For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Mandarin Branch Library is helping bring awareness to the plight of refugees around the world with a display organized for World Refugee Day, June 20.  KR's display includes photography by local refugee youths called America Through My Eyes. 

 

 

 

KR Kicks off SRP In Living Color

FIZZ! BOOM! READ!  The Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Summer Reading 2014 with a kickoff party on Wednesday, June 11.  More than 200 people crowded into the children’s department to register for summer reading, enjoy the refreshments, and have their faces painted.  
Congratulations to Alison Pulley, David Foster, and Frances Wickes for organizing such a fun event.  Special thanks to Stacey Van Hoy and Diane Lewis for serving the refreshments.

CW Region Manager Berry Launches New Book Club

Marshelle Berry, Webb Wesconnett Region Manager, reports a successful outreach she launched recently:

"Library Associate Shinita Miles (2nd from right) and I (far right) officially announced the Open Arms Christian Fellowship church-wide reading initiative  in church, Sunday, June 15, with a revealing of a Read Poster of Pastor Leofric Thomas (left in both pics).   We had 71 adults register for the book club.  The club for kids will be rolled out  in the fall, after their summer reading lists are completed.  The adults will be reading the book,  The God Chasers, by Tommy Tenney.  From what I have been told, people are already coming to the library looking for the book.  They are probably hitting the bookstores as well.   

"Pastor Thomas autographed copies of the Read Poster while people stood in line to register for the book club.  I wore my blue and yellow (library branding colors) with my library badge.  

" A huge thanks to CR&M for their creating such an awesome Read Poster."

Valerie Evans Honored For 35 Years Service

On May 16, Librarian Valerie Evans retired after 35 years of service to JPL, and she was honored by the Library Board of Trustees at its June 12, 2014 meeting.  Above Ms. Evans (center) is flanked by Deputy Director Carolyn Williams (left) and Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins. A Resolution recognizing Ms. Evans' faithful service, signed by Dr. Simmons-Hutchins and Director Barbara Gubbin, was presented to Valerie, along with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, letters of appreciation from Mayor Brown--with a 35 year service pin--and Director Gubbin, including a JPL gold card. 

Valerie was the subject of the JPL Staff News "Staff Profile", December 2013.  Scroll down the pages and click "older posts" to get back to December and review the article.

Father & Daughter

.Kathy Lussier cannot sing the praises of JPL staff enough and is always ready to give a big cheer as she did in her JPL Main email, June 16, regarding the Folio Weekly article on Main Library Children's Department Library Associate Josh Jubinsky. Kathy wanted to share this picture of Josh and his 2 year old Mabel.  

Do Teens Really Go To Job Fairs?

The Urban Library Centers Teen Job Fair at Graham Branch Library was a rousing success with 35 teens attending, 2-5 pm, June 13.   Ten area businesses participated with 20 company representatives on site. Computers were made available so teens could immediately start their applications to companies of interest to them. The room was abuzz with teens, parents, and siblings, and even the company representatives were networking with each other.

At the end of the Fair, several door prizes were drawn, including flash drives, Zoo tickets, and food vouchers--all generously donated by participating vendors. The list of participating job and career resource vendors included Catapult Academy, Checkers, Foot Locker, Jacksonville Zoo, Job Corps, Lifestyle Challenges Navigator, Stage Aurora Theatrical Company, U.S. Military, Walgreens and Walmart. Refreshments were provided courtesy of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.  

 
When Jackie Spiritas called to inform one teen that he had won a door prize, his mother informed Jackie that they would be in the area because her son had an interview set up close by that was a result of his attending the Teen Job Fair.

Mobile Circ Now Available For Staff Use

JPL has a new Mobile Circ for use in outreach programs and weeding materials. Mobile Circ consists of a mini iPad, a scanner on a lanyard, and a tiny receipt printer.  If you would like to check out Mobile Circ for outreach or weeding, please contact Alisha LeVasseur or Tony Miller.
 

Amber Holley reported her recent outreach program was a success using Mobile Circ.  She said, "I used the iPad to show off Zinio and the Boopsie app so it was well worth it."

Murray Hill's First 2014 SRP

 Chiquita Powell reports Murray Hill Branch had their first 2014 Summer Reading Program, June 12, from 3:00-5:00.  Chiquita said, "We were able to get great community support to make the party a success.  Edgewood Bakery donated a beautiful cake.  Linda Brunson, an amazing balloon twist artist, spent over two hours making spectacular balloon art for the kids, and we had Christian the Magician do two magic shows for the parents and kids.  At the party 35 kids signed up for the summer reading program and in total we had almost 90 people attend.  Dana Curry from the Webb Library made the amazing science related decorations and crafts for the party. The Friends of the Murray Hill Library were a great support financially and they helped work at the party."   

GB Kicks Off SRP

 

Dallas Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "Our Summer Reading Kickoff party was a big
hit on Tuesday, June 10. Boom Science facilitator Greg Nagel held the fascination of 16 children and 5 adults with his fabulous science variety show. The dry ice, balloon tricks and bubbles left the group with a new appreciation for science and chemistry. He crafted a little marshmallow man, put him in a vacuum dome and sent him to “space” by removing the oxygen. He also coated some marshmallows in liquid nitrogen transforming them in to a crunchy and tasty treat.  

 

"Several of the students used the computers in the meeting room prior to the program to sign up for the Summer Reading program. Everyone enjoyed the fun and interactive event.  I liked the crunchy marshmellow best but I think the kids liked the liquid nitrogen.  (Note the boy lying in the "cloud.") 

Mandarin Branch Is SRP Ready

Mandarin Library Associate Alison Pulley set aside a public computer as a summer reading registration station and decorated it to draw attention.  Pictured are Tracy Chamberlin and her daughters Emily and Riley, helped by Library Assistant David Foster.

Marie Myers' App Won A Grant

Marie Myers was acknowledged in Library Hotline’s June 9, 2014, People section, ”Marie Myers, Art Educator and Library Associate at Jacksonville Public Library, FL, was awarded a 2014 *Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant.  She will use the money to fund her ART of Books youth program.”

This all played out when Pam McClellan shared a list of available grants with Laura Minnich early in 2014 and Laura suggested Marie apply for the grant, and Marie prepared her project proposal for the March 30 application submission.  Pam notes that out of hundreds of apps, only 60 awards are made annually, and JPL has not been one of the recipients of this $500 award in the nine years she has handled JPL’s grants.  Pam attributes JPL getting the grant largely because Marie’s “vision for the ART of Books after school program is extremely well conceived and innovative; it addresses a much needed literacy void in our community.”

The series of four ART of Books after school programs are planned to be held at Dallas Graham Branch Library, targeting elementary and teen students in September.  Youth will learn how to make paper, printmaking and binding techniques, and create their own small, unique art book.  You will be hearing more about this exciting program later.
___________________________________

*Since 1987, the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, established by the late Caldecott award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats, has provided more than $820,000 in support of Minigrant programs spanning the 50 states and the U.S. Commonwealth.

How To Get That Job

Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas, reports, "Temeka Lee (2nd from R) with CareerSource Florida conducted an Interviewing Skills Workshop for Teens, June 5, at our Library. Seven teens and two supportive parents attended the workshop in preparation for the three hour Teen Job Fair to be held at Graham, June 13. Ms. Lee presented an informative workshop on resume writing, interviewing skills and what

to wear to a job Interview. Library Clerk Chanika Kimbrough assisted Ms. Lee by keeping the teens focused on their mini-assignments, one of which was interviewing each other to determine their partner’s hard and soft skills. Ms. Lee taught the students that no matter their experience, they still have something to offer, something informative to write on a resume, and something to say to promote their ability. Best quote from Ms. Lee, 'People treat you how you act.'"

Staff Profile - June 2014

Conference Center Coordinator Nathan Fuller is pictured above in his favorite kind of spot.  Known as "Nate" around the Main Library, a more amiable person is hard to find. Yet he's as tenacious as an old yard dog--and a whole lot smarter--when he wants to get something going on the job.  Nate, his supervisor, Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani, and Conference Center Specialist Will Daniels do an excellent job keeping the Conference Center booked and running like a top--all with down-to-earth manners you find in super Southern gentlemen.

Q: What past experience contributes to your success as the Main Library’s Conference Center Coordinator?
A: My experience at the Murray Hill Theatre in high school was complementary to what I do now. I started as a volunteer, then interned, eventually becoming the Facilities Manager there for a year. The time was a great learning experience for run of shows, getting used to the idea that you will be the first one in and the last one out, and doing everything possible to make sure your guests have a great time.
I started with JPL at the Conference Center as a part-timer. That gave me a great introduction into how the Conference Center runs. Mitesh and Will have both been great instructors. It helps to have two experienced colleagues whose combined event and logistics experience is over 40 years. So their mentorship has been huge.

Q: Tell us some of the usual—and unusual—experiences you incur in the Conference Center.
A: Rolling with the punches is a common motto around here. Events are all about dealing with unusual experiences, whether it’s a propane tank catching fire, sneaking the Mayor in to avoid the press for an event, or the various audio visual issues that inevitably arise for every event.
When you work for the Conference Center your expectations for a regular schedule are out the window. Each hour is different from the day before, whether it’s showing the building to potential clients or going over logistic details for events.  You could be planning for a 10 person meeting one hour and a multi-day Film Festival the next. It’s a varied experience that I thoroughly enjoy.

Q: What are the greatest challenges and accomplishments you have experienced with the Conference Center?
A: Getting used to the various hours we work has been the greatest challenge. One day we will be here at 6 am to open up a business conference, then the next day we will be here at 3:00 pm to oversee a wedding until at least midnight.
Specifically, with the World Arts Film Festival, I saw the potential for a great event but being a non-profit, the booking process lasted almost six months. That is compared to a normal two week window. They had to secure funding and other resources before moving forward. That was a test in patience as we held onto some key weekend dates that we could have easily filled with weddings otherwise.

Q: What would you like to see the Conference Center do in the future to expand its service to the community?
A: We are constantly using our skill sets as a team to help address Library needs and to take its programming to the next level--from helping curate the One Spark Creators at Main, to ensuring a solid and carefree presentation of the Muslim Poetic Voices of the World.
We take pride in the fact that if someone books with us, we have a team with many different strengths and weaknesses but we are all very complementary to each other.  All our clients can be sure they will have the support and valuable advice they need to make their events run smoothly.

What is your favorite pastime?
A: Being in nature is probably my favorite pastime. The beach, mountains, hiking and camping. It’s good to get away once in a while and reflect in nature. That’s where I recharge my batteries.

San Marco Branch Hosts CM Lori Boyer

The San Marco Branch Library was pleased to welcome Council Member Lori Boyer (standing in picture below) and Library Board Trustee Marc Hardesty to the Stories for Young Children program, May 28. Council Member Boyer read The Birthday Box to the children.  On the right, is pictured (L/R) Library Associate Sigrid Wellhausen, Council Member Boyer and Trustee Hardesty after the program.  Thanks to Librarian Kristi Dorney, who sent in the pictures and blurb.

KR Thanks Diane Lewis With Innovator Award

Diane Lewis, Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, received an Innovator Award from Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin, May 22. Alison Pulley, Frances Wickes and David Foster nominated Diane for the award because she volunteered to manage both adult and children's damaged items.  Her efforts are effecting much more efficient service at KR.   

A JPL Hero Could Use Your Help!

Please take time to read this memo from Michael Soto regarding the needs of one of our fellow employees: 

Team,

As you may or may not know, last week Anthony Christian (ISS Custodial Supervisor @ JPL Main) was hospitalized for several days for ongoing health issues.  Upon his discharge and return to his home, within hours; tragedy struck his apartment complex in the form of a fire which started in an adjacent apartment.  Anthony and his wife quickly acted to spread the word to their neighbors, and assisted in physically evacuating at least one woman from her apartment.  Luckily, Anthony and his wife were unharmed.  However; they have lost over 95% of their possessions.  You can see the footage from the incident at the link below:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/man-rescues-woman-from-fire/26044360

Currently, the red cross is assisting them (extended to Friday AM) by placing them in a hotel, and have provided a $75.00 food card.  On Friday, they will talk with case manager again.  Based on the outcome of that meeting; they will either by referred to the city for subsidized housing, will be allowed to return to their apartment (not possible due to the extent of damages), or be provided a list of participating apartments that offer reduced move in costs.  Per the red cross, they cannot guarantee that any donations will be forwarded on to his family.   

What they need:

-Clothing
-Footwear
-Any other monetary assistance possible
If you have any clothing/footwear that can be provided to assist them; please assist as illustrated below:

Anthony	Wife
Shirt 3XL	Shirt Large
Pants 40 W x 30 L	Pants Size 15
Shoes 10 ½ or 11	Shoes 7 1/2

 Diane Alexander (904-630-7588) is the centralized point of contact for all monetary donations.  All checks offered should be written to Anthony Christian.   

Thank you for any assistance you can provide. 
 Sincerely,

Michael Soto, Coordinator

Emergency Preparedness, Contract Administration

Kudos From Customers

Highlands Branch:  I've just begun to learn more...and gain hand/knowledge of the computer. Ms. Yuri Jewitt, is a jewel; she is patient, great at explaining...in terms that become clearly understandable and easy for this great granny to comprehend...

Conference Center, Main Library: ...my new bride and I are so very pleased with the services of Mr. Will Daniels, Conference and Events Specialist! He made it the best night…We are still told how elegant, modern and unique our ceremony and reception were! I know he does this year round for many weddings but Mr. Daniels made us feel like we were the only wedding that you've ever had there! We would like to thank Mr. Daniels for treating all of our endless questions and concerns with care and priority! He was so professional to work with and my parents thought he was a joy!...

Main – Reference:  I am located in Seattle....and was hoping to locate online information about a deceased Jacksonville resident. The information I was looking for (obituary) was not online but Guy Adkins was able to locate and provide me with an obituary. This was in spite of the fact that I was off by a couple of weeks on the date of death so it required more searching than anticipated. I am so impressed by these actions and very grateful. What a superior asset he is to the library. Thank you!

Mandarin Branch and ILL/TB: I want to compliment the following employees at Mandarin for their excellent, professional, and courteous help at all times, in person and on the phone: Lynne Baldwin, Supervisor; Stacey van Hoy, Don Carpenter, Allison Pulley, David Foster, Frances Wickes, Robert Moseley, Eric Cusaac, Diane Lewis, Sara Peretzman, Shukti Banerjee, Jessica Jones, Tammy Hilbert, Lisa Veal, Eric Mikols, Patricia Henderson, and Patricia Klingler. I also want to commend Carolyn Hampton at Interlibrary Loan.  Her help is very professional, courteous, and helpful. 

Friends Of JPL - Winding Up May Book Sale

Get in on some very good buys! Go by the Friends Book Sale (located at UPK's far right side of building, 3435 University Blvd.)  You, your customers, and friends still have time to pick up a bag of books for $10:

     $10 for a bag of books - sale days:
                         Tuesday May 20: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
                          Thursday May 22: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
                          Saturday May 24: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Our best form of advertising is Y O U! So, please,  talk it up!

Happy Birthday, Stacey!

 

On Saturday, May 17, the staff at Mandarin threw a surprise birthday party for our very own Queen of Weeding – Stacey Van Hoy.  Frances designed the cake (with the help of Publix) and Sara and Jessica decorated the table with balloons and glitter.  Happy Birthday, Stacey!

A bouquet of yellow roses, presents, good food, and most of all, employees who appreciate you--what a great celebration.

"Lemons To Lemonade"

Lynne Baldwin, KR's Branch Manager said, "A couple of months ago, Facilities shifted our periodical collection to make the shelving ADA compliant.  We could not use the entire top row of shelving.  After much discussion, Stacey Van Hoy decided to use the empty shelving  to display posters highlighting Gale data bases.  The drab, empty shelving is now a colorful and attractive way to promote library resources to staff and customers."

How To Promote JPL's Summer Reading Program

On May 15, 2014, David Foster distributed summer programming guides and  answered questions about the 2014 summer reading program while attending the Mandarin Oaks Elementary STEAM Night.  The turnout was great and the number of attendees was over 180.

 
David had access to three computers to demonstrate library databases. The  location of the library was ideal for high-volume traffic, from which David was able to speak with families as they moved between the event proper and the book fair.  He  handed out JPL stickers, summer programming guides, half-page summer guides, and then shared details and answered questions when he ran out of summer-specific materials.  (Thanks to KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin for the article.)

KR Hosts Author T. L. Randall

KR Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "At Stories for Young Children, May 15, one of our favorite local authors,  T. L. Randall read from her book I Wish I Were an Emu.   Thirty kids enjoyed the story time with songs, crafts, and a story about an Emu.  Library Associate Alison Pulley (right)  is pictured with the author."

Jeopardy!

Dayita Banerjee, the 11 year old daughter of Mandarin Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee was one of 30 contestants chosen to take part in the second round of the Jeopardy! audition for kids.  The test/audition was held on the 14^th  floor of the Westin Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Dayita scored high enough to be included in the next contestant pool, from which 15 contestants will be chosen to appear on Jeopardy!, filmed at their studios near Los Angeles. Congratulations to Dayita and we anticipate further good news about her adventure.

Latest On JB's Comic Con

Terry Welch puts the period at the end of the sentence on JB's 2014 Comic Con, "No rainstorm could dampen the good time at the Beaches Library on Saturday May 3rd! From 11-4, over 1700 superheroes of all ages came in to visit the 11 illustrators, play Team Trivia, participate in a scavenger hunt, get up close and personal with the Batmobile, and watch 'The Amazing Spiderman' in 3D (glasses provided by Regal Cinema). There was a shuttle between the library and SuperHero Beach Comic Book Store for folks to pick up a free comic book. Above you see JB staff before opening; L/R: Michelle Petrin, Abigail Santos, Tamera Branam, Gail Blumberg, Theresa Weatherford, Samantha Simon, Julie Rekow and Terry Welch.  You can view additional photos at The Friends Of The Beaches Library Facebook page and Kathy Lussier recently emailed an array of pics.  Enjoy!

What About Bow Ties?

Terry Welch said, "City Council President Bill Gulliford couldn't make it to Comic Con, but we caught up with him at the latest meeting of Beaches Watch, which is held at the Beaches Branch Library. Here he is posing with a Doctor Who inspired sign created by talented part-time Library Associate Julie Rekow.  Mr. Gulliford is a big supporter of the library and bow ties." 

The Winners Are:

Second quarter JPL Destination Leadership Awards were presented at the Library Board meeting, May 8, 2014.  Above are (center L) Nathan "Nate" Fuller, Conference Center Specialist, and Ed Lein, Librarian at the Main Library, who share the Employee of the Quarter Award.  Deputy Director Carolyn Williams (L) assisted Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmon-Hutchins as she noted each award winner's accomplishments as they received their awards. 

 

Ed Lein's 28 years of reeling in musical artists (and maintaining a rapport with them so many came again and again) to perform free concerts at the Main Library was gratefully acknowledged. Ed also won the Model the Way Award.  (More on his career can be seen in this month's Staff Profile.) 

 

Nathan Fuller was instrumental in booking the World Arts Film Festival, which will be held this month. Almost a year's collaborating with JPL department heads and the film festival's Karen Sadler, the event was booked for the Conference Center--and things look good for booking the event for the next three years.  Nate also won the Challenge the Process award.  (More on Nate in the June Staff Profile.)

 

Pictured below (L) is Luis Terron, who received the Inspire A Shared Vision award because he constantly looks for ways to make e-services relevant to English and Spanish speaking customers.  He keeps abreast of latest trends in computer technology.  Luis is helping integrate Windows 8 to our classes and is vigilant about Internet security.

 

KR Library Clerk Sara Peretzman won the Model the Way award for organizing and being responsible for Snapshot Day 2014.  She gave JPL bags to customers who had their photos taken with their favorite book.  Sara also worked with the children's department on programs that followed the event.

E-Specialist Greg Royce (L, below) and Part-time Clerk Robert "Mark" McMillan may have helped save WB's children's collection when a torrent of dirty water flooded Willowbranch recently. Mark quickly got a wet/dry vac and Mr. Royce mopped the tiled area, keeping water out of the computer closet.    

South Mandarin Branch Manger Keli Likins (R, last pic below) has developed cooperative relationships by organizing SAT/FCAT and other teen related training for customers throughout the Southeast Region.  Each quarter she coordinates schedules, promotional materials, and staffing of training classes.  So far, the SE Region has presented preparation classes on science fair, history fair, SAT and FCAT.  Keli's efforts to foster JPL's educational training is an important contribution to her community and she won the Enable Others to Act award.
Not pictured is Challenge the Process award winner Michael Shell. As Training Coordinator, Mike met with all Regional Managers and developed a pilot "Staff Action Plan" for employees and supervisors to list the goals of training that staff wanted to accomplish this fiscal year.  Mike has given step by step illustrations for staff to complete their  action plans about specific duties. 

Congratulations to all of JPL's 2nd Quarter Destination Leadership winners! We are very proud of you.

Special Award For Special Programs

In addition to SOM's usual storytelling and craft times, Leslie Patterson, Library Clerk at South Mandarin Branch, found another way to attract customers.  At left, Leslie is pictured receiving her Innovator Award button and certificate from Branch Manager Keli Likins for creating a series of cultural programs.  The first was an Irish Celebration and on May 3, SOM hosted a Mexican Fiesta with 40 people in attendance.  Dips and chips were donated by Los Loros Mexican Restaurant.

May Is "Get Caught Reading" Month

Stephanie Smith, CAL's Literacy Program Specialist is on top of things, "You may already know that May is “Get Caught Reading” month.  I work at PCR a couple days a week and Linda Smith, a Library Associate at PCR, approached me with some posters for the occasion from the Association of American Publishers.  The posters show some Spanish-speaking celebrities, so she thought I might like to give them to some of my ESL students.  However, in return, I had to get some photos of students with the posters to send to the A. A. P.  One of my ESL volunteers, Elena Wigelsworth, recruited her Level 3/4 evening class to participate.  I’ve attached one of them.  There are more if you need them.  Linda said the people at the Association LOVE the pictures!  They might include us in their newsletter."  Guess who got caught reading (above).

Hamid Gets A Double Dip Of Celebration

AR Branch Manger Donna Carroll said, "On May 1^st, Regency celebrated Hamid Hassan’s 25^th year with JPL.  We had a big party with current and former co-workers and friends.  Along with the surprise party, Hamid was also presented with the  Study Buddy because he goes above and beyond helping customers find their holds.  Hamid was very surprised and momentarily speechless."  All of us add our congrats and belated Happy Birthday, Hamid.

Teen Poetry Slam Success At WB

WB  Manager Kathleen Brunner reported a successful Teen Poetry Slam at their branch, April 30, "Thanks to the hard work of Isabelle Pierre and the Friends of the Willowbranch Library.  With 17 participants, as well as four judges and staff members, this was one of the best-attended teen programs Willowbranch has ever seen!  We even had a special performer: Kamalladeen! There were two gift cards for 1^st and 2^nd place, pizza, chips, and soda for everyone.  The performers and the audience members thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

Staff Profile - May 2014

Ed Lein, a multi-talented librarian, walks us through some interesting library history in this month's staff profile. If JPL has a figurative crown, Ed would be one of its brightest jewels. His efforts have maintained good relationships with musical artists, which have equated to repeat performances by up and coming artists to seasoned professionals for 28 years at the Main Library (old and new.)  Ed Lein is a whiz at keeping culture alive in northeast Florida. THANK YOU, ED! 

All these FREE concerts have racked up a lot of FREE advertising for JPL, and what's not to like about that?

Q: How long have you been a librarian for JPL and what do you see as your greatest accomplishments?

A: I joined the JPL family in June 1986, so 28 years come June.  Here are three things that arose from being in the right place at the right time: 

 

One was working with Mr. Driggers to develop the finest public library collection of classic music CDs in the Southeast. The advent of downloadable MP3s is rapidly making the collection obsolete, but when I started here the compact disc was a format that the Library had not yet begun to collect. I came to JPL from FSU where I was music cataloger and worked in acquisitions ordering music scores, LPs (ask your grandparents, kids) and CDs from both American and European suppliers. That experience made it easy for me to establish relationships with reliable music vendors and to initiate the cataloging and processing of the "new" format here.

Two... This no doubt will shock the children, but through my first decade here there was no such thing as the Internet.  "Online" only became worldwide about halfway through my second decade.  I think JPL was one of the first public libraries to offer an e-mail reference service, and I was directly involved in developing the initial service procedures and preparing the first "contact us" web form for it.  I also developed the Ready Reference web page still used by Main Library Reference staff.

Last (but not least) are the Music @ Main concerts through which the Library brings free classical music performances to the community.  The  first few Library-sponsored concerts were presented on the mezzanine of “old Main,” beginning in December 1986 (if memory serves). When we first began offering Sunday hours I thought hosting concerts might be a good way to convince folks to come Downtown on Sundays. 

Q: How did you get involved with Music at Main and how has that evolved over the years?

A: Those first concerts were popular, so then-director Judy Williams approached the Friends about buying a piano to support a regular concert series in the Library auditorium. They went for it, and the baby grand they donated still serves us well. The original series, called “Ex Libris,”  lasted a few years before I went off to be a branch manager.  After my sojourn in the wilderness I made it back to old Main, and we moved into the new Main Library in the fall of 2005.  I’ve hosted concerts in the Hicks Auditorium since February 2006, at first mostly on Sundays, but later on various weeknights too; currently we have concerts on Sundays and Tuesday evenings. The performers aren't paid, and the concerts initially provided a showcase just for local musicians. But by January 2009 I was surprised with requests for concert dates from out-of-town performers, mostly faculty and doctoral students from various universities in Florida and Georgia, but also from California. We've hosted musicians from Italy, Norway and South Korea, too.  We still get more requests from musicians wanting to perform than we have available dates.

 

Q: Name some of the best performances at Music at Main and why they stood out to you.

A: We have had many, many outstanding performances, so these are just highlights of the highlights:

--In terms of exceptional musicality three stand out as really special:  (1) Alexei Romanenko, Jacksonville Symphony’s principal cellist, joined UNF faculty artists Simon Shiao and Gary Smart performing Ravel’s Piano Trio;  (2) violinist Max Huls and pianist Christine Clark performing Franck’s Violin Sonata; and (3) a quartet from FSU called enhakē  (the Seminole word for “sound”) performing movements from Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.  One movement has everybody in unison and octaves, flying through incredibly complex, constantly shifting rhythms. They were so flawless it was spooky--and they’ve won some international chamber music awards to prove it.

--In 2007 the UNF Opera Department was just forming and they gave their first public performance at the Library, namely a concert version of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, complete with chorus and a small orchestra.

--We’ve hosted world premieres of at least a dozen works in a variety of vocal, choral and instrumental styles.  Three of the concerts featuring new compositions stand out, at least to me, because the various musicians asked me to write them pieces they then performed.

--We hosted the American debut recital of Abbas Abboud, an Iraqi pianist who performed regularly on Iraqi TV before immigrating to America.  He’s a very fine musician, but what really made his recital stand out was the huge crowd that showed up for it. Out of the nearly 400 seats in Hicks there were maybe only a half dozen empty ones.

Q:  Why is Music at Main important to the community and to JPL?

A: Besides the obvious entertainment and educational aspects, you can never have too much culture. 

The concerts are free, we're centrally located, and the acoustics in the Hicks Auditorium are exceptional.  So it’s win-win-win for folks who love live classical music, as well as for those who maybe aren’t so sure about it and want a risk-free test drive. It gives professional musicians a place to showcase their talents (and polish performances for paying gigs), and student musicians an opportunity to perform in a “real-life” setting. The concerts provide a reason for folks to come to the Main Library who otherwise might never come Downtown because of our many wonderful branch locations, and they promote the Library collection by way of the “Selected Related Library Resources” bibliographies that are included in all the program guides.  The concerts also expose folks to our Conference Center who otherwise might not know the facilities even exist. 

 Q: What would you like to share with us about the interests you plan to pursue after retiring in June 2014?

A: The plan is to switch from full-time Reference to part-time Adult Programming, specifically to keep the concerts going, so I’ll still be around. We’re planning two concerts a month, October through June. Otherwise, no big plans for me. I hope to finish several music composition projects and maybe start some new ones, and I’d like to get back to painting and drawing. Then there are always the obligatory house and garden projects. I’ve never been bitten by the travel bug, but I expect I’ll spend more time visiting friends and family, or getting them to visit me. And even if they maybe don’t want to visit with me, everybody loves my dog, Conrad—he’s a real party animal.

Talk Up the Friends Book Sale, 5/15-24/14!

President of the Friends of JPL Harry Reagan, has asked JPL employees to help the Friends get more customers, so please "talk up" the Friends upcomig book sale:

Here’s the complete schedule for the sale:
Thursday May 15:  4:00 to 7:00
(open to members only – become a member at the door)
Member night includes a special offer – Buy-one/Get-one-free
(applies to everything in the Warehouse).
Friday May 16:  10:00 to 7:00
Saturday May 17:  10:00 to 4:00

$10 for a bag of books sales days:
Sunday May 18:  12:00 to 5:00
Tuesday May 20:  4:00 to 7:00
Thursday May 22:  4:00 to 7:00
Saturday May 24:  10:00 to 4:00

As always, our best form of advertising is word of mouth –
you telling folks about the sale.

Exceptional Student Art Display At KR

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin reports, "At left are pictured some of the creative works by students at the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center.  Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones worked on the display and with Eric Cusaac, they helped assemble and install the display panels.  Stacey Van Hoy and I provided artistic guidance."