Staff Profile

Farryn James is a Non-Civil Service Clerk in the Main Library's Special Collections Department.  Pat Morrison, who supervises that department, thought Farryn's experiences would be of interest to JPL staff.  Farryn exemplifies what one can do early in life to overcome obstacles, set goals high, and work hard to attain them. 

Q: What were your aspirations when you were a young girl?

A: As a little girl, I always knew I could do everything and be anything. I wanted to be a “quadruple threat”—singer, dancer, actress and an author.  As I matured, however, I found my real passion in life was writing. I knew I was destined to become an author when I was writing on my bedroom walls as a kid. In my free time, I would take the school planners and compose songs and poems in them. I wrote my first play in elementary school and in high school I received an “A” on my first short story.

Q: How do you deal with adversity?

A: As a teenager, I remember asking God, “Why me?” when it seemed that my luck could not get any worse.  I was 15 when I was diagnosed with two chronic and sometimes debilitating diseases. Although I would be forced to live with these ailments for the rest of my life, I decided they would not cripple me. While most 16 year olds were enjoying their summer vacation, I was beating the pavement looking for a summer job. I didn’t have any luck until the following summer.

Q: How did you hear about the Seeds of Change Program?

A: A friend told me about this program that offers young adults job opportunities over a 16 week span during the summer, and after joining it, I was assigned to Brentwood Branch Library. Once there, I gained experience and bonded with the four women I worked with. That bond will never be broken.

Q: How has your experience in the Seeds of Change Program and JPL impacted your life?

A: The following year, I graduated from William M. Raines High School with a 3.0 GPA and began my first year at Florida State College at Jacksonville. I began working two jobs as well because I wanted to prove to my family that I could do anything I put my mind to. The Seeds of Change Program and my experiences at Brentwood Branch became building blocks for me on my bridge to success--the same bridge that brought me to my current job at the Main Library.  Ms. Gloria Armstrong (Brentwood Branch) sent excellent recommendations to my current supervisor.  I received a phone call, interviewed with Mrs. Margaret Morford, and the rest is history.

Now it seems as though my life has come full circle.  Instead of asking God “why me”; I thank Him every day for all the blessings in my personal and professional life. This year, I graduated from FSCJ with a cumulative GPA of 3.08 and an Associate of Arts Degree. I recently received a letter stating that I made the President’s List during my final semester at FSCJ.  I have been accepted at the University of North Florida and plan to receive my bachelor’s degree in Journalism. I never imagined that I would be where I am today, and I am so thankful for the good and the bad because everything is a lesson learned for me.

Q:  To a large degree, past and present determine the future.  What do you see for your future?

A:  While I feel I have accomplished so much, this is only the beginning. Look for me on the New York Times bestsellers list one day.  Toward that end, I continue to work on my craft -- writing, learning, and growing. I always thought, but now I know, any and everything is possible.

ULC Enjoys Three Treats In One Meeting

The Urban Library Center team breakfast was held at Graham Branch, July 26. Staff members came together from the four ULC locations and contributed breakfast items such as homemade waffles, cornbeef hash, grits, fresh fruit, bagels and sausage balls.

Christie Rogers and Tia Samuels were presented with JPL Innovator Awards.

As special guest, FJPL President Harry Reagan was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

KEEP THOSE INNOVATOR IDEAS & AWARDS GOING

Tia Samuels, Library Assistant at Westbrook Branch (pictured above), received her Innovator Award at a Team breakfast at Graham Branch, July 9, 2012.  Urban Library Center Supervisor Marshelle Berry was pleased to present Ms. Samuels her award, along with an Innovator Award presented to WBK's Library Associate Christie Rogers.  Ms. Rogers won her award for her personalized services at WBK.  She dedicates one hour each week of one-on-one computer training to a senior adult.  Ms. Samuels created "Recommended Reading " Shelf Talkers and uses bright colored paper with brief summaries of books to garner attention of customers, resulting in increased circulation.

Circulation was also upped in Main's Poular & Fiction when Librarian Kema Roseberry created a Last Chance Bookshelf that consists of books that have not been checked out for a while and are in danger of being weeded.  Ms. Roseberry won an Innovator Award for her idea, July 26, and it was presented by Library Supervisor Alisha LeVasseur, who appreciates these books getting more attention and seeing increased circulation.  A sign draws attention to the shelf, which reads, "Your patronage helps keep these books circulating in our collection. Check out a book today!"

Y-O-U may have a new idea to share with your manager that would benefit staff and/or customers.  Be creative and share your helpful suggestions with your supervisor.  If your idea is used, you could be the next winner of an Innovator Award.

Staff Trains Staff at UPK = Another Success

On Saturday, July 21, Library Assistant Josh Wise coordinated and conducted staff training for the ULC Part-time clerks at University Park Branch Library. Library Supervisor Marshelle Berry and Training Coordinator Sara Radovic served as training facilitators. Circulation Services Supervisor Ron Block was the guest speaker for the event.

Ms. Berry, who is Mr. Wise’s supervisor, states, “He graciously accepted this assignment and handled it extremely well. This once again proves that leaders can come from any level of the organization.

Ocean Comes Alive at Beaches Library

As part of their summer programming, the Friends of the Beaches Library donated a generous amount of money towards programming. For the fifth year running, the library is proud to host Eco-Ed Science. Eco-Ed conducts science experiments with a small group of children. Each program lasts about an hour and kids all get something to take home. The last workshop was themed for Ocean Exploration and caught the eye of none other than The Florida Times-Union's Shorelines extension staff. They came to watch as professional teacher Jolene Roszel helped kids create an "ocean" in a water bottle, learn the difference between salt and fresh waters, and even toss a beach ball to learn about just how much of Planet Earth is water! Interested in seeing JB make waves? Check out the link:

http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2012-07-14/story/ocean-comes-alive-library-program

Camping Out Condensed

Beaches Branch Library recently hosted a faux camp-out experience for those of us too intimidated to venture out of doors. On June 28, they decided to turn their auditorium into a wilderness and invited attendees to spend an hour doing camp activities. Kids painted pet rocks, some even created wild creations ranging from a purple monster to a gorgeous turtle. They then told scary stories around Miss Dianne's painstaking re-creation of a fire (tissue paper sculpted into roaring "flames"). They delighted in the telling, and you could tell from the giggles that it was less scary than silly. A sing-along is an old camp tradition, and this one was one for the ages as JB let kids have a hand in banging on some drums. And what camp-out would be complete without s'mores? In lieu of melting marshmallows, kids made the gooey concoctions with Marshmallow Fluff! Unfortunately, JB was not able to capture the event on film, but the memory of the day has lasted in kids' minds, as staff has already been asked, "When will we do this again?!"

It's A Dog's Life at the Beach

Beaches Branch is fortunate to have an involved and active community. Local resident Dot Mitchell volunteered to bring Sunshine into the library to listen to children read aloud. Sunshine is a trained therapy dog that lends her services to Patriot Service Dogs and local schools, in addition to being a dedicated library patron. Sunshine has developed quite a following at JB, with devotees returning week after week to tell this Golden Lab what they're reading. In fact, Sunshine's popularity has grown so much that they now give out bookmarks to readers as a makeshift autograph for her fans. And The Florida Times-Union photographers wanted to see this clever girl in action. Sunshine is highlighted on Take Your Dog to Work Day in this T-U photo gallery:

http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/category.asp?eventID=1491861&CategoryID=14346

CM Love & Library Board Vice Chair Skinner Visit Special Services Dept.

Jerry Reynolds, Manager of Special Services, gives this report on an important visit to his department, "Councilman Jim Love (pictured above), who represents District 14, and Library Board Vice Chair Erin Vance Skinner paid a visit to the Special Services Department at the Main Library, July 23.  I extended the invitation predicated on Director Barbara Gubbin’s request for all of us to involve more members of City government in what JPL’s services really entail.

"Councilman Love expressed genuine interest in our outreach to people with disabilities and inquired as to how we get the word out to potential constituents. This is a constant challenge and, of course, if people don’t know about us, we fail in a basic aspect of our mission. We followed through by comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities between Talking Books and Interlibrary Loan, and Councilman Love immediately saw the great value of both of these services. The whole experience, which took the better part of an hour, was highly rewarding. Vice Chair Skinner reinforced what she felt was the importance and value of the work that we do."

Star Reader Draws the Kids at CW

Webb Wesconnett Branch hosted the ever popular Ronald McDonald Program on July 11 when 135 kids enjoyed McD's clown reading for them and a majic show topped off  a fun time.

Kudos from Customers

MAIN LIBRARY: “Kenya Coleman (Children’s), Matthew Moyer (Pop/Fic), Eric Soriano (E-Library), and Chaka Onfroy (Circulation) are all excellent re: customer service and providing help. This library exceeds all expectations and consistently provides excellence.”

MAIN LIBRARY – Special Collections: “I could not have hoped for a better experience. I was a visitor who, over a period of half a year, spent about two months in the Special Collections area. The entire staff of professionals went out of their way to help me find what I needed, use the equipment and look for ways to make my work easier. One librarian in particular, David (Fuller), is a one-man public relations team who never stops working, helping and smiling. I hope you can find a way to acknowledge that. A second, whose name I do not recall (and will locate), was so helpful and has a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you for an unparalleled experience that will make me smile for the rest of my life.”

MAIN LIBRARY – Youth Services: “Susan Mankowski was excellent in the children's library. She went above and beyond.”

MANDARIN BRANCH: “I'm the media specialist at J. Allen Axson Montesori Elementary School, and I wanted to let you know how wonderful Cheryl Callavini is! She voluntarily came to a springtime Storytelling Event at my school and told stories to about 300 people. Her composure, stage presence and professionalism were superb! She was also very kind to do this. As a taxpayer in Duval County, I am thrilled to see such a high level of expertise and commitment in our public employees.”

WEBB WESCONNETT: “Mr. (John) Jessee, Library Worker, was very polite, helpful, and informative on resources and reference materials.”

CW Offers Zombie Program

Webb Wesconnett's Teen Zombie program, July 19, attracted 26 young people who wanted to scare and be scared.  Gator clowns painted their faces deathly white and the kids could dance to "Thriller" and play games such as "How to Survive a Zombie Attack".  Additionally, a Zomibe Backpack survival kit was available for extra protection--and remarkably everyone survived.

Before the fun began, the kids had to do a little research on zombies and plan how to get to a safe place before the zombies arrived.  Lots of zombie books were available to check out and plenty of candy to go around.

First Trip Out of Country? Be Sure To "Ask A Librarian"

Kareem Chambers (pictured beneath the huge robot and with Japanese flag below) now works in Talking Books.  But before he was transferred from Main's Popular & Fiction area, he shared his ten year dream to travel to Japan with a few employees in that department.  After saving for over a year, he made it to "the land the of the rising sun."  Kareem said, "I have always admired its culture, cinema, and beautiful landscape. What inspired me the most was its No. 1 export, Anime (Japanese animation). I feel that I owe accolates to my coworkers for my successful adventure because they gave such good travel advice.  Before I flew to Japan two weeks ago, I had not been on a plane or out of the country.

"Matthew Moyer helped me plan my itinerary. I also spoke with Matt about the things that I would need to carry and places that I should visit. Matt offered advice on how to get around the world’s largest city without spending all the money I had saved. I seemed to be ready to go until I realized that I needed to find a place to stay. Kema DeSagrada-Parker suggested I speak with Becky Jones, a former member of the JPL family who currently lives in Tokyo. They both helped me find an affordable place where I later met and made many friends.  Mitesh Sangani has traveled to many countries and he also had some valuable tips that only a seasoned traveler could share.

"I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun. Not only did I get the chance to go to Akihabara (Anime Town or Electric Town), I also climbed Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, which is still an active volcano.
 
"Each day I searched to find a new dish that I had never tried, such as curry.  I'm not discouraged that I did not get to do and see all the things I wanted to.  I am happy that I was blessed to meet and spend time with such wonderful people from all over the world."
 
It pays to "Ask A Librarian".

Summer Job Tutor Is A Success At EB

Ariana Silas (right), who came to the Brown Eastside Branch Library through the Mayor’s Summer Job Program, is shown tutoring Zaryuana Williams at EB. Ms. Silas is enrolling in Edward Waters College this fall and plans to make teaching her career.  EB's Library Associate Tony Williams reports, "This is Ms. Silas' second year at EB and she has been a strong asset to the branch during her time here."

2012 Battle of the Bands

Education Commissioner Dr. Donnie Horn welcomed teens and kicked off the 2012 Teen Annual Battle of the Bands, June 23; 380 teens attend and six bands performed.    

No Clowning About Cheering Less Fortunate

Pixie the Clown (aka Judy Ricket) performed a special program for 55 school age children and parents, July 3, who enjoyed listening to clown stories and learning how to make balloon animals.  Judy, as Pixie the Clown, shared her inspiring past that proves one can pursue his/her dreams, all the while brightening the lives of others:

"I always wanted to be a clown. When my husband and I moved to Costa Rica, we met a man whose professional clown name is Corn Cobb.  (He performed as a clown inNew Orleans before he came to Costa Rica.)  He gave us clown lessons and I became Pixie and my husband became Bobo. We met a woman by the name of Gail Nystrum, who was the head of the Humanitarian Foundation. We clowned for her with the Orphans of Costa Rica, the Street Children of Costa Rica, Mother Theresa’s Homeless shelter, the 4th of July celebration in the Costa Rica Ambassador’s home with 7000 Americans and many other projects. When we returned to the states four years later, we clowned for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Vets and many others in Palm Coast and Daytona.  In September 2004, my husband died and I continued to clown.  I moved to Jacksonville and I clowned in Southlake Nursing Home, Wyndam Lakes Independent Living and the Alzheimer’s facility with my granddaughter, Kaila Lariviere.  I have been at several schools, the San Marco Library and many other activities such as church, Hastings Juvenile Youth facility and any other voluntary organizations upon request. It is so much fun to clown and bring laughter and pleasure to people. As long as I can be Pixie the Clown, I will. I do not take money for clowning. It is my gift."

WST & MAX Invite You To Their Blog

A little of West Regional's Summer Reading programs, including Star Wars activities. were posted on your JPL Staff News blog, June 26.   Chris Cavan, Librarian Senior, welcomes you to explore more of their interesting stories about SRP programs and photos on WST's blog: http://jplwestkids.blogspot.com/.

Take a trip to Maxville Branch's blog at:
http://maxvillelibrary.blogspot.com.

CW Hosts Dance Competition for Pre-Teens & Teens

Webb Wesconnett Branch hosted a three day competition, June 26-28, concluding with Just dance: Dance off!  A total of sixty pre-teens and teens competed for best dancer.  Candy was the daily prize and the Dance Off! final winner  received an MP3 player.

CW Knows How To Get A BIG Summer Draw

Webb Wesconnett Branch had their pre-School Carnival June 21 with 130 in attendance.  Children could play with ducks in a pool and/or participate in spin art, a lollipop game, tattoos, snow cones, and a Little Debbie cake walk--some needed a little help making the "big" steps--and  Skippy  Jon Jones paid a visit. (Top two photos.)

Prior to that, CW held their Summer Opening Party, June 13, and 126 people dressed up as pirates and hunted for treasure.  Pirate hats, telescopes, tattoos, swords, and eye patches were readymade attire available for those who really wanted to get in gear for the search.  Great fun; great turnout.

Art In The Dark, was CW's June 8th pre-school/family program and 102 kids enjoyed glow in the dark Jell-O, punch, and cupcakes.  Glow-in-the-dark games, crafts, paints, chalk and bubbbles helped make this a big success.

They ARE Making A Difference

Ralph Beckford and Ebony Wright recently completed the “Teens Making a Difference” program. Both of them were selected to stay on with the library as Part-time Clerks at the University Park Branch Library.  Ralph just graduated from Terry Parker High School; he will be starting as a freshman at Florida State College this fall. Ralph made the cover of The Florida Times-Union this past May in a feature story about the “Teen’s Making a Difference” program.

Ebony will be a senior at Terry Parker High this upcoming school year; she worked this past spring at the Webb Wesconnett Branch as part of the program. Ebony has been taking Advanced Placement and Honors level classes in preparation for her college career. In her free time Ebony enjoys shopping, fashion, music and writing.

Tricia Larrabee, Library Clerical Services Supervisor, is proud of these exceptional young people and wanted to share UPK's positive experience with Ebony and Ralph.  Tricia said, "Both of these students have been welcome and valued additions to the UPK staff.  I hope this will inspire other supervisors to use the Teens program when looking for assistance."

Staff Profile

Lynne Baldwin now manages Southeast Branch Library.  During her 14 years with JPL, she has progressed in leadership, managed several other branches, and won the Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of FY2012.
Lynne balances good management skills with appreciation for each staff's talents and gives an armload of credit to others for any project before accepting any for herself.  The project for which she is most proud is the mural at Argyle Branch, pictured here, except for center section below, as you see it, left to right, at AYL.
Q: How long have you worked for JPL and what positions have you held at our different libraries?

A: I started at JPL as a Reference Librarian at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library in October 1998. I was the Talking Books Librarian briefly before promoting to Librarian Senior at Willowbranch. I have served as Senior Librarian at Westbrook, South Mandarin, and Argyle. I promoted to Library Supervisor in 2008 and became Branch Manager at Mandarin. I transferred to Southeast as Branch Manager in May 2011.

Q: What improvements did you implement in those branches?

A: The improvement of which I am most proud is the mural in the children’s department at Argyle. It took a year to make it happen but it was well worth the effort and it was a great community project. Most importantly, it was a team effort. It began with Chiquita Powell’s original idea for the mural, later working with Regions Bank on funding for the project, and of course, throughout the project getting support and guidance from Administrative Supervisor Laura Kline and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams; then final approval came from the Library Board of Trustees and the City.

Q: There are several positive changes you have made at Southeast Branch. Please tell us about them.

A: Again, it is all about team work. I am especially proud of the weeding project that has taken place during my tenure at the branch. It has been a true team effort from the shelvers to circulation staff to the reference staff. Great job by everyone! I have been very lucky to work with Anita Haller and Carisia Rooney, who have really opened up the space in the children’s department, introduced new programs and worked on updating the collection. I am very pleased with the teen area that now has a leaner, meaner collection, additional furniture, shelving and fun and inventive display pieces. I want to thank Facilities’ Robbie Tiedeman for the new furniture in the teen and children’s areas. Robbie also helped us reuse and move the old reference collection shelving to the preshelving area in the workroom. This made a world of difference to our employees. Last but certainly not least, everyone at Southeast is very excited about the new electronic classroom.

Q: What future improvements are planned for Southeast?

A: We have been working with SST and Facilities on changing one of our meeting rooms into an electronic classroom at Southeast. Gretchen Mitchell, Lisa Peterson, and Robbie Tiedeman have been so supportive about the project and have done all the work behind the scenes to make this project happen. We are waiting for an LCD projector and other equipment before we can open the classroom to the public for training. Another person that deserves a lot of credit is Reference Librarian Jeremy Hall. In advance of the opening of the electronic classroom at Southeast, Jeremy has been working on a new way of offering training for customers. Jeremy wants to use the continuing education model offered at University of North Florida and Florida State Community College where classes run on a 6-10 week basis. The continuing education classes at these schools are expensive at $100.00 per class. Jeremy’s idea is that the library could offer these same classes at no cost to customers. Jeremy is especially excited about offering a web design training class that he has developed for customers.

Q: Who is the most interesting person in history to you and why?

A: I would like to tweak the question – I have two people in history that I find fascinating for completely different reasons.

Number one is Theodore Roosevelt. He was like a Colossus that strode the world – a politician, historian, hunter, conservationist, naturalist, writer, reformer, soldier, husband and father, brother and son. He changed the world in which he lived and had a great time doing it. He had such a zest for life. He had a true respect for knowledge, for the sake of knowledge. (A little bit like a librarian, don’t you think?) For a real understanding of Theodore Roosevelt, I highly recommend David McCullough’s Mornings On Horseback. It is one of my favorite books.

The other famous person in history that I find fascinating is Carole Lombard, a film actress from Hollywood’s golden age. What woman would not want to be Carole Lombard? She was beautiful, smart, talented, sexy, funny, confident—and she could more than hold her own with any man. No wonder Clark Gable was head over heels in love with her. If you have never seen a Carole Lombard movie, I highly recommend My Man Godfrey, produced in 1936, costarring William Powell, or Made for Each Other, produced in 1939, costarring James
Stewart.

Innovator Award Winners Could Give You An Idea

Regency Square Manager Sally Doherty nominated Rita Vernon, Librarian, and Ann Fridl, Librarian Senior, (L/R below) for an Innovator Award, and their certificates and buttons were presented June 26, along with a celebratory cake.  Ann and Rita's idea to have Adult Summer Reading Program 5-Star Bookmarks is now a reality.  Staff and customers can place these bookmarks in books they have read and want to recommend to others.  A special display with the 5-Star Bookmarks in the books are available there.  Extra bookmarks are on the corner of the display and at the reference desk with a sign to attract new participants.

Need an idea?  Look at the Innovator Awards on the JPL Neighborhoods page and see employees' unique ideas other managers have recognized, appreciated, and implmented in their libraries.  You might find some of them will help your library do better with less, rev up a service that isn't doing as well as you'd like, or take you in a new direction.

Got an idea that could get you an Innovator Award?  Share it with your manager and you might be the next winner.

WST Customers Join Star Wars Invasion

Eve Harm reports that West Regional Branch had a galactic Star Wars Summer Reading Kickoff with 350 jedis and princesses in attendance. Author and artist James Hance (lower left) was invited to do a reading of Wookie the Chew, his book about Chrisolo Robin, Wookie the Chew, Droidlet and Owlbi Wan.  In addition to the reading, WST offered balloon art, photo ops with a Stormtrooper, Jawa, and crafts.  The stormtrooper wasn't the only Star Wars costume seen that day because WST also hosted a costume contest with 14 contestants.  There were Darth Vaders, Boba Fetts and Jedis populating planet WST.  Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places and they had a three way tie.  Prizes included a Chamblin gift card, Stars toys of all kinds and three prints donated by James Hance.  WST finished the afternoon with a game of "Save the Princess" that involved lots of balloon popping and Pin the Tail on the Tie-Fighter. 

SRP "Dream Big" Becomes Reality at NW

June 20, 2012, Karl Boecklen, “Mr Karl” of the Jacksonville Zoo, and his staff presented an exciting program on small animals of the night as part of the Summer Reading Program at Bradham Brooks Northwest.  The ever popular Zoo program garnered 81 children in attendance, plus adults.

In front of the class, Mr. Karl displayed several skeletons of animals with informatin about each one.  Additionally, live animals that always fascinate children were included, such as an armadillo, a member of the rodent family, a boa, and a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut so kids could touch it.

SciFi Day at South Maindarin

As customers entered the library on SCI-FI Day, June 23, 2012, their eyes were attracted to colorful signage preparing them for a "far out" day.  South Mandarin Branch employees personally accented  the occasion  in different ways.  Sarah Miller (top right) wore  rhinestones on her cheekbone.  Shedriek Battle donned his  antennas to better tune in to customers' needs and Elaine Randolph bedecked herself with flowers, and as you see, even book carts were decorated for the celebration.  For the day, customers and staff were citizens of the planet “Fleurs” where flowers bloom continually.  Ms. Randolph said even MOSH would have been envious of their efforts.

All of the preparation for SCI-FI Day was to attract csutomers to SOM's displays of mixed books, CDs and DVDs by various authors, and a  SCI-FI Reading List, sent by Sara Radovic, was available at the Reference Desk.  

Teen's Superstar Soars Even Higher

JPL's Main's Teen Department was fortunate to hire T'Keyah McBride (pictured left with a friend) last July via Kathy Tekin's recommendation due to her participation in our Teens Make a Difference program. T'Keyah remained as a part-time shelver but must leave July 22 to attend UF where she plans to major in Zoology and ultimately become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She will do very well at UF, considering her many accomplishments at Andrew Jackson High School. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, won a trophy for being the top elective student in medical magnet, won over 20 awards and received many certificates from Jackson HS for her accomplishments and was in the AP and HONORS programs.

T'Keyah wants to express her appreciation to JPL for giving her the opportunity to learn about our library system and says she has "met some awesome, fulfilled people and would like to give a shout out to Main's Children's and Teen's departments, and also Circ and POP. I will miss you all and I love you all."  JPL will miss this gifted young lady, too.

A Tribute to Wally Bowden

Some things are worth repeating, aren't they?  In March 2009, Wally Bowden, JPL's Graphic Artist, was featured on our "Staff Profile".  Being the family man he is, he shared his wedding photo with us of his recent bride, Jenny, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Bowden. Here we are three years later and Wally is moving up in the world.  We are happy to see anyone as honest, kind, smart, hardworking, and yes, handsome as he to expand his horizons.  Will he be missed?  By all of us who have benefitted from his excellent work ethic, which includes his willingness to break his neck at the last minute to get a project done.  Wally always made us look good.  His last day is Friday, June 22, and all of JPL wishes Wally and Jenny the very best in life.  What goes around, comes around, so Wally should be getting some wonderful

returns for all he has done for us.                                                   

Kudos from Customers

“The staff at the Graham Library (Carolyn Armstrong, Carmen Chatfield, Marjorie Gibbons, Julie Lipschutz, Johnnie Speights, and Joel Thorbs) is always very helpful when I need information. I use my library account on line quite often to place items on hold."

Murray Hill Branch: “I had placed a book on hold a while back. I received an email notice that it was available for pick up. Unfortunately it was not on the shelf …The staff was wonderful (Milicia Thomas, Alissa Leonard, Daniel Kibler, Margaret Esposito, and Revondolyn Dubois) and figured out the problem. …I was kept in the loop and phoned by the librarian when it was finally available...I think the Murray Hill staff is great …”

Southeast Branch: "...his name is Randy (Mapanoo). The gentleman in the back helped me with some tax reports & tax tables. He was extremely polite & helpful. I hope that he gets recognition for his professionalism & helpfulness. Thank you."

University Park Branch: “Miss Mary (Calcagni) in the children's section of UPK is wonderful. Always welcoming and always willing to help.”

“I love Willowbranch Library! I know the staff by name and they know me by name too. I recently had a hold pickup, when I retrieved the book I noticed a Twilight Bookmark sticking out of it. It looked a lot like a bookmark I had, and it turns out it was. It had my name on the back. It turns out …Jason (Brown) saw it in a book I returned and set it aside knowing I would have a hold pick up …and I thanked him for returning it to me. It made my day… because this staff cares….and my love for this library grows.”

CM Bill Gulliford Reads at SE's Summer Reading Program Kickoff

Dream Big! READ! was the theme of the Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party and Story Time, June 12, at the Southeast Branch Library.

The celebration was a huge success with 135 parents and children in attendance.  City Councilman and guest Story Teller Bill Gulliford made the event even more special by reading a story about animals which delighted both parents and children. Art on the Square and refreshments rounded out the party and the beginning of the ever popular Summer Reading Program.   

Baby, It's Cold Inside

Several months ago, Alissa Leonard came up with the idea of doing a milk jug igloo for Murray Hill (she saw one in her library back in elementary school). She posted signs for milk jug donations and received an enthusiastic response from MH customers. With the help of Library Assistant Margaret Esposito, they slowly put the igloo together and on June 6 held the Igloo Grand Opening during Family Preschool Storytime.  The kids loved it.

UPK Teens Strut Their Stuff

University Park Library Clerk Rosalin Smalls (far right, above) was mistress of ceremony at their Teen Fashion Show, June 4.  Participants--pictured with her--and viewers alike enjoyed the event.  Ms. Smalls gives credit to Teen Librarian Mina Figuerrez for the idea. 

JPL Staff Art Show

Our JPL Staff Art Show, currently on the 2nd and 3rd floor landings at the Main Library, will plesantly surprise you when you see the talents of individuals working throughout the library system.  Don't procrastinate; the exhibition will only be up until July 1.  This is one you will want to bring your family to see and invite your customers to visit.

On the 2nd floor, you can see Elizabeth McCooney's (P.T. Shelver, Webb Wesconnett Branch) two fascinating large acrylic on canvas paintings;  Mia Clark's (Teen Librarian, Main) mixed media, which she says "...explores the poetic beauty found when forms, colors, and textures are intuitively combined in pleasing ways"; and Marie Andree Myers' (Library Associate, Children's Department, Main) art--printmaking on paper--comes from her printmaking class she took last year at UF.  Marie uses old maps, cutouts, and overlaying prints on prints, creating unique compositions.

On the 3rd floor, Troy Eittreim (Library Clerk, Willowbranch) displays his digital media.  Troy won the 2012 Donnie Award from the Museum of Computer Art, has exhibited his digital media throughout the U.S. and has done solo exhibits.  Chaka Onfroy (Library Clerk, Circulation, Main)  has an acrylic on canvas.  Mike Shell's (Librarian Senior, E-Library, Main) photography reflects his intuitive, creative mind.  Julie Rekow (P.T. Library Associate, Pablo Creek Branch) shares her paintings from a children's illustration class she took at Mineapolis College of Art and Design in 2007.  Tony Miller (Library Associate, Fiction, Main) likes doing delightful pop art using acrylic on canvas. Tony has taught art to kids three years old to high school age students and has exhibited in several shows.  Cranston Burney's (Library Assistant, Special Collections, Main) color photography will wash away your stress and charm your mind. Ed Lein's (Librarian, Reference & Periodicals, Main) acrylic on canvas is just an example of this multi-talented artist.  Ed is famous for the ever popular Intermezzo Sunday Concerts at Main.  Additionally, he is a tenor soloist, who has appeared in recitals, oratorios, and dramatic works throughout Florida--and he composes music!  Eve Harm (Librarian, San Marco Branch) shares two of her beautiful fused glass pieces (displayed in glass case under staffs' art work on wall).

You can read much more about these interesting employees in the bios beside each of these artists' works and be amazed at their varied talents.  You don't want to miss this exhibit!

...4, 3, 2, 1: BLAST-OFF AT SOM

South Mandarin's Summer Reading Program blasted off into space in the children’s room! Recent Volunteer of the Quarter winner Gayle Lafser did a great job decorating the glass doors in the children’s room with a space theme. She also created a beautiful book visualization for the program. For every book the kids read weekly, the space ship will fly one step closer to the moon.  Each child who is registered with the summer reading program has his/her name on a tiny star in “space.” So far there are over 115 kids registered, and the program just started 4 days ago!

Prior to SOM's SLP "blast-off", 55 kids and parents enjoyed a Spring Puppet Show, May 23, to celebrate the beginning of summer. The photo at left shows Pat Dowdell, Children’s LA, playing the part of “Miss Librarian” in one of the plays.

Staff Profile

As JPL's first Circulation Services Coordinator, Ron Block has set the bar high for this position.  He won the Enable Others to Act Award in the first quarter of FY 09-10, and he does just that--consistently.  An excellent communicator, Ron adheres to policies and procedures implemented by the Library Board.  Receiving direction from his immediate supervisor, Ava Barrett, Main Library Supervisor, and JPL Administration, Ron keeps the communication pipeline clear with customers and staff, ensuring delivery of equitable service.  Additionally, his skills and creativity have proven to be very effective with JPL's partnerships.

Here you see him with his greatest treasure, granddaughter Audrey, and to the right is a more current picture. 

Q: You are the first JPL Circulation Services Coordinator, a position created in 2007. What previous experience prepared you for this challenging job?

A: I have worked in libraries most of my adult life. I began as a 16mm film inspector in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. Over time, I became the head of circulation for the Onondaga County Public Library which included involvement with all branch and member libraries. I have also worked as the Reference Desk Manager at Syracuse University and as a Circulation Manager in the Palm Beach County Library System before accepting a position with JPL in 2004. Each of these positions allowed me to become extremely familiar with all aspects of circulation services and customer service in libraries.

Q: How does the Circulation Services Coordinator interact with JPL’s branches and Main?

A: I interact in several ways. Through the Circulation Roundtable (CRU) and Library Leadership meetings, I am able to disseminate information regarding policy changes and information. I am also available by telephone and email to answer any guidance questions, or to handle customer issues that are difficult to handle at the branch level. Primarily, this position has offered me the chance to work with JPL’s amazing Board of Library Trustees and staff to help streamline processes and adopt new policies that allow us to serve our customers more efficiently. I am continually impressed by how staff handles the challenges we face. It’s a terrific system-wide team!

Q: What is your role in JPL’s partnerships with other organizations?

A: I began to participate in outreach events throughout Jacksonville, including Jax Kid’s Day and Voluntary Pre-K registration. By networking at these events I have been able to bring new partners to JPL to increase our exposure in the community and bring library services to unique places. I have been very pleased to help form relationships with Disney, Ringling Brothers, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Theatre Jax, Home and Patio shows and hopefully many more in the future! I love to help get the JPL story out to the community.

Q: What is your most rewarding accomplishment as Circulation Service Coordinator?

A:  I think bringing the Circulation Workdays together has been the most rewarding. Circulation staff has the most contact with customers on a daily basis. I wanted them to have a day that focuses on their needs, give them effective speakers and even catch up with old friends. The feedback I have received has really been amazing. This is a group that really is the backbone of JPL!

Q: Share some things about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: In addition to libraries, I have a strong passion for cooking. I learned so much in my grandmother’s kitchen that I have carried into adulthood. Preparing foods serves as a type of therapy; there is nothing like assembling ingredients and ending up with a successful dish. I actually auditioned to be on MasterChef with Gordon Ramsey last November, surviving three rounds before I was cut. I am absolutely going to try again this year! In addition to libraries and cooking, I enjoy being a grandfather to Audrey, who is now 17 months old, and I visit her as often as I can.

Good Display; Good Marketing Idea

Part-time Children’s Library Associate Julie Rekow suggested exhibiting flags from around the world in Pablo Creek’s Children’s Department. Branch Manager Carol Bailey thought that was a cool idea and flags representing nations around the world are now mounted on the wall near PCR's non-English language materials for children. They are colorful, attractive, and visible from across the room--making it easy for PCR customers to find non-English materials.

What A Way To Celebrate Mother's Day

Laurie Mills, Library Associate at Webb Wesconnett Branch, usually does two photo shoots a year for customers.  This Mother's Day photo shoot was held on May 7.  An elaborate setting for the shoot drew 63 customers who had the choice of Mom with kid(s) or just kids.  Then Laurie emailed the pics out so mothers could have their pictures for Mother's Day. (Laurie is pictured with her granddaughter, Alysa, in her lap.) 

What a great way to show customer appreciation and brighten a lot of Mothers' days.

'70's Day at Webb Wesconnett

Webb Wesconnett Branch's May 23rd family program proved you don't have to wait till the weekend to have a good time. Customers and staff celebrated the 70’s with 37 in attendance. Laurie Mills reported they decorated pet rocks and had birth certificates available for customers to name their pets and proclaim their "birth dates". Customers disco danced or danced down a soul train line, played trivia and karaoke to top off the night. Pictured bottom left is Sandra Lockley, who won first pick for her '70's outfit; Jessica Serrano was second and Merikris Boado placed third.