www.publishersweekly.com/In this outrageous parody of a survival guide, Saturday Night Live staff writer Brooks prepares humanity for its eventual battle with zombies. One would expect the son of Mel Brooks to have a genetic predisposition to humor, and indeed, he does, and he exhibits it relentlessly here: he outlines virtually every possible zombie-human encounter, drafts detailed plans for defense and attack and outlines past recorded attacks dating from 60,000 B.C. to 2002. In planning for that catastrophic day when "the dead rise," Brooks urges readers to get to know themselves, their bodies, their weaponry, their surroundings and, just in case, their escape routes. Some of the book's more amusing aspects are the laughable analyses Brooks proposes on all aspects of zombiehood, and the specificity with which he enumerates the necessary actions for survival-i.e., a member of an anti-zombie team must be sure to have with him at all times two emergency flares, a signaling mirror, daily rations, a personal mess kit and two pairs of socks. Comic, though unnecessarily exhaustive, this is a good bet for Halloween gag gifts and fans of Bored of the Rings-esque humor. 100 line drawings. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

World War Z

Booklist Reviews

"The Crisis" nearly wiped out humanity. Brooks (son of Mel Brooks and author of The Zombie Survival Guide, 2003) has taken it upon himself to document the "first hand" experiences and testimonies of those lucky to survive 10 years after the fictitious zombie war. Like a horror fan's version of Studs Terkel's The Good War (1984), the "historical account" format gives Brooks room to explore the zombie plague from numerous different views and characters. In a deadpan voice, Brooks exhaustively details zombie incidents from isolated attacks to full-scale military combat: "what if the enemy can't be shocked and awed? Not just won't, but biologically can't!" With the exception of a weak BAT-21 story in the second act, the "interviews" and personal accounts capture the universal fear of the collapse of society--a living nightmare in which anyone can become a mindless, insatiable predator at a moment's notice. Alas, Brad Pitt's production company has purchased the film rights to the book--while it does have a chronological element, it's more similar to a collection of short stories: it would make for an excellent 24-style TV series or an animated serial. Regardless, horror fans won't be disappointed: like George Romero's Dead trilogy, World War Z is another milestone in the zombie mythos. ((Reviewed August 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Monster Island: a zombie novel

Booklist Reviews

This is a zombie novel--a fantastic zombie novel. Most of the world has fallen to the undead, with pockets of survivors clinging to a precarious existence. At the behest of the leader of the Free Women's Republic of Somaliland, a shipload of those makes the ludicrous trip from Africa to New York in a desperate quest for medicine. New York is a wasteland, and everything depends on a small, incredibly dedicated band of teenage girls, armed to the teeth, and native guide Dekalb, formerly a UN arms inspector. Also, in NYC there is Gary, a zombie who, completely unexpectedly, retains live human mental faculties. The questers get ringside seats for some of the apocalypse's finest moments, and no matter how prepared they thought they were, something worse awaits in the depths of New York. When zombies have already overrun everything, that's saying something. There are many layers to this zombie apocalypse, and this book just gets things rolling. Stay tuned. ((Reviewed March 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

Cell

Booklist Reviews

/*Starred Review*/ Think horror meister King's gone soft? Try this: Clay Riddell, on top of the world after finally signing a contract that pays off for his years of scrabbling as a comics artist, is fairly bouncing along Boston Common when an awful lot of the people nearby suddenly go berserk, using any weapon that comes to hand, including their teeth, to assault with deadly intent everyone in their paths. Motor vehicles collide or leap curbs to smash through windows and doors at high speed. Planes power-dive into buildings. And, of course, gunfire and explosions punctuate the soundscape. Instinctively, Clay puts his heavy portfolio between a small man about to be butchered by a middle-aged crazy, and thus meets Tom McCourt. Within the hour, they rescue 15-year-old Alice Maxwell, and another of King's many stories of a decent remnant struggling to survive in a world gone mad is off and running. During the course of what must be the most suspenseful, fastest-paced book King has ever written--a 'Salem's Lot without lulls--the trio expands to as many as six, though it is solely from Clay's perspective that King tells the story. Clay is concerned with more than survival, for his 12-year-son is out there, surely by himself, Clay thinks, given the time of day that the Pulse began. The Pulse, keenly perceptive Tom noticed right away, that all the crazies became so while using their cell phones. Tom's was broken that day, and Clay doesn't own one. Exploiting motifs and devices from Richard Matheson's vampire-world classic, I Am Legend (1954), and George A. Romero's living-dead movies (author and filmmaker are this book's dedicatees), King blasts any notion that he's exhausted or dissipated his enormous talent. ((Reviewed January 1 & 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

The Living Dead

Booklist Reviews

Die-hard zombiephiles may be disappointed to find only one new story here (the Clive Barker and Stephen King entries are 20 years old), but they have to concede that it s full of good stuff. The real standouts tend to depart from the apocalyptic formula standard to the genre. A bully in Darrel Schweitzer s "The Dead Kid" torments an undead kid in a box that he keeps in the woods. David Barr Kirtley’s "The Skull-Faced Boy" features two teens who discover they re animated corpses after being killed in an accident. In Joe Lansdale s "Deadman’s Road," a gun slinging reverend hunts down a zombie who was a killer when normally alive. It s Dan Simmon’s brilliant, award-winning "This Year's Class Picture," however, that makes the collection worth the price of admission; in it, a teacher clings to her daily routine, teaching her "students" long after the Tribulations. Though it reprints so many oft-collected stories, this volume remains an excellent overview of the zombie genre. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch - I just waned to let Charlene's (Ovashak) supervisor know that the 2 times I dealt with her she was AWESOME! It's so refreshing to meet people that are so helpful and so friendly--it's rare these days.

Main - Reference - I attempted to utilize computer services; there was a linking problem w/website chosen. Ms. (Karen) Deas was very helpful to insure my designated computer wasn't at fault. We or she actually had me to view her unit at the service desk which did indicate my website choice was the problem. KUDOS!

Murray Hill Branch - I really enjoyed the personal attention I received from Margaret Esposito. She is outstanding! Keep up the good work!

Pablo Creek Branch - Margaret Crawford's & Kyong Lee's story time is fantastic. They are always enthusiastic & personable as are Padma Subramanian & Stephanie Harley at the checkout counter.

South Mandarin Branch - I brought my two grandchildren to the story hour on Thursday. They loved Mr. David (Foster) and his compassion for relating the stories. They look forward to returning next week.

Movies at Mandarin Branch Are Big Draw

Mandarin Branch Library is the place to be for summer movies! Next Tuesday, July 21, Mandarin is showing the classic summer movie, Jaws. This shark-bitten poster was designed by Melissa Tison (L) and Linda Smith (R), both library associates. Melissa’s artistic talents were put to good use by designing the shark. The movies Linda has shown have been very popular, averaging 10-30 people. Other popular movies, such as Bolt and Hotel for Dogs, were attended by over 50 people! (By clicking on the picture, you can enlarge it.)

Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney Visits Brentwood Branch

Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney visited the Brentwood Branch Library, Wednesday, April 15. Prior to his arrival, he and Branch Manager Tasha Toliver spoke extensively on the phone and he shared a lot of infomation about the community.

During his visit, Ms. Toliver introduced him to her staff, gave him a tour of the branch, and reviewed Brentwood Branch programs.

Councilman Dr. Gaffney expressed his regrets that his visit would be brief due to a special meeting called by City Council that day. However, he was able to stay about 30 minutes and was very helpful with ideas relating to adult and children's programs and offered to get community partners involved.

Ms. Toliver invited him to visit again and she and her staff look forward to the time--hopefully in the near future--when Councilman Dr. Gaffney can return to Brentwood Branch.

Training Helps in Technology

In the frenzy of our technological world it's easy to lose site of what an important place books still hold. More than that, we often miss opportunities to use that same technology to enhance and promote our collections. Stephen Abram, Vice President of Innovation at SIRSI, has 25 great recommendations for putting technology to work doing exactly that.

Try this shortcut to: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/wordtothewise08.php

Staff Profile

Diane Alexander, Library Assistant, is known to many of our staff because she works in the Training Office at the Main Library. She was the winner of the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008/2009. (She preferred not to include a photo for this article.)

Q: How long have you worked for JPL and in what areas?
A: I worked at Webb Wesconnett Branch for about two years before coming to the Training Office in April 2007.

Q: How is it rewarding to you as a Library Assistant to work in Training?
A: I have the opportunity to help employees find classes they need and I help them enroll in those classes; then they can fulfill their training requirements and improve their job performance.

Q: What do you think are two of the most valuable training sessions in the City and why are they important to library staff?
A: Star Service the Jax Way is a class that educates staff in excellent customer service, and Introduction to Personal Computers is a class many employees need to take to do the basic functions required in their jobs.

Q: Who is your favorite author and what do you like about his/her work?
A: T. D. Jakes’ books are very inspirational and I feel that in this day and time we all need some kind of inspiration.

Q: What are one or two things most people do not know about you?
A: I’m not a native Floridian. I have been living in Clay County for 5 years and love it. I was born in Demopolis, Alabama, and I have lived in various cities in the U. S. before moving to Florida.

Chocolate Chip Giveaway and Performance Objectives

Karen Walker, Main Library, Reference, Senior Librarian, reports that the Digital Planet Team has delicious news for the JPL blog. She asks that you please take a look at this and see which of our teammates was the lucky winner—and shared June's Chocolate Chip Giveaway!

http://tinyurl.com/mc6pwh

JPL’s online book club is featured on our website with this description:
Email Book Preview
Join our Online Book Clubs and start reading books in your email. Each day we'll send you a 5-minute portion of a book. By the end of the week, you'll have read 2-3 chapters. If you'd like to finish a book, stop by the library and pick up a copy. Every week we feature new books. Sign up today and start reading tomorrow.

For Goal 2, to enable us ‘To determine products and services that will meet resident’s needs’, The Digital Planet Team members each selected a genre in the ‘Online Book Club’ and chose to learn more about this ‘Resource for Readers’. With 100% participation, co-workers enjoy promoting this resource one-to-one with Customers. To learn more about the Online Book Club, simply sign up today.

Notes from Collection Development

Bored with your hum drum existence? Looking for vicarious excitement? Read a biography and find out about someone else’s everyday life!

Biographies

Longshot: The Adventures of a Deaf Fundamentalist Mormon Kid

and His Journey to the NBA - by Lance Allred
Publisher: HarperOne
Pub Date: 06/01/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061718588
ISBN-10: 0061718580

At 6'11", professional basketball player Lance Allred looks right at home on the ball court. But what sets Allred apart from his teammates is the fact that he is almost completely deaf; in fact, he's the NBA's first legally hearing-impaired player. Add to that Allred's fascinating back-story--he's the son of a Montana polygamist and a grandson of the late Mormon fundamentalist leader Rulon Allred--and you've got one heck of an unlikely success story, the details of which Allred shares in Longshot. If you are a basketball fan, enjoy books about overcoming long odds, or like behind-the-scenes glimpses into polygamist societies, you can't go wrong with this unique and winning autobiography.

My Remarkable Journey - by Larry King
Publisher: Weinstein Books
Pub Date: 05/19/2009
ISBN-13: 9781602860865
ISBN-10: 1602860866

Since his first radio broadcast on May 1, 1957, Larry King has talked--and listened--to tens of thousands of people, both famous and not-so-famous. In My Remarkable Journey, King looks back on his storied life, from his humble roots in Depression-era Brooklyn to his success as the host of CNN's long-running Larry King Live. Candid and revealing, King also doesn't shy away from discussing potentially sensitive topics like his multiple failed marriages and his 1971 arrest for grand larceny. Fans of King and his humorous, good-natured attitude shouldn't miss this memoir, which Kirkus Reviews describes as "vintage King."

Clara's War: One Girl's Story of Survival - by Clara Kramer
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub Date: 05/01/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061728600
ISBN-10: 0061728608

When Clara Kramer, now president of the Holocaust Resource Foundation at Kean University, was 12 years old, her Polish hometown was overtaken by the Nazis and all Jews were ordered to relocate to the ghetto. Desperate to escape, Kramer's family--along with 17 other Polish Jews--hid in a grimy and cramped underground bunker. Aiding the Kramers and their companions in their struggle to survive and remain concealed was the most of unlikely of allies: their former neighbor, Mr. Beck, a drunken anti-Semite. "Both a gripping thriller and a heartbreaking drama of human kindness, this is sure to become a classic of Holocaust history," says Booklist.

Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival - by Norman Ollestad
Publisher: Ecco
Pub Date: 06/02/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061766725
ISBN-10: 0061766720

In February 1979, 11-year-old Norman Ollestad was aboard a small plane with his father and his father's girlfriend when they crashed into the side of the San Gabriel Mountains. Both the pilot and Norman's father were killed (and the female passenger was too injured to walk) so young Norman had to find his way down the 8,500 foot mountain alone. Luckily for Norman, his father--who had pushed Norman to excel at surfing and competitive downhill skiing--had prepared him well for the physical and emotional challenges of this seemingly impossible trek, which Ollestad chronicles in Crazy for the Storm. Readers who liked Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air won't want to miss this engrossing and poignant survival memoir.


Samuel Adams: A Life - by Ira Stoll
Publisher: Free Press
Pub Date: 11/04/2008
ISBN-13: 9780743299114
ISBN-10: 0743299116

Though often overshadowed by other Founding Fathers, Boston-born Samuel Adams was one of the first in the American colonies to call for independence from Britain. In fact, his pivotal roles in nearly every aspect of the American Revolution led Thomas Jefferson to later declare that Adams was "truly the man of the Revolution." In this illuminating biography, journalist Ira Stoll details Adams' life and role in United States history, including his work as a newspaper editor, Massachusetts governor, and statesman. Check out Samuel Adams to learn more about this most underrated of American revolutionaries.

Webb Wesconnett Branch Participates in Awareness Campaign

Webb Wesconnett announced the winner of their Library Card Campaign drawing, June 25: Edith Marroletti. She is pictured holding her prize, an MP3 player, donated by Branch Manager Erica Brown. Ms. Marroletti is a longtime customer there. Pictured at right (L/R) are Jackie Smith, Edith Marroletti, Tia Samuels, and Sandra Lockley. (For enlargement, click on the picture.)

Accolades to the Webb Wesconnett clerical staff. Their steadfastness and diligence is geared toward excellent customer service, which they provide daily to their deserving customers.

FLA Intellectual Freedom Committee Appoints Laura Minor As New Chair

Congratulations to Laura Minor, a JPL Librarian Senior, who was appointed chair of the FLA Intellectual Freedom Committee for 2009-2010. The committee responsibilities are:

To investigate cases of censorship involving libraries in the state and to take appropriate action when warranted and requested.

To inform FLA members and others in the library community about pertinent intellectual freedom issues and censorship cases through programs, workshops, and publications.

In conjunction with the FLA Legislative Committee, support efforts that oppose passage of legislation and ballot initiatives that attempt to undermine First Amendment rights.

To maintain a manual of procedures for all Florida librarians concerned with promoting intellectual freedom and fighting censorship in the state.

To learn more about intellectual freedom, please see the FLA’s Intellectual Freedom Manual, available for download at http://www.flalib.org/int_Freedom_Manual.php.

Cruisin' Down the St. Johns River On A Friday Afternoon

Images captured from the S.S. Marine boat on June 12, 2009, during the “Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns.”



Seventy-five people, including Jim Selzer, Library Board member, and Barbara Gubbin, Library Director, listened to poetry readings and songs and learned little known facts about the St. Johns River. Everyone enjoyed the sunset, skyline and each other's company during this two-hour cruise in partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Kudos from Customers

Main - Popular - Donna (Peretzman) was very helpful with computer skills.

Main - Special Collections - Arthur Finley and Cranston Burney are 2 of the most helpful and courteous people I have met in awhile. I was new at the library but I feel as if I've been coming here a long time. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Mandarin - I just have to tell you again what a great staff of people you have at the Mandarin Kori Road Branch. Professional, competent, well-trained, and very, very helpful. The list is enclosed. Names included: Lynne Baldwin, Don Carpenter, Margo Crafton, Elizabeth Garnett, Jeff Geiger, Cheryl Gilmore, Brittany Gonzales, Skyler Williams, Marjorie Herron, Tammy Hilbert, Josh Santiago, Robin Kowalski, Sarah Miller, Mary Mlady, Shivon Rockward, Pamela Sherrer, Cynthia Simmons, Linda Smith, Latanza Sutton, Melissa Tison, & Jean Winney.

Pablo Creek - I want to say thanks to Gail (Blumberg) for helping me a lot to find a book for my test. She did not stop helping me until she found the book and it was very difficult to find. Thank you.

Willowbranch - Jason (Brown) stands out in his willingness and friendliness. He always knows who I am and can tell me right off if HOLD books are in for me before I even get to them. I see him interact with other customers in a similar way too.

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