Kudos From Customers

Main – Call Center: “I spoke with Tony Miller in call center – he was helpful, kind, polite and didn’t rush me. He let me take my time and I appreciate it.”

Main – E-Library: “Instructor Eric Soriano is excellent. He knows the material, speaks clearly, and responds to students' questions.”

Pablo Creek Branch: (In Counting Opinions Q: What are you most satisfied with staff? A: “Carol (Bailey) at the reference desk.”

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “…I simply wanted to find a place to praise the staff at Webb Library for the outstanding job they did today with the children…(Laurie Mills, Mia Brack, and Merikris Boado). They are always enthusiastic and go much beyond the ordinary. I wasn't a participant but I watched the delight on the children's faces."

West Regional Library: “Thanks to Justin Keiser. He is a great asset for the library; he was great in helping me with e-books.”

Fine Time At Prime Time--Again

Kathy Tekin, Youth Services Library Supervisor, gave this report today on Prime Time, "We have just completed another successful six week session at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch Library where we ran two programs two nights per week. This would not have been possible without the support of branch staff and Prime Time Team staff.

"We started on Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28, with two sets of scholars and storytellers. We had 17 families participate on Tuesdays and 10 families participate on Wednesdays.

"This was our fourth and fifth sessions of Prime Time Family Reading Time. We have worked with 59 families encouraging them to read with their children and to ask questions regarding what has been read. We also encourage the families to relate the reading to the experiences the children have.

"We will hold our next session beginning in late January 2012 at the Highlands Branch and in the spring we will hold our last program for this grant period at the Dallas Graham Branch.

"Some of the comments we received from the families include more reading in the home; turning off the television more frequently; the child is doing better in school. This last time we had several families indicate on their entry survey that they rarely use the library or read aloud with their children. On the exit survey, they indicated they will use the library more often and would like to participate in similar programs offered at the library."

Credit and three cheers for the success of this series of Prime Time go to team members: Emily Gideon, Tenesha Anderson, Diane Alexander, Mia Brack, Erica Brown, and Kathy Tekin. Storytellers and scholars were Robert Kelly and Lisa Wells on Tuesdays, and Debra Keels (pictured right above) and Dr. Elizabeth Furdell (pictured left) on Wednesdays.

Meet Beauty

November 8th was the opening night of Beauty and the Beast, presented by the Florida State CollegeArtist Series. They launched their 46th season with this performance and Family Night at the Times Union. There was a reading of fairy tales before the performance and during intermission by our own Susan Mankowski. She was dressed as Belle (the Beast was not able to attend.) There was bracelet and crown making, pin the rose on the vase, make your own paper rose, and photo opportunities. Olympic gold medalist Shannon Miller also stopped by the JPL table to promote her health and fitness programs for girls. JPL provided a selection of books that were available for check out, and provided a recommended reading list of fairy tales for elementary children and teens, which also featured future library activities on the back. By the end of the evening, everyone in attendance was given the I (heart) JPL sticker. This was an amazing event due to the tremendous effort and support of Alisha Levasseur, Julie McNeil, Ron Block, Lanette Jackson, Susan Mankowski, Wally Bowden, and Angela Vigil. We had a great time and hope to continue with the Artist Series in the future.

Comin' Up: Friends of JPL's Book Warehouse Sale

Talk it up!  The next FJPL Book Warehouse Sale for early December is almost here.  The schedule is listed below.  The Sale will be in FJPL's warehouse located at University Park Branch, 3435 University Boulevard, North, south end of the building.  Dates and times are:

Thursday, December 1: 5 pm - 8 pm (members only; you can join FJPL then)
Friday, December 2 : 5- 8 pm - come one; come all Friday-Sunday
Saturday, December 3: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, December 4: 12 pm - 5 pm ($10 bag special)

               AND:
Saturday, December 10: 9 am to 1:00 pm ($10 bag special)

Gaming Day At Regency Square Branch

On November 12, 2011, Regency Square Branch Library participated in  National Gaming Day Activities by hosting three gaming events.  Family gaming was presented by the Children’s Department.  The 38 attendees played DDR, Wii games and assorted board games, including “The Greatest Day Ever” and Loaded Questions Jr., donated by Familyandpartygames.com.   Fourteen teens played video games and had chopstick races during Anime Club, and a Wizards Duel with 13 Teens and Tweens was presented by Mr. T. J. of Magilus.

National Gaming Day is brought to public libraries by the American Library Association to highlight the importance of gaming in  bringing people into libraries, developing partnerships, highlighting libraries as community hubs and building family and community relationships.   Go to http://ngd.ala.org/2010/11/23/final-ngd10-numbers/  to see comments from some other participating libraries to see how they benefited from hosting these events.

Westbrook Has You Covered

Improvements to Westbrook Branch Library were celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony under their new canopy, November 1. Funding was provided by Project Safe Spaces, a multi-year library facilities infrastructure improvement program.  The new canopy will increase the safety and security of library customers and staff.  Pictured left to right: Michael Sullivan, Administrative Supervisor; Jackie Perry, Library Board member; Kimberly McTeer, WBK Library Associate; Councilman Warren Jones, Barbara Gubbin,Library Director; Tia Samuels, WBK Library Assistant; Camilla Cooper, Human Services Planner Supervisor, Housing & Neighborhoods Department; Luis Flores, Assistant Director, Facilities & Planning; Robbie Tiedeman, Executive Assistant, Facilities Manager; and in the back is Marjorie Gibbons, GB Library Assistant.  (Thanks to Angela Vigil, Community Relations & Marketing, for the beautiful picture.)

West Regional Branch Celebrates Dia de Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican three-day festival that begins the last days of October. It is a time to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. 

One of the customs is to decorate sugar skulls. Since West Regional Branch did not have sugar skulls, kids were offered plastic skulls to decorate in an Early Release craft program.  For their snacking pleasure, candy replaced the traditional sugar skulls.

Eve Harm said there were about 30 participants who demonstrated a lot of creativity. Mexican music played during the program and a small display of Day of the Dead books made it easy to find out more about this Mexican tradition.

Staff Profile - November 2011

Bob Silkett, former Southeast Branch Librarian Senior and now manager of NW, was one of the 3rd Quarter “Challenge the Process” award winners. He is a big supporter of DESNINATION: Leadership and has completed 64 hours of LDA training. Theresa Barmer, former SE Branch Manager, asked him to implement and oversee a branch communication plan as part of his DESTINATION: Leadership Action Plan Objective. As a result, Bob, along with a big helping hand from Ralph Henderson, Library Associate, successfully launched SE’s news blog in January 2011, and you can view it at: http://www.selibraryjax.blogspot.com/.

Bob’s former manager at SE, Lynne Baldwin, noted that as a librarian and a leader, he “encourages the heart of his staff every day through his hard work, creativity and dedication to JPL.”

If you plan to develop a branch blog, Bob says it may not be as difficult as it may seem, and you can contact him at NW Branch, 765-5402, ext. 220, if need be.

Q: How did you plan the SE blog and get buy-in from staff?
A: Concerning planning of the SE blog implementation, we benefited greatly from some thoughtful work that Ralph Henderson and I did as part of the DESTINATION: Leadership Action Plan process during the FY09-10 year. Our project that year focused on how and what we were communicating to our customers in terms of library related information. First we identified and defined the various communication vehicles available (posters, plasma screen, blog), listed potential content or topic areas of information (SE/JPL events, Library Resources, What’s new at the Branch, for example) that we thought would be of interest to our customers, and then developed a proposed media schedule allowing for easy management to deliver customer focused information throughout the year. As we moved forward on this project, we focused more attention on our blog. It needed the most help and also represented our best opportunity to reach the most people, if we could provide quality and quantity of content on an ongoing basis. That was the big test.

As for getting buy-in from staff, the best way is to either get staff involved early in the development/planning process or develop an implementation plan that not only tries to anticipate challenges to success but also attempts to help staff succeed. If staff succeeds, so does the plan and everyone wins. In this case, we were far along in the planning, so the focus was on implementation. Here’s what I tried to do:

Gain Management Support: Theresa liked Ralph’s and my work enough to identify it as a key branch objective for FY10-11, and we were also able to tie it into the Performance Objectives (“promote awareness of the Library’s informational and educational resources”).

Sell the Vision: If SE was to be the center of the community long term, there was a lot of information that we could share and we needed everyone to participate. So the challenge was to convince staff that with a little effort, each person could make an impactful contribution. The effort would be too much for one person, but manageable if everyone participated--plus it would count towards everyone’s performance objectives.

Make Participation as Easy As Possible: I asked staff to submit one blog article a month. They could choose from nine possible topic areas ranging from SE/JPL programs, library resources (such as databases or services), to highlighting new titles at the branch or even staff interests, that could be tied into library resources. (One staff shared her favorite Spring Roll recipe and it was put in our Cookbook section). Employees could choose their own topics. To participate, staff articles did not have to be lengthy but did need to have quality.

Appoint a Staff Coordinator to Manage the Process: To increase our chances for long term success, I asked Ralph to manage and coordinate the whole process. He received blog submissions on Word Documents, got branch management approval and then posted them on the blog throughout each month. He also kept track of the number of submissions and who was participating and the number of page hits the blog received each month. Ralph did a great job and helped us maintain momentum on this project while he was with us.

Q: Do you personally write articles for the blog and what have you written?
A: I had written six articles through March but was unable to sustain my own output during the second half of the year due to ongoing staffing challenges at SE and new priorities caused by the recent budget process. For some, I took the press releases generated by our Marketing Department and turned them into articles that (if possible) had a SE connection. I wrote an article about the 2011 Black History Calendar, developed a list of titles available at SE that tied in with the calendar’s theme, and set up a display of those books. Sharon Kirkes (Librarian Senior, CW) was also working on a program offering Student Financial Aid Workshops, so in support, I wrote a short article noting the purpose of the workshops and where/when they would be held. I also wrote a detailed article about AARP Tax support at SE.

Q: Who else regularly contributes articles and what criteria are used for submitting articles?
A: The goal was to have all reference staff, Adult, Teen, and Children contribute articles on average of once a month. We also looked for opportunities to gain other contributors. One of our Circ staff contributed an article and one particular volunteer did a series of book reviews called “Book Notes from a Shelving Cart”. In terms of criteria, the article needed to be of reasonable length, with a subject that easily fit within the nine topics that had been established for content. All articles were reviewed by branch management before being posted.

Q: What do you believe the SE Branch blog has accomplished for staff and customers?
A: A big challenge for any new idea or process is sustainability – can we maintain momentum long enough so the program becomes the “new normal”, or in effect becomes part of the branch routine? Here the results are mixed but positive. During FY10-11, we added 77 blog articles which average 6.5 blogs per month. Our goal was to generate 8-10 blogs/month, which we achieved from January - April. Everyone contributed multiple times. We have good content although some topic areas do need more focus. Ralph found a metric that measured page hits, and we have been averaging around 300 page views a month.

Conversely, we lost some momentum over the summer. Ralph was transferred to another branch in May, so we lost his coordinating skill. The credible threat of a deep budget cut presented to staff in the spring forced the branch to a back-to-the-basics strategy.  We stressed more cross training and focused on maintaining operations in the midst of significant staff losses occurring during the summer. Staff has done a wonderful job of continuing to add content in this environment, but at much lower levels.

In terms of impact on customers, the jury is still out. Our focus this year was to determine whether the branch could add a certain number of articles month end and month out. I think we were largely successful, but reassessment is needed based on current staffing, which is not expected to change soon. Once we proved that we could sustain the blog and keep it fresh, the next step in the process was to approach the Marketing group and get their help to publicize the blog and start building readership with our customer base. I had some positive discussions with Orin Heidelberg; however, this phase has not started.

Q: What is something about you that most of us probably do not know?
A: I lived and worked for a couple of years in Australia, penned an unpublished manuscript on Civil War military history and avidly collect Old Time Radio shows. I also have owned and managed a community bookstore for four years before doing library work.

Webb Is Keen on Halloween

Webb Wesconnett Branch’s Halloween party, October 29, hosted 97+ customers. A pumpkin drawing contest was held for children and candy was the treat for little and big kids. Customers were photographed in CW’s pumpkin patch and later copies were emailed to them at home. Grandparents, parents, and kids danced to "Ghost Busters” and “Monster Mash”. For the grand finale, everyone joined in dancing several times to “Thriller”.

Staff who wished wore costumes for the October 29 party and all staff came decked out on Halloween in their horrorble best.

 

Feeding Dreams Program in Northwest

Bradham Brooks Northwest was selected to host a General Mills Feeding Dreams Program.
We had 47 ladies in attendance and Reverend Yvette Williams was our special honoree.
The program is designed to empower African American women in health and education.

Operation Christmas Cards at CW

Webb Wesconnett Branch is involving children in Operation Christmas Cards. Michaels Arts & Crafts sponsored CW by providing stickers and cards. Children make the Christmas cards and then staff gives them back to Michaels to be sent to the soldiers in Afghanistan. CW has offered this program three times a week. Interest has grown and CW now has about 125 kids who participate. Operation Christmas Cards will culminate the end of October.

Princes and Pirates Party at CW

Webb Wesconnett Branch hosted a Halloween party, October 27, with 90 kids (and some adults), who came to show off their costumes.  Before they could ask, "Trick or treat?", CW offered plenty of candy, food, and other goodies.

How DO You Get 500+ Kids To Your Library?

On October 25th, Urban Library Center staff, including Garland Wilson, Anthony Williams, Joshua Wise and Library Supervisor, Marshelle Berry, welcomed a parade of over 500 students from R. L. Brown Elementary School. Students, teachers, and parents, as well as the Principal and Vice Principal, made their way through the Brown-Eastside Branch Library dressed as book characters. Those who did not have JPL cards, completed library card applications, which were handed to staff as students chanted, “We love to Read”. Each student was given a colorful bookmark to take with them.

In upper left photo, students file into Eastside Branch as Joshua Wise holds the door, and Garland Wilson passes out bookmarks to students in lower photo.

The event was followed by a Family Learning Night at the school and staff also participated in that.

Fire Prevention Program @ Northwest

October is fire prevention month, Northwest had a wonderful program today with Officer Cynthia Downer from the Fire and Rescue department. We had 61 in attendance representing Precious Hearts Learning Center, As we Grow Learning Center, St. Thomas Child Development Center and Genius Factory Learning Center. Thanks to Maude Scott, Northwest's Children's librarian for coordinating this program.

Councilman Ray Holt Reads at Highlands Branch

On October 24, Councilman Ray Holt (pictured center, facing camera, photo to right) visited Highlands Branch Library and read a book at the Family Preschool Story Time. CM Holt recently presided over the opening of the Oceanway Express lockers, for which Highlands is responsible. At that same event, a dog park was opened at the Oceanway community center, so DU chose dogs as their story time theme.

Beverly Mason (center, facing camera in photo at left), DU's Children’s Library Associate, planned and presented the story time. CM Holt read the book, Digby Takes Charge, by Caroline Jayne Church, and sang along with “B.I.N.G.O” and “How Much is that Doggie in the Window.” Ms. Mason reports that CM Holt was an excellent reader, engaging the audience of 20 preschoolers and parents. As an elected official, CM Holt is used to taking the stage. He also “has the three most adorable children on the planet” according to his official online profile and is clearly comfortable reading to children.

Southeast Branch Draws Kids With Chibi

Southeast Chibi Drawing Club proudly presents the "Artists of the Month" (top picture).  Each month students (a girl and a boy) get their own exhibition in the SE Teen Department.  Congratulations to October Artists Stephanie Preston and Tyler Ray, who attended the program all summer and did great artwork.  You are invited to visit SE Teen Department and feast your eyes.

SE Tween Chibi Drawing Club (bottom left) welcomed autumn with a party recently where they snacked on cupcakes and chocolate milk.  Chibi drawing classes will be going full speed during winter 2012, too.

Palin Hangul, SE Library Associate, sent in these pictures and comments and said "chibi" is a different kind of manga art in that it is simpler and more cartoonish than manga.

Library Leadership Students Making History

Carol Bunker, left, Library Clerk at Webb Wesconnett Branch, and her father, Lowell Edwin (Ed) Bunker, Maintenance Worker Crew Leader for Public Works, are LDA students . This is the first time two generations have taken this City program together.  He graduated from LDA, October 19; she has one more class left.  Carol and Ed realize LDA is essential to being promoted within their respective City departments.

Carol says, "LDA is fun and informative. I have learned so much from the program and gained a lot of information and friends along the way. I believe that it has helped me have better relationships with my coworkers and supervisors."  Additionally, she is enjoying her first semester at the School of Information Science at Florida State University, working towards her Master's degree in Information Science and hopes to become a librarian and eventually a supervisor. For now, she is happy being a clerk and going to school.

Kudos from Customers

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch: “The library staff that is working here at this time are the most helpful and polite staff that I have ever encountered in this branch. I must point out Shivon (Rockward). …She is just walking around helping everyone and doing it in a very professional manner...”

Main – Center for Adult Learning: “…I am originally from Nicaragua. I wanted ...to say thank you to Miss Tammy Owens in the Center for Adult Learning for all of the help in my class and all of the materials that she is sharing with me. My goal is to write very good English, and I learn new rules each time I come to her class. Also, my husband is so happy when I share everything with him that I learn. Thank you so much, Miss Tammy, for everything you do to help me and all of the other students that are in your classes.”

Main – Popular Department: “Peggy (Glasnapp) was so helpful - always had a smile on her face. Hard to find good customer service these days - she is a dying breed.”

Mandarin Branch and Main's Interlibrary Loan Departmnt: “I would like to again compliment those men and women who …are very, very professional and give me outstanding service. They include: Cheryl Callavini, Branch Manager; Larry Butler, Don Carpenter, Elizabeth Garnett, Becky McClure, Linda Smith, Margo Crafton, David Foster, Elaine Roberson, Frances Wickes, Sarah Miller, Robert Moseley, Mildred Roton, Eric Cusaac, David Jones, Sim Yam, Tammy Hilbert, Diane Lewis, Josh Santiago, Lisa Veal, Shuki Banerjee, Jessica Jones, and Brettney Gonzales. I also want to commend Carolyn Hampton in the Interlibrary Loan Division.”

Southeast Branch: “I come in on my lunch hour every day and want to praise Pelin Hangul and Blake Fowler - both are extremely helpful and go out of their way to help all the time. Also reference gentleman w/ glasses, middle age - very helpful.”

JPL's Library Board Is Forward Thinking

Mayor Alvin Brown says City departments must be ready for reorganization.  With input from the Capacity Plan, JPL's Library Board will be setting up an action plan for the library.  It will focus on five key areas all staff should be aware of, and we will hear more about this in coming months:

1. Strengthen information delivery.
2. Maintain buildings adequately.
3. Remedy inequities in library service.
4. Stabilize funding.
5. Ensure flexibility in staffing.

These five focus points are posted in front of every Library Board meeting.  JPL owes a BIG thank you to Jim Selzer, Chair, and every Board member for their forward thinking and more than able leadership of this library system in difficult times.

Got Friends? Oh, Yes, We Do!

Barbara Gubbin, our Library Director, says "Thank You's" are important and it's true, appreciation never goes out of style.  Library support flowed in from many directions before and during our recent City Council meeting, September 27, which went into the wee hours of September 28.  Our many vocal supporters helped influence City Council and JPL got back $1.7 million of the original $3.1 million proposed library budget cuts.  Our Friends groups played a big part in our public support.  Why not say "Thank You" to these advocates when you see them--especially considering October 16-22 is National Friends of Libraries Week--as well as any others you know who made that special effort:

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library
Virginia Maxted, President, Friends of the Beaches Branch
Alisa Harrell, President, Friends of the Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch
Celia Miller, Graham Branch
Judy Klein, President, Friends of Murray Hill Branch
Alicia Johnson, President, Friends of the Willowbranch Branch

And, if you called or wrote your City Council Member, give yourself a pat on the back.

Northwest's Art Program

Children from local Bradham*Brooks-Northwest area schools (Good Shepherd, For Your Child Only, and Genius Factory) came to the library for a special program in which they painted their very own works of art. Shivon Rockward got the creative juices flowing and Maude Scott sent the teachers back to school with goody bags of library promotional materials as a “Thank You” for attending. The program was a blast with 44 children and 6 adults! For more pictures click here.

50 Years Celebrated for Brown Eastside Branch

It was a bright, sunshiny day as Marshelle Berry, Brown Eastside Branch Manager, welcomed everyone to this library's 50th anniversary celebration, October 5. She introduced former State Sen. Tony Hill, who represented Mayor Alvin Brown. He recounted his "home branch" memories for the approximately 50 people in attendance. Sen. Hill grew up across the street from this library and Willy Dennis, the branch's first manager, encouraged him to read books instead of some of his other after-school activities--and he decided to heed her advice. She told him reading could take him to higher places in life and when he and Ms. Dennis attended Pres. Clinton's inauguration years later, Sen. Hill reminded Ms. Dennis of her admonition.

Sen. Hill read Mayor Brown's proclamation commemorating the library's 50th anniversary and declaring October 5, 2011, as Brown Eastside Branch Library Day.

He noted that he and Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney had played football together in this neighborhood and were best friends, and then introduced him to speak.

CM Dr. Johnny Gaffney stressed that he was passionate about his service as a City Councilman. He said he owed his success to the good Lord and one of the things that contributed to his pursuing a Ph.D. in education was the Brown Eastside Branch Library. He said, "We cannot afford to let this library shut down," and was glad when Ms. Berry asked him to speak at this event.

Charlotte Brown Osgood, daughter of Raiford Allen Brown, Sr., for whom this library was named, said several members of the Brown family had travelled far to attend this celebration. Her father advocated for the community and implored City Council to put a library in this neighborhood. Subsequently, Eastside Branch was built and dedicated, August 12, 1961. (It was renovated in 1992 and expanded under The Better Jacksonville Plan in 2004.) Mrs. Osgood said Maryanne Pearson, who retired from JPL as department head for the Main Library's Business, Science, and Documents Department years later, had been Willy Dennis' first assistant at Brown Eastside, and she also was in attendance. Mrs. Osgood thanked everyone who made this library possible and said the fight for libraries is not over.

Mrs. Osgood dedicated a book she brought for Brown Eastside, Remembering Neighborhoods of Jacksonvile, Florida: Oakland, Campbell's Addition, East Jacksonville, and Fairfield: the African-American Influence, by Mary F. Mungen Jameson.

Library Director Barbara Gubbin and Jim Selzer, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, also spoke and thanked the Brown family, legislators, and all who attended and cared deeply about Brown Eastside Branch.

Mr. Selzer presented CM Dr. Gaffney with a book for the Eastside Branch, The Mentor Leader, by Tony Dungy, which will be dedicated in his honor. Mr. Selzer expressed appreciation to all City Council members who supported JPL in the recent budget process that effected $1.7 million being restored to JPL from the original $3.1 million FY2012 budget cut. He said the speakers for this event had emphasized the value of Brown Eastside Branch Library in the successes they attained and they seemed to think of this library as a second home--and so all of our libraries should be considered by customers.

He asked Jackie Perry, Library Board Trustee, to speak and Ms. Perry said she grew up a few blocks from her "home branch", Brown Eastside, and was pleased to serve on the Library Board.

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library members donated refreshments of cake, ice cream, and punch, which everyone enjoyed at the close of Brown Eastside Branch Library's 50th anniversary celebration.

Photos will be added here when they are ready.

Staff Profile

Marilyn Jordan, West Regional's Clerical Services Supervisor, won the third quarter Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter awards--and for no small accomplishments. Both Jane Harris, WST's Branch Manager, and Ron Block, Circulation Services Coordinator, recognized her proficiency in cash handling procedures and asked Marilyn to illustrate them to JPL employees who need training in balancing accounts for all monetary transactions.

Ron Block asked her to illustrate and explain her cash handling procedures, processes, procedures and financial paper work to City auditors. She was appointed chair of the Cash Handling Committee and worked diligently to develop written procedures that can be clearly and accurately conveyed to library personnel. Marilyn has trained all WST staff and those from other JPL locations in reading and correlating audit reports with daily financial statements, but let's hear the story in Marilyn Jordan's own words:

Q: You saw a need for JPL staff to have a uniform way to account for monetary transactions. How did you propose to solve this need and get supervisory approval to use your cash handling methods?

A: I was approached by a member of JPL Administration and asked to work on a team with other JPL employees, both from Public Service and JPL Finance, plus team members from ASD to create a uniform way of handling money at all JPL libraries. The team members--Charlene Ovshak, Donna Crowther, Cindy Chism, Bill Schaefer, Renee Frederick, Mary Namala--and I worked very hard to create a JPL cash handling manual that was manageable and would account for all the ways that the library is unique as a City agency. We also made sure that our manual was in line with the City's cash handling policy.

Q: Did you write cash handling procedures "from scratch" for JPL based on City cash handling policy, or revise procedures that were already in place?

A: We used the old JPL cash handling manual as a guideline. After we revised and added everything we thought was pertinent we compared our proposed manual to the City's cash handling manual to make sure we were not violating any City policy. We had to make some changes and additions; overall, however, we streamlined what was already in place.

The biggest challenge we faced was writing VCA and copier procedures. From Bil Schaefer we realized the old copier form we had always filled out really did not tell us what we needed to know. Bill created a new copier log form and instruction guide that makes copier collection much easier.

Q: What advice, if any, did the City auditors have for your proposed guidelines?

A: The auditors advised us that our manual should be in sync with the City's cash handling manual and to be sure we had policies in place that would ensure that we are good stewards of the taxpayer's money.

We implemented checks and balances on all cash handling duties so JPL staff can see at a glance if there is a problem. The new copier log sheet, the VCA report, and the daily audit are some of the tools provided to help employees with daily cash handling responsibilities.

Q: Which branch employees have you trained in cash handling and do you plan to continue this training for JPL?

A: I have worked with all of the reference staff at West Regional on proper cash handling. I've also worked with employees from several other branches on general cash handling duties and how to use the daily audit as a tool to see if your money is really balanced. I am a huge proponent of consistency throughout the system, so if I am asked to provide training, I will be happy to comply. Employees I have worked with thus far seem to have benefited from the training I have provided.

Q: Who is your favorite author and why?

A: My favorite author is Janet Evanovich because she makes me laugh out loud. When I'm reading her books I always have a smile on my face.

Prime Time Is Prime Example of JPL's Great Service to Families

Kathy Tekin, Library Supervisor for Youth Services, reports that the Prime Time Family Reading Time Program has returned to JPL and this series will be hosted at Webb Wesconnett Branch, running from September 27 & 28 through November 8 & 9. They have enjoyed a successful recruitment of families that will participate in the two-day weekly program that spans six weeks. Attendance the first week boasted 24 family members on Tuesday and 23 family members on Wednesday, and a few more families have registered since September 28.

Additionally, Prime Time scheduled new storytellers--Debra Keels and Robert Kelly--and scholars--Dr. Elizabeth Furdell and Lisa Wells--for this six week session.

Patricia Putman and Carly Guidry with Florida Humanities Council will be at CW's October 11 Prime Time and are meeting staff members from Three Rivers Regional Library System to observe JPL's program.

Teens + Harry Potter Event = Big Success At AR

In July, the Regency Square Branch Library hosted a Harry Potter After Hours event for teens. This event was planned and executed by their Teen Anime & Activity Committee (TAAC), pictured at left. This group of young people worked hard to make this event a success. In addition to planning for the big night, they set up, manned games, conducted activities, monitored themselves and the area for clean-up needs, prepared and served refreshments that included endless cups of butter beer--and then helped clean up after the 37 attendees. Rita Vernon, AR Librarian, reported that they were great about reporting clean-up needs and helping her and other staff members, including those who came from other branches to assist.

Their enthusiasm for this project was so catching that they inspired staff and parents to donate food, time, and attendance at the function. The team's hard work has been recognized with an R&R nomination for a 4th quarter Team Award. Team members included Daniel Jefferson, TAAC President and Vice President, respectively, Devon Quattlebaum and Carlisha Jeminson; TAAC Treasurer Joshua Bertrand, TAAC Advisors Robert Wing and Kathryn McMurtry; Jack Godsey; Donna Leonardy; and DeAngelo Demps.

NW STAFF VISITS ALL ASSIGNED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch kicked off the school year by participating in a big celebration at the annual Carter G. Woodson Elementary's (CGWE) Community Day on Saturday, August 20. Library Associate Gloria Buenavista (pictured left at a school display table) and Part-time Library Clerk Annie Norris met with 260+ students and parents at the event and promoted library programs and services--everything from Live Homework Help to Zumba classes.

In the month of September, staff attended three open house events at local elementary and middle schools. In addition to CGWE, they visited all of their other assigned schools--16 in all! These schools were presented with informational packets about library events, programs, and services.

Great accomplishment!

Kaherine Day Retires After 23 Years at JPL

Katherine Day, Librarian at Beaches Branch, finishes her long tenure at JPL, September 23, and the Beaches employees honored her with a retirement party on the 14th.

Katherine had this to say about her visions of carefree days, "My plans are to put in a winter vegetable garden (organic, with raised beds) in our back yard; plant some flowers around the place, now that I can tend them; spend time with my husband, kids and granddaughters; read, make jewelry and sew-- and dust off the pressure-cooker because we’ll be eating beans again! I will also grow my healing ministry. And in the spring, Doug and I intend to go to France. It has been a desire of his since he was a kid. So, April in Paris, anyone?"

All of us wish you the very best in all you endeavors, Katherine. We will miss you.

Argyle Programs Are Packed with People and Goodies

Noah Thomas, Libray Clerk II, who started with a 11:00 am Toddler Story Time on Thursdays at the Argyle Branch, has been such a hit with the kids and parents that she now has to offer two toddler times on Thursdays. On average Noah has 60 participants for both programs.

Aracelis Diaz, Children’s Library Assistant, began her weekly After-School Program two weeks ago. The first week she had 20 participants and they played Wii and board games. Last week she had 15 participants and they used their creativity to make candy sushi. They used rice crispy treats for the rice and various candies were put on top of the roll, then topped it off by dipping their candy sushi in chocolate syrup. Ummmm. Does that sound good!

Kudos from Customers

MAIN – CHILDREN’S: “Ms. Laura's (Minnich) story time is well prepared and the crafts are wonderful. She has brought education to her work. My kid began to brush teeth after a tooth story time from her.”

MAIN – REFERENCE & PERIODICALS: “I was helped by a very nice gentleman. … I asked a question and, like a professional, he retrieved the information and handed it to me. I was so grateful. … Mr. Greg Royce, your candor is greatly appreciated.”

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL: “Customer Service: Randy (Mapanoo) was extremely helpful! Thank you.

UNIVERSITY PARK BRANCH: (In response to Counting Opinions Question: “What are you most satisfied with (staff)?” Answer: “Ms. Mina (Figuerrez).”

WEBB WESCONNETT: “Thank you so much for finding and holding my ID and Social Security card. Thank you, Vickie (Leonard)!”

Staff Profile

Graduates of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute (SSLLI), Samantha Helfrich, Librarian Senior at Murray Hill Branch, and Laura Minnich, Librarian Senior in the Main Library's Children's Department, each had to complete a project as part of the requirements for graduating from this one year program.

Samantha's project was "to plan a project and write an LSTA grant proposal that will enable the system to evolve a small community library branch from a traditional library space to a learning and information commons. This space will provide the community with greater access to technology, digital literacy training and educational resources. These tools will help customers from a lower socio-econonimic neighborhood bridge the digital divide and promote access and education in the digital age."

Since Laura was the subject of JPL Staff News September 2009 "Staff Profile", we thought it would be fair to ask Samantha to share her experiences as she worked on completing the SSLLI program.

Q: Please tell us about SSLLI and why it is useful to public librarians.

A: The Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute is a year long program offered by the State Library to train library professionals to be tomorrow’s library leaders. It is an intensive series of courses that helps to give meaning to all those leadership practices we hear about on a regular basis, and give library staff a practical tool box for the workplace and community.

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the SSLLI program and how has that benefited you professionally?

A: I had always heard good things about the institute, and when the application was forwarded to me, I decided to apply. Moreover, the mission of the institute spoke to the skills I felt would better equip me to take charge of my professional development. As a new senior in a small branch library, it provided a great deal of insight and perspective to experiences I was having for the first time, and it gave me a greater sense of community with professionals outside the system.

Q: Your project changed as you went through the program; please share with us how that evolved as you worked through it at Murray Hill.

A: When I applied to the institute, I was a teen librarian and the focus of my project reflected a need I saw in young adult services. However, by the time I started the program, I had been transferred to Murray Hill Branch, and as the senior librarian, my focus shifted to needs of the local community and the ways the branch could better address customer needs with online job seeking training and digital literacy skills.

Q: What positive results were effected at Murray Hill due to your efforts on your SSLLI project?

A: Quite candidly, without knowing the outcome on the LSTA grant application, it is hard to tell what the long- term impact will be for the branch. However, working on the grant helped me gain a clearer understanding of what our customers are looking for and what the need is in the community. It helped the branch to identify programs and partnerships we could offer, i.e. personalized computer classes, partnering with WorkSource, and e-government assistance.

Q: What is your favorite leisure time activity?

A: I love all things related to travel. I love to read about it, research places I would like to visit, and agonize over where to go when I have the time to take a vacation.

Southeast Waves Bye to SLP and Celebrates Goin' Back to School

Southeast Branch Library celebrated Going Back to School with their Summer Reading Finale Ice Cream Party, August 17, at 2:00 pm. Over 200 kids and parents enjoyed ice cream with their choice of toppings and sprinkles and freshly popped pop corn from the old fashioned pop corn maker (courtesy of the Mandarin Branch Library).

The party was made even more eventful with three special guests – Library Board Trustee Christina Stallings (top left picture on left facing camera), Deputy Director Carolyn Williams (pictured bottom right, on left facing camera) and our very own Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel (bottom right, far right, facing camera.)

Trustee Stallings helped Anita Haller (top left, center) give out reading certificates and gift coupons while Carolyn Williams, Carisia Rooney and Volunteer Chelsea Samera served ice cream. Donna Riegel was indispensable handing out napkins and utensils. Volunteer Linda Elmore was in charge of the pop corn, and Paul Schaffner and Pelin Hangul took care of the crowd control. It was team work at its best.

State Rep. Weinstein Reads at SOM

State Rep. Mike Weinstein, pictured left, visited the South Mandarin Branch Library, August 26, 2011, for an all-ages Family Storytime. He read a book for the children based on SOM's "Back to School" theme, If You Take a Mouse to School, by Laura Numeroff. Rep. Weinstein engaged the audience in his reading, asking questions and soliciting responses from the children.

Forty children and parents enjoyed the program, including Rep. Weinstein's wife, son, and grandson, and SOM put out the welcome mat for him and his family to return anytime.

Pat Dowdell, children's LA, and Rep. Weinstein are pictured right, clapping along to the opening song before he read to the children.

Does your library have a legislator to read at Storytime yet?

Three from Main Library Promote

The Main Library had reason to celebrate, August 25, because Circulation's Tricia Larrabee (left center), Teen's Robert Moseley, and Popular/Fiction's Donna Peretzman--all Library Assistants--will be promoted and report in their new positions, August 29, 2011.

Tricia and Robert will be Clerical Supervisors. At University Park Branch, Tricia will report to Michael Rouse, Branch Manager. At Mandarin Branch, Robert will report to Cheryl Callavini, Branch Manager. Donna will remain at Main as JPL's E-Specialist under the supervision of Mark Hohnadel, Librarian Senior in Reference & Periodicals.

Main's Circulation, Popular, and Teen department employees gathered together and served a celebratory cake as they wished these three the very best in their new positions.

Congratulations from the rest of us, too, Tricia, Robert, and Donna.

FJPL's 2nd Book Warehouse Sale, 9/23-25/11

The Friends of JPL recently held their first Book Warehouse Sale. It was so successful that another three-day sale has been scheduled for 5 pm-8 pm, Friday, September 23; 9 am-5 pm, Saturday, September 24; and 12 pm-5 pm, Sunday, September 25, 2011. Customers can purchase one or more books or a brown bag full for $10; bags will be provided by FJPL.

Talk up the sale to JPL customers and tell them FJPL's warehouse is located at the far right side of University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard North, just north of Jacksonville University.

Since it has become impossible to schedule a sale at the fairgrounds, FJPL may replace the Great Jacksonville Book Sales at the fairgrounds with Book Warehouse Sales in their UPK warehouse. Additionally, FJPL President Harry Reagan says this would save the hard work of moving thousands of books to the fairgrounds, as well as the expenses of renting space, trailers to haul books, etc.

JPL + Partnerships = Win Win

August 6 was a Night to Remember dance for fathers, volunteer “dads”, and daughters ages 4-16. Denise Kirkland, JPL’s Literacy Specialist, chaired a committee made up of many local partnering organizations and businesses, which sponsored several events culminating in a dance in the Brentwood Lake Community Center. (Brentwood Branch Library hosted the first event, Saturday Explosion, May 21, which advertised the upcoming events and dance; click on the “NS” label to the right for the June 8 JPL Staff News article.)

Prior to the father/daughter dance, a slumber party was held for the girls, June 23; then a dance dress fitting, July 16, followed by a character building program for dads and daughters, July 23, and an etiquette and ball room dancing rehearsal, July 30.

For the dance, each dad received a tuxedo, shoes, tie and vest for $40 (based on financial need) from Men’s Wearhouse. The girls were fitted by a local gown shop owner who donated brand new gowns, valued from $60 - $300. Sweet Tomatoes donated salads for the etiquette class and each girl could, as instructed, arrange a proper place setting for a formal dinner. The tables were set with white linen, a lovely dinner and desert were served, and the room was tastefully decorated.

Donated door prizes for the dance included a weekend stay for four at the Comfort End Suites & Hotels, Disney Park passes for four, and a $50 K-Mart gift card. Sally Industries provided an enchanted mural. Each girl received a bag of goodies, including a necklace and earring set from Dignity You Wear.

Beside the Jacksonville Public Library, A Night to Remember father/daughter dance was also made possible by the special efforts of: JHA, Lea’s Place, Magnolia Project, Department of Children and Families, NFL Yet Center/Boys and Girls Club, Greggs AME Temple Church, War on Poverty, Moncrief Road CDC and partial funding by the U.S. Department of HUD Community Development Block Grant Program.

This dance was covered in the Sunday Metro section of The Florida Times-Union, August 7, 2011, describing how many hands made memorable moments for 24 misses—and their dads.

CM Schellenberg Reads at SOM Storytime

City Councilman Matt Schellenberg visited the South Mandarin Library on Friday, August 12, 2011, for an all-ages Family Storytime. He read two books for the children: Jack's New Boat, by Sarah McMenemy, and Boats for Bedtime, by Olga Litowinsky. He originally planned to read one book, but graciously read two books for the 22 children and parents who attended the program.

During the storytime, he shared his experiences as a child boating with his friend and encouraged the children to share their stories as well. Customers and staff had a great storytime with their special visitor, and although a future date has not been set, CM Schellenberg was invited back to SOM.

Kudios from Customers

Main Library – Popular & Fiction: “Thanks to Karren Deas and Matthew (Moyer) for a wonderful teaching job.”

Main Library – Teen: “I heart Mia (Clark). She is the best.”

Regency Square Branch: “I just wanted to mention an exemplary person working for the Regency Branch ... Elaine Aspinwall. In the years that I have enjoyed … your library system, Elaine has been the second person to recognize me by name every time that I visit Regency. She always welcomes me when I am there and never hesitates to go out of her way to help me in any way she can. You may get many good comments on employees, but you truly have a gem in this lady. She is truly an exceptional representative for your system.”

University Park Branch: “…While visiting the library, I am treated with kindness and respect and am always the recipient of excellent service by Ms. (Gail) Midon. …Her professional approach made me take note of the caliber of employee that she is. She is always courteous and helpful and real in her concerns …”

Westbrook Branch: “… Utilizing the library as a safe place, in my opinion, has increased my daughter’s appreciation for reading, comprehension, and social interaction. Being at the library with Beatrice Kungu, Tia Samuels, and Kim McTeer has proven to me that there are adults who care about the well being of my child and countless other children that utilize the library as a safe place after school. The care and concern that the Dynamic Trio at Westbrook offers positive influence with the use of digital media, books and social interaction for individuals like my daughter…”

Beaches Branch Displays Fine Watercolors

Pat Doyle, Beaches Branch Manager (seated right in picture to left), sent in these photos and stated that Chen Qitao, who is a well known artist in China, is currently exhibiting his watercolors at the Beaches Branch. (The young lady is one of JB's customers and works at Michaels. She helped Mr. Qitao mount his work for this display.)

Mr. Chen came in Pat Doyle's office (pictureto right) to see the needlework that her mother did when she lived in the Florida Keys. Mr. Y. M. Lin was Mr. Chen’s spokesperson and took these photos. Double click on the picture and see the enlarged version; Pat's mother was an excellent craftswoman/artist.

If you have not seen this exhibit, it is well worth the trip to the Beaches Branch to enjoy the beautiful array of watercolors Mr. Qitao has graciously loaned to the library.

Two At Main Library Receive Their MLIS Degrees

Kaity Barrand, Library Associate Sr. in Main's Teen Department, gives us a brief tour of her journey to earning her MLIS: "I began my degree with FSU’s MLIS program in August 2009, and took two classes a semester at first while I was working full time at UNF. I left my position there to study full time, which I did until beginning my full time position here at Main this past November, which for me necessitated dropping back down to part time study for my remaining two semesters in the program. While volunteering and then shelving at the Southeast Branch, I realized that I had a passion for children’s and youth services and began tailoring my degree to this specialization. JPL has been a fantastically supportive and inspiring environment in which to pursue my degree. I graduated Saturday, August 5, in the Tallahassee Civic Center with my MLIS and, boy, did it feel great! JPL has been a fantastically supportive and inspiring environment in which to pursue my degree, so many thanks to you all!

And Eric Daniel Soriano, Library Associate in Main's E-Library, shares his trek towards his MLIS: "USF's Summer 2011 commencement ceremony was held August 6, 20111, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa FL. It took me a little less than two years to finish the degree. I started during the fall semester of 2009 when I was still at San Marco Branch and took two or three classes per semester. This is my second Master's Degree, the first one being in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I appreciate all the support and encouragement from my JPL family, especially colleagues from SS and Main.

All of us at JPL congratulate Kaity and Eric on their milestones to success.