Brentwood - Staffs (Gloria Armstrong, Margaret Miles, and Trudy Hill) are the most helpful people... They are never rude, always greet me with a smile and never lose my returned books. …Thank you to ALL of them.
Main – 2ND Floor Reference: I am a senior person who cannot visit your library. The following comments are about Theresa Rooney: She is patience personified and a valuable asset to your library. Accolades to you and your entire staff. Thanks!
Main – Teen Department: I really appreciate the work and dedication put in by all the staff here at the Main Library, especially in the Teen Department. I commend Alissa (Leonard), Kelly (Likins), Mia (Clark)…. I respect them all for the awesome work they do … keeping us teens in order (mostly me).Thanks you guys.
South Mandarin - The male librarian (David Foster) in the children's section is absolutely wonderful!!! He always remembers our family including names (Wow - I have 5 kids). He is so friendly and helpful.
Willowbranch: Isabel (Pierre) and Julie (Lipschutz) in the children's library are wonderful both in expertise and personality. Because of them, my daughter has a love for the library. It is the highlight of our week.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Program at Mandarin Middle School Draws 220!
Donald Carpenter, Library Associate at Mandarin Branch Library, contributed this article. He has been successful in his outreach to Mandarin Middle School children by researching and helping them with a specific project, and he has acquainted them with JPL resources and programs:
How do you get 220 kids into an auditorium for a library program? Ask!
I attend School Advisory Committee meetings regularly at three public schools assigned to me by JPL, so the principals and teachers are acquainted with me. At every meeting, I talk about upcoming JPL programs and ask if there’s anything I can do to work with the schools. I also wrote a letter showing what the library provided (based on an example from Keli Likins) and asked that it be sent to all of the teachers.
In late September, I was asked by Khaki Hager, a history teacher at Mandarin Middle School, to do a presentation that would help the kids prepare for the National History Day Contest. The presentation was initially for a small group but the numbers continued to grow. I researched what was required to win the contest and came up with a three part program.
The first part was “Styles of Note Taking, or How to Stay Awake in Class”. This program was a simple Power Point showing three note taking techniques: outlining, mapping, and charting. The second part was a discussion on the requirements to win the essay portion of the National History Day Contest, which is the way the vast majority of the kids were entering this contest. I also included a single page handout with simple bibliographic examples for the kids. The third part, presented by Jeff Geiger, Librarian, was a Power Point showing the various databases available through JPL.
About a week after the presentation, I received a large packet from Ms. Hager. It contained thank-you notes from all 220 kids. I’m not vain enough to think that this was their idea, but by reading the notes, I could see that all three presentations were well received by the kids and that they had actually listened!
Now for the important part: what would I do differently? Believe it or not, the notes from the kids contained some good, positive criticism. (I told them at the start that I’d never done this before.):
1) Don’t talk so fast.
OK, I got a little excited, but it also took about 20 minutes to get the kids settled in. If this happens again, I will cut the program short rather than try to squeeze everything in.
2) Include audience participation.
This would help the kids get more involved.
Now that I’ve done this, I look forward to repeating the presentations and will improve them with time and practice. If anyone is planning something similar, please feel free to ask for help. Asking for help was one thing I’m sure I did right.
Below are some quotes from students’ thank-you notes to Don Carpenter’s presentation:
“Thanks for that amazing speech about the history fair and the note taking…”
“I want to thank you for your effort and your time to inform me about the history fair. I did learn new things and I think you did a great job…”
“Thank you for coming down to my school. You have taught me about doing different things. I did not know that the library had all those features, especially the ask the librarian part.”
How do you get 220 kids into an auditorium for a library program? Ask!
I attend School Advisory Committee meetings regularly at three public schools assigned to me by JPL, so the principals and teachers are acquainted with me. At every meeting, I talk about upcoming JPL programs and ask if there’s anything I can do to work with the schools. I also wrote a letter showing what the library provided (based on an example from Keli Likins) and asked that it be sent to all of the teachers.
In late September, I was asked by Khaki Hager, a history teacher at Mandarin Middle School, to do a presentation that would help the kids prepare for the National History Day Contest. The presentation was initially for a small group but the numbers continued to grow. I researched what was required to win the contest and came up with a three part program.
The first part was “Styles of Note Taking, or How to Stay Awake in Class”. This program was a simple Power Point showing three note taking techniques: outlining, mapping, and charting. The second part was a discussion on the requirements to win the essay portion of the National History Day Contest, which is the way the vast majority of the kids were entering this contest. I also included a single page handout with simple bibliographic examples for the kids. The third part, presented by Jeff Geiger, Librarian, was a Power Point showing the various databases available through JPL.
About a week after the presentation, I received a large packet from Ms. Hager. It contained thank-you notes from all 220 kids. I’m not vain enough to think that this was their idea, but by reading the notes, I could see that all three presentations were well received by the kids and that they had actually listened!
Now for the important part: what would I do differently? Believe it or not, the notes from the kids contained some good, positive criticism. (I told them at the start that I’d never done this before.):
1) Don’t talk so fast.
OK, I got a little excited, but it also took about 20 minutes to get the kids settled in. If this happens again, I will cut the program short rather than try to squeeze everything in.
2) Include audience participation.
This would help the kids get more involved.
Now that I’ve done this, I look forward to repeating the presentations and will improve them with time and practice. If anyone is planning something similar, please feel free to ask for help. Asking for help was one thing I’m sure I did right.
Below are some quotes from students’ thank-you notes to Don Carpenter’s presentation:
“Thanks for that amazing speech about the history fair and the note taking…”
“I want to thank you for your effort and your time to inform me about the history fair. I did learn new things and I think you did a great job…”
“Thank you for coming down to my school. You have taught me about doing different things. I did not know that the library had all those features, especially the ask the librarian part.”
Monday, January 11, 2010
Facilities Management & Planning - Maximizing Efficiencies in Difficult Economic Times
The Facilities Management and Planning group is taking a closer look at internal processes to ensure we maximize efficiencies in FY 2010. In our effort to reduce operational costs, we adopted a new strategy in delivering custodial services to JPL facilities. In October 2009, we switched from nighttime janitorial cleaning to daytime cleaning at all 21 branches and eliminated hourly day porters at 13 locations. The reduction in services will save JPL $312,000 annually, while enabling staff to closely monitor daily cleaning activities. Branch managers are reporting that the change has resulted in improved cleaning of their facilities. Another benefit of the daytime switch is the reduction of contract security staff at the Main Library saving JPL an additional $16,000.
Recently we continued our efforts to promote sustainable building practices by installing 19 electric hand dryers in public and staff restrooms at the Main library. Thirty five additional hand dryers are slated to be installed in upcoming months at AR, CW, DU, KR, NW and WBK. Once completed, paper towels will be removed from public and staff restrooms, reducing consumable paper products at those locations. We expect to see significant savings as a result of the decrease in paper towel orders.
In other exciting ‘sustainable’ news, the Facilities Management and Planning group established a partnership between JPL and the North Florida Chapter of the US Green Building Council to promote residential green building practices. The USGBC will hold workshops at seven library locations beginning January 14th at SOM. The workshops will provide information on advantages and incentives for local home-owners to build ‘green’, or remodel their homes with energy efficient products and appliances. Promotional flyers and posters were distributed to the branches to stimulate workshop attendance. Please visit http://greenjpl.wordpress.com/ for more information.
As we are continuously challenged to do more with less, FMP staff will keep working with vendors throughout the year to find cost-effective solutions for delivering services while ensuring that customer and staff needs are met.
Recently we continued our efforts to promote sustainable building practices by installing 19 electric hand dryers in public and staff restrooms at the Main library. Thirty five additional hand dryers are slated to be installed in upcoming months at AR, CW, DU, KR, NW and WBK. Once completed, paper towels will be removed from public and staff restrooms, reducing consumable paper products at those locations. We expect to see significant savings as a result of the decrease in paper towel orders.
In other exciting ‘sustainable’ news, the Facilities Management and Planning group established a partnership between JPL and the North Florida Chapter of the US Green Building Council to promote residential green building practices. The USGBC will hold workshops at seven library locations beginning January 14th at SOM. The workshops will provide information on advantages and incentives for local home-owners to build ‘green’, or remodel their homes with energy efficient products and appliances. Promotional flyers and posters were distributed to the branches to stimulate workshop attendance. Please visit http://greenjpl.wordpress.com/ for more information.
As we are continuously challenged to do more with less, FMP staff will keep working with vendors throughout the year to find cost-effective solutions for delivering services while ensuring that customer and staff needs are met.
Holmes & Smith Enable Others to Act
One of the key ingredients to enabling others to act is to get to know your co-workers. Kate Holmes and Frank Smith use a classic instrument for lubricating conversation: FOOD. Watch the latest One-minute Video Story to learn how they Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.
Everyone knows someone who models the way, inspires a shared vision, challenges the process, enables others to act, and/or encourages the heart. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it. Please contact jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
Everyone knows someone who models the way, inspires a shared vision, challenges the process, enables others to act, and/or encourages the heart. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it. Please contact jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Last Call -- FLA Poster Sessions
JPL has some of the most creative staff with some of the most successful projects and programs in the state. The Poster Sessions at the Florida Library Association's Annual Conference (April 7-9 in Orlando) is a great way to share our experiences with others.
The deadline to apply is fast approaching so please read this message if you are interested:
The deadline to apply is fast approaching so please read this message if you are interested:
Poster sessions may cover an array of topics such as reports on library
projects and programs, research studies, trends, and problem analysis.
Presenters create high quality visual material to cover a 4 foot by 8 foot area
and will be present to discuss their poster session with other conference
attendees during a pre-assigned time slot.
For more information, tips, and examples see http://www.flalib.org/conference_2010.php and click on Poster Session - Information, or click Online Application to apply.The deadline is Friday, January 22, 2010.
Any questions please contact patty@neflin.org.
Patricia Morris
Chair, FLA Continuing Education Committee
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Center for Adult Learning's Sharon Jaskula Shares Plans for Efficient Department
The Center for Adult Learning is managing and conserving resources in a variety of ways. A few years ago, all literacy students were given consumable workbooks and other materials free of charge when they enrolled in the program. As the program grew, this became too costly. Today, each CAL location has a “classroom set” of materials that are used (and reused) on site. Students are given ISBN numbers and ordering information if they want to purchase personal, consumable copies of materials directly from the publisher.
CAL also strives every year to secure grant funding for staffing, equipment, and materials that will enhance adult literacy services. An LSTA grant currently supports two full-time Special Purpose Employees who train tutors and instruct students. We are also constantly recruiting and training volunteer instructors to help serve more students - not an easy feat since CAL volunteers are asked to consistently commit at least 3-6 hours per week for a minimum of six months. We have recently established a relationship with the Florida Coastal School of Law that will provide up to four interns each week to help with testing, tutoring, and front desk coverage. These interns are scheduled to begin later in January.
Even small things can add up to big savings. CAL used grant funds to purchase an ELMO digital presenter and projector. Having this equipment allows CAL staff to train literacy tutors around the state without having to prepare/photocopy hard copies of manuals and student materials. Trainees leave with a CD of materials (to print as needed) rather than hundreds of pages of paper provided by JPL. We are working to reduce travel expenses as well by developing online tutor-training with the help of Richard Mott and Kate Holmes.
No dollars are well-spent if they fail to meet the needs of the customer. While CAL can’t be all things to all people, we have developed relationships within the community that keep us abreast of service trends and unmet needs. For example, our community college’s transition to a state college has eliminated many courses for lower-level readers. CAL staff researched the educational requirements for new G.E.D. and vocational programs at the college and now help adult learners reach those specific targets. Knowing whether or not other agencies are providing a service prevents duplication and allows us to direct resources where they are most needed.
In these times, we are all struggling with limited resources. CAL is proud to be part of the Library’s effort to provide a lifeline to another adult literacy provider, Learn to Read, Inc., the city’s oldest and largest provider of one-to-one tutoring for adults. JPL administrators, board members and Learn to Read are currently exploring the possibility of temporarily sharing space to ensure the continued survival of that organization. In my opinion, these efforts define what it means to be good stewards of JPL assets, sharing existing resources and maximizing their benefit to the community.
CAL also strives every year to secure grant funding for staffing, equipment, and materials that will enhance adult literacy services. An LSTA grant currently supports two full-time Special Purpose Employees who train tutors and instruct students. We are also constantly recruiting and training volunteer instructors to help serve more students - not an easy feat since CAL volunteers are asked to consistently commit at least 3-6 hours per week for a minimum of six months. We have recently established a relationship with the Florida Coastal School of Law that will provide up to four interns each week to help with testing, tutoring, and front desk coverage. These interns are scheduled to begin later in January.
Even small things can add up to big savings. CAL used grant funds to purchase an ELMO digital presenter and projector. Having this equipment allows CAL staff to train literacy tutors around the state without having to prepare/photocopy hard copies of manuals and student materials. Trainees leave with a CD of materials (to print as needed) rather than hundreds of pages of paper provided by JPL. We are working to reduce travel expenses as well by developing online tutor-training with the help of Richard Mott and Kate Holmes.
No dollars are well-spent if they fail to meet the needs of the customer. While CAL can’t be all things to all people, we have developed relationships within the community that keep us abreast of service trends and unmet needs. For example, our community college’s transition to a state college has eliminated many courses for lower-level readers. CAL staff researched the educational requirements for new G.E.D. and vocational programs at the college and now help adult learners reach those specific targets. Knowing whether or not other agencies are providing a service prevents duplication and allows us to direct resources where they are most needed.
In these times, we are all struggling with limited resources. CAL is proud to be part of the Library’s effort to provide a lifeline to another adult literacy provider, Learn to Read, Inc., the city’s oldest and largest provider of one-to-one tutoring for adults. JPL administrators, board members and Learn to Read are currently exploring the possibility of temporarily sharing space to ensure the continued survival of that organization. In my opinion, these efforts define what it means to be good stewards of JPL assets, sharing existing resources and maximizing their benefit to the community.
Staff Profile
Belinda Campbell, Library Assistant in Support Services, was recognized as Employee of the Quarter and congratulated by Chair Mark Wood and Director Barbara Gubbin in the November Library Board of Trustees meeting. Ms. Campbell, who has worked for the Jacksonville Public Library for 38 years, was presented with tokens of appreciation.Q: You have been with the City/JPL a long time. What has kept your interest in working for JPL?
A: My longevity with JPL is because of the relationship I had with my coworkers in the Art and Music Department for over 30 years; we worked and played as a family. Over the past five years or so I have worked as a copy cataloger in Support Services and I like my work and I thank God for the friends I have made.
Q: You have a reputation of being diligent, thorough, and positive and a quick learner. How have these characteristics helped you through the years?
A: Having a positive attitude is the key to achieving everything.
Q: You enable your colleagues to perform their jobs better by providing work-related information and instruction. Why do you consistently take time to do this?
A: If there is a need, I am willing to assist. I believe in treating people the way I would want to be treated.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
A: I Love Football.
Q: Who is your favorite author or book and why?
A: Lately, I’ve been reading lots of children’s books, such as SpongeBob, Thomas the Builder, and Dora the Explorer. I have a seven-year-old grandson and we read together. I read to him or he reads to me, which is a joy!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Westbrook Branch Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Jacksonville
The Westbrook Branch Library celebrated its 50th birthday Wednesday, December 16,, with a Fab 50s themed event. Laura Minnich, Branch Manager, said they were excited to reach this milestone!
Visitors to the library that day were invited to peruse various displays celebrating the 50s and participate in a trivia contest. Drawings were held throughout the day and several local businesses contributed prizes.
Barbara Gubbin addressed library customers and staff and congratulated all who made it possible for Westbrook to achieve 50 years of library service. They were honored to have Mrs. Judy Campbell in attendance; her father was instrumental in persuading City Council to build the Westbrook Branch. She addressed the crowd as well and shared some special memories of her father and his impact on the community. Also in attendance were Warren Jones, District 9 Council member, Harry Reagan, FJPL president and several former Westbrook staff members, who are pictured, left-right, back to front: Marjorie Gibbons, Ed Lein, Jackie Curry, and Annette Smith. Friday, December 18, 2009
Kudos from Customers
Beaches Branch: A couple weeks ago I called... for materials on a national park. My son needed it for school - the next day. We called at around 5pm, and Katherine Daye was very helpful. She quickly pulled some materials together for us to pick up that evening. The most impressive thing is that she was pleasant and happy to help. That is real customer service and we appreciate her.
Highlands Branch: This is a complimentary card for the entire staff...in particular Ms. Kristi Dorney, who immediately came to my rescue for rescheduling meeting space.... I was able to do so with no hesitation and much welcomed friendliness. I believe this lady, as well as the cleaning staff and regular library staff, are an asset to our city's local, free public learning and will recommend this facility for future use.
Main - Genealogy Department: Mr. David White in the genealogy department was the only! person in the last 7 years out of all the statistic offices, funeral homes and all other places (incl. Internet), who was able to help us, was listening, and understood the necessity of our inquiry. Thank you very much!
Pablo Creek Branch: Mrs Crafword gave excellent reference help and has assisted me in obtaining all the information I needed in a thorough manner.
Regency Square Branch: I have received ...excellent service rendered by Mr. Hassan Hamid, Clerical Worker II, ...very courteous and helpful. I also took note of the jovial and wholesome nature that he possesses and...kindness and professionalism shown to me by Ms. Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Supervisor...
Highlands Branch: This is a complimentary card for the entire staff...in particular Ms. Kristi Dorney, who immediately came to my rescue for rescheduling meeting space.... I was able to do so with no hesitation and much welcomed friendliness. I believe this lady, as well as the cleaning staff and regular library staff, are an asset to our city's local, free public learning and will recommend this facility for future use.
Main - Genealogy Department: Mr. David White in the genealogy department was the only! person in the last 7 years out of all the statistic offices, funeral homes and all other places (incl. Internet), who was able to help us, was listening, and understood the necessity of our inquiry. Thank you very much!
Pablo Creek Branch: Mrs Crafword gave excellent reference help and has assisted me in obtaining all the information I needed in a thorough manner.
Regency Square Branch: I have received ...excellent service rendered by Mr. Hassan Hamid, Clerical Worker II, ...very courteous and helpful. I also took note of the jovial and wholesome nature that he possesses and...kindness and professionalism shown to me by Ms. Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Supervisor...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Mrs. Claus & Rudolph Make Early Appearance at Southeast
On the morning of Thursday, December 17, the Children’s Department of Southeast Regional Library held a Reindeer Run with a special early appearance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Mrs. Claus.
Participants were children 3 to 11 years old, who followed Rudolph around a designated track. The run was organized to provide food donations for hungry pets to be given to local animal charities. Pictured are Rudolph (Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant) and Mrs. Claus (Nelly Harnisch, Clerical Support Aide II). Also, pictured is Mrs. Claus and participants after the exhausting run.The run will continue each weekday until Wednesday, December 23.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Southeast Celebrates Successful 2009
On Thursday, December 10th, Southeast full-time employees, part-time employees, and volunteers celebrated the end of 2009 by holding an end-of-the-year grill event. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled and all the trimmings were available.Senior Librarian Bob Silkett suggested the event as he explained that 2009 had been a challenging, yet very successful year for the Southeast Library. This being the case, staff had good reason to chow down. Pictured from left to right are Pauline Berkeley (P/T Circulation), Arlene Wilson (P/T Shelver), Theresa Barmer (Library Manager), and Joyce Myllykangas (F/T Circulation).
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Live United - JPL United Way Campaign
Congratulations to JPL for joining together to make Jacksonville a better place!
Library staff have contributed $16,560.20 this year to the Live United campaign to change lives and shape communities. Special thanks to United Way Employee Campaign Chair Sara Gunter, and Co-Chairs Pam McClellan and James Patterson for their leadership. Thanks to each of the library representatives who volunteered their time to help make the campaign a success! Finally, thanks to every library staff member who gave, volunteered, or advocated to make Jacksonville a better community in 2009!
Library staff have contributed $16,560.20 this year to the Live United campaign to change lives and shape communities. Special thanks to United Way Employee Campaign Chair Sara Gunter, and Co-Chairs Pam McClellan and James Patterson for their leadership. Thanks to each of the library representatives who volunteered their time to help make the campaign a success! Finally, thanks to every library staff member who gave, volunteered, or advocated to make Jacksonville a better community in 2009!
Friday, December 11, 2009
One-Minute Video - Gretchen Mitchell Encourages the Heart
In this week's one-minute video story (which is actually more like two minutes), Chiquita Powell and Gretchen Mitchell remember how distraught Chiquita was at the prospect of taking full responsibility for the Children's Department at the Argyle Branch when it first opened, and how an unexpected visit from Gretchen made a world of difference.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Northwest FRIENDS
The staff of the Northwest Branch Library thanks its Friends group for their fundraising efforts for the branch. A reception was held on Monday, December 7 to thank the NW Friends of the Library. The Friends had held a booksale at the branch in September and Alisha Harrell, president, presented the proceeds to the staff at the reception. The staff is very grateful to the Friends and all their hard work and has great plans for the library and its customers!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Pablo Creek Branch Excels in Volunteer Efficiency
Pablo Creek Branch Library had 40 volunteers (more than twice that of other JPL locations), who worked 5,477 hours, FY2009! PCR also retains many of their volunteers over a long period of time. Consequently, we asked Gail Blumberg, Library Associate, Senior, and Volunteer Coordinator there, to share some ideas on one of this year’s Performance Objectives: "Increase the library’s capacity to serve the public with an improved volunteer recruitment and retention program. Identify best practices; evaluate current practices; address barriers & increase current (FY09) level of volunteer hours by 2%.”
Ms. Blumberg said Pablo Creek’s location provides good access to retirees and students, who are more apt to volunteer. PCR has many volunteers that have proven to be a good fit. Some have even become part-time employees. She realizes this might not be the case at all locations.
The volunteer coordinator must combine organizational and communication skills in order to run a successful volunteer program. At PCR, for example, a weekly schedule is posted that includes volunteers’ names, duties and hours of service. Employees and volunteers can consult this weekly schedule as needed. This results in better planning and a positive work environment.
Where communication is concerned, she is cognizant that volunteers and staff feel free to voice their needs and opinions to her. She assigns specific duties to volunteers, such as processing holds, weeding newspapers, or reshelving in the teen, children’s or adult areas.
Each prospective volunteer is interviewed before being assigned to any work area. During this time, Ms. Blumberg tries to match the volunteer to the best work for him/her. For instance, she finds out if older volunteers can stand for a length of time shelving. If they cannot, they might be assigned to making phone calls for customer holds. This process has been beneficial in the retention of volunteers. PCR has volunteers who have been there since it opened in 2004.
She is glad to hear that HR is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. This will allow both volunteers and library staff to decide whether or not individual placements will work for all concerned.
Ms. Blumberg said Pablo Creek’s location provides good access to retirees and students, who are more apt to volunteer. PCR has many volunteers that have proven to be a good fit. Some have even become part-time employees. She realizes this might not be the case at all locations.
The volunteer coordinator must combine organizational and communication skills in order to run a successful volunteer program. At PCR, for example, a weekly schedule is posted that includes volunteers’ names, duties and hours of service. Employees and volunteers can consult this weekly schedule as needed. This results in better planning and a positive work environment.
Where communication is concerned, she is cognizant that volunteers and staff feel free to voice their needs and opinions to her. She assigns specific duties to volunteers, such as processing holds, weeding newspapers, or reshelving in the teen, children’s or adult areas.
Each prospective volunteer is interviewed before being assigned to any work area. During this time, Ms. Blumberg tries to match the volunteer to the best work for him/her. For instance, she finds out if older volunteers can stand for a length of time shelving. If they cannot, they might be assigned to making phone calls for customer holds. This process has been beneficial in the retention of volunteers. PCR has volunteers who have been there since it opened in 2004.
She is glad to hear that HR is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. This will allow both volunteers and library staff to decide whether or not individual placements will work for all concerned.
Friday, December 04, 2009
City's HR Initiates Trial Period for Volunteers
Sandra Stonestreet said that Human Resources is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. Currently volunteers are required to clear a background screening before they can begin volunteering. JPL volunteer coordinators find many adults don’t understand the nature of the work or it is not what they expected and do not come back to complete the 30 hour commitment. A trial period will give adults an opportunity to experience the work first hand before going through the background screening process. We hope this will result in more satisfied volunteers and a savings to the City.
The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.
The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.
Staff Profile
CSAII Susan Williamson works at Pablo Creek Branch Library and believes in furthering your education.Q: You received your AA in Psychology from the University of Phoenix recently--Congratulations! Do you plan to continue your education at this time?
A: Thank you. I am very excited about my AA degree. I have been working on it for a long time. Yes, I do plan to continue my education. I am waiting to see if FCCJ is going to have a four year program for psychology. My dad always wanted me to finish school. At this time, however, I am not sure when and where I will be finishing up. I have to give a special thank you to Christie Rogers and Joanna Tuskey for helping me to get through math. I was having a very hard time and they offered to help me.
Q: What have you learned in psychology that will help you in your position as CSAII?
A: Working with customers every day, I find that I use a lot of psychology. The classes have helped me understand and meet the needs of our customers. These classes have also helped with my personal development plan which is “Model the Way”.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of working at the library?
A: For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work in a library. For 13 years I worked in a private elementary school library. However, I knew I really wanted to work in a public library. When the opportunity came, I was ready. I worked for a summer at Webb Wesconnett Branch and then I was able to work part-time at Regency Square Branch. I have been full-time for five years and I love working at the Pablo Creek Branch. The most rewarding aspect to me has been getting to know the customers and working with some good people.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: Since I now have some free time, I enjoy reading the most. I have also found that I enjoy writing book reviews on PCR's Facebook page.
Q: What is the most interesting book you have ever read?
A: I cannot think of one book that has been the most interesting to me. However, when I realized in ninth grade how much I had missed reading, the first book I picked up was Victoria Holt’s Menfreya in the Morning. After that, it was all the Gothic romances that were written at that time; now it is any good mystery.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Notes from Collectin Development:
These Summer Blockbusters are now on DVD and in the collection:
When college-bound Sam Witwicky learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world.
James T. Kirk and his fellow novice crew members aboard the Enterprise face the Romulan villain Nero, who seeks revenge against the Vulcan race for an action committed by Spock in the future.
Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daly (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smitsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibts at the Smithsonian, including the pharoaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren't at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.
When college-bound Sam Witwicky learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world.
James T. Kirk and his fellow novice crew members aboard the Enterprise face the Romulan villain Nero, who seeks revenge against the Vulcan race for an action committed by Spock in the future.
Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daly (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smitsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibts at the Smithsonian, including the pharoaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren't at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.
Monday, November 30, 2009
One-Minute Video Story -- Marlin Models the Way
In this week's one-minute video, Joanna Tuskey shares a recollection of how Marlin Day, by his work ethic and teamwork, Modeled the Way when University Park was preparing to open to the public for the first time.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause [] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
Do you have a story to share of how someone demonstrated one of the Five Practices of destination:LEADERSHIP? If so, please contact me at jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed the last video story, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to display the previous clip.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause [] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
Do you have a story to share of how someone demonstrated one of the Five Practices of destination:LEADERSHIP? If so, please contact me at jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed the last video story, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to display the previous clip.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Webb Wesconnett Branch Library Turns 30
Barbara Gubbin addressed a group of customers and staff and congratulated Webb Wesconnett Branch staff for their successful efforts in producing their library's 30th anniversary celebration, November 21. Other speakers were Senator Stephen Wise, Rev. Webb (the library bears his father's name), and Margaret Smith, Webb Wesconnett's first branch manager.Library Associate Jack Betancourt and Librarian Mia Brack hold the 30th birthday invitation created for the event.
Publix donated a beautiful cake and prizes were noted on pieces of paper inside balloons that were released for this celebration.
Happy Birthday, Webb Wesconnett, and all of you can take a bow, who have been and are a part of its great success in this community.
"Tom" Is No "Turkey" at Raising Food Need Awareness at Southeast Branch
On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 10:30am, Mr. Tom Turkey, (Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant) strutted his stuff at the Southeast Library first annual Turkey Trot Rally. In commemoration of Thanksgiving Day, children, 0 to 18 months, and their parents, chased "Mr. Tom" around a track set up in the Children's Department. Participating children chose non-perishable foods, donated by the employees, and placed them in a food donation barrel. The items, donated by the staff, will be taken to the local food bank in Jacksonville.The Turkey Trot Rally events will occur several times during the day, and also on Wednesday, November 25. So if you have a need to burn some calories before the big day, visit the Southeast Regional Library. Shown in the picture is "Mr. Tom," encouraging trotters by flapping his wings before his first run.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Collection Development Resource Management FY2010
We will be sharing ideas and plans from various departments about how they will contribute to resource management in FY2010 and how they plan to help JPL meet its Performance Objectives.
Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor, Collection Development, shared a vital plan her department will use:
"One of the ways Collection Development will be contributing toward the economic success objective in this year’s service priorities is by doing regular searches and orders for materials such as career development (resume books) and testing books. These materials are not regularly reviewed so by doing targeted searches within our vendor’s databases we will be able to identify and order materials that may not have been ordered otherwise. This process will provide additional economic success materials throughout the system on a regular basis."
Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor, Collection Development, shared a vital plan her department will use:
"One of the ways Collection Development will be contributing toward the economic success objective in this year’s service priorities is by doing regular searches and orders for materials such as career development (resume books) and testing books. These materials are not regularly reviewed so by doing targeted searches within our vendor’s databases we will be able to identify and order materials that may not have been ordered otherwise. This process will provide additional economic success materials throughout the system on a regular basis."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mandarin Branch Is Cookin'
The staff of the Mandarin Library recently helped at the First Annual Chili Cook-off at the Mandarin Senior Center. Everyone enjoyed the chili, and a good time was had by all! Shown in the picture are (clockwise) Don Carpenter (red hat), Library Associate; Eric Cusaac, CSA II; Linda Smith, Library Associate; Margo Crafton, Children's Librarian Senior; Robin Kowalski, CSA II; and Elizabeth Garnett, Librarian. Not pictured: Mary Mlady, Librarian; Lisa Veal, Part-time Clerical; and Lynne Baldwin, Branch Manager.
Kudos from Customers
Brentwood Branch: “I appreciate that, when asked, they (Trudy Hill, Gloria Armstrong, and Margaret Miles) are most helpful, in a kind manner, not condescending as though I should know how to look up an item. Or, because I walk with a cane, they do not treat me as though I am not intelligent, and as I am an older person, they do not treat me as if I have lost my mind or am a ‘little old lady’”.
Main Library – 3rd Floor Reference: "I would like to call attention to an exceptional employee, Stacey Van Hoy, who has proven on a consistent basis to be helpful, knowledgeable, and very courteous. She exemplifies what a library associate should be. Thank you."
Main Library – Talking Books: "I would like to compliment Chris (Eaton) and all of his staff at the Talking Books/Special Needs Library. "Special Needs" "Need Special" People to serve. These guys truly are "Champions for the Underserved". Please give these "Special People" all the support they require to continue this Worthwhile Endeavour. Thank You!!"
Mandarin Branch: "Elizabeth (Garnett) was really helpful; she took really good care of me."
Murray Hill Branch: "So many resources, always back where they belong. I think the librarians and staff (Mark Hohnadel, Revondolyn Dubois, Elizabeth Cobb, Tonya Wright, and Margaret Esposito) are always helpful and polite. Thank you."
Main Library – 3rd Floor Reference: "I would like to call attention to an exceptional employee, Stacey Van Hoy, who has proven on a consistent basis to be helpful, knowledgeable, and very courteous. She exemplifies what a library associate should be. Thank you."
Main Library – Talking Books: "I would like to compliment Chris (Eaton) and all of his staff at the Talking Books/Special Needs Library. "Special Needs" "Need Special" People to serve. These guys truly are "Champions for the Underserved". Please give these "Special People" all the support they require to continue this Worthwhile Endeavour. Thank You!!"
Mandarin Branch: "Elizabeth (Garnett) was really helpful; she took really good care of me."
Murray Hill Branch: "So many resources, always back where they belong. I think the librarians and staff (Mark Hohnadel, Revondolyn Dubois, Elizabeth Cobb, Tonya Wright, and Margaret Esposito) are always helpful and polite. Thank you."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Library Board Honors Director Barbara Gubbin for Outstanding Leadership
The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees (front, left to right: Mark Wood, Chair, Rocelia Roman de Gonzalez, Director Gubbin with plaque, Rita Cannon, Brenda Simmons; l to r, back: William (Bill) Scheu and Jim Selzer) presented Barbara Gubbin, Library Director, with a plaque at their November 12 meeting and congratulated Ms. Gubbin on her outstanding leadership and work.Director Gubbin thanked the Library Board and took the opportunity to recognize the library staff for their hard work during a challenging budget year.
Director Gubbin also announced in the board meeting that JPL would receive a "Star Library" rating in the second year of the new ratings index from Library Journal.
Week of Valor at the Main Library
To celebrate the City’s Week of Valor, the Center for Adult Learning’s Karen Wishart found inspiration in the Navy’s Professional Reading Program for Leadership Development (http://www.navyreading.navy.mil/). Through this program, the Navy recommends specific titles for Junior Enlisted up to Senior Leaders.
Karen and her co-workers created a book display of reading list titles near the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library, using camouflage and Navy uniform colors to set off the display. They developed a bookmark of titles for customers interested in the Navy Leadership Program. Karen then contacted Military Affairs who put out the word that the Library was looking for someone to talk about books from the list. They were fortunate enough to have two Commanders reply to the invitation.
The first speaker was Commander Jon Singleton (right), a Logistics Officer, who has served in the Navy for more than 18 years. He chose the book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10. The book was particularly meaningful to him since he served in Afghanistan where this incident took place. If you have not read Lone Survivor, it is Marcus Luttrell’s recounting of Navy Seal training, the nature of their mission, and the agonizing decision to determine whether the men they met moving across Afghanistan were farmers or Taliban. The book is also about Luttrell’s coming to grips with his order not to summarily execute three local travelers, a decision which ultimately led to the ambush and execution of his entire squad. Commander Singleton’s photographs of Afghanistan and his first-hand accounts of the struggle to distinguish friend from foe were both riveting and terrible.
The second speaker was Commander Scott Smith (pictured left with Karen Wishart). Commander Smith is the Captain of the Naval Frigate, USS Klakring, which anchored at the Landing during the Week of Valor. He chose to talk about the book, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy. As a captain of a frigate, he pointed to a pin that all frigate officers wear on their uniforms. On it are six stars which represent the original six ships built by the Navy. Commander Smith has sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean Sea. He brought maps with him to illustrate which countries were active in piracy during the early years of the Navy as described in Six Frigates, then drew parallels to the piracy and shipping problems experienced by some of the same countries today. Retired officers and residents of Fleet Landing attended this book talk; they enjoyed exchanging memories of their service with Commander Smith as much as they enjoyed hearing about the book.
Both of the commanders and those in attendance would like to participate in additional book discussions in the future.
Karen and her co-workers created a book display of reading list titles near the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library, using camouflage and Navy uniform colors to set off the display. They developed a bookmark of titles for customers interested in the Navy Leadership Program. Karen then contacted Military Affairs who put out the word that the Library was looking for someone to talk about books from the list. They were fortunate enough to have two Commanders reply to the invitation. 
The first speaker was Commander Jon Singleton (right), a Logistics Officer, who has served in the Navy for more than 18 years. He chose the book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10. The book was particularly meaningful to him since he served in Afghanistan where this incident took place. If you have not read Lone Survivor, it is Marcus Luttrell’s recounting of Navy Seal training, the nature of their mission, and the agonizing decision to determine whether the men they met moving across Afghanistan were farmers or Taliban. The book is also about Luttrell’s coming to grips with his order not to summarily execute three local travelers, a decision which ultimately led to the ambush and execution of his entire squad. Commander Singleton’s photographs of Afghanistan and his first-hand accounts of the struggle to distinguish friend from foe were both riveting and terrible.
The second speaker was Commander Scott Smith (pictured left with Karen Wishart). Commander Smith is the Captain of the Naval Frigate, USS Klakring, which anchored at the Landing during the Week of Valor. He chose to talk about the book, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy. As a captain of a frigate, he pointed to a pin that all frigate officers wear on their uniforms. On it are six stars which represent the original six ships built by the Navy. Commander Smith has sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean Sea. He brought maps with him to illustrate which countries were active in piracy during the early years of the Navy as described in Six Frigates, then drew parallels to the piracy and shipping problems experienced by some of the same countries today. Retired officers and residents of Fleet Landing attended this book talk; they enjoyed exchanging memories of their service with Commander Smith as much as they enjoyed hearing about the book.Both of the commanders and those in attendance would like to participate in additional book discussions in the future.
Video Stories -- Destination:LEADERSHIP
So many of our staff are doing a wonderful job of living the Five Practices of Destination:LEADERSHIP, and we want to share some of their stories.
In this clip, Susan Mankowski tells about a day when she was feeling stressed and Keith Hayes Encouraged her Heart.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play, then click the Pause [||] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
In this clip, Susan Mankowski tells about a day when she was feeling stressed and Keith Hayes Encouraged her Heart.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play, then click the Pause [||] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
Friday, November 13, 2009
New Options Available in the General Employees Pension Plan
by Beth Mangold and Angela Vigil
New retirement plan options for positions covered by the General Employees Pension Plan became effective on October 1. Employees now have more choices when selecting their city retirement plans.
Perhaps the biggest change is that the medical process was abolished. This means that employees who did not enter the pension plan because of medical issues when they were hired may now join as a regular member. Members who joined the plan under a medical waiver will no longer be limited by the waiver.
Another attractive change to the plan is the introduction of a Defined Contribution (DC) plan, similar to a 401(k) plan. Under this option employees can contribute 7.7 percent of their pay to an investment account and the city will match their contributions. These investment accounts will be managed by Great West Retirement Service, who also administers the deferred compensation (457) plan.
The new pension laws (governed by Ordinance 2007-1136) provide an opportunity for current Defined Benefit (DB) plan members to change to the DC plan. This is a one-time option for current employees. New Employees hired after October 1 will select their pension plan upon employment - either the traditional DB plan or the new DC plan. Both plans will be covered by a disability trust fund, which is essentially the same disability program that was offered with the original DB plan.
Employees who are not currently enrolled in a city sponsored plan are encouraged to contact the Retirement System Administrative Office to set an appointment to review plan options and make an enrollment selection. Once a plan selection is made, employees will be enrolled in the selected plan for the next practical payroll.
For additional information regarding the new pension options, please check the links below.
Retirement Systems Employee Portal page
Questions on Plan Comparisons
Read the new pension ordinance
Pension Plan training is in development. Watch for an announcement from Retirement System Administrative Office when it is available.
If you have immediate questions or would like to make appointment with Retirement System staff to review the plans and enrollment options, please contact Beth Mangold or Judy Connare 255-7281 in the Retirement System Administrative Office at 255-7285.
New retirement plan options for positions covered by the General Employees Pension Plan became effective on October 1. Employees now have more choices when selecting their city retirement plans.
Perhaps the biggest change is that the medical process was abolished. This means that employees who did not enter the pension plan because of medical issues when they were hired may now join as a regular member. Members who joined the plan under a medical waiver will no longer be limited by the waiver.
Another attractive change to the plan is the introduction of a Defined Contribution (DC) plan, similar to a 401(k) plan. Under this option employees can contribute 7.7 percent of their pay to an investment account and the city will match their contributions. These investment accounts will be managed by Great West Retirement Service, who also administers the deferred compensation (457) plan.
The new pension laws (governed by Ordinance 2007-1136) provide an opportunity for current Defined Benefit (DB) plan members to change to the DC plan. This is a one-time option for current employees. New Employees hired after October 1 will select their pension plan upon employment - either the traditional DB plan or the new DC plan. Both plans will be covered by a disability trust fund, which is essentially the same disability program that was offered with the original DB plan.
Employees who are not currently enrolled in a city sponsored plan are encouraged to contact the Retirement System Administrative Office to set an appointment to review plan options and make an enrollment selection. Once a plan selection is made, employees will be enrolled in the selected plan for the next practical payroll.
For additional information regarding the new pension options, please check the links below.
Retirement Systems Employee Portal page
Questions on Plan Comparisons
Read the new pension ordinance
Pension Plan training is in development. Watch for an announcement from Retirement System Administrative Office when it is available.
If you have immediate questions or would like to make appointment with Retirement System staff to review the plans and enrollment options, please contact Beth Mangold or Judy Connare 255-7281 in the Retirement System Administrative Office at 255-7285.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Staff Profile
Virginia Dixon, pictured to the right, is a lovely lady who has been 
a JPL English as a Second Language teacher and "Volunteer
Extraordinaire" for more than six years.
She gets to know each of her students personally, discovering what they most need to know to improve their English and adjust to American customs. She creates lesson plans and special learning activities to meet their needs. For instance, a class she teaches could include adult students from the Ukraine, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Puerto Rico. Virginia Dixon is well liked by students, fellow volunteers, and JPL Staff.
Sharon Jaskula, Program Manager for JPL's Center for Adult Learning, was so impressed with Ms. Dixon that she nominated her to be one of the outstanding people to be featured in an article entitled "Unsung Heroes" in the November issue of Florida Monthly magazine. We thought you would like to know a little more about Virginia Dixon, who is enjoying her 90th year.
Q: You have been volunteering for a long time. What interested you in volunteering at JPL?
A: I had a desire to enjoy the teaching/learning experience again.
Q: What is the most outstanding thing you have learned as a volunteer?
A: I would pay to enjoy myself on this volunteer job.
Q: What would you say to someone who is contemplating becoming a volunteer?
A: It's a "give and take" situation.
Q: Who was your favorite mentor and how did he/she influence your life?
A: A high school teacher who taught me--in an interesting fashion--not to "hide my light under a barrel." This led me into the education field, and now--toward the end of my life--in the joy of sharing again.
Q: What is your favorite book or author and why?
A: Strangely enough, Dick Francis, a famous author of mystery stories. His fame is due to his fabulous plots and conveying information of all sorts, such as telling about horse raising--always in a British setting.
a JPL English as a Second Language teacher and "Volunteer
Extraordinaire" for more than six years.
She gets to know each of her students personally, discovering what they most need to know to improve their English and adjust to American customs. She creates lesson plans and special learning activities to meet their needs. For instance, a class she teaches could include adult students from the Ukraine, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Puerto Rico. Virginia Dixon is well liked by students, fellow volunteers, and JPL Staff.
Sharon Jaskula, Program Manager for JPL's Center for Adult Learning, was so impressed with Ms. Dixon that she nominated her to be one of the outstanding people to be featured in an article entitled "Unsung Heroes" in the November issue of Florida Monthly magazine. We thought you would like to know a little more about Virginia Dixon, who is enjoying her 90th year.
Q: You have been volunteering for a long time. What interested you in volunteering at JPL?A: I had a desire to enjoy the teaching/learning experience again.
Q: What is the most outstanding thing you have learned as a volunteer?
A: I would pay to enjoy myself on this volunteer job.
Q: What would you say to someone who is contemplating becoming a volunteer?
A: It's a "give and take" situation.
Q: Who was your favorite mentor and how did he/she influence your life?
A: A high school teacher who taught me--in an interesting fashion--not to "hide my light under a barrel." This led me into the education field, and now--toward the end of my life--in the joy of sharing again.
Q: What is your favorite book or author and why?
A: Strangely enough, Dick Francis, a famous author of mystery stories. His fame is due to his fabulous plots and conveying information of all sorts, such as telling about horse raising--always in a British setting.
Who Pays and Who Paid the Price
Veterans' Day can never be just another holiday. Many of us have lost family and friends and know the depth of this truth. Young men and women who never experienced having a family of their own or left their families far too early in life. My family has lost five. So we remember all those who are valiantly serving their country and who have done so in the past. We remember with great respect and honor. Thank you.Some pictures say it all and this one does.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
You Oughta Be In Pictures, University Park
Halloween, Halloween! Oh, what scary (and lovely and awesome)things were seen by customers and staff at UPK. At left is a wall decoration University Park Branch sported for the occasion.
Marlin Day is an avid scifi/fantacy fan and his costume was based on Gimli the Dwarf from Lord of the Rings. Cindy Chism made the Gimli costume, name plates for those who wore costumes, Peter Pan's hat, and the Incredibles logo.
Kim Hamilton donned an Afro.
And Leeanna Trail breezed around as a lime colored Tinkerbell. Cindy Chism commanded attention as the lovely Queen.
Zavonia Robinson's choice was a leather Jacket with a mini skirt. David Humphries masked his handsome face as Dash (the Incredibles), and Joshua Wise was Peter Pan.
Good service and a good time were enjoyed by all!
Mayor Peyton Honors Employees for Years of Service
Below is the link to the photos taken at the Mayor’s Service Pin Ceremony,Tuesday, November 3, when he recognized and thanked City and JPL employees for their years of service. JPL employees are honored each month on the right of this blog in a gadget entitled "Years of Service with City/JPL". There's a long list of staff celebrating their years of service this November and we appreciate every one of you!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34206377@N08/sets/72157622601404871/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34206377@N08/sets/72157622601404871/
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Halloween Was Party Time at Willowbranch
Willowbranch Branch Library celebrated Halloween with a party on Wednesday, October 28. They had a great turnout of about 100 parents and children.The first photo is from the “bubble tent”. Julie Lipschutz, Librarian, created a tent out of black garbage bags, installed a black light, and blew glow-in-the-dark bubbles using a bubble machine. Is that clever or what!
The second photo is of children volunteering to participate in the mummy-wrapping contest.
Notes from Collection Development
For Fans of Fall Football, we have the Following:
Gridiron Gauntlet: The Story of the Men Who Integrated Pro Football in Their Own Words
Andy Piascik
ISBN: 9781589794429
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
Pub Date: October 01, 2009
One year before Jackie Robinson broke the color line in major league baseball, four black players joined the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams to become the first African-American pro football players in the modern era. Players who began their careers from 1946 to 1955 reminisce about the violence they faced on and off the field, the world of segregation and the violence it brought, but also of white players and coaches who assisted and supported their careers.
Frantic Francis: How One Coach's Madness Changed Football
Brett Perkins
ISBN: 9780803218949
Publisher: Bison Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
When Francis Schmidt, a bow tie–wearing law school graduate with a bombastic personality, got started as a volunteer high school coach, football still followed Victorian tenets of caution and simplicity and often employed fewer than fifty plays. By the time “Frantic Francis” had risen through the ranks of small colleges on the plains to one of the top coaching jobs in America—head coach at Ohio State University in the 1930s—football was a wild, wide-open game, largely because of Schmidt’s own daring style. With a mind that never stopped thinking about football, he created a playbook ten times larger than those previously used during his era and filled it with daring, complex plays that broke all the decades-old golden rules of offense.
Resurrection: The Miracle Season That Saved Notre Dame
Jim Dent
ISBN: 9780312567217
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Jim Dent, author of the New York Times bestselling The Junction Boys, returns with the remarkable and inspiring story of one of the biggest comebacks in college football history.
More Than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL
Brian Billick with Michael MacCambridge
ISBN: 9781439109182
Publisher: Scribner Book Company
Pub Date: September 08, 2009
Today's National Football League is more successful, more exciting, and more popular than ever. But the game in the twenty-first century is also ruled by a constant quest for more money. Super Bowl-winning head coach Brian Billick's More Than a Game examines how the relentless competition off the field affects the game on the field, and what it means for the future of America's most popular sport.
The Long Snapper: A Second Chance, a Super Bowl, a Lesson for Life
Jeffrey Marx
ISBN: 9780061691393
Publisher: HarperOne
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Brian Kinchen was a thirty-eight-year-old husband, father of four, and seventh-grade Bible teacher whose professional football career had been over for three years when the New England Patriots called on December 15, 2003. With the Patriots riding a ten-game winning streak and the playoffs only a few weeks away, they needed a fill-in for the obscure but vital job of snapping the ball for their punter and kicker—a long snapper. Brian had received similar invitations to tryouts that yielded only disappointment—the teams always went with a younger guy. But could he really turn away from the chance of a lifetime?
Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen
Joe Drape
ISBN: 9780805088908
Publisher: Times Books
Pub Date: August 01, 2009
An inspiring portrait of the extraordinary high-school football team whose quest for perfection sustains its hometown in the heartland
The football team in Smith Center, Kansas, has won sixty-seven games in a row, the nation’s longest high-school winning streak. They have done so by embracing a philosophy of life taught by their legendary coach, Roger Barta: “Respect each other, then learn to love each other and together we are champions.”
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
Jon Krakauer
ISBN: 9780385522267
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
The bestselling author of Into the Wild, Into Thin Air, and Under the Banner of Heaven delivers a stunning, eloquent account of a remarkable young man’s haunting journey.
Like the men whose epic stories Jon Krakauer has told in his previous bestsellers, Pat Tillman was an irrepressible individualist and iconoclast. In May 2002, Tillman walked away from his $3.6 million NFL contract to enlist in the United States Army. He was deeply troubled by 9/11, and he felt a strong moral obligation to join the fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Two years later, he died on a desolate hillside in southeastern Afghanistan.
Though obvious to most of the two dozen soldiers on the scene that a ranger in Tillman’s own platoon had fired the fatal shots, the Army aggressively maneuvered to keep this information from Tillman’s wife, other family members, and the American public for five weeks following his death. During this time, President Bush repeatedly invoked Tillman’s name to promote his administration’s foreign policy. Long after Tillman’s nationally televised memorial service, the Army grudgingly notified his closest relatives that he had “probably” been killed by friendly fire while it continued to dissemble about the details of his death and who was responsible.
In Where Men Win Glory, Jon Krakauer draws on Tillman’s journals and letters, interviews with his wife and friends, conversations with the soldiers who served alongside him, and extensive research on the ground in Afghanistan to render an intricate mosaic of this driven, complex, and uncommonly compelling figure as well as the definitive account of the events and actions that led to his death. Before he enlisted in the army, Tillman was familiar to sports aficionados as an undersized, overachieving Arizona Cardinals safety whose virtuosity in the defensive backfield was spellbinding. With his shoulder-length hair, outspoken views, and boundless intellectual curiosity, Tillman was considered a maverick. America was fascinated when he traded the bright lights and riches of the NFL for boot camp and a buzz cut. Sent first to Iraq—a war he would openly declare was “illegal as hell” —and eventually to Afghanistan, Tillman was driven by complicated, emotionally charged, sometimes contradictory notions of duty, honor, justice, patriotism, and masculine pride, and he was determined to serve his entire three-year commitment. But on April 22, 2004, his life would end in a barrage of bullets fired by his fellow soldiers.
Nothing Comes Easy
Author: Kristine Setting Clark, Foreword by Frank Gifford, Introduction by Steve Sabol
ISBN: 9781600782107
Publisher: Triumph Books (IL)
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Before cable television, artificial turf, multimillion-dollar contracts, and Are you ready for some football? pro football players lives were not much different from those of the fans in the bleachers. Back in football’s golden era, the game they played was much simpler but far tougher than anything seen today.
Y.A. Tittle began his career in that simpler era, when players were expected to play both offense and defense and worked off-season jobs to make ends meet. Following a stellar career that lasted from 1948 until 1964, he retired from the game at age 38 after starring for the Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants. Although he was the quarterback in the 49ers famous Million Dollar Backfield, he is best remembered for his four years in New York and for his willingness to take the field even when badly hurt. Y.A. took the Giants to three consecutive NFL championship games during his tenure in New York.
Author: Kristine Setting Clark, Foreword by Frank Gifford, Introduction by Steve Sabol
ISBN: 9781600782107
Publisher: Triumph Books (IL)
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Before cable television, artificial turf, multimillion-dollar contracts, and Are you ready for some football? pro football players lives were not much different from those of the fans in the bleachers. Back in football’s golden era, the game they played was much simpler but far tougher than anything seen today.
Y.A. Tittle began his career in that simpler era, when players were expected to play both offense and defense and worked off-season jobs to make ends meet. Following a stellar career that lasted from 1948 until 1964, he retired from the game at age 38 after starring for the Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants. Although he was the quarterback in the 49ers famous Million Dollar Backfield, he is best remembered for his four years in New York and for his willingness to take the field even when badly hurt. Y.A. took the Giants to three consecutive NFL championship games during his tenure in New York.
Tittle's autobiography covers his life beginning with his Marshall, Texas, schoolboy heroics, continues through his time at Louisiana State University, and includes his many years in the professional ranks. His football story culminates with the Giants climactic playoff loss to the Chicago Bears in 1963. This loss, Tittle s last chance at a championship, is captured in the Sports Illustrated Photo of the Century, showing Tittle kneeling on the field, bleeding from the head. As he describes the glorious and not so glorious games, players, life on the road, and his path after football, Tittle delivers the kind of awe-inspiring story that can only come from the man who has lived this incredible life. With a foreword written by his good friend and former teammate, Frank Gifford, Y.A. s lively account of his life and Hall of Fame career will appeal to fans of all ages
Gridiron Gauntlet: The Story of the Men Who Integrated Pro Football in Their Own WordsAndy Piascik
ISBN: 9781589794429
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
Pub Date: October 01, 2009
One year before Jackie Robinson broke the color line in major league baseball, four black players joined the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams to become the first African-American pro football players in the modern era. Players who began their careers from 1946 to 1955 reminisce about the violence they faced on and off the field, the world of segregation and the violence it brought, but also of white players and coaches who assisted and supported their careers.
Frantic Francis: How One Coach's Madness Changed Football
Brett Perkins
ISBN: 9780803218949
Publisher: Bison Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
When Francis Schmidt, a bow tie–wearing law school graduate with a bombastic personality, got started as a volunteer high school coach, football still followed Victorian tenets of caution and simplicity and often employed fewer than fifty plays. By the time “Frantic Francis” had risen through the ranks of small colleges on the plains to one of the top coaching jobs in America—head coach at Ohio State University in the 1930s—football was a wild, wide-open game, largely because of Schmidt’s own daring style. With a mind that never stopped thinking about football, he created a playbook ten times larger than those previously used during his era and filled it with daring, complex plays that broke all the decades-old golden rules of offense.
This book tells the little-known story of the man who forever changed the way football is played—and whose coaching lineage can be traced to such current names as Bill Walsh, Al Davis, and Mike Holmgren. Frantic Francis offers an unforgettable portrait of an eccentric character whose paranoid, manic, brusque, and profane ways shocked and confused even his players, but whose speedy, deceptive, and imaginative plays remade the sport of football. Although Schmidt’s mania eventually sabotaged his career, his legacy was secure and the style he introduced continues to make football one of the most popular spectator sports in America.
Resurrection: The Miracle Season That Saved Notre DameJim Dent
ISBN: 9780312567217
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Jim Dent, author of the New York Times bestselling The Junction Boys, returns with the remarkable and inspiring story of one of the biggest comebacks in college football history.
Back in the 1960s, Notre Dame’s football program was in shambles. For five straight years, from 1958 through 1963, the home of Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy could not produce one winning season. Plagued by a series of bad coaching choices, inept management, and a loss of institutional support, no one could be sure if the Fighting Irish would ever return to glory. When “Touchdown Jesus” was erected in 1964, it presided over a team so hopeless that the entire football program was on the brink of collapse.
Little did anyone know, help was on its way in the form of Ara Parseghian, a controversial choice for head coach---the first one outside of the Notre Dame “family”---who had only set foot on Notre Dame soil when his football teams played (and won) there. It was now his responsibility to rebuild the once-proud program and teach the Fighting Irish how to win again. This was no small task.
The men of Notre Dame football were a bunch of unlikelies and oddballs, but Parseghian transformed them into a team: a senior quarterback who would win the Heisman Trophy two weeks before he picked up his first letter jacket; a five-foot-eight walk-on who would go on to make first team All-American; and an exceptionally rare black player, who would overcome much more than his quiet demeanor to rise to All-American, All-Pro, NFL Hall of Famer, and to justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Parseghian would change everything, from the uniforms and pads to the offensive strategy. He switched players from position to position like pieces on a chessboard, and just before the season opener, he hung a motto over the locker-room door:
What tho the odds
Be great or small
Notre Dame men
Will win over all
It would be a huge gamble against great obstacles, but Ara Parseghian had that look in his eye. . .
New York Times bestselling author Jim Dent chronicles one of the greatest comeback seasons in the history of college football---the first season in what is known as the “Era of Ara.” Once again confirming his position as one of the top sportswriters in the country, Dent writes with passion, humor, and incredible insight, bringing the legends of Notre Dame football to life in an unforgettable story of second chances, determination, and unwavering spirit.
What tho the odds
Be great or small
Notre Dame men
Will win over all
It would be a huge gamble against great obstacles, but Ara Parseghian had that look in his eye. . .
New York Times bestselling author Jim Dent chronicles one of the greatest comeback seasons in the history of college football---the first season in what is known as the “Era of Ara.” Once again confirming his position as one of the top sportswriters in the country, Dent writes with passion, humor, and incredible insight, bringing the legends of Notre Dame football to life in an unforgettable story of second chances, determination, and unwavering spirit.
More Than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFLBrian Billick with Michael MacCambridge
ISBN: 9781439109182
Publisher: Scribner Book Company
Pub Date: September 08, 2009
Today's National Football League is more successful, more exciting, and more popular than ever. But the game in the twenty-first century is also ruled by a constant quest for more money. Super Bowl-winning head coach Brian Billick's More Than a Game examines how the relentless competition off the field affects the game on the field, and what it means for the future of America's most popular sport.
One of the NFL's most successful leaders, Billick coached the Baltimore Ravens from 1999 to 2007, leading his team to victory in Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. With nearly two decades in the league, and now a Fox game analyst and NFL Network contributor, Billick has experienced the league's enormous pressure to win as well as seen what happens to those who don't.
Following the 2007 season, he took a step back from the coaching life and decided to spend a season examining the game he loved so much from other perspectives. Collaborating with Michael MacCambridge (whose book America's Game is regarded as the definitive modern history of the NFL), he delved into the NFL from every possible angle, spending time with people at every level of the game.
More Than a Game explains how the spectacle that dominates fall weekends in America works, and why it has served all of football's interest groups -- owners players, and fans alike -- so well over the years. We get a glimpse of the changing profile and increased influence of the league's owners. We come to better understand the pressure that players are under to perform for their team and for themselves and their future contracts. We see the challenge facing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who must balance the concerns of owners, players, sponsors, the league's television network "partners," and the fans, whose devotion and dollars make the entire enterprise possible. Along the way, we see how the financial forces are exerting themselves on every level, working their way into the essence of the game itself.
Billick takes the measure of new offensive and defensive strategies, explains refined scouting and team-building methods, and focuses on the elusive quest for the franchise quarterback that can make or break careers.
Packed with the privileged knowledge that comes from a true NFL insider, More Than a Game is more than a look inside the complex system that is pro football. It's an attempt to understand why the game is so compelling, and what it will take to keep it that way. Complete with important developments in the 2009 off-season, the book stands as an absolute must-read for NFL fans.
The Long Snapper: A Second Chance, a Super Bowl, a Lesson for LifeJeffrey Marx
ISBN: 9780061691393
Publisher: HarperOne
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
Brian Kinchen was a thirty-eight-year-old husband, father of four, and seventh-grade Bible teacher whose professional football career had been over for three years when the New England Patriots called on December 15, 2003. With the Patriots riding a ten-game winning streak and the playoffs only a few weeks away, they needed a fill-in for the obscure but vital job of snapping the ball for their punter and kicker—a long snapper. Brian had received similar invitations to tryouts that yielded only disappointment—the teams always went with a younger guy. But could he really turn away from the chance of a lifetime?
The Long Snapper chronicles Brian's remarkable journey as he and the Patriots seek the ultimate trophy. Unfortunately, the dream come true turns into a personal nightmare as Brian struggles both on and off the field, and the pressure to perform on the biggest stage in professional sports nearly causes him to walk away. Seven weeks after leaving the classroom, however, Brian overcomes his greatest fear and snaps the ball on the historic game-winning field goal with only seconds left in the Super Bowl.
As told by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jeffrey Marx, The Long Snapper is the story of a man who finally achieves the success he has always wanted. Brian Kinchen's championship ring is a powerful status symbol for all to see. But his journey forces him to reexamine what really matters, and he realizes the true measure of a man has nothing to do with status: life is not about prestige; it is about passion and purpose. It is about impacting the lives of others.
Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center RedmenJoe Drape
ISBN: 9780805088908
Publisher: Times Books
Pub Date: August 01, 2009
An inspiring portrait of the extraordinary high-school football team whose quest for perfection sustains its hometown in the heartland
The football team in Smith Center, Kansas, has won sixty-seven games in a row, the nation’s longest high-school winning streak. They have done so by embracing a philosophy of life taught by their legendary coach, Roger Barta: “Respect each other, then learn to love each other and together we are champions.”
But as they embarked on a quest for a fifth consecutive title in the fall of 2008, they faced a potentially destabilizing transition: the greatest senior class in school history had graduated, and Barta was contemplating retirement after three decades on the sidelines.
In Smith Center—population: 1,931—this changing of the guard was seismic. Hours removed from the nearest city, the town revolves around “our boys” in a way that goes to the heart of what America’s heartland is today.
In Smith Center—population: 1,931—this changing of the guard was seismic. Hours removed from the nearest city, the town revolves around “our boys” in a way that goes to the heart of what America’s heartland is today.
Joe Drape, a Kansas City native and an award-winning sportswriter for The New York Times, moved his family to Smith Center to discover what makes the team and the town an inspiration even to those who live hundreds of miles away. His stories of the coaches, players, and parents reveal a community fighting to hold on to a way of life that is rich in value, even as its economic fortunes decline.
Drape’s moving portrait of Coach Barta and the impressive young men of Smith Center is sure to take its place among the more memorable American sports stories of recent years.
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat TillmanJon Krakauer
ISBN: 9780385522267
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Pub Date: September 01, 2009
The bestselling author of Into the Wild, Into Thin Air, and Under the Banner of Heaven delivers a stunning, eloquent account of a remarkable young man’s haunting journey.
Like the men whose epic stories Jon Krakauer has told in his previous bestsellers, Pat Tillman was an irrepressible individualist and iconoclast. In May 2002, Tillman walked away from his $3.6 million NFL contract to enlist in the United States Army. He was deeply troubled by 9/11, and he felt a strong moral obligation to join the fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Two years later, he died on a desolate hillside in southeastern Afghanistan.
Though obvious to most of the two dozen soldiers on the scene that a ranger in Tillman’s own platoon had fired the fatal shots, the Army aggressively maneuvered to keep this information from Tillman’s wife, other family members, and the American public for five weeks following his death. During this time, President Bush repeatedly invoked Tillman’s name to promote his administration’s foreign policy. Long after Tillman’s nationally televised memorial service, the Army grudgingly notified his closest relatives that he had “probably” been killed by friendly fire while it continued to dissemble about the details of his death and who was responsible.
In Where Men Win Glory, Jon Krakauer draws on Tillman’s journals and letters, interviews with his wife and friends, conversations with the soldiers who served alongside him, and extensive research on the ground in Afghanistan to render an intricate mosaic of this driven, complex, and uncommonly compelling figure as well as the definitive account of the events and actions that led to his death. Before he enlisted in the army, Tillman was familiar to sports aficionados as an undersized, overachieving Arizona Cardinals safety whose virtuosity in the defensive backfield was spellbinding. With his shoulder-length hair, outspoken views, and boundless intellectual curiosity, Tillman was considered a maverick. America was fascinated when he traded the bright lights and riches of the NFL for boot camp and a buzz cut. Sent first to Iraq—a war he would openly declare was “illegal as hell” —and eventually to Afghanistan, Tillman was driven by complicated, emotionally charged, sometimes contradictory notions of duty, honor, justice, patriotism, and masculine pride, and he was determined to serve his entire three-year commitment. But on April 22, 2004, his life would end in a barrage of bullets fired by his fellow soldiers.
Krakauer chronicles Tillman’s riveting, tragic odyssey in engrossing detail highlighting his remarkable character and personality while closely examining the murky, heartbreaking circumstances of his death. Infused with the power and authenticity readers have come to expect from Krakauer’s storytelling, Where Men Win Glory exposes shattering truths about men and war.
University Park Branch and Support Services Provide Thanksgiving Dinner to 100+ People
University Park Branch staff and Support Services staff recently donated $200 to the City Rescue Mission to provide over 100 Thanksgiving dinners to needy people in Northeast Florida. This project was spearheaded by Gail Midon at UPK. Michael Rouse, UPK's Branch Manager, wanted to express his sincere appreciation to Gail and all staff who donated to this worthy endeavor.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Halloween at Southeast Regional Library
Southeast Regional Library had a “special” Halloween crew working on October 31st. Pictured from left to right are Nelly Harnisch (Circulation), Carisia Rooney (Children’s Department Librarian and PT fairy), Petoria Kennedy (PT Circulation), Melisa Snowden (PT Shelver), Joyce Myllykangas (Circulation), and Anita Haller (Children’s Department Librarian). Most of them participated in the Children’s Department special Halloween costume parade and candy giveaway for 0 to 5 year olds.
The Halloween event began at 11:00am with a special scary Halloween Story Time presented by Librarian Anita Haller. Participants then began at the Children’s Department, and paraded to the Circulation desk and the Adult Reference desk to receive goodies at both locations. The parade ended at a meeting room for refreshments of cookies and juice.Also pictured are participants receiving goodie at the Adult Reference Desk and "Count Dracula" who came to the event.
If you missed this year's event, you can come next year.
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