Staff Profile - February 2014

Raymond Neal’s 13 1/2 years experience at JPL has been largely spent managing the Main Library’s Florida Collection until he became the Murray Hill Branch Manager. Raymond is married to the lady whom he is happily pictured with, Janice Best, part-time Library Associate Senior at Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch (NW) since July 2013.  Raymond, as you will see, has a high appreciation for his Murray Hill employees and his astute supervisors through the years.

Q: You are experiencing a relatively new position, Branch Manager/Senior Librarian at MH, after heading the Main Library’s Florida Collection for ten years.  What are the differences in managing a unique department at Main compared to managing a library in a well-established area of Jacksonville?

A: There are some similarities, but the differences that do exist are vast. For the better part of a decade, all I really had to do was manage the material in a single-subject collection and the staff that worked in the area.  I did not particularly pay attention to things in the system that did not directly impact my ability to run my section and be one of the rotating PICs at Main, so there were a lot of things (particularly Children and Teen programming) that I had to learn on the fly. Luckily, I had been a Librarian at Bradham & Brooks (NW) for the first couple of years I worked for JPL, so circulation and cash handling were not completely foreign concepts to me. It took me a little time to relearn what I had known in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.

Q: What past experience has helped you the most in morphing to Murray Hill Branch Manager?

A: As I mentioned above, being a Librarian at Bradham & Brooks greatly helped me ease into branch life. What made the transition easier wasn’t really anything that I knew, but the great staff here at Murray Hill. Most of them had experience working in branches and some of them stayed at this location during the “Great Transition of 2012”, so they were a terrific resource for helping me adjust. I also have had three astute Regional Managers in Erica Brown, Jane Harris, and Marshelle Berry. They helped me deal with each new type of crisis I encountered with wise guidance and much patience.

Q: Each of JPL’s libraries has its own unique customer base; how do you address those needs at Murray Hill Branch?

A: Murray Hill is a great location. Since it’s a pretty densely populated residential area, many of our customers walk here and come in on a daily basis. There are a number of young families in the area, and they’ve been enjoying Chiquita Powell’s programming efforts. Our numbers have been steadily rising in that area since she joined us in November 2012. As with most other locations, we have a number of job seekers in here regularly. WorkSource comes out Wednesday afternoons to help those folks on their quests. The sense of neighborhood is strong in this area.  We do feel like we’re a part of a community and not just a building in a random location in Jacksonville. With that sort of sense of place in mind, I helped our Friends group set up a series of programs last fall on the history of Murray Hill. They worked with the Murray Hill Preservation Association and Metrojacksonville.com to put together three fantastic programs that everyone in the neighborhood loved. We had to move the final program to the Murray Hill Theater next door because we could not fit the 106 people that attended into MH’s meeting room.

Q:  What would you like to see improved at Murray Hill Branch?

A: It seems like an odd thing to mention, but our customers really need some electrical outlets! So many people come to the library these days to use our Wi-Fi. If they’re here for any length of time, they’ll need to plug in their laptops and other devices. In addition to those folks, we’re one of the locations that allow customers to check out laptops. We currently only have two outlets in the public area, so we put down a multi-outlet power strip at each outlet and now we have people constantly clustered in these two corners at the front of the building. I took an idea that former manager Daniel Kibler first proposed (giving folks more comfortable access by installing a “laptop bar” along the front of the building), revised it and submitted it for approval as a special project. It may be in the pipeline for future projects right now.

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

A: I’m really not sure what folks would not know about me – I tend to wear most of my passions on my sleeve. Most people that know me know that I’m interested in comics and graphic novels, sports (Clemson University, Carolina Panthers, and New York Yankees) and pop culture. You may not know I was an Art & Art History major in college. That background really helped me when I was in Special Collections—techniques from classes in printmaking came in handy for repairing materials in Special Collections and knowledge from various design classes helped when I was part of JPL’s digitization project. I may not be a professional artist, but that educational background has helped me immensely in the library world. 

Graham Branch's Study Buddy Recipient

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas proudly reports, "Chanika Kimbrough, Library Clerk at the Dallas Graham Branch Library, is the newest recipient of the Jaguar Study Buddy Customer Service award.  Susan Williamson passed the buddy on to Chanika after hearing about the excellent service she provides to the customers at Graham. We are very proud to have Chanika on our staff! She has a youthful energy and attitude and the customers ask for her by name.

3 Employees, 60 Years Of Service To JPL

Southeast Branch Manager Ed Murray has the support of three experienced employees and wants to thank and hail three loyal people who deserve a BIG CHEER!  

"On January 31, Regional Manager Michael Sullivan presented service pins to three Southeast employees.  Librarian Sally Doherty Chitko received a 25-year pin; Librarian Senior Anita Haller, a 10-year pin; and Clerical Supervisor Deborah Wainwright, a 25-year pin.  All three recipients have extensive and full careers and have worked in many locations throughout JPL."

Sally and Anita were recognized in the "Years of Service" section here on the blog in December and Deborah in November.

Snapshot Day at Mandarin Branch

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin fills us in on their successful Snapshot Day, "The Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Florida Libraries Snapshot Day, January 22, with a huge Snapshot Day cake, JPL bags, and favorite books.  From 3:00-4:00, we gave a free JPL tote bag to each customer who had their picture taken with their favorite books and we got a lot of pictures!  A big thank you to Jessica Jones (left below) and Sara Peretzman for organizing this event.  Sara and Jessica are perfect examples of JPL creativity and innovation at its best.  Jessica and Sara are pictured holding their favorite books.

Mandarin had a special visitor on Snapshot Day.  Suzanne Hudson-Smith (center below) toured the library with Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin, SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan and Reference Librarian Extraordinaire Stacey Van Hoy.  Pictured are Stacey Van Hoy, Suzanne Hudson-Smith, and Michael Sullivan.

Put On Your Thinking Cap

Who is always going to bat for the Jacksonville Public Library? Who continues to fund special projects for JPL?  Who keeps JPL's needs and JPL's importance to Jacksonville ever before the community? 

                Yes, it's the Friends of JPL.  

How can we show support for the Friends?  Join the Friends, if you don't currently belong. There are Friends groups at these branches:  Beaches, Willowbranch, Bradham Brooks Northwest, Murray Hill, Dallas Graham, South Mandarin and Brentwood.  The Friends want to organize more groups to better support JPL.  Do you know of anyone--maybe you--who loves libraries and would help organize a Friends group in a particular neighborhood? Know anyone--maybe you--who would want to volunteer and help sort books and/or help during the Friends Book Sales? If so, contact Harry Reagan at harry.reagan@comcast.net, call him at 630-2304, or drop by the Friends warehouse located at the far right end of University Park Branch, 3435 University Boulevard North.

Last Chance

"Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African-Americans in Civil War Medicine" is an exhibit history buffs will enjoy and anyone can learn something new from this one--but only until February 1. The exhibit is just outside the elevator on the 4th floor atrium of the Main Library.  Mention it to your customers and see it yourself.

This traveling exhibit was developed and produced  by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health and curated by Jill L. Newmark.  

We thank the Friends of JPL for sponsoring related programs.

Much More Than Hazzel Sutton Bargained For

A lasting impression was made on UPK Library Associate Hazzel Sutton when she attended Leading from Where You Are, a  NEFLIN training class held at Main, January 24.  Hazzel said,  "I signed up for this class primarily to fulfill my training requirements but received much more than the few 'kernels' I anticipated.  The instructor, DeEtta Jones, was engaging and challenged us. The content of the class appealed to me personally having been part of the organizational shift in 2012 and having some current challenges at work.  

"Ms. Jones was dynamic, informative, and well spoken. Her delivery was impeccable. Her presentation was that of a college professor, a comedian, a preacher, and a motivational speaker. I can apply her presentation in my doctoral studies, at home, and hopefully at work. All COJ/JPL managers should be required to attend this training. She covered emotional intelligence in great detail and pointed out the various positive approaches  that most managers lack.

"I liked the handout that was given for her power point presentation. I find it very useful. She referenced books and authors that we can follow up on relating to her training and the questions that were asked. I liked the problem solving methods versus the appreciative section defining how to identify problems, conducting root cause analysis instead of imagining "what might be." It is hard to pick out specifics. I was emotionally and academically involved and engaged in the entirety of the training. 

"This is by far the most useful class I have attended in JPL in the past five years.  I aspire to be like DeEtta Jones." 

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  Terry (Welch) - professional & courteous enough to help me when I was wrong! Mary (Hatfield) - thoroughly helpful.  Re: Randy Mapanoo:  If I weren't retired, he is someone I would hire instantly for my business.  I would love to talk to Randy's supervisor about the consistently awesome service...

 

Mandarin Branch: Mr. David Foster has been an awesome resource of information for my children; also for adults.

 

Southeast Branch: Loved Donna's (Peretzman) teaching skills, personality, and subject matter.

 

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  I've had a Nook for 2 years and did not know how to borrow a book from the Library. I attended "Walk-In E-Instruction",  She (Yuri Jewitt) spent about an hour showing me how to borrow a book using the Nook.  She was very patient and thorough in her explanation and demonstration. I think this is a remarkable service that is offered and a very competent instructor. Thank you.

Westbrook Branch:  It's always a pleasure to utilize the Westbrook Branch. There has not been once that I asked for help and the staff (Antoinette Walker, Kimberly McTeer and Susan Williamson) din’t go over and beyond--ALWAYS!

Worth Repeating Even If You Know

Friends of the JPL President, Harry Reagan, is proud of the volunteers who worked hard  to make the petition drive for a straw vote on creating a special tax district for libraries. Thanks to their diligence, the Friends turned in enough petitions to get the straw vote on the August 26 ballot; in fact, they exceeded the 25,931 signatures needed. FJPL previously helped fund a JCCI study on library funding and provided funding for the major recommendation of that study--a petition drive for a straw vote on creating a special tax district for libraries.  The straw vote will be on the August 26 ballot and the legislative delegation is expected to put a real referendum on the November 4 ballot.

Mr. Reagan believes many people will vote "yes" in August and November of this year.  

Three cheers to all of these people who love libraries.

We Help Ourselves When We Help The Friends

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of JPL, asks us to:

• Tell friends and neighbors about the Friends and that joining for only $10 REALLY HELPS needed projects JPL undertakes
• *Tell them about Friends book sales and where their Book Warehouse is located
• Become a volunteer
• Encourage them to go to a City Council meeting and tell our elected officials how important our libraries are to all of us 

Beside the $10/bag of fiction books sale,  9 - 4, Saturday, February 1 (see article below), here are the Friends of JPL's additional sales:

Thursday, February 27 - 4 pm - 7 pm (member only night; you can join there)

Friday, February 28 - 4 pm - 7 pm

Saturday, March 1 - 10 am - 4 pm

These are the $10/bag days:

Sunday, March 2 - Noon - 5 pm

Tuesday, March 4 - 4 pm - 7 pm

Thursday, March 6 - 4 pm - 7 pm

Saturday, March 8 - 9 am - 4 pm

These sales will be at the Friends of JPL Book Warehouse, located at the far right of the UPK building, 3435 University Boulevard North--a few blocks north of JU on the right; phone: 630-2304;  online: fjpl.org.

WE HELP OURSELVES WHEN WE HELP THE FRIENDS.

One More Reason To Be Proud of CAL

Sharon Jaskula, Center for Adult Learning Manager, shares this picture of Tatiana Masley (smiling at the camera), a Russian student in Valencia Kidwell’s ESL class at Main, as she was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, January 16, at the Duval County Court House.  Ms. Masley was one of 36 who became U.S. citizens that day.   Sharon said, "It was a great way to start the new year!" 

All Together We Make A BIG Difference

Thanks to Theresa Welch (on left) at Beaches Branch for this neat pic and blurb:

"James O’Rear, 62, is a retired educator from Alabama who stopped by the Beaches Branch Library in Neptune Beach on January 15th as part of his 'A1A for United Way' bike ride. He is stopping at one library in each county along A1A to raise awareness for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a United Way program promoting literacy.  Imagination Library mails an age-appropriate book to children each month from birth to age five, with the idea of encouraging families to read to their children.  Mr. O'Rear was a delight!"  

Friends of JPL BIG CLEARANCE SALE!

The Friends of JPL do everything in a BIG way to help our library system and their upcoming FOJPL Clearance Sale is no exception.  Friends members  can buy bags of fiction (only) books for just $10:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014
9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM
FRIENDS BOOK WAREHOUSE 
LOCATED AT FAR RIGHT END OF
UNIVERSITY PARK BRANCH LIBRARY
3435 UNIVERSITY BLVD. NORTH 32277
PHONE: 630-2304
fjpl.org

Look around while you are there; you'll see lots of bargains!

Do your family, friends, and customers a favor and spread the word!

What Is Retiree Carole (Schwartz) Moore Doing Now?

Carole (Schwartz) Moore is pictured here with her hubby, Gary, in Yosemite during their four years out west, after she retired from JPL.
If you are a JPL retiree reading this article, don't miss Carole's last paragraph about the Retiree Tea scheduled next month. and if you have not already made your plans to attend, you are welcome to add your name to the attendance list. 

Carole said, " I really have not done very much since I left JPL other than live out west for four years and travel while we were there. Since we've been back home, it's taken me most of the the year to recover from my chemotherapy last year. I am grateful to Heaven for my healing and am blessed to wake up in the morning. I have two grandsons in Miami, who are my step son's, and my other son lives nearby (not yet married). 

"In January, 1986, I began as librarian at the old Main library in the Business, Science and Industry Department  on January 27, the day before the shuttle Challenger disaster. I’ll never forget my starting date at JPL, nor the date of that explosion. A few months later, I transferred to the brand new Beaches Branch to help organize it for the opening in May of that year. I then became Collection Development Coordinator, working at old Main again, also Library Supervisor at Fine Arts, Recreation & Media at Main and, lastly, supervisor at Southeast Regional. It was then that my husband’s company moved us to Seattle, Washington, so I retired in January, 2009 after 23 years at JPL.

"Gary’s projects turned out to be an exceptional opportunity for us to see our country. Near Seattle, we rented a small apartment overlooking the Puget Sound. From our front window, we could look across the Sound to the snow covered Olympic Mountains and when we drove uphill to the next town, the snowy peaks of the Cascade Range would come into view. Surrounded by this kind of scenery, we took every chance we could to explore on days off. After two years in the Pacific Northwest, we were transferred to central California. Here again we were in the midst of wonderful places and traveled often. We were within two or three hours of San Francisco, Yosemite, Napa Valley, Big Sur and much more. After two years in California, we were able to move back home and took two months off to drive back across the country, sweeping through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

"Back in Atlantic Beach, I have revived friendships with quite a few JPL colleagues and see several of them regularly. They are loyal friends who came to my rescue during a serious illness last year, bringing me meals and driving me to appointments while Gary was still working in California. 

"Speaking of JPL friends, Elsie Oishi and I, with help from Carol Smith, Arden Brugger and Heather Campbell, are organizing a JPL retiree reunion for 2014. It will be held at Southeast Regional Library on Friday, February 7, from 2-4 pm. Elsie has already sent an initial email to alert retirees about the event. If you are a retiree and have not received her email, please email at Ejoishi@aol.com or me at dorieblu@gmail.com. Early in 2014, we will email invitations and mail postcards to those who have no email. " 

Bragging Rights For JB Programs

JB's Manager, Tamera Branam, boasts 253 kids of all ages attended their five holiday programs, including a New Year's Eve craft program and the Despicable Me movie reported on the JPL Staff News earlier. 

KR Appreciates Customers & CM Schellenberg & JPL Board Vice Chair Skinner Join In

Mandarin Branch Manager, Lynne Baldwin, and staffs hosted a Customer Appreciation Party, December 18, and City Councilman Matt Schellenberg (center left) and Erin Skinner, Vice Chair of JPL's Library Board (center right), dropped in to say hello to employees and customers--and enjoy a bit of cake and other refreshments.

                                               Yep, it's the whole KR team!
At far left is Eric Cusaac; behind Eric is Robert Moseley; foreground left is Shukti Banerjee; behind her  is Lisa Veal; next to Shukti and center is Jessica Jones; slightly behind her is Stacey Van Hoy; right foreground is Sara Peretzman; behind Sara, left, is Don Carpenter and to his right, David Foster. GO TEAM MANDARIN!

January 2014 Staff Profile

JPL's administrative office is a fast-paced, ever evolving place and Kimberly (Kim) Keen, jumped right in a few months ago and quietly began assimilating the myriads of information needed to work in this area.  She addresses priorities that could pressurize the work day, seldom ruffling a feather. Meet Kim Keen, Deputy Director Carolyn Williams' relatively new assistant.     

Q? You transferred to JPL, June 10, 2013, from the Sheriff’s Department.  What have you learned about the library system that seems most outstanding to you or you did not know about our libraries before?

A: I really did not know much about the library system before coming here.  I have learned a lot and will continue to discover its many facets and learn new technology. The one thing that stands out at this point is the massiveness of the Main Library. I still do not know my way around completely and there are areas I have yet to explore. This building is huge and absolutely beautiful!  The Special Collections Department is fascinating.

Q: Did you work in other City departments or in private business prior to working at the Sheriff’s Department?

A: I worked for Gulf Life Insurance Company in 1985 until it was sold to American General Insurance in 1987. I went to work in the Sheriff’s Office in August of that year and worked in several different areas. I started as a Police Services Technician in the Identification Department where I learned how to read and classify fingerprints. After that, I was the secretary for the Internal Affairs Division for seven years, and the secretary to the Assistant Chief in Zone 2 (Regency Substation) for five years. Upon my exit from JSO, I was in Human Resources and had a number of responsibilities, including training and troubleshooting our Time and Attendance and Performance Management Systems. I handled promotions, terminations, FMLA, Position Control (tracking all positions active/inactive/vacancies) and other various HR related tasks.

Q: As Administrative Aide for Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, what are your duties?

A: Even after five months, I’m still learning my role at the Library as Carolyn’s assistant. Some of my duties are handling correspondence, preparing for the Main Managers and Personnel Committee meetings, and assisting in keeping Carolyn’s calendar up to date. I create and distribute a monthly personnel update and I am learning Visio so I can keep the organization chart updated. Most recently, I have added the role of JPL Volunteer Coordinator, which was recently relinquished from City Employee Services.

Q:  Is there work experience you have that has helped you in your position with JPL?

A: My experience in Human Resources has been an asset in my role with the Personnel Committee and other areas.

Q: Please tell us what you would like to share about yourself.

A: I have a 24 year old daughter. Spending time with her and the rest of my family and friends is very important to me. I have a very small but close circle of family and friends and though small, when we are together, look out world! My favorite time of the year is November and December. I absolutely love Christmas. (My tree went up November 9^th.) I love the music, the lights and decorations and everything about it. Most importantly to me, is the true reason of the celebration of Christmas, the fact that Jesus Christ began his journey towards the Cross on that night so many years ago. I love, love, love Walt Disney World. It is truly the most magical place, especially at Christmas time. I also enjoy the mountains, particularly the Great Smokey Mountains. I go each year, right after Thanksgiving. My grandparents took me there as a child twice a year and I have continued to enjoy visiting ever since. I enjoy singing in my church choir. December is a busy time for us. Our choir performs in various areas a couple of times a week, including Avondale for their luminary. I am a huge Elvis Presley fan.

Minions' Opinions: Fun Time At JB

Terry Welch reports, "On December 28, the Beaches Branch showed the movie "Despicable Me 2" to 100 attendees and they also enjoyed games and crafts. We served popcorn, juice, Twinkies and, of course, ba-ba-bananas! Pictured are employees Terry Welch, Abigail Santos, Gail Blumberg and Julie Rekow, who got in the spirit by dressing up as minions.

Susan Williamson Got It

Kimberly McTeer, Library Associate at WBK reports, "Westbrook's Library Clerk, Susan Williamson, recently received the Jaguar Stud Buddy from Assistant Director for Branch Services, Julie McNeil. Julie thanked Susan for sharing her “Get to Yes” action plan. The customers appreciate all that Susan does to “Get to Yes”!

AR's Very Own Christmas Elf

Mia Brack, Children's Librarian at Regency Square Branch, held a “Santa’s Little Elves” breakfast, December 20 for over 50 preschool kids that included breakfast, writing a letter to Santa, Storytime and much more.  She also handmade gifts for employees--magnets that depicted their favorite childhood books.  Branch Manager Donna Carroll said, "I think you could say that Mia was Santa’s Elf for the Regency Library".

JB's Version Of "Pretty Woman"

JB's Shirley Neikirk put an exclamation point on "Merry Christmas" with this lovely lady  bedecked in a colorful wreath.  Great idea! 

KR: All About Holiday Fun

Mandarin Branch Manager, Lynne Baldwin, said her employees made several displays for holiday cheer. Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones created a display celebrating Hanukkah and decorated a Reading Tree using bookmarks.  Sara and Jessica also worked with Frances Wickes on setting up the tables for the Customer Appreciation Open House KR hosted on December 18.  Additionally, KR had a cake decorated with poinsettias and best wishes for the holidays, and, of course, "Start Here. Go Anywhere" wrapped up the greetings.

Charlie Brown & Friends At CW

Snowflakes made a soft backdrop for Charlie Brown's crowd and more paper cutouts of snowflakes hung from the ceiling in the Children's department at Webb Wesconnett Branch.

It's a Winter Wonderland In Main Teen Dept.

Main Teen Department invites teens to its warm winter wonderland and teens added felt ornaments for the teen's tree.  Mia Clark made wreaths for the Main Library's doors out of small colored paper circles--neat idea, Mia. 

NS For the Holidays

A lively Christmas tree on the ground floor was complemented by a wreath, greenery and touches of red on the stairway to Brentwood Branch's second floor.

NW's Delights

NW had delightful decorations for everyone to enjoy, including this beautiful wreath made from drinking cups.  Gloria Buenavista also made a snowman display and a "book" wreath made from a withdrawn book.  Other eye catchers were a Christmas card display and a music table --all to make NW's customers and staffs' spirits bright!  (Thank you, Gloria, for showing off your creativity.)

SOM's Door Sets Holiday Mood

South Mandarin Branch Manager, Keli Likins, and employees know how to welcome customers during the holidays.

Highlands Holiday Special

Felecia Battle at Highlands Branch shares their holiday display/greeting.

Santa's The Draw At SE

southeast's Deborah Wainwright and santa.  (no DISCLOSURE HAS BEEN MADE ON DEBORAH'S WISH LIST.)

SE Manager Ed Murray reports that Santa drew an audience of 120 young fans with the help of Clerical Supervisor Deborrah Wainwright at Southeast on December 19.

Argyle Branch Fires Up Christmas

Argyle Branch's Children's Department holiday decorations were created by Tia Samuels, Library Associate Senior, and Melanee Terrell, Library Assistant. A "warm" fireplace was created from construction paper and toilet paper rolls. Daily, children created their very own stockings to place around it.  Additionally AYL’s “Toilet Paper Roll Owl” themed tree and their “Christmas Around the World” display of seasonal books, and Christmas lights wrapped around a bench, etc. brightened customers'  visits.  

Thank you, Tia, for sharing Argyle's holiday joy with us.

JB's Teen Event: "Nightmare Before Christmas"

On December 19, Beaches Library offered the first “teens only” program in many moons.  The movie “Nightmare Before Christmas” was shown and the title was used for the teen holiday event to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the movie.  JB teens decorated “undead gingerbread” , “holidays around the world” trivia and more.  Pictured are some of the undead cookie creations.  Twelve teens enjoyed the celebration and they are excited about future events, including a “My Little Pony” Art Afternoon, “Random Fandom” Wednesdays and an “end of the world” dystopian book club.  Stay tuned for more fun and educational teen events at JB!  (Thanks to JB's Michelle Petrin, Teen Services Librarian, for this article.)

Jessica Serrano Gets To Yes Jaguar

Webb Wesconnett Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent in this photo of Jessica Serrano, CW's Teen Library Associate, who was recently presented JPL's "Get to Yes Jaguar" for providing excellent customer service to our Spanish speaking customers at CW.
Congratulations, Jessica!

Angels At Work

Every year, a City angel, Sandra Stonestreet, heads up a city wide program, Adopt An Angel. She asks for City employees to donate gifts and volunteer, if they can, at the Salvation Army's big give-away for children birth to 12 years of age. 

Again this year, JPL's staffs joined other volunteers for their all-day job, December 17, in the old Montgomery Ward store at Regency Square Shopping Center. As their expressions show, they thoroughly enjoyed helping make 3200+ children happy for Christmas. Volunteers passed out children's gifts to parents who came to pick up items they could later give to their kids. Playpens, basketballs, softballs, wagons, tricycles, bicycles, dolls, etc. were happily received. Everyone received a Christmas stocking.  Pictured left to right are Tenesha Anderson, Jackie Curry, Charlene Ovshak, Pam Beaton, Diane Alexander, and front/center is Alfreda Whitfield.  

Thank you, ladies, for sharing your time, talents, and love for so many children.

Tenesha Anderson gave us the heads-up on this event and shared these pictures.

Kudos From Customers

Murray Hill Branch;  Absolutely love Murray Hill Staffs (Raymond Neal, Chiquita Powell, Douglas Fair, Margaret Esposito, Mary Fletcher, Erin Tuzuner)…

Pablo Creek Branch: Mary Boyd is such a special asset for you. I always feel fortunate when she assists me in checking out books. She is always smiling, pleasant and professional. Everyone in that branch is very friendly and professional.

San Marco Branch: My wife and I love the San Marco Library. We are on a first name basis with the staffs and they are very helpful. I am an author and have had readings in the library and Pam Thompson has been very accommodating of my style. Donna (Crowther) and Philip (Sturges) are always friendly and help me renew items…

Southeast Branch:  The staffs here (Ed Murray, Anita Haller, Sally Doherty, Steve Egbert, Karen Hardin, Brenda Javier, Carisia Rooney, Mandy Elliot, Deborah Wainwright, Jemima Diggs, Paul Schaffner, Blake Fowler, Crystal Kadkhodaie, and Paul Thornton) are very kind, helpful and friendly. I have grown up going to this library, and I am very thankful for all the advantages it has offered me...

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  Love Greg (Royce) who teaches sessions on different systems (PC, tablets, etc.) He was very helpful and polite. 

It's A Merry Christmas At The Turner Home

Library Clerk Patricia Turner works at Webb Wesconnett Branch.  She graciously shares this picture of her sons, Mark (age 2) and Thomas (age 1) enjoying a prelude to Christmas--"reading" together.

What a nice present for us.  Thank you for making our day!

What Your Gift To United Way REALLY Does

JPL's United Way donations total giving this year is: $10,010.  Considering the drive was right at Thanksgiving and people were preparing for that and what to start buying for Christmas, and some employees on annual leave during the very short turnaround time for UW, that ain't bad.

These days every dime counts.  Follow this link, if you'd like an encouraging,  positive revelation of the good being done with your United Way donations.  

http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/premium-opinion/2013-12-12/story/local-united-way-leading-nation

To those of you who donated to United Way and read the article above, you have the assurance of being an integral part of much good effected for many in our community.  "Thank you" seems inadequate but you certainly deserve appreciation and you have it from the many who cannot offer it personally.

Hats off to Pam Beaton, Tenesha Anderson, and Diane Alexander for helping sort the UW materials and get them out to all departments and branches.  Additionally, Diane Alexander served as coordinator for the Main Library departments and branch UW representatives were Jason Brown (WB), Aracelis Diax (WST and MAX),  Theresa Rooney, (UPK), Gretchen Mitchell (SST), Paul Schaffner (SE), Keli Likins (SOM), Pam Thompson (SS), Farryn James (AR), Hongying Song (PCR), Gloria Beuenavista (NW), Chiquita Powell (MH), Lynne Baldwin (KR), Felicia Battle (DU), Jackie Spiritas (GB), Sharon Kirkes (CW), Michelle Petrin, (JB), Janet Ducat (AYL), Gloria Armstrong (NS), Anthony Williams (EB), and Kimberly McTeer (WBK).

What's Retiree Joan Dismore Doing Now?

Joan Dismore (regretfully we do not have a picture of her) worked in the SWIFT (System Wide Information for Telephoners) department at the old Main Library.  When the new Main Library opened at 303 North Laura Street, the department was renamed the Call Center.  Here’s Mrs. Dismore’s update to us:

“It’s hard to believe that 17 years have passed since my stint in the SWIFT area at the Haydon Burns Library.  I still remember the fun we had and some of the really unusual questions customers phoned in to us.  It was a happy nine years for me.

“Since that time, George and I have enjoyed many wonderful trips—ocean cruises to Hawaii and through the Panama Canal; riverboat cruises through the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany; bus tours of the western canyons, Poland, Czechoslovakia and parts of Russia and Italy; and a trip across Canada on the American Orient Express.

“Now we’ve narrowed our travels to a week each summer on the Gulf Coast with my sister’s family.

“Nearer to home, we work out three times a week.  My husband, George, is active in the Exchange Club and I volunteer one day a week at Nemours Children’s Clinic, meet old college friends once a month and also old high school buddies once a month.

“Thankfully, I’ve been able to keep in touch with a few former employees at Haydon Burns Library--Louise Warren (a former part-time librarian), Elsie Oishi (Senior Librarian in Literature and History), and Arden Brugger (headed up Genealogy department).

“At Sara Gunter’s request, I’ll relate a funny story about my engagement to George 54 years ago:  Meeting the father of a childhood friend, I told him to tell Joanne I was engaged to George Dismore.   Somehow, in transition, Dismore became Dinsmore (a Dinsmore dairy was here in Jacksonville for many years and was owned by the Skinner family who owned a lot of land).  By the time Joanne got my message, it had become my engagement to one of the Skinner boys whose family owned the Dinsmore dairy farm.”

Board Member Ronnie King at GB

Library Board of Trustees member Ronnie King participated in the Graham Branch Art Club, December 4. The Art Club was facilitated by Children's Library Associate Marie Myers and Children’s Senior Librarian Peggy Crawford with Library Clerk Chanika Kimbrough offering assistance.  The event was attended by 18 area children and teens coming from various schools in the community, including Stanton High School, K.I.P.P (Knowledge is Power Program) and Susie Tolbert to name a few. Pictured here is Ronnie King with his creation along with the students working on their art. The children were shown how to create their own unique prints in reverse to stamp on cards and create a handmade image. The young group was amazed by their own artistic ability!

Thanks to Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas for this article.

Staff Profile

Valerie Evans has seen many changes in JPL in her 34 years of service. She is quiet, modest, and certainly a Southern lady.

Q:  You began working as a librarian at Regency Square Branch in 1979.  Where have you worked during these 34 years?

A:  I worked in "pre-Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch" in the old Main Library.  CW was being planned in an office on the third floor. From the early 1980's through early 1990's I worked in the old business department on the first floor.  It was called Business, Science and Industry and later named Business Science and Documents.  This area included business reference, newspaper indexing and run-of-the-mill library work.  Later I transferred to Literature and History, then Periodicals--all in the old Main Library.  Later I worked in Non-fiction in the new Main Library, and now I am a librarian at Willowbranch.

Q:  Having seen JPL change from a Dewey Decimal system collection typed out on 3"x5" cards and correspondence hammered out on typewriters to the technology we use today, how did employees initially address this huge change?

A:  The changes were good for customers and staffs but a struggle for non-techies.  After finally absorbing the knowledge, it was obviously a good move in the right direction.  Technology made indexing FTU a breeze for librarians.  Instead of typing 3x5 cards, we only had to type the headlines into the computer.  During that time,  Infotrac made its appearance and that made searching for periodical information easy for customers.  I do feel it was a big undertaking for library staff to walk customers through the procedures on new technology.  E-mail made life much easier because employees didn't have to climb steps or use elevators to talk to each other.

Q:  Dress codes have changed dramatically over the years at JPL, along with society's many social changes.  Can you tell us something about that?

A:  JPL dress codes thankfully allowed for the uniformity of staffs' appearance but favored personal style.  Staff was counseled if they did not adhere to dress codes.  Hose was required for women; no round neck shirts; no slogans or statements on clothing and no T-shirts.

Q:  What other changes in JPL and the community have you seen that made a big impression on you?

A:  The technology that we now use does not allow for many mistakes.  It also helps customers retrieve more information.  The services the library provides allows a library visit to operate as smoothly as a trip to a store.

Q: Do you have a favorite author or two and care to share what appeals to you about their writing?

A:  I don't have a favorite author, but I love mysteries--from purely fictitious stories to actual events.

How To Cool & Chill

Dallas Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas submitted this pic and said, "Library Clerk extraordinaire Chanika Kimbrough created this wonderful bulletin board for the GB Meeting Room with the theme of 'Cool Readers Chill With Books.' The meeting room is where the stories for both Children and Teen programs take place so it will get plenty of visibility this winter."

UPK Volunteer's Reward: New JPL Tote Bag

University Park Branch volunteer Emily Adams (left) received her newly designed JPL tote bag recently from UPK's Volunteer
Coordinator/Library Associate Hazzel Sutton.  The new, beautiful JPL tote is stronger, has a reinforced bottom and the graphics are eye catching--a smart choice to show appreciation to JPL's volunteers.

First Recipient of "Get To Yes" Award: Theresa Rooney

Assistant Director for Public Service Julie McNeil awarded the first Jaguar Study Buddy for excellent service to UPK Manager Theresa Rooney at the Library Roundtable Leadership meeting, November 21.  

Ms. McNeil said, "All but 20 public service employees have taken the 'Get To Yes' customer service class and our goal of 'all' taking the class will soon be reached."  When an employee receives Study Buddy and subsequently sees another staff member giving excellent service, he/she then passes on Study Buddy and the process continues--a fun way to remember excellent customer service is a priority at JPL.

The second recipient of the Jaguar Study Buddy is KR's Library Assistant David Foster.  ARE YOU NEXT?

KR Celebrates Deborah Wainwright's 25 Years With JPL

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sent in this photo and said, "The staff at Mandarin helped SE Region Clerical Supervisor Deborah Wainwright celebrate 25 years with the Jacksonville Public Library on November 22 with a cake and balloons and good wishes.  Congratulations to Deborah for 25 years of great service!"   

And everybody says, "Ditto!" To Deborah.

Murray Hill Kids Are Thankful

Murray Hill's Children’s Librarian, Chiquita Powell, submitted this recap of their After School Thanksgiving Program, November 21, "It has been a struggle to get customers to attend our after school programs, so I was very excited we had 13 people show up today. The children participated in three activities. First, they played Thanksgiving Bingo. The two winners were able to select leftover summer reading books. The children then made two crafts. The first was a turkey crown, and the second was a "thankful" wreath. The children were able to write on small leaves what they were thankful for and attach it to a paper wreath. Everyone had a great time."

Big Thank You to Chiquita!

2014 United Way Campaign At JPL

If you have not received your United Way donation form from your branch manager or United Way rep for your location, you will get it soon.  Please return your completed UW form to your UW rep by December 6, 2014, so we can collect all the donations system wide and get a grand total for JPL and turn the forms in to the Citywide coordinator on time.

Donations are not mandated; however, if you are donating and prefer to make a payroll deduction gift, there will be TWENTY-FOUR (24) deductions--not 26 as we have total pay periods with the City--of the amount you state on your donation form.  Payroll deductions begin on your January 3, 2014 pay period and continue through December 2014.

Cash or check donations are welcome as well and you can donate as little as a dollar.

If you make a mistake on your preprinted UW donation form (your name, employee number, and work location are stamped on the form), just line through it, make your correction(s) and initial by each correction.

Business volunteers around Jacksonville donate their time to watch over the running of United Way and make sure donations are wisely used.

We have visited the agencies United Way supports and have seen first-hand how well funds are used. The Bridge, for instance, helps teenagers stay out of trouble and gives them some place to go after school. There are many,many more and YOUR donation, large or small, when combined with others DOES make a big difference in THIS community.  Visit the UW website and learn more:

www.LiveUnitedNortheastFlorida.org