3 New Book Drops at SE

SE Branch Manager Lynn Baldwin is happy to announce installation of their new outdoor book drop units at the Southeast Branch Library.  A BIG Thank You to Facilities' Brad Schwarzbauer and Public Buildings' Gene Bragg for doing a great job assembling and installing the book drops.

Here's One More of A-B Students Honored at UPK

Rosalin Smalls, Libarary Clerk in Circulation at University Park Branch, wanted to highlight her granddaughter, 12 year-old Zylynn Clark, pictured center with her certificate from University Park Branch for her 7th grade Fletcher Middle School A-B honor roll status.  Cheering Zylynn on are Kim Hamilton (left) and Mary Calcagni from UPK.

UPK Honors Their Honor Students

University Park Branch Library honored students who visit UPK and made the A-B Honor Roll at their schools.  A special celebration was held by the Children's Department for these hard working children.  On May 9,  they were treated to chicken wings, chips, and ice cream.  This picture was taken with the kids holding certificates they received from UPK commemorating their achievements .  Mary Calcagni, Kim Hamilton, and Rosalin Smalls are proud of these go-getters.  What an outstanding thing to do for your smart students/customers.

Kudos from Customers

Sunday Only – Part-time:  "Mrs. (Mildred) Sapp helped me out beyond the call of duty."

Main Library – Genealogy Department:  "David (Fuller) from the 4th floor Genealogy Desk is outstanding. He goes above and beyond to assist me and other visitors in the library. He knows his job and is outstanding."

Main Library – NonFiction: "Very informative instructor (Donna Peretzman). Instructor explained details, I finally heard it simply put! Instructor explained the topic clearly and patiently."

Mandarin Branch: “In regard to Linda (Smith): Having had a business of my own, I recognize customer service and good attitude. She is a credit to her profession and this library ... .”

Pablo Creek Branch: “I have been to many JPL locations over the years ... I have found the staff at PCR to be the friendliest in the JPL system, from manager Carol (Bailey) to Ralph (Henderson), a real nice addition, to the PCR staff, Curt (Beadell), Gail (Blumberg), Tamera (Branam), and Matt (Cahill), among all others! Just want to make sure that JPL knows this fact (not opinion).”

Goodbye to Shawn Norton at SE

The team at Southeast bid farewell to PT Shelver Shawn Norton (front left in picture) on May 11 with homemade cake and ice cream.  Shawn accepted a job in the medical library at the University of St Augustine.  Southern hospitality offered by this handsome bunch helped make his departure a little sweeter. 

Take A Bow for Your United Way Support

Jacksonville Public Library employees have rallied and we closed out the United Way drive successfully.  Our employees donated $18,251.00.  (Library Director Barbara Gubbin is amongst the biggest supporters of United Way.)

Tricia Larrabee coordinated for branches and Sandra Lockley assisted her.  Tamara Crotts coordinated for all the Main Library departments.  They could not have done so well without the cooperation of the branch and department UW representatives.  Great teamwork, dedication, and accuracy helped us conclude this campaign a day ahead of schedule and with an increase of $3,647.27 over our last UW Campaign in 2010.

The City sponsors a city wide staff sale each year for UW, and this year Hazzel Sutton brought in a small store for JPL to sell at the Hemming Plaza Sale, April 27, and Tamara worked hard with her to sell, sell, sell. Jennifer Martinez also had a special event sale for Center for Adult Learning.

Our UW reps and JPL employees who gave to United Way deserve a round of applause.  Your continued support and caring for this community effected a $3,647.27 increase over 2010.

And the Winner Is:

Congratulations to Owen Woods, the custodian at Southeast Branch Library, who received a certificate for Outstanding Achievement in English from Florida State College Jacksonville.  (Please click on the picture for a larger view.)

Staff Profile

Loquacious would not describe Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor of JPL's Collection Development and Acquisitions.  However, it takes a lot of words just to touch on the many aspects related to her position.  Charlene has her thoughts well in order before she speaks and she reminds one--in her quiet way--of a famous statement by Admiral Farragut, "D--- the torpedos; full speed ahead!"  The Support Services Team is happy to have her on board. 

Q: How did your career evolve to you becoming the Collection Development Supervisor for the library system?

A: My career with JPL began just after I graduated with my MLS from FSU in 1989. I started as an adult reference librarian at Mandarin and worked there the longest (8 years), except for my time in Collection Development (13 years). I also worked at Regency, San Marco, and Southeast. Before I got my library degree, I managed a store in the locally owned family bookstore chain, Whites, which no longer exists. Growing up, I thought I would have a career in something to do with books and my love of reading—although I wasn’t quite sure what it would be. In fact I thought I might go into publishing, but the thought of moving to New York City was a bit daunting! During library school and my early years at JPL, I always thought Collection Development would be a good fit for me based on my experience and abilities. While I was working at Southeast as a Senior Librarian, the Collection Development Coordinator at the time (Susan Shami) decided she wanted to go back to public service. Theresa Barmer, who was head of Technical Services (our name before we became Support Services), asked if I would be interested in the position and answered my questions about the duties. Within the week, I was told I would be transferred to the position of Collection Development Coordinator--a senior librarian position at that time. I have been in charge of Collection Development since 1999. The position and my duties have greatly expanded over the years. When I first came, there was a clerk in the department besides me and that was it. At that time, I edited order lists, the clerk created the order lists, and staff throughout the system ordered from the lists. I met with vendors and coordinated with other staff in Technical Services on issues involving Collection Development, but was not involved in developing the budget, requesting and tracking blanket orders, centralized ordering, supervising standing orders, continuous orders, electronic ordering, periodicals, weeding, opening day collections, collection analysis and site visits, or all of the myriad of duties that are handled within Collection Development. Currently, Collection Development consists of me, Senior Librarian Jill Haile, Librarians Steve Egbert and Benjamin Smith, and Library Assistant Hope Bissell. We all work very closely together to centrally order all library materials. I also supervise the Acquisitions and Processing department, which is responsible for receiving orders, processing materials, and linking items to the catalog records.

Q: What is the process used to select and order materials for JPL's system?

A: The majority of our new materials ordering is done based on reviews in sources such as Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, School Library Journal and a few other library review sources. We also closely monitor media outlets for the current Hot titles that are not from established authors—we meet weekly to discuss these types of orders. Reviews are read and a quantity decision is made from our ordering grid which is tweaked regularly. Those orders are entered into a Baker and Taylor Titlesource cart online which is downloaded into Workflows to bring in the bibliographic and order information and then those purchase orders are sent back out electronically to Baker and Taylor (or Midwest or Ingram) to be placed on order with the vendor. That is how the bulk of materials are ordered; there are also quite a few variations depending on the type of material and the vendor. We have automatic order plans in place for very popular adult fiction titles (B&T Automatically Yours plan);  juvenile and YA series standing orders; and automatic order plans that we customize for DVD based on box office sales or non fiction topics. Continuous order plans are set up that order certain types of large print, spoken audio and downloadable audio.  Periodicals titles are reviewed, adjusted and ordered on a yearly basis.  We have standing orders for print reference and serials materials (travel titles are an example), and we meet with vendors' representatives from electronic database vendors, and other materials vendors to consider new databases and services, such as the language learning database. Although a large portion of our ordering process is based on reviews, there are quite a few other processes for materials ordering as well.

Q: How has Collection Development balanced the City/JPL budget cuts with materials needs/demands of JPL?

A: Each year, we keep close tabs on how materials are being used through collection analysis, staff input, Workflows reports, trends in the library field and newly available materials and formats. As budget time approaches, we juggle adjusting the materials budget to meet decreased funding and the need to reapportion the budget to cover new material types such as e materials. For instance, we have done periodicals usage studies the last two years in order to have feedback on the periodicals receiving the most use. This has allowed us to cut the periodicals budget in order to redistribute those funds to other materials such as e books, but has allowed branches to still have the magazines that customers use the most. In many cases, such as popular adult fiction and entertainment DVDs, we have had to purchase fewer overall copies so that we can still have the popular materials, but because we cannot buy as many as we once did, customers have a longer wait before they receive those extremely popular materials. In times past, we had a much higher materials budget. Right after all of The Better Jacksonville Plan libraries had opened, we were able to afford to buy one copy for every hold of an adult bestseller. It has been many years since we could afford to do that. Now we buy an initial order, and in the majority of cases, we do not reorder additional copies unless the holds to copies owned ratio exceeds between 4 and 6 to 1. That means that whatever the most popular title of the moment happens to be, it could have hundreds of holds. Currently, Hunger Games is the king of titles with holds due to the newly released movie—it has almost 700 holds! Around 300 is more typical for the most popular materials though. That can mean a long wait for a customer. But it is one way we can stretch our budget dollars.

Q: How will technology affect the kinds of materials Collection Development will order now and in the future?

A: The continuing increase in popularity of e materials, particularly e books, has the publishing world and libraries that have to try to purchase e materials trying to find their way in a very unsettled, disorderly, fluctuating marketplace. The library market is currently dominated by one primary popular materials vendor--Overdrive. Publishers are nervous about how they can operate profitably in a market changing from print dominance to a mix of print and electronic materials. Libraries are caught in the middle and affected by being able to buy from one publisher one day, and either not being able to purchase that publisher's materials the next, or having restrictions placed on how materials can be circulated, or having prices raised to three times the amount they were just the day before. As e materials continue to gain in popularity in libraries, there are signs of other vendors coming into our market to try to develop models that are more acceptable to libraries. Models in which we purchase the materials, just as we do with physical materials, then the materials are available through the library seamlessly. Hopefully, customers will be able to check out an e book from the library as easily as they can a physical book and they will not have to know the ins and outs of multiple vendor platforms as is the case now. There are going to be more and more materials that will be available electronically, but I think there is always going to be a place for print as well. Historically, as a time of great change occurs when a new technology upsets the existing technologies, there is always an unsettled period, but eventually a coexistence is worked out. Going to the movies in the theater did not disappear when television became available in everyone's homes. Attendance patterns changed, but they have both coexisted now for many years. I think the same will happen with print and electronic books. And with other types of digital materials, that may be on the horizon.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A: I have more than one and they mostly revolve around my family--my husband, Guy, and our two boys, Duncan (15) and Spencer (12). I love to cook, read, watch movies, work in the yard, keep up with my boys' activities in band (Mandarin High School and Mandarin Middle School), Scouts and theater. I like to play tennis, but don't get to do it too often these days. I also love to travel. Last year, we joined 13 members of my family on a cruise for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. This year we hope to go to New York for the Thanksgiving Day parade (but not 17 of us!)--something I have always want to do!

"If Wishes Were Fishes"

"If Wishes Were Fishes", a puppet play written by Eve (a WST librarian) and her husband, Mark Harm, was enjoyed by 30+ children at West Regional, April 28.  It is the story of Delila D, a magical but hard of hearing fairy, her rescuers, Miss Ewe and Al, and their wishes.  A fairy singalong was included, and Chris Cavan (left in picture) and Eve served as presenters.  After the show, kids made their own magic wands, and then stood in the fairy circle to be sprinkled with fairy dust, so their wishes would come true.  You can view the play here:  http://youtu.be/JOiazrs9R04

Jax Youth Poetry Slam Hosts Teen Talent at Main

Main's Teen Department hosted the 8th annual Jax Youth Poetry Jam in the Hicks Auditorium on Saturday, April 21.  Winners were Reginald Drake, first place; Desirae Lee, second place, and George Abraham, third place.  Thirteen of the 16 participants are pictured here and their smiles reflect their enthusiasm for this competition.

The Main Library has hosted the past three JYPS events after collaborating with the founder, Tonya Smart.

This is a spirited, competitive spoken word event for talented and emerging young people, ages 11-18. During the competition, teens must perform original work in under three minutes.  Each performace is scored by a panel of judges and the highest and lowest scores are dropped.  The winners of the first round go on to compete in another round until the winners are determined. 

JYPS was honored to have Councilman Don Redman as one of the  judges, and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams was the announcer.  Audience participation is encouraged to support the poets and they can boo or cheer the judges' scores.

May 1, 2012: Unveiling of Mural of Jean Ribault's Landing In NE Florida, May 1, 1562

At 5 p.m., May 1, 2012, in Special Collections, 4th floor of the Main Library, the Jacksonville Public Library will host the unveiling of Lee Adams' mural of French Captain Jean Ribault's landing at the mouth of the River of May (as he named it; now known at the St. Johns River), May 1, 1562.  He claimed the land for the King of France and raised a monument commemorating his claim the next day as depicted in the painting.

The mural actually spans a time period of 1562-1565.  When Jean Ribault set the original pillar in place commemorating his claim of the land for France, May 2, 1562, he could not have imagined how many people over the next 450 years would be interested in his historic claim.  Even U.S. Sen. Charles Bennett wrote a book, Settlement of Florida, that included the French exploits of this era, and many have searched out the details of Jean Ribault's and his compatriots' adventures exploring our area and the native people they met.

The 450th anniversary will be celebrated by other local organizations (click here for more informton: http://www.coj.net/commemorate450.aspx)

Mrs. Lyn Corley, a long-time resident of Jacksonville and a Florida history buff, worked diligently to see this largely restored mural finally housed at the Main Library where many people can see the mural and be inspired to search out Florida's rich history.

SE Proudly Presents Successful Mom & Son

Local Artist Anthony Rooney is displaying four of his works at the Southeast Branch Library through the end of May.  Anthony studied art in France and recently received his Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of North Florida.  Anthony is the son of Southeast Children’s Librarian Carisia Rooney.

Thank you for sharing your paintings with us, Anthony, and Congratulations! on receiving your degree.

City/JPL United Way Campaign Kickoff

JPL's United Way representatives for all our branches and departments at Main have received their preprinted donation forms to give to you at your unit's staff meeting, or to you personally.  They are contributing their time to help garner funds that will help keep kids in school, improve Northeast Florida's appalling illiteracy rate, have a place where kids can go after school and stay out of trouble, and on and on the efforts go with United Way.

We thank you and all of our United Way JPL reps for donating time and money for this worthy cause.  We hope you can give but if you cannot, we know you are giving to a good cause elsewhere.

Please turn in your donation form to your respective JPL/UW representative by Friday, May 4, 2012, so we can get all of JPL's donations into the City/UW rep by our deadline.

We hope you can attend the Citywide Staff UW kickoff celebration/sale in Hemming Plaza (that is  across the street from the Main Library), 11 am - 2 pm, Friday, April 27, 2012.  Employees with City i.d. badges will receive a free hot dog, chips, and drink.  You will be entertained by Bobby Thigpen--live--while you find some well-priced items that staff will have on sale to benefit Untied Way.

Kudos from Customers

Brentwood Branch: "I appreciate the warm welcome and help I receive each and every time I go the Brentwood library, which is several times each week. (Gloria Armstrong, Irissa Allen, Kimberly McTeer, Margaret Miles.)"

Highlands Branch: "Best Employee ever was Eva (Newton) @ the Dunn Ave. Library. Yea! Great! Wonderful."

Main Library – Ref/Per:  "Intermezzo Concert with Lawrence Quinnett. Excellent performance. Thank you for all you do (Ed Lein) for the Library and music lovers."

Mandarin Branch: "We LOVE the Mandarin Library. Especially the children's section. Mr. David Foster is in our librarian "hall of fame". When you enter the children's section, he is always "on duty", greeting every patron with a smile and a kind word. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. His enthusiasm for good books has been contagious to our three boys!"

West Regional:  "I would like to commend Ms. Chris Cavan of the West Regional Branch for going above and beyond in customer service. I called that branch asking if a specific book (the only copy in the system) could be expedited to my local branch because we needed it quickly. Ms. Cavan offered to drop it off personally on her way home. I was able to pick it up the next morning without having to wait days for it to go through normal processes. ..."

SE Teens Are At Their Chibiest!

Southeast Branch's Teen Chibi Drawing Class goes on full speed. For over a year, tweens and teens improved their drawing skills and finally they got to the point they could compete with their teacher.  Most of the artists say chibi drawing class is the only class they would never want to skip.

Every week, Chibi Club hosts a mini drawing contest which became almost a tradition. We proudly present the winners of last week, Ariel (15) and Jasminn (11). (You can click on the picture for a larger view.)  Their awesome work can be visited at SE Branch Library right now--come on over!

Main Library Has Movie for Deaf & It Was A Big Hit

Per Kathy Lussier, CR&M's Assistant Director, Eric Soriano did a great job putting together a public viewing of the movie,  “The Hammer” at the Main Library.  This is a new movie about a deaf wrestler; learn more at this website:  http://www.thehammerpremiere.com/ 

Eric reported there were 85 people in the audience--not counting a volunteer and an interpreter. Mitesh Sangani thought this was one of the best attended JPL movie programs ever. Additional handouts had to be made to accommodate the demand.  Eric will follow through with viewers' suggestions on future programs and services we could offer to the community.

While a majority of the attendees were deaf, there were also some ASL students and teachers there.  Eric was delighted to meet the program chair of UNF’s Deaf Education department as well as a retired deaf librarian. Many were first time visitors to the Main Library.  They appreciated the movie and look forward to visiting again. All of them expressed the desire to attend future library deaf or ASL related activities.  Eric Soriano is scheduling a post-event meeting with the Jacksonville Deaf Club and some of the local colleges to discuss any other future collaborations.

Good feedback was received on the fliers and posters and the interpreter.  Eric expressed his appreciation to CR&M for helping make this a successful event.

Fair Housing Highlighted at South Mandarin Branch

SOM currently has a Fair Housing display and features such books as To Kill A Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee.

CM Matt Schellenberg at SOM's Story Time

Council Member Matt Schellenberg was the guest reader for Story Time at South Mandarin Branch Library on April 9.  He delighted children and parents with Born to Read and Read  It, Don't Eat It.  He enjoyed the experience, too, and offered to return to the branch for another Story Time.

LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!

Give yourselves a pat on the back:

• The Jacksonville Public Library provided more than 10,000 programs and services last year to Duval County residents at its 21 locations.

• More than 165,000 area children and teens attended library programs last year – nearly the entire youth population of Duval County.

DU Proves There Really IS a Free Lunch

Thanks to Kathleen Brunner, Highlands Branch Childrens's Librarian, all employees there won a drawing for a lunch delivered to the branch, sponsored by the 96.1 Lite Lunch Brigade.  (Kathleen entered the drawing on her personal time.)  They also have a group shot of the happy DU staff on their site. Nice advertising for JPL and who doesn't like a good, free lunch? Click here for more information:

http://www.wejz.com/PhotoPages/Photo.aspx?PhotoID=874321

Recognition by VIP's for Volume Handled in TB

Councilman Robin Lumb and JPL Board Member Christina Stallings visited Talking Books and Interlibrary Loan departments for a tour and presentation of activities at the Main Library,  Monday, April 2.  Ms. Stallings wrote this nice note to Jerry Renolds, Manager of TB and ILL,  “Thank you very much for taking the time to present JPL's Talking Books section this morning.  Councilman Lumb was amazed at the volume of materials requested and handled by this area.  Great job!"

Staff Profile

David Foster, Library Associate in Mandarin Branch’s children’s department, is well known for his ability to “break the ice” with strangers and make them feel right at home, all the while finding out what customers’ real needs are so he can best help them. David is respected by his present and past supervisors, peers, and customers for his exceptional skills. One thing he said that might best describe his take on customer service was what he learned on his first job out of high school, “It taught me the value of proactive anticipation of what will best help a customer.” He makes each customer feel like their need is his top priority--and for him it is.

Q: What is your professional history with City/JPL?

A: I began working for JPL in late fall of 2004, just as the last of the new branches were being completed under The Better Jacksonville Plan. Although my mother and I visited UPK on its grand opening day months before, I was not actually part of the start-up team. Michael Sullivan, Kathleen Krizek, Mary Calcagni, and Kim Hamilton saw my potential as an assistant in the Y department, and I worked between the circulation and Y departments. Although I knew that I would move to South Mandarin, ironically, I also was not part of the start-up crew there. I arrived over a week after its grand opening and again was fortunate in that Ed Murray, Lynne Baldwin, Anne Clement, Marsha Collins, and Linda Ehnert saw my potential as an LA in the Y department. I worked for Ms. Clement for 4 1/2 years before my transfer to Mandarin Branch, where I am Margo Crafton's assistant.

Q: Are your people skills and good customer service derived more from a personal affinity for people, professionally acquired, or both?

A: My family has a history of serving our community; my mother and sister-in-law are teachers, my sister is a nurse, one of my brothers works in law enforcement, one of my nieces works in a seniors home, and one of my nephews served eight years in the military.

My rapport with customers stems from two people, in particular--my father, who had the ability to speak with ease with virtually anyone about virtually any topic, and a family friend, for whom I worked after graduating from high school. That job involved sales, and my friend taught me how he maintained a client base, in no small part due to his jovial, outgoing nature. I apply that lesson on a daily basis, welcoming families as they step into our department, and proactively providing assistance.

My love of reading comes from my mother, who cannot sit at the breakfast table without reading the cereal box ingredients! At home, we were surrounded by encyclopedias, Reader's Digest, National Geographic, and any number of bookcases that were filled to the brim.

My approach to customer service is that--at that particular moment, during that particular transaction--to the customer, I am the face of JPL.

Q: Why is it important to connect with parents as well as children?

A: Building a strong rapport with the entire family allows me to better determine the family's needs, whether specific, such as resources for a school project, or whether broad in scope, such as encouraging a life-long love of the library, and, by extension, building a life-long love of reading.

I am fortunate that--at both SOM and KR--I have hosted the Mother Goose and Toddler Time programs, allowing me to focus on our future readers from the very beginning!

I also host a kids graphic novel book club, which Shivon Rockward started for KR, in which I am able to work with school-age students who are at a stage where many students face distractions, such as video games and television. I stress critical thinking, specifically comparison and contrast and the concept of irony, as well as the pure joy of leisure reading. I provide an atmosphere that is conducive to each student's expressing his or her point-of-view.

Q: How is customer service changing in the children’s department?

A: More and more, we are a hub for families with parents who—in addition to helping their kids get books—are here to search for a job. Something as simple as letting a parent know that, in addition to finding books that pertain to their child's interests, we can provide coloring pages, puzzles, and pop-up books to keep their attention so a parent can focus on that important task. I am also able to tell parents about our website links, specifically Careers and Jobs, under the Recommended Websites on our home page. My taking a moment to research the next WorkSource visit could change a family's life!

The summer months, which are our peak season because our school-age kids are on break, have also changed in the last few years of our nation's economic downturn. I've heard again and again that our programming has offered families a free, healthy alternative to costly entertainment.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: My family has a new generation! My brother and I were raised as a “second” family, so we've been uncles since we were in elementary school. In the last few years, my oldest nephew and his wife have started their own family. Children have always been part of my life!

Mayor Brown & Other Dignitaries At JPL Partnership Event

On Saturday, March 31, 2012,  Mayor Alvin Brown and Library Supervisor Marshelle Berry posed for a quick photo at the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Shiloh Outreach Center where they both served as guest speakers. Under Mrs. Berry’s leadership, JPL Urban Library Centers will partner with the Outreach Center in serving the community.

Library Associate Anthony Williams also made numerous community contacts as he manned a library information table at the event. Other attendees included EWC President Nat Glover and Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

ONE in THREE Exhibit at Pablo Creek

The ONE in THREE exhibit lifts the faces and stories of 20 current and former Duval County Public School students through dramatic portraits by photographer Ingrid Damiani. Their stories demonstrate the power of an engaged community that works ONE by ONE to ensure that all students are successful in school. They show the need for every person in our city to get involved in public education. In their eyes, you will find no despair—only hope. Branch Manager Carol Bailey welcomes you to enjoy this exhibit at Pablo Creek Branch Library, April 2-26 , and it can be seen at Sandalwood High School during this time.

Pablo Creek Is Art Smart

Pablo Creek Branch Library is teeming with the artwork of some of Jacksonville's most talented people.  At top right is their current exhibit of the members of First Coast Porcelain Artists .

Lower right is Wild Birds: Acrylic Paintings by Fine Artist and Painting Instructor Anthony Whiting.  This exhibit includes 13 gorgeous, colorful acrylic paintings and can be viewed during April.  Give your eyes a treat; everyone is invited.

For a larger view, click on the individual picture.

What Does Art Have To Do With Pre-Reading Skills?

Pablo Creek Branch joins libraries across the country, teaming up with parents and caregivers to foster the skills needed for reading success! The Every Child Ready to Read initiative has identified five key areas of early reading skills that are indicators of future reading success: Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing, and Playing.  PCR uses ALL of these developmental skills at the library in their story times and family programs. Artwork featured in PCR's Children’s lobby showcase was created in the Family Art Time Program at PCR, demonstrating how children can learn pre-reading skills through drawing and writing activities.

Innovator Awards Are Special

For three months, Innovator Awards have been given to nominated JPL staff.  You could be the next employee to receive this award.  You will be hearing more about Innovation Awards soon, and to whet your appetite, above are pictured two happy recipients, Librarians David Fuller (top left pic) and Jeff Geiger. 

Why did they receive an Innovator Award?  Patricia Morrison, Main's Special Collections Supervisor, said, "On April 2, 2012, the 1940 Federal Census will be released to the public.  This is a widely anticipated event in the genealogy world, one that occurs 72 years after the Census is taken. The 1940 Census will not be indexed immediately upon release and will require specific search strategies to ensure success.  In anticipation of the kinds of problems and roadblocks our staff and our customers might encounter, David, Jeff and two of our volunteers--Patricia McCullough and Pam Gibson--began researching and writing pathfinders and brochures, and planned two classes for the public. This initiative began with a conversation David had with two of our volunteers and grew to include assistance from other JPL departments (Training and CR&M) to produce the course material and promotional material.  Kudos to David and Jeff for anticipating what was needed and acting to ensure we are prepared."

Friends of JB Book Sale

Friends of the Beaches Branch Used Book Sale will be held at Beaches Branch Library, 600 3rd St., Neptune Beach:

Thursday, April 26 - 5-7 pm - members only BUT nonmembers can join FOBL opening night.
Friday & Saturday - April 27-28 - 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday April 29 - 1-4 pm

The Beaches Friends Book Sales could be just what your customers are looking for, so please let them know.

Murray Hill Friends Sign Up 70 at MH Branch

Helene Kamps-Stewart of the Murray Hill Friends of JPL reports that during the week of March 19 that they "...registerered 70 people in 6 days for MHFOJPL outside the Murray Hill Library, and most were new members!  We feel that it was a successful outreach. For those who didn't sign up, we at least spread the word and let folks know that we exist!"

Congratulations to all of you; JPL needs all the Friends we can get and we appreciate your hard work.

Spring Is Not Late This Year

You may recall that San Marco Library had to have most of their oaks removed in front and it looked a bit bare.  On Florida's Arbor Day, Winged Elms were planted and with the addition of their LaSalle Bioswale water system that filters rainwater (the first in Jacksonville), Bald Cypress trees (left) were also planted.  Spring has recently seen all the replacement trees sprouting beautifully--giving SS new "curb appeal".

SOM Teen Dept. Continues '60's Focus

Shedriek Battle (pictured right), South Mandarin Branch's Teen Library Associate and Library Associate Lily Waller continued South Mandarin's focus on the'60s , March 21, with a 3 1/2 hour "Celebrate the 60's!" program attended by 65 people.  The exhibit highlighted1960's art, culture and history.

South Mandarin Branch Zooms Back to the '60's

Councilman Stephen Joost, his family, and all those who wanted to zoom back to a volatile decade did so at South Mandarin Branch children's staff's "Spring Into the 1960s" program, March 20.  Pictures and library materials capturing the many changes of that decade--Vietnam, the civil rights movement, JFK & RFK, the Cuban crisis, the flower children; and go-go boots, wild prints, and the peace symbol were everywhere. 

Children and adults played Twister, made “pop art", hula hooped, and danced to the music of the 60s (remember the Watusi, the Twist, and the Monkey?) Whatta a decade and whatta great time the 40 participating customers had!

At top is SOM's display, and the children’s staff includes (L/R) Anne Clement, Pat Dowdell, Angela Richman, and Tracy O'Sullivan.

Movers and Shakers

Librarians Matthew Moyer (Popular/Fiction Department, Main Library) and Andrew Coulon (Support Services/ILS) had this joint response to their awards received recently from the Library Journal, "It's humbling to be recognized for the Movers and Shakers awards in the "Innovator" category.  We just want to thank everyone we have worked with on these projects and our supervisors for their incredible patience and enthusiasm.  It has been a privilege to be able to use our personal talents and expertise in the library."

Mardi Gras at Webb Wesconnett

Webb Wesconnett Branch recently had a Mardi Gras float contest and 72 adults and kids attended the program.  They dressed in Mardi Gras garb and paraded shoe box floats. Refreshments and prizes, including MP3 players, were awarded.

Old Crayons = New Learning Tool at CW's Art for Early Literacy

Elizabeth McConney (pictured right with kids' art) has a new Friday preschoolers class, Art for Early Literacy, and has had about 25 attend each class.  Children have  the opportunity to play with collage, make play-dough sculptures, fingerpaint, feed a monster, learn to mix colors and play some guessing games.  Ms. McConey also uses her newly-minted lego crayons. Using broken crayons, a silicone candy mould and her toaster, she repurposed old supplies. The lego crayons will be used by the children to learn about the quality of lines, making a collage, building with play dough and playing a shape matching game.

Kudos from Customers

Highlands Branch: “…I would like to show my appreciation to Ms. (Kathleen) Brunner for doing everything she could to help me find a book for my report and even grab a DVD after I could not locate it. It was very important to me …”

Main Library – Janitorial Staff: “...the janitorial people were really professional and were doing a great and thorough job. They kept the glass clean and the bathrooms clean. ... The window washer`s name was James (Holden). The entire staff was very helpful and courteous”

Southeast Branch: “These are donations to the library in gratitude for your help resolving an issue with a returned DVD that was missing. Special thanks to Debra Wainwright and Lynne Baldwin for their help. …”

University Park Branch: “…Marlin Day, Mina Figuerrez, Gail Midon, Kim Hamilton, Leona Cain and Mary Calcagni are terrific library professionals. They are always available to assist everyone to use the library's books, materials, and facilities more effectively. They are always generous. ...”

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “Carol Bunker was very helpful and quite competent at explaining self-check and other questions I had regarding videos, books, and computer use. She's great!”

Prime Time at Highlands Branch

Kathy Tekin, Youth Services Coordinator, said, "We had eleven families, or 33 individuals on average, attend the Prime Time Family Reading Time winter sessions on Thursdays, February 2 - March 8, 2012, at Highlands Regional Branch Library. 

"Scholar Elizabeth Furdell and Storyteller Debra Keels engaged children and parents in discussing the books. We served meals provided by Ashley Street Catering for the eleven families who attended the six week program. Emily Gideon and Tenesha Anderson made reminder calls, greeted the families and made sure they had their books for the next week and entered the door prize drawings. Beverly Mason and Donna Thomas made sure the preschool set had a fun time as well with stories and crafts that related to the theme the older children and parents were sharing in the bigger group.

"We received comments from parents that their children were doing better in school and they were asking their children more questions about what they were reading. Everyone was sad to see this very successful program come to an end. Our next library location for Prime Time will be Graham Branch Library in late April and May."

News from the Friends of JPL

Sharon Sutherland, Executive Director of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, reports their first Book Warehouse Sale of the year, March 2-4 & March 10, garnered over $29,000 in sales and memberships.

Please remember to spread the word:   FJPL is open for shopping at the University Park Branch Library, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, 9 - Noon.

Friends' BOOKtique is currently offering a sale on fiction--Buy One/Get One Free and 20% off select gift items.

BOOKtique has the Great Decisions 2012 book available for those attending the Library's Discussion Program that started in February and ends in May.

The Jax Reads book, The Things They Carried, that will be featured March 26 - April 26, will be available at the BOOKtique for $14.95, and they will be available to sell the book during the program at FSCJ's Wilson Center, March 30.

GOOD BUY: FJPL offers membership to library staff for only $5 for individuals and $12.50 for families.

Talent--We Have Talent--Lots & Lots of Talent

Mandarin Branch hosted the Art Guild of Orange Park art show and reception, Saturday, March 3--and what talent there was on display as you can see from these two examples.  Don't you wish you had been there?

New Generation of Artists at SE

SE Library Assistant Paul Schaffner has been creating excellent crafts for preschoolers for five years. His current “Mr. Paul’s Painting Program”, kicked off in February 2012, has educated and entertained 100+ kids between the ages of 2-6 on Wednesdays at 1:30 and continues to attract aspiring artists. The theme of the program is, “Release your inner artist.”

Children enjoy painting free style with Mr. Paul. They have fun sharing paint and brushes with the other kids and expressing their individual talents, without their parents’ help. (Parents not only appreciate their children's art work, they get the benefits of washable paint!)

Mr. Paul honored his budding artists by creating an exhibit of their work at SE, and everyone is invited to see it.  Your customers can bring their kids to the program or just feast their eyes. Paul could be nurturing the next Matisse, Renoir, or someone who could start a whole new series of art styles as the great Picasso did.

JB Weeds & Revamps for the Future

Beaches Branch Manager Pat Doyle says the “weeding team”, organized by Charlene Adkins, did a “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” job at JB on Sunday morning, March 11. They succeeded in weeding, withdrawing and boxing up more than 3400 items!  Now JB will weed the remaining lists they have and remove three rows of shelving.  Then they will relocate (and eventually eliminate) the paperback spinners and convert that room into a “laptop” room because it has five outlets, and  carrels and tables will be provided for customers to plug in their laptops.

Self-check Usage Up 137% at UPK

 University Park Branch Manager Marlin Day reports they started their self-check promotion last November (Michael Rouse was manager then) and at the end of January UPK's self-check usage increased from 19,217 last fiscal year to 45,555 this fiscal year, reflecting an increase of 137%! UPK self-check users can put their names on a self-check award winner sticker (shown at top leftt) and then these are posted on a board, letting other customers know that they are a "reward winning self-check user". UPK also started other promotions in March.

Waste Not/Want Not

All areas currently served by Southland Waste Systems (Republic Services), including some 71,000 residences in Arlington, Mayport, and the Northside will soon convert to automated collection of household waste and recycling.  The new waste management system is the wave of Jacksonville's future and this initiative is expected to save the City $500,000/year in fuel savings and the new single-stream recycling method, which eliminates the need for customers to sort recyclables, should improve current recycling by 50% and is expected to increase annual revenues to the City by an additional $500,000.  This method brings Jacksonville closer to achieving state mandated goals that require 75% of household waste to be recycled by 2020.  These residents are getting two new, free 96-gallon trash cans (one for trash and one for recyclables) beginning this June.  These trash cans will improve curbside aesthetics because they hold more (the equivalent of three large garbage cans) and have tight fitting lids that will eliminate vermin-related issues. Customers can contact Andy Barker, Operations Manager for Southland’s Jacksonville Division, telephone: 904-350-8118, or email: ABarker@RepublicServices.com.University Park and Regency Square Branches have the new trash cans on display for a limited time. 

Helping People Get Jobs

Brown Eastside Branch Library hosted three consecutive Community Resource & Career Workshops recently in preparation for the job fair at the Main Library, March 6.  On February 27, Jacksonville Urban League facilitated the first workshop where people learned how to prepare for the job fair.  WorkSource staff assisted attendees with resume building, February 28, and on February 29, Peggy Johnson of the Petunia Patch Boutique and Maternity did a workshop on how to dress for the career fair. The goal of the workshops was to help people better their chances of getting a job interview at the JPL Community Resource and Career Fair and look their best for any job interview.  EB had about 25 people attend the three day workshops.

Spring Forward On March 11

Daylight Saving time begins at midnight this Sunday, March 11, 2012.  You get an hour of extra sleep--or an extra hour to do whatever it usually takes you to do in one hour.

In the Pink

Mandarin Branch's Teen Coordinator, Don Carpenter, honored his word to teens at his branch and his hair turned PINK.  Why?  Well, click here and find out:  http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/496425/sandy-strickland/2012-03-06/book-deadline-passes-so-his-hair-turns-pink

Job Fair at Main Library Scores Big

Ava Barrett, Main Library Administrative Supervisor, had this to report on the Job Fair held at the Main Library, March 6:  "It was a resounding success! The employers all reported being very pleased with the response and quality of the candidates and the candidates reported satisfaction with the vendors. Total registered candidates: 404. All workshops were full to capacity and WorkSource had lines of people waiting to go in for assistance with resumes or applications. Two companies actually hired on the spot and others told me they had collected some very good prospects. Everyone says it was a resounding success. Our Job Resource Guide was very popular and ran out quickly.  I am really pleased with the outcome of all our hard work."

Thank you to Library Board Trustee Rita Cannon for introducing Councilman Don Redman to speak at this event.  Partners included FSCJ, The Chamber of Commerce, WORKSource, and more than a dozen employers looking for workers.  At least two employers were hiring on the spot.  Free workshops on resume writing, networking and interviewing were offered by area experts.

Staff Profile

Randy Mapanoo started his career with JPL as a Library Clerk at Pablo Creek Branch in January 2010, and then promoted to Library Associate at Southeast Branch in March 2011. Slated for a demotion if the 15% budget cuts had taken effect FY2012, and still on probation, he pursued a project that would, if successful, give him some job security. He also knew his efforts could serve a real need at SE, educate customers, and be a draw for the library.

Southeast Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin said, “Randy Mapanoo exhibited these Destination Leadership practices in creating his E-reader presentation: Modeling the Way, Challenging the Process, Enabling Others to Act, Encouraging the Heart and Inspiring a Shared Vision when he used his E-Reader presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources…” His diligent research and study did indeed result in a successful, popular E-reader class, and Randy is now the “go to” person at SE when customers or employees have E-reader questions. It is no wonder he received both the Employee of the Quarter and Challenge the Process awards for the first quarter of  FY2012.

From these Q&A’s you can see how Randy progressed and covered so many aspects of Destination Leadership to develop an effective E-Reader class.

Q: What did you do to propose and prepare yourself to make the first E-reader presentation at SE?

A: I saw the need for organized training in a group setting because many customers were asking for assistance with their E-readers and other electronic devices and resources. With approval from my direct supervisor, Bob Silkett, and Lynne Baldwin, I then discussed my plans for the E-reader training class with Overdrive expert E-Specialist Donna Peretzman. By taking online training on electronic resources and borrowing a variety of readers from ILS, I learned how each reader worked. I also spoke with staff at the Overdrive Resource Center to learn specific aspects of the program. Then I scheduled individual training times for customers and staff and continued to talk to customers about their technology needs and how our branch could help them.

Q: Did you set a goal as to when you would present the first E-reader training class?

A: My goal of creating and presenting this class was to have it in the first quarter of FY12, and the first class was scheduled for December 14, 2011. I completed my training and research and then created the PowerPoint presentation in time to meet my goal.

Q: Your project obviously needed the cooperation of staff in other areas; how did that transpire?

A: I borrowed a variety of E-readers from ILS. Community Relations and Marketing staff worked with me on promoting the project. Flyers were made and the large sign Wally Bowden made was the first thing customers saw when they entered SE. I requested that program information be posted on the SE plasma screen, on our home page rotating screen and on the branch’s blog. Fellow SE staff also assisted with promoting this project to customers and a registration sheet was placed at the reference desk.

Q: What is your overall view of the first E-reader training class and subsequent classes?

A: I made training handouts for customers and believed this to be a valid experiment. From that first class, we could see any kinks in the program, use customer feedback and my experience in training to develop better programs for the future. The work paid off and the first class was a big success. Thirty plus customers attended on December 14—just in time for Christmas.

The second class, February 13, had 39 people attend with the same positive results: customers are being educated in new technology and Southeast Branch is developing its 21st century customer base. Using my presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources, SE Librarian and new Adult Programming Coordinator Jeremy Hall is working on creating additional training for customers. Seeing the need for a separate training space, Lynne Baldwin is working with Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel and SST Manager Gretchen Mitchell to create an electronic classroom at SE.

Q: What fun things do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I love to read and finally found time to do so again last month. I just finished The Imperfectionists, by Tom Rachmann, and enjoyed it. I also am starting to enjoy cooking more. I used to see it as just a chore, but I am beginning to appreciate it as I get better. I can’t say I’m good yet, but having fun is a start!

S.S.H. at Mandarin Branch - Shoo Teens There

S.S.H., or Students Suddenly Heard, is an event planned for teens, ages 11-18, to audition at Mandarin Branch for a variety show to be held at a later date.  Mandarin's Teen Coordinator, Don Carpenter, had a popular open mic event last summer and is planning another soon that will have a different twist.  He invites other JPL's to extend this invitation to their teens.  He is seeking actors and writers for MC and sketch comedy, dancers, musicians, magicians, jugglers, artists of all varieties and anyone else who thinks he/she can contribute to what will be a fabulous show.

Hooray for Elaine Randolph

South Mandarin Branch Manager Ed Murray nominated Elaine Randolph, Librarian Senior, for the newly implemented Innovation Award because he thought her Valentine Day display was"timely and fun".  Ms. Randolph became the first employee to win this award, and Library Director Barbara Gubbin was present when she received it on February 29.

Ms. Gubbin also submitted this picture and wanted all to see how well Ms. Randolph promoted Cupid and SOM's collection of materials.  (Please click on photo for larger view.)

A Good Way to Serve, Promote JPL, & Have Fun

Any sports fans out there? Tracy O’Sullivan, Library Associate at SOM, is also President of the Gator Club of Jacksonville, a division of the University of Florida's Alumni Association.  There are several SEC and other university alumni groups in Jacksonville that can be found on the Internet, and Tracy has found it is a good way to meet fellow alumni and make new friends. Maybe your alma mater has a local alumni and friends group that you could join.

Tracy has been involved with the Gator Club since she graduated from the University of Florida, and says, “I am very honored and proud to be a leader for the Gator Nation.” On February 2, she attended an award ceremony in Gainesville on behalf of the Gator Club of Jacksonville. The work Tracy and other club members did this past year earned the Jacksonville Club three awards--the most given to any club that night. The awards were for Best Young Alumni Leader, Best Young Alumni Event in the State of Florida, and Most Improved Gator Club in the State of Florida. The local Gator Club is just one of a hundred Gator Clubs around the world. In Jacksonville alone, there are over 10,000 Gator Alumni graduates.  She helps raise money for student scholarships and bring Gator alumni and friends together.  To view photos from the award ceremony, click here:  http://www.jaxgatorclub.com/.

SOM Knows What To Do W/Spring Break

The Children are coming! The Children are coming! Duval County Public Schools Spring Break, March 17 - 25, is just around the corner.  All kids and teens are welcome at these South Mandarin Branch programs:

• 6 pm, Monday, March 19 – Board Game Battle  – Battle against your friends for bragging rights.
• 3 pm, Tuesday, March 20 – Spring into the 1960’s – Dude, we'll host a cool blast to the past.
• 2 pm, Wednesday, March 21 – Celebrate the '60’s Book and Music Exhibit – Teens check it out, man, moving and grooving to top music and books of the 60’s.
• 3 pm, Thursday, March 22 – LEGOs in the Library – Building party (blocks donated by our patrons.)
• 3 pm, Saturday, March 24 – No Batteries Required! – Puzzles and games.

First To Receive JPL Innovator Award

Librarian Senior Elaine Randolph was South Mandarin's first recipient of the JPL Innovator Award.  Elaine created an impromptu "Valentine's Day" display in multiple formats, which included romance novels, dating guides, romantic comedies on DVD, and mood music on CD.  The display was a small sensation and generated much interest!

Please Note:  Other Innovation Award winners will be posted on this blog soon!

Kudos from Customers

Highlands Branch: “The staff at the checkout counter (Michelle DuBois, Tyhedra Wilson, Dana Curry, Corey Scott, Felecia Battle, Barbara Fritz & Cheron Williams) is super friendly.”

Main – Florida Collection: “I am writing to express my thanks to the staff in the Florida Collection (Raymond Neal, Hazel Sutton, Andy Barmer, Margaret Morford, David Fuller, Cathy Currier, & Jeff Geiger). I traveled to Jacksonville...to do research ... Each staff member...was courteous, helpful, and patient. My many requests for microfilm were promptly filled and when I had problems with equipment they were right there to help. With their assistance, I was able to get a great deal of information. …”

Main – Reference & Periodicals: “Today's class was very good. Jason Eneox did a very good job. Thank you.”

Mandarin Branch: “I would like to thank the librarians that work in the children's area (Margo Crafton, David Foster, Elaine Roberson, Frances Wickes, Sarah Miller & Brittany Gonzales). My grandchildren are regular visitors to the library and I have seen first-hand how patient and helpful they are with children that are there to look for books, movies, etc. I am a Media Center assistant (18 years) and know how important it is to encourage young readers. ...”

Pablo Creek Branch: “The children's department... is excellent. I bring my 2 year old once a week to the family preschool program. She loves it and I love what she learns from it. It is wonderful that a craft is always available following the program. I consider this an important part of my daughter's early education. A special thank you to Ms. (Margaret) Crawford, Ms. (DeLon) Rowan and Ms. (Hongying) Song, who are always extremely friendly and call my daughter by name.”

Need a Better View of You?

If you want to improve your and/or your family's health, look and feel better?  You can click here to view Elizabeth McConney's PowerPoint presentation, Easy, Healthy Food Choices, which earned her the Model the Way Award for the first quarter of FY12.  The presentation, originally made to customers, can benefit all of us.  Ms. McConney compiled this presentation using the new USDA guidelines.  She is a part-time shelver at Webb Wesconnett Branch and Librarian Mia Brack, reported that Ms. McConney "saved the day" when she pinch-hit with this talk after a scheduled speaker could not keep her engagement.

JB's Sharon Whitt Has Computer Wit

Beaches Branch Library Associate Sharon Whitt recently tried a new way to answer customers’ questions. On February 15, 2012, from 1-3 p.m., she became a Computer Coach and made herself available for all computer related inquiries. During her two hour stint, she assisted eight customers and answered ten questions.  Sandra Ostroski, Librarian Senior, reported this venture and said management was very pleased with the responses customers gave to Ms. Whitt's first endeavor of this kind.  (Click on the picture for a larger view.)