Pablo Creek's Flower Grows TALL

Julie Pactor forwarded PCR's Library Assistant DeLon Rowan's photos of the Summer Reading Program “visual”. DeLon created a flower with a segmented stem. Each segment of the stem represents 100 books read. The flower had to "grow" from the time that DeLon took the photos to accommodate the number of books read. Two more stems branch off to the other side of the wall with smaller flowers.  

Friends of JPL Announce August Book Sale

The Great Jacksonville Book Warehouse Sale is coming up and it's another opportunity to help raise funds for JPL and give library customers and you a chance to get some books you've always wanted at 50 cents - $2 for most. All sales will be held at The Friends of the JPL, 3435 University Boulevard North (south end of University Park Branch Library.)

August 22 (Thursday): 4 pm -8 pm - Members Night (you can join there) - Buy One, Get  One Free
August 23 (Friday):  4 pm - 8 pm
August 24 (Saturday): 9 am-5 pm

All Sales Listed Below are $10/per bag of books:
August 25 (Sunday): Noon - 5 pm
August 27 (Tuesday): 4 - 7 pm
August 29, (Thursday): 4 pm - 7 pm
August 31 (Saturday): 9 am - 1 pm

Twist and Squeak

Brentwood Branch Library entertained 24 children, July 15, with balloons galore and a chance to see what they could do with them and lo! hats, swords, and something akin to modern art appeared in colorful plenty. 

Thanks to NS' Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr., for this picture. 

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch: The staffs of the Argyle Branch (Janet Ducat, Kimberly Kirkland, Angela Gaines, Robin Cumby, Sandra Lockley, and Annie Norris) of the Jacksonville library are very friendly and helpful if and when I need assistance. It's a nice feeling when you enter the library and are addressed by your name when they say good morning.

Beaches Branch: Your reference person, Eva Newton, was delightfully helpful. She walked me through the ILL procedure and when the book was unavailable, she showed me how to suggest a purchase. ...

Highlands Branch: Mrs. Felecia Battle...is an excellent worker and gives great customer service. I come to Storytime every week and I am very pleased with the way she works with the children and makes them feel welcome. She provides the children with educational songs as well as creative crafts my kids love. When she is not in Storytime, she assists me with finding books for my children and helps my kids on the Internet or on the Kidsmart computers. She makes the children's department very colorful and friendly with her amazing displays. ... My kids and I look forward to seeing her when we visit…

Regency Square Branch: Mia Brack in the Children's Library at Regency did a fantastic Friday morning Storytime! Both my daughters (2 1/2 & 1) really enjoyed it. The craft project she put together was also wonderful. Mia was able to hold the attention of a room full of children 4 years old and younger.

Willowbranch: I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work, patience, and customer courtesy of Kathleen Brunner and Janice Adams at the Willowbranch Library in helping resolve some fines and checking in books.

April-June 2013 Innovator Award Winners

Our third quarter Innovator Award Winners not only "Dig Into Reading", they are making a big difference in the efficiency of JPL service and adding to the quality of life for many customers.  They think and act "outside the box". Above is one of the IA winners, Gloria Armstrong.  Don't miss all of these employees' accomplishments; you might find an idea or two for your library, too, by visiting Innovator Awards on JPL Neighborhood.

THE WINNERS ARE:

GLORIA ARMSTRONG, Library Assistant, Brentwood Branch

KRISTI DORNEY, Librarian, San March Branch

LUIS FLORES, Assistant Director for Facilities Management

ANITA HALLER, Librarian Senior, Children's Dept., Southeast Regional

GAVIN LAMBERT, former Sr. Library Associate, Beaches Branch 

ELLIS LEWIS, Processor, Collection Mangement, SST

JULIE REKOW, Part-Time Library Associate, Beaches Branch

TERRY WELCH, Library Clerk, Beaches Branch

Below are some of the staff that garnered a crowd of 1180 for Beaches Branch ComicCon, May 4, and preempted that with unique advertising, including a sandcastle on the beach at the Jacksonville Beaches annual opening--and 3 staff members won an Innovator Award for their outstanding contributions to this huge "first" for JB.

Congratulations, encore, whistles--and we can't wait to see what you do next!

Thought You'd Heard It All?

WST's Aracelis Diaz reports on their June 14 SRP Kick Off, "It was a great afternoon at West Regional. Mr. Al (Hampstead) delighted the crowd with his musical instruments and folk songs.  Hampstead Stage Company presented a play, "Secret Garden", and Ron Anglin juggled. Adding to the special entertainment that 140 attendees enjoyed, customers of all ages could indulge themselves in other crafts, light refreshments, and Worm Races; yes, you got it right:  WORM RACES! It Was A Great Afternoon at the West Regional Library indeed."

State Rep. McBurney Visits SOM's SRP

South Mandarin Branch Manager Keli Likins sent in two pictures of State Representative Charles McBurney’s visit to their lirary for the Summer Reading Program hosted by the Jax Zoo. Keli said, "It was a successful program with 108 kids and parents in attendance. Special thanks go out to Anita, Michelle and Lily for making this and many other fun events at the library possible this summer.
 

Pretty Lady; Proud Day

 

Marshelle J. Berry, CW Region Manager, proudly shares her Mother's recent accomplishment.  Mrs. Alma Smith was 2nd Runner-up in the Ms. Senior Jacksonville Pageant held on June 29th. She also enjyed a surprise visit by Jacksonville Jaguar Justin Blackmon.

JB Reminder: You Really Can Start Here - Go Anywhere

This delightful sign was created by Julie Rekow and patron Ed Fenton for the Beaches Branch Library! Start here – go anywhere!

Thanks to Theresa Welch for sending the picture for the blog.

Staff Profile

Andi Hammond is Director Gubbin's Executive Assistant.  Andi absorbs information lightening speed and is no slouch in getting things done and done well.  Andi laces her work with grace and a sense of humor and she's an anchor in a crunch.  Here she is pictured with her long-time boyfriend, Chris.

Tell us about your varied work experience and how that has been a rich resource to you as Director Gubbin’s Executive Assistant.

Throughout undergrad and graduate school I worked part time at a wine store and wine bar. There I learned that I love event planning and was able to develop several programs (classes, parties, tastings, etc.) which taught me the importance of planning and having contingency plans. I started working at an upscale hotel right after I graduated from college. That experience taught me the importance of customer service, never saying “no” to a customer but rather finding them an alternative when needed, and how to work with difficult customers. I returned to school to get my M.S. in recreation therapy, after which I worked with veterans with traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress disorder, and addictions. When I moved to Jacksonville I continued my work in drug and alcohol treatment and mental health in general. The biggest take-away from that that I can use in my current position is the importance of stress and time management. Being able to take care of yourself means that you are more able to help others when they need it. I focused a lot on stress management, relaxation, and mindfulness with my patients—that has helped me personally to stay in the moment and not sweat the small stuff.

Not having a library background, what has been most helpful to you in acclimating to the world of libraries?

I know most people dread meetings. But, when I first came to the library, I asked to be allowed to go to as many meetings as I could. It is important that I have a big picture view of the library as well as understand the day-to-day activities that go on so that I am better able to anticipate what the director needs and the needs of the administrative team and the Board. Talking to people and listening to everything that was going on really helped me to figure out my way around library language—although there are still times I find myself jumping on Google to figure out just WHAT people are talking about!

You have been in JPL during the most traumatic budget conditions. What aspect(s) stand out to you as being critical in getting through these times?

The resiliency of the staff has really been what has gotten the library through the last few years. It’s incredibly difficult to do your job well when there is so much uncertainty hanging in the air. The fact that staff are able to continue to do what they do—and do it so well—is a huge testament to what this library is about. I think that support from each other is going to be critical in continuing to deliver the high level of service staff do.

What is your key to success?

Organization. Hands down organization has been the biggest factor in being successful in any job that I have ever worked. Being organized means I can work more efficiently and effectively. Luckily for me I’m naturally organized (and actually enjoy doing it.) Working on the SDD committee this year was a lot of fun for me because I got to organize an entire event! To me, having a well thought-out plan helps deal with any changes or wrinkles that may happen. If you have a solid base, it’s much easier to make adjustments than if you are making decisions at the last minute. And, as we are all aware, changes happen constantly and on the drop of a dime.

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

I am a singer. Not a great one, but I do love to sing and perform. I began singing when I was in elementary school with my church choir and continued on to now singing with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus. I’ve had several very cool opportunities thanks to my involvement in different choirs. The two coolest that I can think of are very different from each other. The first was in high school when I got to sing as part of the back-up choir for Shania Twain when she performed in my hometown. The other was getting to tour through Germany for 20 days with my choir in college. We got to perform in some of the most beautiful, historic churches—I even cried in the middle of one performance because it was so amazing. Just don’t ever ask me to sing karaoke—I won’t do it!

JPL Staffs' Contributions to Community Health Charities - 2013

Caring JPL staff donors to Community Health Charities for 2013 gave a total of $2,327.  You took the opportunity to benefit research and many people suffering from a wide range of diseases. 

THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO GAVE!

Main Library Staff & Family Art Show Is Up At Main

Main Library's Marie Myers apprises us that the JPL Staff Art show is up at the Main Library and opening night is tonight, Wednesday, July 3, 20l13, for Art Walk.

Photography will be exhibited on the 2nd floor of the Main Library and all other art, such as paintings, drawings, and watercolors can be seen on the 3rd floor.  This exhibit includes art done by employees and  family members named below:

Cranston Burney (Main)
      Mia E. Clark (Main)
Ryan Fix (Main)
      Josh Jubinsky (Main)
Ed Koehler (family)
      Ed Lein (Main)
Marie Andrée (Main)
      Tony Miller (Main)
Rick Minor (family)
      Heather Perry (Main)
Allison Pulley (Main)
      Julie Rekow (Beaches branch)
Mike Shell (Main)

The art show will be up until the end of July so you have plenty of time to enjoy it and bring your family for a special treat.

Friends of SOM Hold Two-Day Book Sale

Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, the Friends of South Mandarin Branch Library conducted a very successful Book Sale, popular with both adults and children, as you see.  Thanks to Branch Manager Keli Likins for the photo and heads up.

Bugs Invade NW

NW Library Associate Senior, Gloria Buenavista, reports that 29 kids participated in the “Bugs Story Time" presented by Stephanie Miller, Children's Librarian Senior, July 2, 2013 as part of NW's Summer Reading Program activities.  Mrs. Buenavista said, "What was planned as an hour long event had to be extended another 20 minutes because the kids were really into their bug making and did not want to quit."

The kids also enjoyed songs, finger plays and stories about bugs. As you see, the children did a wonderful job making their own personal bugs that were constructed out of colored egg cartons, pipe cleaners, etc.

Sen. Aaron Bean Reads 3 Stories at Mandarin Branch

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin and her employees enthusiastically hosted State Senator Aaron Bean on June 20, 2013.  Sen. Bean was the guest reader for their 11:00 a.m. Stories for Young Children Program at KR.

Sen. Bean read Lola at the Library, by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw, in which children learn that Lola’s is a family of readers.  He followed with Reading Makes You Feel Good, by Todd Parr, a story that reminds us that we can read anywhere.  Sen. Bean concluded his readings with Lola Reads to Leo, in which Lola has grown up more and now she reads to her brother.  Sen. Bean encouraged audience participation and families echoed his statement, “Reading makes you feel good because… and you can read anywhere!”. Sen. Bean held a quiz before the arts and crafts portion of the program. His emphasis was on reading comprehension questions based on the books that he read.  Families were rewarded with snacks that the senator had brought for this event.

Branch Manager Baldwin said, "Senator Bean remained with us as we made our own books, and he happily posed with one of our students so that mom could get a photo. We had 53 in attendance."  The KR staffs and Region Manager Michael Sullivan were happy to have their photo made with Sen. Bean, too.

CW's TumbleBooks Program Kicks Off

CW Region Manager Marshelle Berry is proud of Charles Webb Library Associate Christie Rogers, who shares the joy of reading using TumbleBooks, the animated e-books database for kids. She created this special pilot program, which was held June 19, as part of the Summer Reading events. Kids and parents enjoyed learning to use the database. Christie plans to do more e-book programs for kids in the fall using the new Electronic Classroom at Webb.

Congratulations, Christie, on a red hot idea!

DU Kicks Off SRP With Teen Cookout

Highlands Branch Library held a "Teen Cookout Kickoff", June 13, as their first Summer Reading Program.  Hosted by DU staffs, Beverly Mason, Cheron Williams, and Dana Curry, they and two parents saw 20 teens enjoy games such as Wii, Xbox, and board games, including Sorry and Connect Four, complemented with plenty of food: chicken wings, fries, nachos, fruit, and lil Debbie snacks.  One teen also received the first prize for their summer teen trivia questions.

Preceding treats, games, and door prizes teens received a summary of the Teen Summer Reading Program, including how to sign up and the need to log in the books that are read each week so the tPens can be entered into various drawings.

Kudos from Customers

Murray Hill Branch: The staffs at the Murray Hill Library (Raymond Neal, Chiquita Powell, Douglas Fair, Margaret Esposito, Mary Fletcher and Cheyla Scantling) are exceptional. They are very helpful and always willing to help.

South Mandarin, Webb Wesconnett; West Regional: Re: Spanish computer classes: I love to see the teachers, Luis Terron (volunteers at several branches), Angela Richman (SOM), Aracelis Diaz (WST) and Jessica Serrano (CW). I would like to compliment the services they have offered me.

Southeast Branch: Audience Program Evaluation - Intro to MS Excel May 21, 2013: What did you like best about the program? The instructor (Donna Peretzman) – Super.

Willowbranch Branch: I left a death certificate on the copier and Troy Eittreim contacted me and kept it safe until I could return for it. He has helped me previously when the printer was temperamental and took quite a while to print a long document, but he helped throughout with several jams, working right up until closing time to make sure I got what I had paid for.

Honoring The Life Of Vondera Brown

Kind, loyal, dedicated--just a few adjectives that describe Vondera Brown.  Her presence will be missed by her family and many coworkers and friends. 

Hard Work Reaps An Award

Northwest Branch's Gloria Buenavista is proud to share her family's recent celebration of her son, Jay-Jay, being honored as a Middle School Scholar for maintaining a 3.5 GPA throughout his middle school years at Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School of the Medical Arts.  He was presented the Eighth Grade Scholar Award at First Coast High School, May 21, 2013.  Jay-Jay is the handsome guy pictured next to his award.

Gloria reports that Jay-Jay is also volunteering at Highlands Branch this summer.

KR Kicks-Off SRP Joyfully!

The Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Summer Reading 2013 with a Kick-Off Party on Tuesday, June 11, 2:00 -3:00 pm.  In one hour, 72 children registered for the Summer Reading Program with 99 customers enjoying the festivities. (Pictured L/R:  David Foster,Frances Wickes, and Hongying Song.)

The Golden Girl

Have you ever met a techie whiz with a bubbly personality, who can’t help helping others and sees a brick wall as a monumental opportunity to overcome and succeed in life? If you have, you know Ayshea Golden, who will make another upward move this summer after she leaves JPL on June 30.  Before she leaves JPL, we wanted to share a little about a real Golden Girl.  (Ayshea is pictured with her five boys in front of the White House in a recent visit to D. C. Their favorite spot: the Lincoln Memorial.)

Ayshea began as a Library Assistant at Southeast Branch, November 2004, in the children’s department. She moved to Pablo Creek’s children’s department during SE’s renovation in 2005 and later that year helped with the original setup of South Mandarin Branch in preparation for their grand opening. She promoted to Clerical Support Specialist in July 2006 and began working in JPL’s Human Resource department located in the Main Library, reporting to Diane Moser. In October 2007, in conjunction with the city’s reorganization, Ayshea served as the point of contact for JPL until June 2011 when she transferred to the city’s examining team. Ayshea reports she was officially laid off from her civil service position effective September 30, 2012, just shy of eight years with COJ. Shortly thereafter, Ayshea began working temporarily assisting JPL Deputy Director Carolyn Williams.

In August 2013, Ayshea will be a full-time student at FSCJ and will complete her general credits there and plans to transfer them to UNF’s Computer Science program. Ayshea said, “I am unsure where that degree will lead me but I am willing to come back to COJ, if the right opportunity presents itself in a more feasible environment.”

To see Ayshea Golden only behind a desk, you would observe her creativity and bright mind but you might miss the better part of her world. Wayne and Ayshea ‘s family remind you that good discipline, equally mixed with TLC and healthy leisure, still make a well-balanced, happy home. You have to see it to believe how well it works--but there they are: Twins, Anthony and Matthew, 16; William, 15, Dante 13 and Christopher, aged 7. Their handsome, well-educated, well-mannered sons are living proof of what great parents can do. And Ayshea would say, “Who said it couldn’t be done?”

Anyone who can do that can aspire to great heights in a business career and attain it. We’re cheering you on, Ayshea.

YEA! THEY'RE ONTO "DIG INTO READING " AT WEBB WESCONNETT!

Marshelle Berry, Webb Wesconnett Region Manager, is happy to report this great start at Webb Wesconnett Branch's Summer Reading Program.  What's the response at your branch? Send in your good news!

Staff Profile

Keli Likins recently became the new Librarian Senior/Branch Manager at South Mandarin Library after managing the Main Library's Teen Department.  Apart from working hard, Keli knows how to round out her life with family and fun things like enjoying a Jaguars game.  Remember that beautiful shot of her with her newborn son, Benny, in August 2011?  Since Benny is now a year and ten months old, we asked for a recent picture of their son and it is on the "gadget side" of the blog. 

After managing Main’s Teen Department for six years, you recently became South Mandarin’s Branch Manager. What strategies were useful to you transitioning from managing the Main Library’s Teen Department to being a branch manager?

I think having experience at the Main Library is beneficial to all employees. You become very familiar with all possible scenarios with the customers, policies and procedures. It was also a great opportunity to get to know those staff members in the behind the scenes departments like CR&M and Facilities. I became very familiar with not only Teen, but youth services in general, which I think has come in handy as a Branch Manager now that services to youth is one of the library system’s top priorities. I also gained valuable experience supervising staff and delegating work.

What services do you see as the most important to SOM customers?

Many of our customers have e-reading devices so it’s important that we all have the knowledge of how to download e-books and can assist them.  Customers also enjoy the services of our E-Specialist, Donna Peretzman, and greatly value our Children’s collection and programming. Story times are well attended and customers always have high praise for them and the Children’s Department staff. There are a lot of high school and college students in the area, who are grateful for our research services and resources, so I think continuing to raise awareness about them and working with the local schools is important. We also have a large retired population here that, I think, generally just enjoy the free books for pleasure reading.

What is your goal for further improvement of SOM’s services?

I think SOM’s services can be improved through creating new, and expanding on current, community partnerships. Other improvements that come to mind are related to technology, so of course, we will have to wait for the proper funding so that the whole library system can get up to speed. The staff here at SOM are fantastic and already provide great costumer service.

What are the leadership and management skills necessary to manage a library?

I always try to keep my staff happy and motivate them. One way to do that is to give them as much creative control and decision making as possible. I am a huge proponent of initiative and exceptional customer service. I am learning more about becoming an effective leader in this year’s Sunshine State Leadership Institute. One thing we have been learning about is leaning into discomfort, which is when you feel like you are out of your depth because you are learning something new. For me, that is learning all the ins and outs of the money. You also have to have a certain level of resiliency, which I believe I have.

Who are a couple of the leaders/managers in history that you think are/were most important and why?

I look up to female leaders in politics such as Sandra Day O’Connor, Madeline Albright, and Margaret Thatcher. Not only did they do a great job but they inspire other women to be all that they can be, in whatever field or career they are interested in.

June Is Bustin' Out All Over For Tammy Crotts

Tamara (Tammy) Crotts' parents, Bill and Joanne Talbott, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary with their family, June 2, 2013. 

Tammy  will celebrate her 50th birthday, June 16.

And she looks forward to our congratulating her on 20 years with JPL as a part-time temporary clerk on June 28.

What Is Gail Marion Doing Now?

We have an action packed update from retired JPL Librarian, Gail Marion.  For those who had the privilege of working with Gail, you know she is a straight shooter, who could see through thick walls of "smoke" with X-ray vision, never ran short on IQ and can jog through the swamps of life with a great sense of humor.

I understand Gail is a Mandarin Branch customer now.

"Hello Fellow JPL Retirees, Ole (not old) Friends & Current Staff:

"I retired from JPL in June 2005 as a Librarian at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library. I retired on a Friday but was working full-time on Monday with a proprietary trade school. In that first year, I also worked part-time at Jones College and Florida Technical College as their Librarian. In November 2006, I started at Everest University - Orange Park Campus as their Librarian and I am still there in charge of their Library/Resource Center. Instead of being "an Army of One", I am a "Library of One Staff." I have now drummed up enough customer usage and business for the Library to get a full-time Library Assistant this July. I enjoy learning something new daily as we have associate & bachelor degree programs in criminal justice and business and several diploma programs in trades, allied health and office administration. I enjoy the wide range of research & reference work I get to do assisting the students. Our military & veteran student population is increasing so I created a Veteran's Resource Center in the Library. I work with my comrades-at-arms to get them to local resources and networking services available to them. I belong to and attend many local military/veterans associations and groups such as the Northeast Florida Veteran's Association and Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, etc. My volunteer work and community involvement is dedicated to their causes & concerns.

"I cannot report too much about my military career, as the cliché goes "if I tell you anymore, I will have to kill you." I served with a Signal Detachment in West Palm Beach, FL as the XO and then Commander. I was also the XO and Director of the Directorate of Information Management with a Garrison Unit in West Palm Beach, FL. Our mobilization site was at and out of Ft. Stewart, GA. Being a Signal Corps Officer, my assignments were all classified and Top Secret, in the field areas of communication intelligence and signal security. I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) but did not hold the rank for a full year when my mandatory retirement date came so I retired as a Major on May 31, 2012. I was put on orders for the day to retire at Ft. Stewart, GA, with a very dignified and memorable retirement ceremony. I had a cannon salute, honor guard, and all the works. What was very touching, was I received many challenge coins from the brigade soldiers & cadre performing the ceremony. They even produced a DVD of my 30-yr career in photos and showed it; few attending were even born in 1970 and were awe struck that I had lasted through the changing & challenging times of the 1970's on active duty U.S. Army, Florida Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. Some soldiers needed a history lesson on Vietnam era veterans - did not know females served during that era ?! After 30-years of total service, retirement from the military is bitter sweet but that monthly pay check, health benefits, military discounts, etc. is nice.

"My military retirement day also happened on a birthday milestone, with me turning OH NO, 60! But, I was so honored and excited that day that I forgot all about that. I will take those "senior citizen" discounts too.

"I am currently working full-time so I don't have any exotic travel ventures to report. I am off every Friday at 2:00 p.m. and have every weekend off so it's like I am on vacation weekly after all those years of working Saturdays & Sundays for JPL. I am a Gemini so have many eclectic activities & interests to enjoy - reading (of course), photography, movies, historical & cultural events, concerts, symphony, NASCAR and car shows, art museums, etc. I recently went on a 2 1/2-hr cruise on the St. Johns River, from The Landing, on the retired Presidential yacht, Honey Fitz.

"My cat Reagan would like me to totally retire and become his maid but I am not sure when or if that will happen. I trust that all my fellow JPL retirees are in good health and enjoying themselves and best wishes to all current JPL staff. Anyone may "Friend Request" me on Facebook or email me at majgmarion@yahoo.com.

"Regards & Best Wishes,

MAJ Gail E. Marion, USA, Ret."

_____________________________________

Thank you for your letter, Gail, and your years of service to JPL.  Most of all, please accept our deep appreciation for your devoted years of service to our country.  Stay in touch and come see us when you can.

3 More Days To Get a Bag Full Of Books For $10

You and your customers have three days left to take advantage of the $10/bag book sale at the Friends Warehouse at University Park Branch Library:

On these dates you can get a Bag of Books for $10:

May 28 (Tuesday) – 4:00 to 7:00 PM
May 30 (Thursday) – 4:00 to 7:00 PM

June 1 (Saturday) – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Need more information? Visit the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library website (fjpl.org) or call
630-2304.

Life As A CAL Instructor

Katie Bark, Literacy Program Specialist (left) in the Center for Adult Learning, gets a huge hug from Victoria M., a student Katie worked with at the Community Transition Center. With Katie’s help, Victoria passed the GED exam and recently received her high school diploma.  Three other inmates in Katie’s classes at CTC also received their diplomas in May.  Katie’s genuine love for her students and her belief in “second chances” brings many ex-offenders back to the Library for continuing education, emotional support and career guidance.  Way to go, Katie!

Remembering

Two important dates are coming up: Memorial Day, observed on May 27, 2013, and Flag Day, June 14.

Different ones have paid different prices to establish and keep this democracy.  Some of our country's forefathers contributed their fortunes and service, unlike some today who try to suck it dry.  Many have lost family members to the cost of freedom.  Many today come home with mental anguish from the horrors of war, have lost their limbs, and some are able to overcome and never forget that freedom is never free. Many will gather together to honor the United States of America and the people of all races who have loved and do love this country.  Here are some of the events around Jacksonville and its environs you might want to attend:

Jacksonville's Memorial Day activities, St. Johns River City Band and Don Thompson Chorale concert 9:30 a.m., ceremony 10 a.m., The Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 E. Adams St. (904) 355-4700 or go to www.coj.net.

The 19th annual Memorial Day RiverFest Celebration, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Spring Park, 321 Walnut St., behind the new City Hall building, Green Cove Springs. Fireworks at 9 p.m. (904) 529-2200, ext. 319.

Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290 Memorial Day Ceremony, noon, Beaches Memorial Park, 1500-1 Main St., at Levy Road, Atlantic Beach. Speaker is Capt. Glenn Zeiders III, commanding officer, Afloat Training Group. (904) 246-6855.

Memorial Day Celebration, noon, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7909, 6204 Blanding Blvd. There will be a minute of silence at 3 p.m., followed by a presentation by the post officers. (904) 778-7909.

Memorial Day Ceremony, 10 a.m., Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, 2315 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs. (904) 284-7720.

The Military Officers Association, veterans organizations of St. Johns County and the Florida National Guard's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, 10 a.m., National Cemetery, 104 Marine St., St. Augustine. (904) 823-0166.

Friends Book Sale: May 23-28, 2013, at UPK

Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library President Harry Reagan sends this reminder:  Please join us for our Book Warehouse Sale:

FJPL Member night - May 23 (Thursday) -- 4:00 to 8:00 PM (New Friends can join FJPL there.  Membership is only $10.)

May 24 (Friday) – 4:00 to 8:00 PM

May 25 (Saturday) – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

May 26 (Sunday) – Noon to 5 PM: $10 per Bag of Books

May 28 (Tuesday) – 4 to 7 PM: $10 per Bag of Books

May 30 (Thursday) – 4 to 7 PM $10 per Bag of Books

June 1 (Saturday) – 9 AM to 1 PM $10 per Bag of Books

Kudos from Customers

Main (Circulation, Reference, and Popular): I came to the library for assistance with eReader and talked with Matthew (Moyer) at the first Ask Here desk. He spent time trying to assist and was very patient and …showed me the library website for eBooks. He got to a point that he was stumped so he asked …Tricia (Larrabee) from another department. She also was kind and patient and finished helping where Matthew left off. She talked about eBooks but also showed me the part of the library’s’ website where I could put books on hold and where new titles were available; it’s very nice to be able to be on the list for the newest books. She gave me her name and phone number if I needed more help. I really feel that I can download eBooks and audiobooks on my own now. I also talked to her about the concerts I attend in the Hicks auditorium. I have always been greeted by Ed (Lien) and remember seeing her assisting him there. This is a lovely series and hope it will continue. The library is a very pleasant experience with all these staff, Matthew, Tricia, Ed and including the young lady Milicia (Thomas) checking out my books.

Main Library – Inter Library Loan (ILL): Thank you (Carolyn Hampton and Yaisa Webley) for providing "Options Math for Traders" by Scott Nations through the Inter Library Loan program. The book was exactly what I've been looking for and triumphs the 15-20 year old investment books our institution currently has. The purpose of this letter in short is to both express my appreciation and ask how I may make a donation to your library. Thank you for your time.

Mandarin Branch: This is to inform you that Martha (Lynne) Baldwin was extremely courteous and helpful in locating a book for me last Saturday. You can certainly be pleased that you have such a dedicated member of your staff.

Pablo Creek: We have attended the Music & Movement Class with Miss Rita Vernon and my 2-year-old LOVES it!…Thank you!

South Mandarin: Re: Spanish class (thanks to Jessica Serrano for English translation): I would like to congratulate…the services of the teachers, Luis Terron, Angela Richman, Aracelis Diaz and Jessica Serrano, offered me.

WB Goes Outside The Walls

There are days when we all would like to take our work outdoors.  Willowbranch staff took full advantage of the beautiful weather, May 18, 2013, to hold their Children’s craft program outside. Isabelle Pierre, Grace Fletcher, and Troy Eittreim took tables, chairs, and craft supplies out to the front lawn of the library for a special Saturday craft. Branch Manager Kathleen Brunner said it was a hit with the kids.

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Squirrel?

CW Region Manager Marshelle Berry had an uninvited guest for lunch recently who brought a rare adventure.  A squirrel fell from a tree limb and landed on her car windshield.  She thought he was either dead or playing dead because at first he did not move.  Marshelle did a stop and go with her car hoping that if he was still alive, he would jump off the car as she stopped and started; then she realized the squirrel might be hit if it did fall off the car.  She saw some men sitting outside a store to the side and pulled over, yelling for help.  They laughed uncontrollably when they saw her predicament but finally could appreciate her dilemma and got plastic gloves so they could pick up what they thought was a lifeless creature.  Suddenly the squirrel came to life, ran up the windshield, jumped off the car and ran right into the path of an oncoming pickup truck but made it across the street.  Suddenly two big cats spotted the squirrel and chased the poor creature--all of them at top speed! Marshelle thinks the squirrel probably borrowed a few of one of the cat's nine lives because it had escaped near disaster up to then and she hopes all is well with Mr. Squirrel; she hasn't seen him since.

Moms Are Special At NS

On May 9, Kimberly McTeer, Library Clerk at Brentwood Branch, assists children with making message plaques or cards for their mothers for Mother’s Day.  Fourteen children participated and were treated to punch and cookies.

Mandarin Branch Does It Up Big

KR Manager Lynne Baldwin has a go-get-em crew and wanted you to see their recent accomplishments:

"Congratulations to Mandarin Shelver Brittany Gonzales (center front above), who graduated from UNF with a BA in English and a minor in Creative Writing with a focus in poetry. Brittany has been working at Mandarin since 2007. The staff celebrated with a graduation party on April 19.

"KR hosted Crown Point Elementary School Library Night on Tuesday, April 30, with 75 guests in attendance. The event featured stories, games, music, dancing, data bases and library resources, refreshments and a tech petting zoo with our very own E-Specialist Donna Peretzman. Kudos to Hongying Song, David Foster (in front in pic above), Frances Wickes, Anita Haller and Brittany Gonzales for organizing a great community program.

"KR was community partner at the 45th  Annual Mandarin Art Festival, March 30-31. Library staff manned a library booth giving out information on youth services and technology services.

 Pictured are David Foster, Laura Minnich, and Sara Peretzman."

UPK's 3rd Annual Academic Excellence Awards

UPK's Rosalin Smalls submitted this well-earned brag:

"UPK held their third Annual Academic Excellence Awards ceremony, May 8.  Pictured above are: Kim Hamilton, Children's Library Assistant; 13 year-old Zylynn Clark, who is an 8th grader at Fletcher Middle School and an Honor Roll student; Roz Smalls, Library Clerk, and Zylynn’s proud grandmother; and Mary Calcagni, Children's Librarian.

"UPK staffs annually commend and encourage their regular customers/students that have become like family.  They are reminded of the rewards of working hard in school and getting a good education, and having respect for others and themselves.

"Kim has all of her students that visit the branch give her a copy of their report cards during the year. Students who may not have made the Honor Roll, but have shown good progress, are also included. Honorees get prominent seats and parents sit along the wall; this is the students' time to shine.

"Guest speaker Mary Willis, a retired nurse, who attended Tuskegee Institute (previously named Tuskegee College), also stressed the lifelong value of a good education.  Ms. Willis also spoke about George Washington Carver and how much he valued his education.  Students were asked what education means to them and how it can benefit them.

"One of the attendees, David Delphin, a senior at Terry Parker High School, has attended the program from its inception. There were 21 young people present, ranging from first grade to senior high. Many of the students have maintained their Honor Roll status for the past three years. The honorees were given certificates with their names on them, a “Recipe for Success”, and a poem “Be True to Your Heart and Your Dreams Will Come True”, by Debra Ruegg-Jenkins.

"After the ceremony, pizza, drinks, and a cake from Publix was served.  The cake was inscribed, "Third Annual Academic Excellence Awards".  The students enjoyed coming together and seeing others that attended the ceremony last year."

Kudos to you, UPK, for taking time to recognize outstanding students. 

FLA Annual Conference 2013

 

Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, shares news from the Florida Library Association Annual Conference, May 1-3: 

"Twelve JPL employees attended FLA held at the Orlando Hilton. Many of them were involved in the show, not just spectators. Ron Block and Kathy Lussier (along with Liz Morgan, a local public relations consultant, shown in pic above with Kathy and Ron) led a session called Novel Partnerships to Expand Your Library's Reach. I was not able to attend, but I happened to sit next to a librarian before the following session, who was animatedly describing to a colleague some of the great ideas she learned from Ron & Kathy. Sounded a lot like buzz. Michael Sullivan participated in a panel on Powerful Partnerships for Workforce Recovery, highlighting our valuable partnership with WorkSource.

"Lynn Jacobson presented a poster on JPL’s model inventory process. JPL was well represented on committees, too. Michael, a member of the Scholarships Committee, was hard at work helping raise a boatload of money for scholarships, through a gift basket auction, a wine toss (you purchase 10 plastic rings and get to keep as many bottles as you can ring), and a 50-50 drawing.

"Sara Radovic met with the New Membership Committee to discuss their work over the past year and plans for the coming one. Barbara Gubbin attended on Thursday to participate in the Legislative Committee, and I had the opportunity to meet with the Awards Committee, on which I am serving. Other conference attendees included Mike Shell, Eric Soriano, Gretchen Mitchell, and Marshelle Berry.

"We heard an opening session keynote from Duane Bray, Partner and Head of Global Digital Business, at the award-winning global design company IDEO. The closing session takes place during a Friday luncheon every year. Bill Barnes of Unshelved fame gave the closing keynote, which was just a sharing of the five cartoons he sketched the night before based on “worst library stories” that were submitted by members. It was funny but there wasn’t much to it. If you heard him speak at our own Staff Development Day several years ago, you heard a better speech.

"The heart of the conference, though, was of course the food, I mean, the programs. There were a number of excellent presentations. Here are some of the ones that I attended:

• Sara and I attended Using Technology to Energize Teens and Tweens, presented by Diana Silveira, who will be one of the speakers at NEFLIN’s upcoming Technology Conference

• Marshelle and I attended The 21st Century Library: Innovation is Key, by Monique Sendze from Douglas County (CO) Libraries.

• The best speaker I heard was Randy Hensley, from the Newman Library, City University of New York. He spoke on The Creative Dynamic for Today’s Library. This guy was a pro. Polished and confident, he had the audience’s attention from his introduction (before he said a word he sang a Broadway tune a capela) to his activities (he had us drawing w/ crayons and brainstorming on Post-it Notes). In between, he cited creativity gurus like Daniel Pink. Mike and I attended this one together.

• The most dynamic “amateur” presenter I heard was Katherine Kastanis, from Dunedin Public Library, on Steps to Successful Teen and Teen Volunteer Programs. That woman crammed what seemed like a hundred program ideas into her hour, complete with demonstrations, loads of visual aids, and detailed “how to replicate” handouts. On top of that, she described a very successful teen volunteer program. Can’t wait to pass on my notes to our own talented teen services staff.

"Despite working very, very, very hard, we did make time for some recreational activity. I saw Gretchen on the treadmill one morning (maybe “recreational” loosely defined). Michael was thwarted in his plans to float down the hotel’s lazy “river” because it seemed like it never stopped raining for five minutes. A group of JPL staff had dinner together one night and listened to an excellent band playing, I’d call it, classic rock-n-roll at BB Kings. One esteemed colleague could not resist the urge to demonstrate his or her skills on the dance floor (the photos will be sold to the highest bidder).

"A lot of learning went on – a lot of good ideas that need some time to digest. Good opportunities to spotlight some of our own successful activities and to nurture and build professional relationships that could bear fruit down the road. And for me, one of the most valuable aspects is always the opportunity to build professional relationships with colleagues from JPL – away from the pressure and grind of the normal day-to-day work responsibilities. I hope more JPLers will be able to take advantage of the opportunity next year."

Thanks, Richard, for sharing with those of us who could not attend.  (We did not get a picture of his handsome face to post; however, like all the other faces shown here, you know who's who.)

Friends Book Warehouse Sale, May 23-June 1, 2013

The Great Jacksonville Book Warehouse Sale is a Friend to anyone who wants a book, etc. at a very good price.  Spread the word and we'll meet you, your friends, and JPL customers at University Park Branch where the Friends Warehouse is located:

Thursday, May 23 - 4-8 pm - FJPL Members Night (you can join there)
Friday, May 24 - 4-8 pm
Saturday, May 25 - 9 am - 5 pm

AND $10 FOR A BAG OF BOOKS ON THESE DAYS:

Sunday, May 26, Noon - 5 pm
Tuesday, May 28 - 4 - 7 pm
Thursday, May 30 - 4 - 7 pm
Saturday, June 1 - 9 am - 1 pm

Thanks To A Talented Team: Traveling Tales Is Travelin'

Stephanie Miller, Youth Services Senior Librarian for the Webb Region, is proud to share her take on the new Traveling Tales program. Kits were available for checkout on May 1:

 "This is a great example of JPL’s ability to collaborate. Many different parts of the system had a hand in making these kits happen. The Main Children’s department was primarily responsible for coming up with all of the storytime programs featured in the kits. SST helped us purchase the book and media materials, sort them upon arrival, and then fully catalog each theme, catching more than a few accidental omissions on our part and putting up with a LOT of last minute changes, and put them on the website and the online catalog, making them accessible to the public. CR&M made all of the promotional materials for the kits and helped us put together the actual preview event. Mitesh Sangani's crew made it possible for us to use the conference level space. The various management staffs made it possible for us to use time to pool together the materials to go into the kits and then actually putting them all together. Laura Minnich helped us get the Friends grant in the first place and then continued to “steer the ship,” pulling everyone together to finish the project and get the kits launched. The Friends of JPL gave us the monies to purchase completely new materials for all of the kits.

"Those who attended the event were extremely enthusiastic about the program. Folks from various levels in the early learning community all found some way to use the materials. As soon as Rebekah Mitchell began checking in the kits, they started going out to holds. We could not be more excited about the positive reception these kits have received. The kits will be a valuable resource, providing a snap shot of our library services to children, for many years to come. They also show that JPL is capable of remarkable and wonderful things when we all work together (cheesy, I know, but it’s true)."

Traveling Tales includes 30 kits with puppets, flannel boards, a manual of suggested songs, arts and crafts for children ages 2-5.  You can access pictures about the big launch at:

  G:\SHARED\Traveling Tales launch 2013\Traveling Tales pics

Click the link below to read Folio Weekly's "Bouquets" for Stephanie, Rebekah, and Marie and add your own kudos to these staffs:

http://www.folioweekly.com/Bouquets-to-Senior-Librarian-Stephanie-Miller-and-Library-Associates-Rebekah-Mitchell-and-Marie-Myers,4718

Calling All Florida History Buffs: TO DO 5/9/13

The Friends of JPL and the Jacksonville Historical Society team up to host a reception and book signing (6:30 p.m.) with author T. D. Allman, Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Old St. Andrews, 317 A. Philip Randolph Boulevard. Author Allman's program is at 7:00 p.m.  He claims Florida has not been accurately recounted and has written a 556 page book to present Florida's real history.

Allman, a Harvard graduate, has had articles published in National Geographic, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New Republic and Rolling Stone.  He has served as a foreign correspondent for Vanity Fair and has interviewed Yasser Arafat, Boris Yeltsin, Helmut Kohl, and Manuel Noriega.

Not a bad way to celebrate Florida's 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's landing here--and who wouldn't enjoy such an interesting discussion while showing support for our faithful Friends.