Italian-American Month Display, Program Ideas

October is Italian-American Month and we all know a long list of famous Italians who have had tremendous impact in world history, whether in architecture, painting, poetry, politics, opera, religion, etc. Never boring, those Italians.  

Who was Constantino Brumidi?  Considered the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol,

Brumidi (1805-1880) painted murals in the Capitol over a 25-year span, including The Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda eye of the Capitol Dome. Born in Rome, he painted for popes and princes before coming to America in 1852 (and that period of his life is worth knowing).  Once here, he quickly applied for citizenship and later proudly signed one of his U.S. Capitol works, "C. Brumidi, Artist, Citizen of the U.S."  You could highlight that he was honored by Congress in 2008 with a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal.  In recent years, Congress funded a 25-year period of restoration of his murals. Here are links to learn more 1) about Brumidi, and 2) his art:

http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Assets/uploads/files/brochures/pdfconstantino_brumidi_sm.pdf

https://www.google.com/search?q=photo+to+copy+of+Brumidi&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=PitMUv7tFor89gS6wIHIDQ&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=984&bih=611&dpr=1

Do most people know Christopher Columbus (born in Genoa, Italy) was known as Cristobal Colon to the Spanish, and completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic monarchs of Spain that led to general European awareness of the American continents? 

You could highlight the lives of other great Italians who left tremendous imprints in history with their unique talents--Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas (oh! what voices!)--and who are the present gorgeous tenors? 

Then there's Dean "Dino" Martin, member of "the Rat Pack", who stands as one of the most popular and beloved entertainers in American history.  Dino "roasted" some of the most famous people in America in "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" from 1974-1985, and people still enjoy his roasts.  He made over 51 movies and how many songs?  Your older customers would love to see a display about him.
  
Pastrami, ziti, lasagne most know.  For the many cooks and chefs that crave that wonderful Italian food, why not feature some cook books and print out a few recipes--rigatoni con la Pajata or linguini with clam sauce.  Here's a link to Italian dishes. UMMM!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Italian_dishes#Meat_dishes_and_cured_meats

"Italian" conjures up rich colors of fabulous cities, too.  Got any books or travel logs on those?  Italiano can be a source of charismatic displays and inspiring programs.   Dig out your JPL materials and draw your customers to explore these exciting people's lives and works. 

Thank JPL's Many Friends

October 20-26 is the eighth annual celebration of National Friends of the Libraries Week.  Jacksonville Public Library boasts of many Friends and maybe you know someone in one or more of these groups you can say "Thank You" to anytime you get the chance.  Have they stood up for us in these difficult budget times?  You bet they have--and it would take a lot of space to list the many other things they do and have done over the years that help keep our JPL strong.  

A big HURRAH! and much gratitude to all of our 

Friends of the...

                       ...Jacksonville Public Library

                       ...Beaches Public Library

                       ...Murray Hill Library

                       ...Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch Library

                       ...South Mandarin Branch Library

                       ...Willowbranch Library     

A Taste Of India At Beaches Branch

          



                                                             

Padma Subramanian, Library Assistant at the Beaches Library, is hosting "Experience India", an afternoon full of programs to acquaint you with India, Saturday, October 12, 2013, at JB. Padma is certainly knowledgeable about the mysterious country of India because she was born and grew up there. Something is bound to capture your and your customers' interest:

1 pm: Sample Indian cuisine
1:30-1:45 pm: *Bollywood dance performance
2:00-2:30 pm:  Henna body painting
2:30-3:00 pm: Dress up in traditional saris
3-5:00 pm: Movie showing, English Vinglish
____________________________
*Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, India.  The movie to be shown at JB is considered "Bollywood".

Local African American History Recounted By Author Mary F. M. Jameson

Thanks to NW Branch Manager Elaine Randolph (pictured below with Author Jameson) for this article:

"On September 18, a  Bradham-Brooks Branch audience was awed with the presentation Author Mary F. Mungen Jameson gave on her book Remembering Neighborhoods of Jacksonville, Florida: Oakland, Campbell’s Addition, East Jacksonville and Fairfield, the African-American Influence.  

"Graduate students from the University of North Florida, their instructor, Dr. Chris Jansen, and Assistant Professor Dr. Sophie Maxis, as well as other members of the audience asked many questions about the book, including how Ms. Jameson got started in collecting her information, and why it is important to record history. The presentation was interesting, informative, and a good recount of local African-American history during the 1900’s." 

Argyle Branch Celebrates Hispanic Month

Thanks to Argyle Branch Manager Janet Ducat for photos of their
bright displays for Hispanic Month celebrated September 15 - October 15. Jacksonville has a varied representation of Hispanic peoples and JPL has materials to whet their curiosity--and AYL staff got that message out in living color, as you see.

Argyle Branch Hosts Database Class For Teens

Kimberly Kirkland reports that Argyle Branch Library’s Teen Scene held a Pizza and E-Resources program in the Teen computer area, September 17. Gale’s Testing and Education Reference Center database was highlighted. Teens were very interested in learning about the different practice tests, such as SAT, ACT, AP, ASVAB and courses offered by this e-resource. Also, the teens were fascinated with the resume builder and career assessment tools.   Later on that week, teens were still talking about the Testing and Education Reference Center.

Meet The JPL Foundation's "Trish" Palmer

Patricia Palmer is affable and smart.  She recently became the full-time JPL Foundation Office Manager.  She has been here for a while and we asked Trish, as we call her, to share some news about herself:

“I’ve been with the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation now for three years.  I was blown away by the massiveness of the Main Library when I arrived here to help out on a temporary basis.  I have had the great privilege of meeting so many wonderful people here at the Main Library and through the Foundation. 

“My husband and I came here from the Chicago area in 2004 to begin our search for property and finally decided on a place to build our new home.  We have one son, who decided to stay in the Midwest, but within two years he and his family moved down to Florida, also; they now reside in Orlando.

“I like Jacksonville weather most of the time.  It is a far cry from the experience of the Windy City, which we visited often to ride our tandem bike along the lake front and Navy pier.  I don’t ride much here because most of the time it is just too hot.

“I have a background in meeting/event planning, executive administration and office management/bookkeeping, along with many other attributes acquired in my many years in the workforce.  I enjoy golf, racket ball, long walks on the beach and I do play basketball with our two grandsons—ages 10 and 4—on occasion.

“I’m looking forward to a new dimension in how our JPL Foundation will move forward in its fundraising efforts now that we have a fully staffed JPL Foundation Board of Directors and Suzanne Hudson-Smith on board as our new Executive Director.” 

CM Dr. Johnny Gaffney Pledges Support of JPL

   

Patricia A. Morrison, Library Supervisor, Urban Library Centers, is proud to announce that Council Member, District 7, Dr. Johnny Gaffney visited the Brentwood Branch Library and shared words of encouragement with the staff following a meeting with the newly formed Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library that was held Friday morning, September 20, 2013 in front of the building.  CM Dr. Gaffney talked about the importance of the library in the community and pledged his support.

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Special Collections:  Andy Barmer is outstanding; he went out of his way again and again to help with our research.

San Marco Branch:  Presenter's (Donna Peretzman) knowledge & ability to explain & patience: Excellent.

Southeast Branch:  ...JEMIMA DIGGS, offered to help me; showed me how to proceed; and anticipated and described the "do’s" and don'ts". She is intelligent, quick to assist, pleasant and a valuable employee for the library. She is a jewel who performed over and above her job description. …

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  I am currently in computer training with Yuri Jewett, Library Specialist. She is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is an asset to the Jacksonville Public Library.

Westbrook Branch: The staffs at Westbrook are awesome. They really help a person when they need it on books, computers and other things. Kim McTeer, Antoinette Walker, and Susan Williamson are the best!

Prevent Re-Paint, Rust & Spiff Up Your Beach Buggy

Art Smart In The ULCs

Urban Library Centers Supervisor Pat Morrison contributed these photos and input: "On September 11. Brentwood Branch Library hosted the first installment of Art Club, a program created by Marie Myers, Main Children’s department.  Marie is sharing her skills and her passion for art with children, ages 6 - 12, in the ULCs by presenting a program at one of the units and training Peggy Crawford to take the program on the road to the other ULCs.  The first program involved creating a Diorama Pop-up Picture.  The children were introduced to 3-D artwork.  The theme was the galaxy and outer space.  Fourteen children let their imaginations soar and created some wonderful pieces of 3-D art.  They had a blast.

"A big thank you to Marie Myers for sharing her skills with us, thereby adding a new dimension to the valuable services we provide to our youth.  Art Club is scheduled every Wednesday in one of the Urban Library Centers."  

JB's Teen Zombies

Random House held a “Zombies Take The Library” contest. The Beaches Branch submitted this entry and won a zombie survival kit.

For the Beaches Branch Teen Summer Reading Program--manned by what JB calls their "Teen Titans”, Julie Rekow, Eva Newton, and Terry Welch-- each teenager that signed up receivied a zombie with their name on it. All zombies were posted in JB's atrium for all to see. JB had over 125 teens signed up. This is a picture of the zombie board.

Personal Congrats To Conference Center From Gov. Rick Scott

Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani and his team--Will Daniels, Nathan Fuller and Sheldon Wright--enjoyed a letter from Governor Rick Scott recently and we share their (and the taxpayers that voted to pay for the new Main Library) well-deserved "brag":

"Congratulations on the Conference Center at the Main Library recently being included in the Jacksonville Business Journal's list of top meeting facilities.  You are to be commended for building a company that has become recognizable within your community over the past 8 years.  Because entrepreneurship is the foundation of Florida's success, I am focused on making the Sunshine State the best place for businesses to grow so that entrepreneurs like you can succeed and continue adding private-sector jobs to Florida's economy. ...Your efforts, along with the Sunshine State's economic turnaround, are making Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.  You have my best wishes for your company's continued success." 

Meet The New Executive Director Of The JPL Foundation

Suzanne Hudson-Smith, as you know from a recent News from the Director's Desk email from Director Gubbin, is the JPL Foundation's new Executive Director.  She has been more than busy but took a few minutes to send us a blurb about herself and the experience she brings to her new position, and yes, she's as nice as she looks.

"First order of business:  GET MY LIBRARY CARD!  I have it and I’m ready to use it.  As the new Executive Director of the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation, the card will be my passport to finding out more about this area, have some adventures through reading (fiction is a favorite) and when the guests start arriving I might need some recipe ideas!  It was my goal to return to Florida – previously I lived in Sarasota working in non-profit management for theatres, county fairs and senior care.  My fundraising in the Midwest took me to St. Louis, Missouri then Evansville, Indiana as part of the PBS development system.  I worked nationally with both PBS and NPR to create initiatives that would engage communities. I moved into downtown Jacksonville from Indianapolis (and some cold winters) where I worked with the Symphony Orchestra and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.  I’ve raised funds for arts, education, and social services. Working with a Library, whose mission is to serve the community with information and resources that will enrich each patron’s life, aligns with my own passion to connect people with those services through private support.  I love what the Library offers the Jacksonville community!  And I love what the community has offered me: a chance to do great work for the Library through the Foundation … beaches, kayaking, warmth and water everywhere I look.  I look forward to working with the Library staff and the community."

We look forward to working with Suzanne, too, and seeing what new adventures the Foundation will create, raising funds for JPL in a great way. 

Penny Wise

Willowbranch Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "We had a very successful teen program at WB, hosted by Isabelle Pierre, Grace Fletcher, and Tyler Spillman!  It was all about the wonderful finds at local thrift stores and how to make the most of your spending money!  Who would have thought that most of the attendees would be boys?!

Caring For Creatures

     Kema Roseberry, Librarian/Reader's Advisor in the Main Library's Popular & Fiction department contributed this photo and input, "This was a project Main's Popular department and Amber Holley worked on together. We folded origami boxes during our lunch breaks, as enrichment items for the residences of the Myakka River Lemur Reserve near Tampa, FL. On a couple of Saturdays in June, we asked customers in the Fiction area to give us a hand. We had several people participate. We did this to bring our department together and help others.

"I hand dyed the paper and then taught everyone (except Amber who is an origami master) what to do. Enjoyable, relaxing, stress relieving, and we helped the world in the process." 

I think the lemur is saying, "Thank you."

State Sen. Audrey Gibson, Rep. Reggie Fullwood & Rep. Mia Jones To Hold Community Meeting

Everyone is invited to a Community Meeting, 6 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2013, at FSCJ Downtown Campus, 101 West State Street, Jacksonville, FL, hosted by State Senator Audrey Gibson, State Representatives Reggie Fullwood and Mia Jones.  The focus will be:  Saving Our Youth - Civil Citations: In and Out of School.  You can meet legislators and community leaders for an important discussion on prevention and diversion and the role of the civil citations program.  They prefer you attend the meeting in person, but if you cannot, they have provided multiple ways for you to participate:

• Streaming live on the web at: http://dmp.fscj.edu/live-stream/
• Email your questions or concerns to:  civilcitationsforum@vahoo.com
•   Join via conference call:  Toll free:  1-855-212-0212 enter pin number 990544046.  The phone line will be open at 6 p.m. and Q&A will start at 7 p.m.

Panelists will include:

• Mr. Rob Mason, Office of Public Defender
• Mr. Lawrence Hills, Teen & Truancy Court Program
• Chief David Coffman, Duval County Public Schools Police
• Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Duval County Public Schools
• Mr. David Utter, Southern Poverty Law Center
• Attorney Rhonda Peoples-Waters, P.A.
• State Attorney Angela Corey (Invited)
• Director Michael Edwards, JSO (invited)

For more information, contact:  Brandy Wright: (904) 359-2553; Jackie Boyd: 904-353-2180; Bobbi Warford: (904) 924-1615.

Staff Profile

Sigrid (Sig) Wellhausen poses left in a photo of her with Deadpool (cosplay) and CW's Melloney Shepherd at Dragon*Con 2012.  As you will see, Sig has a serious side she uses to better her life and others--all together an interesting, intelligent young lady worth knowing better.  (An article about her research project at UNF, mentioned below, was posted on this blog soon after its completion.)

Sig was unanimously voted as a winner of the Model the Way award and Employee of the 3rd Quarter (April-June 2013).
  
 Q: You are a part-time clerk at WST now.  What is your previous work experience in JPL or elsewhere?

 A: I started as a part-time page at Maxville in 2006 while still in high school. Within a few weeks I moved up to a part-time clerk. In 2011, I started working as a full-time clerk at WST. In January of this year, I dropped back to part-time clerical for educational reasons, to wrap up my bachelors degree. While holding a position with the library, I worked on a research project with the chair of my department at UNF in the fall of 2011 and completed a criminal justice internship this past spring.  Recently, I was promoted to a part time clerk at WST.  
  

       Q: You obviously have good people skills to get cooperation and accurate input from different employees to compile a new JPL missing/damaged manual.  What is your personal take on dealing with people to get needed results? 

 A: I would not say my people skills are exceptional. I try to be sincere, direct, and respectful with everyone. I have found if you politely ask a clear question, typically people are willing to help. Of course, this doesn’t always work, but I find it a great rule of thumb when dealing with patrons and co-workers.

      Q: What steps did you take to rewrite JPL’s missing/damaged manual?

A: The manual was mostly from scratch, not really a rewrite. Prior we had some policies and procedures, but not a manual. A good portion of the material is not policy, but general directions. The obvious first step was to find an efficient way for me to handle the clerical damaged materials job. This is a larger feat than it sounds. I learned a lot from Melloney Shepherd, from whom I took the position. I worked as a damage clerk for about a year before a firm routine for dealing with damages was settled. During this time, I thoroughly familiarized myself with standing policy, new policy (floating media), billing, what resources we have for repairing materials, capabilities of Workflows, and the best way to communicate with other damage clerks. I frequently sought the expertise of Marilyn Jordan and Jane Harris in figuring out how to handle various issues, and they proceeded up the chain of command as needed. I’m not sure which clerk began sending blanket e-mails to all damage clerks trying the match-up mix-ups, but it was a great step in getting us communicating. Once a decent system was implemented, it was just a matter of taking the time to write and create the text and images.

       Q: Tell us about the improved efficiency the rewritten manual has effected system-wide?  

 A: The manual really came about because of the shift to floating media. Prior to floating media, branches really did not need to coordinate nearly as much. A portion of standing policy and procedures were made obsolete by this change, and new procedures had yet to be written. After some trial and error, circulation staff was told to keep damages in-house regardless of originating library. The manual is a great tool in pointing out how obsolete some of the procedures have become, the reality of new policies, and highlighting all the grey areas between policy, procedures, and actually handling damages. For example: Basic procedure stipulates that damaged material that has been billed to a patron should be held on the damage shelf for six months. However, on occasion we encounter possible biohazards that render items unsafe to hold. Such as, items might be covered in blood (yes, this really happened; I have pictures), cat urine (no pictures for that one), or regurgitation (more pictures). What then? That is something that is covered in the manual, and can streamline how clerks across the system would respond to such instances.

       Q: What is something you would like to share about yourself that most of us don’t know?

 A: While most people quickly figure out that I am a massive nerd, only a handful of people know that I attend a sci-fi/pop culture convention every year in Atlanta. Several other JPL employees attend as well, so I’m in good company. The convention includes LARPing, cosplay, gaming (video and tabletop), puppets, books (youth and adult), comics, movies, TV, etc. Also, my Toyota Rav4 has been named G.I. Joe--affectionately referred to as Joe. 

Who Would Wait Outside In This Heat?

Marshelle Berry, Webb Wesconnett Region Manager, took a couple of photos showing the popularity of CW.  Considering the high temperatures we are experiencing, the shot above is a testimony to the real need for libraries.  Inside CW, you can see customers thought it was worth waiting in the heat to use a computer, get a book, information. etc.

Great Buys at the Friends of JPL RIGHT NOW!

FJPL’s Book Warehouse has bargains for book lovers this week:

August 29 (Thursday) – 4:00 to 7:00 PM $10 for a Bag of Books

August 31 (Saturday) – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM $10 for a Bag of Books

You'll find a selection of Better Books and a selection of DVD’s, Books on CD, Music CD’s at ½ price.

Remember – The Friends of JPL are continually restocking the shelves to have a fresh selection for you.

The Book Warehouse is at the University Park Library, 3435 University Blvd. N. (just a few blocks north of JU, on the right).

Need more information?  Visit the Friends website (fjpl.org) or call 630-2304.

Promote this sale and get yourselves some good buys, too!  Be a friend to the Friends.

Setting The Stage For Support

Marshelle Berry, Webb Wesconnett Region Manager, and CW's Children's Senior Librarian, Stephanie Miller, met with District 10's City Council Member Reggie Brown at The Mary Lena Gibbs Center, August 22, seeking his support for JPL.  At CM Brown's request, they later conferred with CM Brown's assistant about opportunities for CM Brown to visit Webb Wesconnett Branch after the City's budget hearings.

JB Hosts 200+ For SRP Party

The Beaches Branch SRP wrap-up party received good coverage in The Beaches Leader, August 15. Nicole Saville said, "We had a great turnout of over 200 people who enjoyed ice cream and toppings, face painting, and balloon twisting.    

"What better way to reward all the people who participated in our summer reading program, to say goodbye to summer, and hello to the new school year than with ice cream!  The Beaches Leader, along with our local Target store, provided ice cream and several employees to scoop it up for our customers.  Everyone enjoyed it and our activities."  

NW Staffs At An "A" School's Community Day

NW's Gloria Buenavista, Janice Best and Davi Harmon (not shown in the picture) went to the "A" elementary school's annual event, Carter G. Woodson Community Day, Saturday, August 17. It was the fifth year the successful event has been held at the medical arts magnet school.  The event that has grown every year, thanks to the ongoing sponsorship of a local business man, Andrew Coleman III.

Out of the 800+ families that attended, Gloria reports they talked to at least 363 parents/guardians, staffs, students and visitors. Gloria said, "We discussed services JPL provides and handed out flyers about the library's databases and programs, such as Early Release Day Fun and story time hours. We answered a lot of questions, particularly about their library cards." 

Take a look at First Coast News coverage of the event:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=324254

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  I was referred to a Mr. Randy Mapanoo on how to install the new Library App. I cannot find the words to express my thanks for his understanding, patience, and knowledge. …He was wonderful! …

Main Library – Ref/Non-Fic/Special Collections: Mrs. Karren Deas is a wonderful teacher for my keyboarding class and I have learned quite a bit from attending and really enjoy the class! Please keep her teaching because she is the best! Thank you!

Mandarin Branch:  This note is in regard to an employee at the Mandarin Branch Library, Mr. David Foster. His interaction with the parents and children in the library is always very professional-yet has a nice balance of friendliness. He has a recall of names and faces that I envy, and a genuine desire to make a "day at the library" one of enjoyment. He is always eager to help answer any question, locate a resource and listen to young ones as they ask questions. …Mr. Foster has that firm yet gentle way about him…Our family first became acquainted with Mr. Foster while he was working in the Children's area at the South Mandarin Branch. My daughters are now 19 and 21. We talk often of how much we all enjoyed "Library Day" each week as they were growing up. (I saved each of their original library cards with their preschool signatures). Mr. Foster is an asset to the Mandarin Branch Library and a treasure to the parents and children who have the opportunity to be served by him.

Pablo Creek Branch:  I want to thank the children's department librarian (Cheryl Callavini) at Pablo Creek for helping me select books for my daughter yesterday. I am an English teacher and know children's literature but without her expertise, we would have missed some great authors. Thank you, JPL, for helping ignite my daughter's excitement to read.

South Mandarin Branch: I am most satisfied with the staff (Keli Likins, Margo Crafton, Michelle Petrin, Gavin Lambert, Linda Ehnert, L. Waller, K. Curler, and  S. Yam).  When in need of assistance-either at the library or through phone and computer. They are very helpful and have always successfully provided me with the information I need.

If You're Happy, Your Face Will Surely Show It!

WBK's Library Associate Kimberly McTeer reports:  Westbrook held their Back to School/End of Summer Reading Bash, 1 pm - 3 pm, August 16. Children indulged in coloring, board games, and an ice cream eating contest. They were most excited about the ice cream eating contest and their faces showed it. There was a big turnout and now they are ready for the school year to begin.

KR: Safety First

Keeping JPL Safe!  Mandarin Library Clerk Sara Peretzman participated in the 16^th Annual Avenues ShAdCo Safety Fair on Saturday, August 17, at the Avenues Mall.  Sara is the Safety Officer at Mandarin and is a member of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council (ShAdCo).   

Rep. Mia L. Jones Visits Highlands

On August 15, State Representative Mia L. Jones (standing,center above) visited Highlands Branch for a Back to School event and she drew the winning tickets for backpacks stuffed with school supplies that were donated by Highlands staff.  To ensure that no one went away empty handed, Representative Jones also gave out backpacks she had brought for this event.

A JSO officer then presented some good pointers on safety to the audience of children and adults.  The program closed with games and everyone enjoyed pizza and popcorn.

A Shout Out For I Love My Library

Shelby Boyter recently showed off her I Love My Library sticker with a stuffed friend at the Mandarin Branch Library. Jacqueline Boyter shared this photo of her daughter while attending the Stories for Young Children Program, August 15^th.

An Act of Kindness That Speaks Volumes

West Regional staff were complimented by a customer who noticed what a big difference their caring made in one appreciative life and the customer emailed Connie Holt, wife of City Council Member Ray Holt, Jr., this recount: 

"The elderly woman in the picture, Helen Ketchie, is our neighbor. She has many health issues, so reading is her life, and a trip to West Regional is her big weekly outing. I guess the staff at West Regional picked up on that, and went above and beyond to make those days much easier and certainly sweeter.

"When Mrs. Ketchie was about to bag up her heavy load of books for the week, a staffer (Wish I'd gotten her name! She is very kind and professional.) stepped away and came back with the rolling book carrier shown in the picture. She said, 'Mrs. Ketchie, on behalf of the staff here, we'd like to present you with this.' They'd noticed she used a cane and struggled with the heavy book bag. In fact, I think they'd been carrying her books to her car sometimes. Wow. I'll bet that's not in the library SOP manual. This is what happens when government employees have the permission to think for themselves and make good decisions.

"I had to ask if I could snap a pic. Look at the I-feel-loved look on this sweet lady's face.  Way to go, West Regional staff! So thankful this is MY library."

Regional Manager Jane Harris said, "The idea for giving the bag came from Noah Thomas (pictured with Mrs. Ketchie above).  The bag was originally owned by Yuri Jewitt, who gave it to Noah since she was not using it."

KR Reaches Out All Summer

Mandarin Library Assistant David Foster recently received a surprise thank you--a colorful writing board--from the Great Strides Academy where David has been presenting an outreach program once a month on Monday mornings.  Monday outreach at Great Strides is a great example of KR's continuing to provide public service to the community despite their being closed to the public on Mondays.

KR: Winning SRP Programs All Along the Way

Thanks to Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin, we have a colorful review of their Summer Library programs.

Jackie Meadows was in charge of the BreakSpot Free Summer Lunch Program at the Mandarin Branch where 973 lunches were served to children under the age of 18 from June 11-August 9. 

Local Author T. L. Randall, is pictured above with KR's Children's Library Assistant, David Foster.  Ms. Randall read from her book, Don’t Try to Kiss A Lizard, on August 8.  

Juggler Ron Anglin wowed an audience of 135 children and parents at KR's “Juggle Like An Egyptian” program, July 24, and  Geddy Gecko (first picture above) entertained 69 kids and parents at the Mandarin Branch Library, July 17.

Mandarin Branch Library staff show off their 2013 Summer Reading Visual display of the large JPL Logo.  The multitude of blue and yellow dots represent each book read during the 2013 Summer Reading Program at KR.  Pictured clockwise from left to right:  David Foster, Lisa Veal, Eric Cusaac, Robert Mosley, Diane Lewis, Hongying Song and Stacey Van Hoy.  

What wonderful accomplishments you have to brag about, Mandarin Branch, for your Summer Reading Program! 

DU Plays Mind Games

DU's Beverly Mason reports their "Price Is Right" College Edition program helped keep attendees' minds sharp in preparation for fall classes.  Fun mind exercises included these games:
One Away  - Had to choose the correct call number for an item
Ten Chances - Had to unscramble words
Lucky Seven - They had to guess the gross earnings in the opening of a film.
3 Strikes - Had to put the words in order for our slogan "Start Here Go Anywhere"
The Race Game - Had to choose the correct year 5 colleges were founded
Switch? - Had to determine the correct author of 2 books
Showcase Showdown
And don't forget the final showcase

Prizes for each game won were various school supplies, and the grand prize for the final showcase was a backpack filled  with school supplies.

I Meant To Do My Work Today

JPL's Ed Lein, a librarian at  Main, schedules and is a big proponent for "Music at Main".  He wrote the music for a song, published in May 2013, which was arranged for trumpet and piano. The poem is by Richard Le Gallianne (1892, public domain).  Ed wanted to share it with you, so click on the link:    

http://edwardlein.instantencore.com/web/video_details.aspx?ItemId=1184909

      I Meant To Do My Work Today

I meant to do my work today—
   But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
   And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land,
   Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand—
   So what could I do but laugh and go?

                          ----------------

We can all relate to this little ditty at one time or another, Ed, and on weekends and vacation is not a bad thing to do.

NW's Great Program For Youth

NW recently hosted Dr. Arvin Johnson, Northwestern Middle School Principal, and Apryl Shackleford, DCPS Florida Blue Teacher of the Year, to hold a reading discussion for adolescents, "Locking In On Literacy".  The room was filled with avid listeners, grabbing every word these educators had to share.

After the program, everyone shared their take on the program and enjoyed refreshments.  (Thanks to Gloria Buenavista for the input.)

Additionally, DCPS School Board member Paula Wright and State Senator Audrey Gibson both gave brief talks to the students.

Staff Profile

Pictured above at Executive Assistant Andi Hammond's desk in Administration are Mariah Cohen and Damon Edmond, Jr., who agreed to be the subjects for the August "Staff Profile".  Both recently finished their six week assignments working at the Main Library as participants in the Mayor's Summer Job Program.  Damon worked under Andi Hammond's supervision and Mariah worked in Kathy Lussier's department, Community Relations & Marketing.  The summer job initiative was intended to help the teens build character and confidence, gain exposure to careers, and learn real skills for the workplace.  Mariah interviewed herself and Damon to answer the first four questions.

 Q: What did you do?

Mariah: I filed, distributed fliers and posters, set up meetings, helped update the library quarterly report and assisted with an article for the e-newsletter. I worked behind the scenes and observed the financial and creative aspects of the library.

Damon: My main duty was to help assist my supervisor with administrative duties. I filed and helped organize shelves and office supplies.

Q: What did you learn that will help you in the future?

Mariah: I learned to ask questions, to ask for help, to network and talk to people. At first, I’d just do my job and go. As time progressed, I interacted more with my coworkers to initiate meetings and help with projects.

Damon: I want to become a doctor and I know filing is important in the medical field. A coworker said that “filing could make all the difference between life and death.” I will never forget that. The experience was humbling and gave me a small snapshot of corporate America. One positive trait I learned was patience.

Q: What will you remember about this experience?

Mariah: The best thing about it was the people. And the group training we got at the beginning helped prepare me for future endeavors. I left the office every day with a smile on my face; I received sound advice for the work place and for school.

Damon: The people and the skills I’ve learned. My supervisor and coworkers taught me workforce related skills and skills to better myself as a young man

Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned about the library?

Mariah: I learned the library is a lot more than just books! It offers services to everyone. It is a multitude of things—a venue for meetings and weddings, a place for reading and research, a fun day for summer camps and school, and the list goes on. I developed a new appreciation for the library, especially seeing beneficial programs such as Talking Books and CAL.

Damon: The library is closely linked to our city government and it provides a multitude of services for our citizens.

Q:  What is something you want us to remember about you?

Mariah: One thing I would like you to remember is my drive and work ethic.  My dedication to this job/internship comes form wanting to be a role model to my generation and generations to come.  Young women all need a positive, respectable person to look up to and I choose to be that person that helps mold and shape others.  I always had a positive attitude and bright smile on my face, always eager to do what my day and job may bring.

Damon:  I hope you remember that I am a wonderful representation for the future generation.  I was a very hard worker and brought hope that the younger generations would bring forth great workers and role models.

Before their going away party here at Main, four of the youth workers, Damon, Mariah, Lakeisha Wright, and Nala Washington gave a PowerPoint presentation about the "scavenger hunt" assigned to them as their first duty.  The student workers explored downtown Jacksonville and were surpirsed at their many discoveries--a real history lesson that dealighted all of them.  Administration staffs were surprised at the comprehensive, professional presentation these bright young people made.  Yes, we will remember you as good role models for other young people and we appreciate your excellent work ethic.

Busy, Busy At Southeast

Just how busy is SE when UNF tutors are there helping customers? Senior Librarian Anita Haller took pictures every 3 feet in one session recently for us to get an idea of the popularity of these tutoring sessions.  Anita  said, "It is really crazy. We have approximately 118 people here in this session: 27 student teachers, 55 children being tutored, and their parents. There are small groups tucked away down every aisle, nook and cranny."  Fantastic, Anita!

In Memory of Jean Brinkman

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Jean Ulmer Brinkman, who  passed away July 21, 2013.  Our appreciation goes to Sharon Jaskula, Program Manager, Center for Adult Learning, for the memorial to Jean that she contributes here.  Sharon knew Jean well and we asked her if she would write about Jean and her exceptional contributions to this community.

"For long-time members of the library family, those few words of Jean's passing evoked great sadness and stirred memories of a special woman whose legacy continues to impact the quality of life for many in our community.

"Jean Brinkman worked for JPL from 1984 – 2002. Prior to coming to the library, Jean obtained her Masters of Education from UNF and taught learning disabled/special needs students for Duval County Public Schools. In 1984, Jean was hired to coordinate adult literacy services for JPL; her college thesis on computer-assisted learning led to the library’s creation of 'Computers and Literacy', the first program of its kind in Florida to use technology with adult new readers. Computers and Literacy (CAL) was later renamed the Center for Adult Learning, a program that still carries out the mission Jean began nearly 30 years ago.

"As a Jacksonville transplant and a new teacher fresh out of college, I could not have predicted the lessons I would learn from Jean when I began working at CAL in 1987. She was the first real Southern Lady I’d ever met - a woman who still referred to her parents as 'Momma and Daddy' and believed carrying a white handbag after Labor Day was a major faux pas. But it was the way Jean epitomized southern hospitality that forever influenced my view of public service. Jean had a gentle graciousness that was conveyed to every student and visitor who came through our doors. I watched how she approached the unkempt homeless or mentally ill men and women who wandered into our department, how she greeted and attended to them as if they were respected guests in her home. Jean felt a personal responsibility to serve and restore the dignity of those who needed help. Her kindness was humbling.

"Later in her career, Jean took another position with the library, but not after sharing her exceptional teaching and grant writing strategies to ensure the quality and longevity of CAL. In 2002 she retired from the library to spend time with her best friend - her husband, Walt - as they traveled across the country to spend time with their many friends, their two sons, and their grandchildren. Her Facebook page began to fill with pictures of weddings, graduations, reunions, and road trips. A picture of a smiling Jean standing with her family was posted last week, taken just two days before she passed away of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"A few paragraphs can’t begin to capture what Jean’s work has meant to the thousands of adults who learned to read because of a program she created. When a CAL participant reads to his child for the first time, or passes that supervisors’ exam, or can order from a menu without pictures, he will never know that Jean Brinkman’s life has touched his own. But some of us will never forget.

“ 'Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.' - Martin Luther King Jr."

As you see, Jean Brinkman did not just retire; she was careful to plan for it and made sure she chose a well-deserving, capable person to carry on the kind of work you cannot put a price on and now Sharon Jaskula is doing just that--a proper legacy to Jean Brinkman.

After Jean's work in CAL, she served as an Administrative Assistant focusing on recruitment and training as the library prepared for the system’s expansion as part of The Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP).

Above is a picture of Jean while she was employed with JPL and below you see Jean and her husband, Walt, happy as they can be.  Thank you, Jean, for all you did for so many and especially for mentoring Sharon Jaskula so well.

 
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, July 26th, at Riverside Presbyterian Church.  Expressions of sympathy can be mailed to the family:  78 Blackwood Court, Unit A, St. Johns, FL 32259. 

What A Plus For PCR's SRP

Kathy Lussier, Ron Block, and Laura Minnich are to be congratulated on developing a partnership with Alhambra Dinner Theatre to present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat on July 20 at Pablo Creek Branch Library. The cast also entertained the audience with a song and raffled off a four-pack of tickets.  Children's Senior Librarian Cheryl Callavini reported the audience was thrilled with the performance that was one of their Summer Library Programs.

Pablo Creek Branch's DeLon Rowan Really Digs It

Youth Services Specialist Julie Pactor forwarded the ever-talented, DeLon Rowan's description of her art work for the Summer Reading Program theme, “Dig Into Reading”.  DeLon created a Book Mine to promote SRP, and Children's Librarian Senior Cheryl Callavini asked her to create a mine tunnel for kids to crawl through as part of her Stories for Young Children Program. Children have the opportunity to crawl through the mine at the end of the program. The front of the mine pictured is attached to a long box that creates a tunnel for the kids to crawl through.

Delon created the Book Mine with cardboard for tools, mine roof, and the mine cart, plastic caps for wheels.  She used foam board for books and the front of the mine and styrofoam for coal in the coal car. It was completely comprised of recycled materials--costing the city nothing. DeLon's coal is so real looking, Cheryl said people actually have to touch it to realize it isn't.  DeLon's characters included characters from the “Dig Into Reading” theme.