OOOOOH!

Halloween became a day of the living dead for two of Mandarin’s employees, Sara Peretzman and Robert Moseley.

GB Hosts Art Club

                                                                             









Dallas Graham Branch Librarian Senior, Jackie Spiritas, hosted an Art Club Meeting, November 6, and gives this report, "Marie Myers, Peggy Crawford and Chanika Kimbrough did a great job with the kids. Fifteen kids of various ages and from different schools attended. They made “lanterns” from glass jars, glue, and colorful tissue paper. Each unique piece is ready to fill with a candle. The kids showed inspiring creativity and it was wonderful to observe." 

 

Don't Even Want To Mess With This Guy!

Joshua Wise,  Library Assistant at Brown Eastside Branch, was slow to share his recent big win until Pat Morrison and Tony Williams suggested he tell us about his participation in a power-lifting competition.

Joshua recounts, "On October 6, 2013, I competed in an AAPF Southern States power-lifting meet hosted by Orlando Barbell, Orlando, Florida. This is a weightlifting competition that consists of three exercises: Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. The person with the highest combined total of weight lifted in a given weight class is the winner.

"Weighing in at 188 lbs. and competing in the 198 lb. weight class (AAPF = no assisting gear, no drug enhancements, etc), I lifted a combined total of 1,395 lbs. (Squat: 425 lbs., Bench Press: 385 lbs., and Deadlift: 585 lbs.) to win 1st place!"

Joshua doesn't have pictures back from the Orlando meet but sent this shot of himself (center) in another competition he  won in Lake City.

Congratulations, Joshua!  We look forward to hearing about your future wins.

Veterans Day - Take A Look At Where Some Vets Are

Look through the eyes of Capt. Steven Ellison, M.D., U.S. Army and pay a visit with some of the survivors of our wars. There's a link below with a few pictures and brief comments by Capt. Ellisen that have to be seen to really appreciate who these veterans are and where they are now.

http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/Veterans_Observation_by_Capt_Steven_Ellison_MD_102813.pdf


We salute our own JPL veterans:

Mark Merritt
Lawrence Singer
Hazzel Sutton
Noah Thomas
Joel Thorbs
Karen Walker
Garland Wilson

Staff Profile

Mrs. Cynthia Simmons has blended into the fabric of JPL very well for 29 years—so quietly one might not be aware of her for a while since she shuns the limelight; however, her work always shines wherever she is located and no matter the position. When asked to be the subject of this month’s “Staff Profile”, Cynthia relented but said, “It’s hard to talk about yourself.” 

Q: As Clerical Supervisor for the Main Library and Urban Core Libraries (EB, WBK, NS and GB), how did you progress to your current position with its responsibilities?

A: My 25 years as a Civil Service employee was preceded by four years as a part-time worker with the Summer Library Program. In August 1986, I became a Part-time Shelver at the Haydon Burns Main Library. While there, I was promoted to Part-time Temporary Clerk in Children’s and then to Clerk I in General Services’ Florida/Genealogy department. Promoted to Clerk II in 1988, JPL assigned me to Regency Square Library and later I transferred to Southeast Library where I was promoted to Library Assistant. Afterwards, I came back to old Main and was promoted to Clerical Supervisor and transferred to Mandarin Branch. After working at KR for about ten years, I came back to the new Main Library and recently was assigned as a liaison for the ULC’s, working closely with Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor. Ron Block is my supervisor at Main.   I train employees at Main and at the ULC's and help implement policy changes and manage monthly finances.

Q: What management strategy do you use to effect the efficient daily running of Circulation?

A: I am willing to do the job my employees do and I keep a “hands-on” work experience with them every day so I can see what is done and make changes that need to be made. This way, we can all work efficiently to serve customers with speed and accuracy, adhering to JPL policy. I listen to staffs’ input.  Whenever and however their ideas can be used to improve service, they are implemented in Circulation.

Q: What is the result of changes that help Circulation operate better?

A: We have more cohesive teamwork. Currently, we are striving to improve check-in accuracy.

Q: How do you help employees adjust to change?

A: By working personally with staff to overcome resistance to change, which is something we all must deal with, and highlighting positive results that will occur through change, we meet the challenges.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A: My husband and I enjoy traveling when we can.

Why Not Apply For Sunshine State Library Leadership?

It's not too soon to start thinking about applying for the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute (SSLLI) and what project you could propose to accomplish. JPL selects participants in the spring.  The Institute is designed "to assist in preparing library leaders to provide the highest quality library services to the citizens of Florida in the most effective and innovative manner that will meet today's needs and tomorrow's challenges."  

The program application process is competitive and it is an honor to participate.  Each participant has to select a project to complete as part of SSLLI. Don't know what that might include? In the 2013 session, JPL's five participants completed these projects:

Ron Block, Circulation Service Supervisor - His focus: community outreach events. Capitalizing on successful past events, he created a "success  toolkit" to use in future large scale event planning and execution involving partnerships.  Templates were created, including a list of ongoing and potential future event partnerships with contact information, a document to assist with discussion points and mutual advantages for entering into partnerships, sample agreement forms, steps to finalizing event plans, including staffing, materials, CR&M assistance and timelines, event plans with setup information, etc. 

Mia Brack, Children's Librarian at AR - Collected library resources that addressed each of the Common Core State Standards in pre-k - 2nd grade and placed them in a tote for ease of checkout, which ensured that library customers had resources to help children be on target for their grade level.  

Keli Likins, Librarian Senior/Manager, SE Branch - Created a newly designed web page,Teen Created Content. It is  more attractive and holds all the content local teens have created for the library, such as Teen Read Week videos, short story contest entries, photos of art submitted for contests, etc.  The intent is to attract more teens to participate in these kinds of programs by providing a public forum for their work. Keli is not aware of a comparable library website around the country so it could set a trend in teen services to keep the teen user engaged.  

Rebekah Mitchell, Children's Library Associate, Main - She utilized Traveling Tales, JPL's collection of thematic storytime program kits, as a tool to connect the library with our literacy community.  This was done by inviting key members of the community to a launch event for the new Traveling Tales and by creating a training based on the kits.

Eric Soriano, E-Library Specialist, Support Services - His goal was to explore opportunities to initiate and expand current technology education and economic success programs to library customers from diverse cultural, ethnic, and language backgrounds.  He was able to either lead or help organize one special program for Filipino-Americans; two digital literacy special sessions for deaf and hearing impared children in collaboration with UNF's Department of Exceptional, Deaf, and Interpreter Education, and expand computer classes in Spanish to six classes a week in five branches, representing every library region.The program was featured in Spanish language Hola Noticias and Eco Latino as this is the only free program of its kind in town.  He has helped grow the bilingual volunteer base to six active volunteers. The e-government/job search open computer lab at Main also continues to offer assistance in Tagalong, American Sign Language, and Spanish--all well attended.

Got a wonderful project to propose?  Talk to your supervisor about it and apply for the 2014 Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute.

State Rep. Adkins Reads At JB Story Time

The Beaches Branch Library received a Halloween “treat”, October 31, when State Representative Janet Adkins attended JB's Stories For Young Children story time.  Rep. Adkins took time to admire all the creative Halloween costumes before reading The Busy Little Squirrel, by Nancy Tafuri, to the happy story time crowd.

Roll Your Clock Back One Hour, Saturday Night, 11/2/13

Time changes officially at 2 am, Sunday, November 3, 2013, so if you're not up at that time,

don't forget to set your clock BACK (remember: fall back) one hour before bed time Saturday night.

BELOW: TICKLED PINK!  HE GETS TO SLEEP AN HOUR LONGER THIS SUNDAY!

                                           

What Is Retiree Suzanne Theriault Doing Now?

Suzaanne Theriault was with JPL for 34 1/2 years and managed several branches.  She retired as a Senior Librarian/Branch Manager at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch in 2009. Suzanne says she misses the direct service to customers, working with children, and our staff.  

Suzanne's "logo" was--and remains, as you see in this photo of her and a freind, Lee--always a beautiful flower in her hair.

RETIREMENT (thus far)

By Suzzane Theriault

Retirement seemed to come at the right time since shortly after the big day my apartment ceiling caved in.  Management offered me a sweet deal on the new lease: no rent increase.  Falling plaster, wet walls and green, blue, and black mold were mine for free. Such generosity! No thanks.

Except for the moving part, things were looking up.  I ended up in a place on Butcher Penn Creek.  Surrounded by trees dripping in Spanish moss, it looks like a scene from Florida’s past.  Blanding Boulevard is down the street, but you’d never know it from the view off my private balcony.

Canadian geese, great blue herons, egrets and pink spoonbills come and go all day while at night I’m serenaded by the most melodious frogs in existence, at least during mating season.  I was as excited as a person who’d never seen a bird or heard a frog before.  That was because I actually never saw a bird or even a tadpole before.  But, the best visitors are the swimming kind.  I’ve seen manatees, nutrias, and things I can’t quite describe.  This place is truly alligator alley.

Besides one great egret, the only other permanent resident was Wilbur, a four-foot baby alligator who always had a little turtle trailing him from behind.  Wilbur’s right eye was missing and his left leg was only a stump.  I would describe him as both gruesome and fascinating.

When my neighbor (who was feeding him) moved away, Wilbur also moved on.  But every now and then he stops by to say hi, or to see if there’s a tasty dog or cat around.  Here kitty, kitty. 

Top Talent In MH Children's Displays

MH's part-timer Amy Davis's daughter, Hannah, created this scarrrry Halloween themed display for Murray Hill Library's children's section.  Hannah Davis is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at James Weldon Johnson Middle School. Children's Librarian Chiquita Powell said, "Hannah's talents are amazing and she is already thinking of something to create for Thanksgiving and Christmas."  

Way to go, Hannah!

KR: Sorry You're Going Away, Hongying

You can't have it all but Library Associate Hongying Song had most of it, October 26, when Mandarin Branch staff showered her with appreciation at a going away party and presented her with presents, a beautiful cake and flowers before she headed off to PCR.                

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "In addition to her regular programming/outreach, public service desk and collection maintenance duties, Hongying was the driving force behind the Crown Point Elementary School Night at the Library in April.  She also created the flyer/calendar template for youth services programming throughout the SE Region for which she received an Innovator Award and a JPL Award for Modeling the Way."  

KR knows a good way to wrap it up:

KR Hosts Lawyers In Libraries

Reference Librarian Stacey van Hoy (right) and Library Associate Frances Wickes attended the Lawyers in Libraries Staff Workshop on Tuesday, October 22, at Mandarin Branch Library.  The workshop was part of the Lawyers in Libraries Pro Bono Week celebration at JPL.  

Willowbranch Fun

Willlowbranch Manager Kathleen Brunner sent these pictures from their

Halloween story time, October 29.  Kathleen was a pirate, Isabelle Pierre dressed as a gypsy, and Grace Fletcher (pictured) was the epitome of Mother Goose. One of the cutest costumes was the ferocious lion.  Babies, kids, and grownups had a fun time. 

October thru December 2013 Innovator Award Nominations

Only six employees (what a *brief list for three months!) were nominted for Innovator Awards in the third quarter of 2013.  Now we are into the fourth and last quarter of 2013 (October, November, and December) and have only one nomination.  If you click on the Innovator light bulb on JPL Neighborhood home page, you can review all the Innovator Award winners.  Why?  You might get a great idea you can use at your location.

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*brief list:  Ain't that a shame!  There is an employee or two you know who deserves an Innovator Award for this quarter (October - December).  GO AHEAD! Take a minute and email your nominations to Leila Wertman (copy Sara Gunter) with the name of the person you want to nominate and the reason why.  Got a question?  Call Leila at 630-7807.

Here Comes The Bride (Soon!)

Andi Hammond and Chris Kohlskelley plan to become Mr. and Mrs., November 15, 2013, and Admin wanted to celebrate. Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, CR&M Assistant Director Kathy Lussier, Administrative Assistants Kimberly Keen and Sara Gunter hosted a bridal shower for them, October 23rd after work  Andi is Director Gubbin's Executive Assistant.  Chris is a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Navy.  

Chris and Andi are beach lovers so Kathy Lussier designed this appropriate ocean/beach scene for their congrats cake. The surfboards were labeled "Mr." and "Mrs."

The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed refreshments in the staff room, then onto the porch to enjoy an evening with Chris and Andi and wish them all the best in life.

Beauty Is its Own Excuse For Being

South Mandarin Branch customers, neighbors, and staff enjoy a wonderful city park that is maintained by the Mandarin Rotary Club. Over the years, Rotary members have added benches, trees, fencing, and a pergola. This serene respite affords an opportunity to walk the trail around the pond, sit and read, and enjoy a variety of wildlife--turtles, snakes, woodpeckers, cardinals, herons, and most recently, ibis. 

Often seen around the grassy areas or in the pond, ibis use their long, curved beaks to probe and catch insects or other aquatic creatures. As ibis mature, around the age of two, their brown coloration disappears and they become white.  Ibis were once associated with an ancient Egyptian deity, Thoth, believed to be a patron of wisdom, knowledge, and writing.  

Thanks to Ralph Henderson, SOM Library Associate, who took these pictures and wanted to share this article and beauty of the area with you.  When you have time, visit SOM and then enjoy the park.

Webb Maximizes Use Of E-Classroom

Sharon Kirkes, Webb Wesconnett Branch Manager, is pleased that CW recently increased its usage of the E-Classroom.  Caty Devanny is using it on Tuesday mornings for  ESL classes. Greg Royce has added a series of computer classes on Thursday afternoons and the children's department has conducted three Roblox & More sessions on Saturdays.

Additionally, WorkSource was at Webb an extra day last week, Wednesday October 17, to assist customers with the rollout of the state’s new Reemployment website.

South Mandarin Branch Honored By Mandarin Toastmasters

SOM's Branch Manager, Kelli Likens, is proud of the service her employees give and noted that the Mandarin Toastmasters recognized staffs' dedication to good customer service by presenting SOM this award on October 19 for hosting so many of their meetings.  High five to you, South Mandarin Branch staff! 

Kudos From Customers

Highland Branch:  I hadn't had breakfast and I was feeling a little shaky. I went to the desk and asked Cheron Williams to help me with the copier. She asked the other person to watch the desk for her and went over to the copier.

Main – Non-Fiction: I …have taken books from your library for 20 years and never had a problem until today. Four books seemed to be lost but your employee, Revondolyn DuBois, helped me for 1 hour to find them and finally did! She is the best and friendliest lady I ever found. The library is so lucky to find people like her. Give her my thanks again.

Murray Hill Branch: I wish to give my thanks as a member of the Murray Hill Friends of the Library to Branch Manager Raymond Neal, who gave us excellent support in creating our local history programs in September of this year. He is an excellent branch manager and a wonderful representative of the library system as a whole.

Pablo Creek Branch: Please consider funding for continued story time of music and movement at Pablo. Just be there on a Tuesday to see the amazing turnout of parents and children and the fabulous job Miss Rita (Vernon) does!

Southeast Branch:  Brenda Javier did a great job helping me with a great spirit about her. She is one of the reasons I love this place.

Hats Off To Anita Haller

Community Relations Specialist Olga Bayer just wrote an excellent article for School Library Journal about the SRP brainchild of SE's Senior Children's Librarian Anita Haller. Olga's article tells how Anita's idea developed into a successful partnership between JPL and UNF's Dr. Katrina Hall.  Over eight weeks, Southeast Regional Library drew an average of 75 students to each of the literacy programs for kids K-5. The programs involved 27 undergraduates from UNF who brought their ideas and gained valuable experience and class credit.  The first public tutoring partnership for UNF benefitted their students, JPL, and certainly the children.  Click here to enjoy the article:  http://www.slj.com/2013/10/literacy/a-partnership-for-success-the-jacksonville-public-library-and-university-of-north-florida-summer-tutoring-program 

THANK YOU, ANITA HALLER, for a WIN, WIN, WIN!

Troy Ettreim Wins Awards at JPL & In Art

Above is a work of art created by Troy Ettreim, whose quick response to a customer who collapsed at Willowbranch recently, won him two awards:  Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter (4th Quarter FY 2012).     

Troy is a library clerk at WB and he is a painter and digital artist who has won several art awards. His  work was recently included in the University of North Florida Carpenter Library collection, won first place, Donnie Award 2012 (MOCA – Museum of Computer Art), and Editor’s Choice Award for Art and Beyond magazine. His work has been written about in ArtPapers Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Chattahoochee Review. He has exhibited in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York.

Troy invites his coworkers to the opening reception of his latest art exhibit at FSCJ's Kent Campus, 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard, 6-8 pm, October 29, 2013. To view some of his evocative, computer generated and colorful art, click here:

 http://troyeittreim.wordpress.com.

Troy's art will be exhibited at FSCJ through November 19.

Remembering Lucy Harris

The old adage, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" seems to describe Lucy Harris, who closed out her career as a Library Clerk at University Park Branch Library after serving at other locations.  A valued employee of JPL for 25 years, she has a special place in the hearts of many of her coworkers.

UPK's Midge Roton said,“Lucy Harris was a good friend and coworker. She was loved by many. Always kind and fun to be around. Lucy will be missed very much. I worked with Lucy at Regency and University Park for just a few months but long enough to know the type of person she is.”

Theresa Rooney,  UPK's Manager, offered this remembrance, " Lucy was assigned to UPK in late May, just a few weeks after I was transferred, so I only had a few months to get to know her.  I noticed immediately that Lucy had a great sense of style ... She was always very poised, beautifully dressed -- in an understated way -- with great shoes, great hair and a great smile.  I even overheard several customers complimenting her hair during her first weeks in the branch. In addition to looking great, Lucy was always willing to pitch in wherever needed. She helped me with delivery numerous times and never, ever complained about book drop. Lucy was simply not a complainer. In fact, her new badge was delayed for over a month, but she didn’t want to complain to me, even though she had problems getting into the building. When I figured out how long she had been waiting for the badge, I decided we would expedite the process and drive downtown immediately to get it taken care of. From our chat in the car, it was clear that she had a great sense of perspective, of what’s important and what’s not.  I had no doubt that she had broken in many branch managers prior to me and could probably run the branch without batting an eye. Lucy, it was a privilege to know you."

JPL employees extend our sincere sympathy to Lucy Harris' family and friends. 

Lucy Yvonne Walton Harris, born January 26, 1943, and home to the Lord, October 15, 2013, left good footprints in our hearts.

3rd Quarter Innovator Award Winners

Just click below and you can see the reason why David Foster, Jackie Spiritas, Stacey Van Hoy, Robert Moseley, Jessica Jones, and Kris Snider won Innovator Awards during the third quarter (July - September)  of 2013.

http://jplstaff.coj.net/archive/admin/innovator-award/index.html

Do you know someone who deserves an Innovator Award?  If you do and you are a Librarian Senior or above, you can grant the award by emailing Mary Heaney (please copy Leila Wertman and Sara Gunter).  If you are below a Librarian Senior, you can nominate a person to your Senior Librarian or staff with a higher rank, and if they concur, your nomination can be emailed with their approval to Ms. Heaney (copying Leila and Sara).  

Simple to do and encouraging to staff that deserve it.

Who's 75 & Fresh As A Daisy?

This month the Jacksonville Farmers Market celebrates 75 years of being an integral part of downtown and Northeast Florida's thriving business engine.  You could highlight your cookbooks and do a congrats poster to our successful neighbor that offers up to 25,000 visitors a week many vendors' fresh goods, such as Mayport shrimp, local ethnic, organic and specialty produce, plants and flowers.  

The Eyes Of The Pumpkin Are Upon You

Kelli Likins, SOM Branch Manager, shares this picture made of their Teen Advisory Group’s Pumpkin Painting Party, October 10, facilitated by Margo Crafton.

Buying Cheap Books at November Friends Book Sale = Support For JPL

Your favorite titles at CHEAP prices and you help support JPL.  Is that a sweet deal or what!    Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan said their volunteers have restocked the gigantic warehouse and are ready to hold another sale.

Members of the Friends of the JPL Only (You can join there.) Buy-one-Get-one free November 7 - Thursday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Open to All November 8 - Friday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 9 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm The popular $10 Bag Days All the books you can stuff into a brown grocery bag November 10 - Sunday - 12:00 pm-5:00 pm November 12 - Tuesday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 14 - Thursday -  4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 16 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Where:  University Park Library, 3435 University Boulevard North (a few blocks down from JU on the right). 

Friends of the Beaches Branch October Book Sale

Be a friend to the Friends of the Beaches Branch and promote their October 2013 Book Sale.  Dates are:

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - Members Only Preview Sale - You can join at the door

Friday, October 25 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Book Sale

Saturday, October 26 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Bag Day 

Teen Read Week Video Contest - Encourage Customers To Vote!

Laura Minor, Main Library's Senior Teen Librarian, announces:

"As part of the Teen Read Week celebration, the Jacksonville Public Library is hosting its own virtual version of the Oscars and People’s Choice Awards. The library is asking people to vote online from Oct. 13 through Oct. 19 for their favorite two-minute video. A link to the online voting site will be on the JPL Teen website page. The videos were created by teens to showcase their favorite books and were entered in the My Favorite Book video contest August 15 through September 30.

"Three winners will be announced. Popular votes online and a panel of judges each will determine a winner. Winners will enjoy a special reception. The first prize winner will receive an iPad mini. Second prize is an iPod touch. The People’s Choice award winner will receive an iTunes gift certificate. Everyone is invited to attend the Teen Video Contest Winners’ Reception on Wednesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. in the Zimmerman Overlook on the first floor of the Main Library, 303 Laura Street North."  

Happy Halloween, Charlie Brown

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin and her staff are celebrating The Great Pumpkin and Halloween. To set the mood, KR has turned into a pumpkin patch.  Robert Moseley and David Foster are pictured with one of the smiley face pumpkins.

Retiree Sallie Pickard - What Is She Doing Now?

Sallie Pickard: personable, smart, and as radiantly beautiful as ever! Sallie's coworkers will welcome this update from her.  This is a picture of her made when she visited France in 2012.

"I’ve been retired from JPL a long time now, since 1999. Things have really changed in the library system but I still have fond memories of the people I worked with and the services provided by the library, especially at the Beaches Branch where I spent 13 years. I was very lucky to work there.

"Since retirement, I have held two part-time jobs, one as librarian for one year with Education America, a private college concentrating in math and computer science, and another with FSCJ as an adjunct librarian at the South Campus for about six years. These were both good experiences for the most part and helped me stay somewhat current. Now I am just happily out of date!

"Travel has been most rewarding, with trips to Egypt, England, France, Italy, Canada and several visits to see our children living in Oregon and Pennsylvania.  Last year I was so fortunate to be able to travel for 12 days in northeastern France and Paris with my daughter Sarah.  I still hope to visit the Greek Islands.

"Most of my spare time these days is spent with my husband Buck and granddaughter Parker, a six year old who attends Alimicani Elementary, trying to stay fit with walking and “senior” exercise, volunteering at the Beaches Branch Library and my church, reading and doing crossword puzzles. I also enjoy attending the coffee series with the Jax Symphony.  Not too exciting, but quite pleasant!"

Downtown Art Walk's Ten Years

Downtown Vision's online news reports it is estimated that First Wednesday Art Walk doubled in participation at their Wednesday, October 2 Oktoberfest. They hope to top that at Art Walk's 5 pm - 9 pm, November 6  venue (yet to be selcted) when Art Walk will celebrate ten years and 120 free monthly events.  The Main Library has regularly participated in and is part of Art Walk's growth and success in drawing people back downtown, highlighting downtown's businesses and promoting local art.. 

Staff Profile

Lynn Jacobson is quiet, accomplished in music, flexible, civic minded and—as our budget allows—advocates for technological advances for JPL that give our customers the latest and best.

When asked for an action shot for this article, Lynn shared this picture of herself with her alma mater's band: the University of Southern Mississippi.

You began with JPL more than a decade ago.  What were your title and responsibilities then? 

I began working at JPL in October 2001 as the Music and Non-Print Cataloger in Technical Services. Soon after, the library started working on The Better Jacksonville Plan and I was responsible for selecting and cataloging the CD collection for six additional libraries, including the new Main Library. 

How has your previous experience helped prepare you for the position of Bibliographic Systems Access Manager?

My experience as a cataloger gave me a great deal of practical knowledge and experience working with part of the library's database.  Cataloging rules probably seem arcane and overly complicated but sometimes the goal is to provide a structure that will allow users to discover library material online and on the shelf.  I was able to use my cataloging skills to learn how to manage the entire integrated library system.

What are the responsibilities of your position now?

I manage the Cataloging and Integrated Library Systems (ILS) departments. I love problem solving and figuring things out. I love when staff sends us questions about why the system did or didn't do something. I consider it "challenge accepted!"

What do you see as the best improvements your departments have contributed to JPL?

In Cataloging we've been listening to staff about how the collection is used. We've consolidated "mix" items, worked to reclassify the biography collection and the teen and children's series collections. In ILS, we've been staying current with all of the changes and updates in our ILS. It's put us in a position to offer the best possible options for our staff and customers. I hope that we are also giving staff more opportunities to become more comfortable with technology we use and we'll continue to do that over the coming year.  

What is your favorite pastime?

I'm a clarinetist so I love music and play in several community groups in town.  The First Coast Pops Orchestra has nine concerts scheduled between now and mid-December.  Most of the concerts will be at retirement and assisted-living facilities where we have the opportunity to meet the residents and share our fun in making music. The orchestra will also be participating in a community music festival at The Tree Hill Nature Center in Arlington.

October Is Fire Prevention Month

Fire Prevention Month offers a great opportunity to make a display or have a program about fire prevention, checking fire alarms, having a family fire drill, and what to do in case of a fire.  Did you know that crawling and keeping your head close to the floor helps you breathe better when a room is smoke filled because that's where the most oxygen is stored?  Have you thought about timing how long it takes for you and your family to get to an exit?  Do you have a fire ladder for each room upstairs, if you have multiple floors in your home? 

Do you have enough insurance to cover your home just in case? And you probably can think of more precautions that can be made to assure you know what to do before or during a fire.

Share your good ideas and JPL materials with library customers.

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
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*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".