Customers, JPL, Community and Government Working Together

In 2012, JPL received a Preservation Award from the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission for its role in providing a location for the restored Lee Adams mural, "Ribault's Landing" at Ft. Caroline, which was installed on the 4th floor of the Main Library.  JPL also provided pamphlets and bookmark copies of the painting.

Fast forward to June 30, 2014, CR and M and Special Collections supported Mrs. Lyn Corley's display and program celebrating the 450 anniversary of Fort Caroline by supplying flyers and posters.  The week long display culminated in a special program at City Hall where Rev. Ted Corley and Lyn were awarded the key to the city by Mayor Brown for their devotion to keeping alive the importance of Jacksonville's history and for their years long effort to have "Ribault's Landing" displayed by the City, and they believed it would be appropriate for that place to be in the Main Library's Special Collections.  A beautiful reception was held on Main's 4th floor to celebrate the installation of the painting in 2012.

Mrs. Corley provides a review of the more recent celebration:

"From June 23 through July 2 the exhibit 'Portraits from La Caroline' was displayed in the City Hall Atrium .  The evening of June 30th a celebration was held commemorating the colony of La Caroline on its 450th birthday--the celebration of the First Thanksgiving of America. City Councilmen joined in the celebration by portraying, in costume, some of La Caroline's colonists.

"The exhibit included an enlarged colorized version of the volume of work attributed to artist Jacques Le Moyne.  The Main Library posted informational signage for the work that guided guests to the original works displayed across from City Hall on the 4th floor of the Main Library.

 
"The exhibit also featured interpretations of Le Moyne's renderings by Roger Early, recently donated to the Jacksonville Historical Society.  Eleven oil paintings were on loan from  Warren Anderson. The creators of the works were winners of a national competition sponsored  by the Public Trust Environmental Institute of Florida.  Each artist described and then depicted in oil how the original work published in 1591 might more correctly define the Timucua, who the French encountered in the 1560's."
 

"Local marine artist, William Trotter's 'Second Day in the Morning' depicting Ribault's Landing in 1562 was also displayed, on loan from the Mayport Civic Association.

 

"The most exciting display was a case full of artifacts that survived the shipwreck of Ribault's fleet in 1565.  Twenty pieces from the collection at McLarty Treasure Museum were returned to Jacksonville for the event-after 449 years they came home. The artifact exhibit included a small canvas transfer of the original Lee Adams' thirty-one foot mural now displayed in Special Collections of the Main Library.  The library provided brochures for the display that describes the mural and the local artist who depicted the French Huguenots who lived at La Caroline in the 1560's.

 

"Throughout the exhibition several thousand local residents, including many summer school students, were given a view of the native Floridians who the French encountered in 1562 and 1564.  Jacques Le Moyne, first commercial artist of America, gave a great legacy to our city and our nation by recording the oldest renderings of any city in America."

Archaeology At AR

The Regency Square Branch  Library was proud to present a summer adult reading Literary Element, July 31, Fantastic Archaeology: Florida Frauds, Myths and Mysteries. Thanks to Lenora Stucky for this coverage:

"The program was open to all adults and teens and presented by Sarah Miller, Public Archaeologist of the Archaeology Public Network of Flagler County.

"Regency's savvy patrons lead the discussion on the misuse and abuse of the Northeast Florida’s past that included the most recent controversy over “Where is Fort Caroline?” Regency patrons learned Ms. Miller that “skepticism is a skill we continually have to develop; otherwise we will revert to complacency,” thus allowing the press and their news sensationalism to determine our belief.  “Aways dig deeper,” says Sarah Miller, and “Don’t believe the hype”.

"This was demonstrated when  The Cardiff Giant (a ten-foot giant man) was discovered and appeared upon the archaeology scene in 1869, and turned out to be a great hoax of that time. The Cardiff Giant is located in Cooperstown, NY (down the street from the Baseball Hall of Fame) where people still journey to visit this site.

"Ms. Sarah Miller took library visitors and patrons on a visual journey to the ruins of Bulow Plantation Historic Park located in Palm Coast, FL, that includes a coquina sugar mill, foundations of the manor house, slave cabins, wells and a spring house. Other archaeology peeks were Turnbull Plantation at the New Smyrna Museum of History, Smyrna Beach, FL; and locally, Kingsley Plantation National Historic  Site off of Palmetto Avenue here in Jacksonville, FL.  Regency started here and went everywhere!"

Staff Profile - August 2014

Beverly Brown currently serves JPL as Pablo Creek’s Clerical Supervisor under PCR”s Manager, Sandra Ostroski.  She has been with JPL for 33 years—first as a Clerk 1, and 2, then as a Library Assistant and now in her present role at PCR.   She first worked at WBK where she remembers JPL used the Gaylord system--punch cards were used to put the due date on individual cards that were then placed in a sleeve in the back of each book at the check-out desk. Later, Beverly moved to Main Circ, AR, then back to Main in SST, JB, and finally PCR.  So Beverly Brown has a long history and knowledge of how JPL works. 

May 2, 2014, Beverly presented her new manual “Customer Service Using jaxpubliclibrary.org” to the Administrative Team.  Her presentation was well received, and we thought it would be of interest to you to know a little about how Beverly progressed from the concept for the new manual to the actual product.

Q: You tackled “Get to Yes” training for Clerical Supervisors and Clerical Staffs, and by your own observations realized better guidelines were needed.  How did you get the ball rolling to produce the new customer service manual?
A:  As a part of my performance evaluation I’m required to conduct training for the clerical staff in my region --JB, PCR, AR, and UPK.  As I worked with the circulation staffs at branches in the region, I realized they were referring customers to the reference section for information that they themselves could answer, if they were knowledgeable of the library homepage.  I thought if we don’t know what products or services we offer, how can we share it with our customers.  A more comprehensive, up-to-date customer service manual would be a tremendous help and keep JPL service consistent system wide. 

Q: You discussed your suggestions with your supervisors and other staffs, and once you received input from them, what was your next step? 
A:  I contacted Karen Walker with JPL E-Services and shared my desire to do some training for the clerical staffs using JPL’s website.  Karen agreed that it was an excellent idea, and would be a good tool for “Get to Yes”.  The task was very easy because Karen had PowerPoint slides for the website already.  We worked together to provide script for each PowerPoint slide.  I have to say “thank you” again to Karen because she was a big help because I had never used PowerPoint.

Q:  And then how did you go about putting the customer service manual together?
A:  After Karen provided the PowerPoint slides for the website,  we went through each slide and added wording and instructions for most of the slides. Wording the instructions had to be detailed enough to be understood clearly and be as succinct as possible.

Q: What has been the result of your hard work—are staffs giving customers better service now?
A:  When I presented “Customer Service Using jaxpublibrary.org” to the Administration Team, May 2, I received positive feedback, and subsequently, from staffs. The training has helped clerical staffs better understand how to assist customers with basic knowledge of navigating through JPL’s website, searching the catalog, placing holds, accessing library accounts, e-services, etc.  Another positive benefit from this training is, staffs are actually doing “front-line marketing” of the services we offer.  Additionally, It was suggested by clerical staffs that this training would be good for clerical new hires, which we will do.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family; my families all have busy schedules, so when we have the opportunity we try to do activities together.  Our most recent activity was attending the Beaches Jazz series in June and July, we convinced our mom, who is 75, to go to the Jazz series with us, and she enjoyed herself. We all had a great time.

CM Jim Love Visits Argyle & Lauds Staff & Programs

 Argyle Branch Manager Janet Ducat and her employees enjoyed a visit from Council Member Jim Love, August 1.  Janet gives a review of his visit, "CM Love observed our Story Time this morning and was very impressed.  He said Melanie Terrell was a fabulous teacher.   We then took a tour of the Library and I introduced him to the staff with an explanation of what tasks they completed.  CM Love complemented Becky Bellottie when she admitted to being the tightwad of supply clerks. He talked to Kim Kirkland about teens and volunteers and was very interested in the Short Story Contest and the volunteer requirements to participate.   As luck would have it Yuri Jewitt was working and meeting one-on-one with an older gentlemen.  I introduced CM Love to Yuri who introduced her student.  The gentleman went on and on about how much he was learning and how his children and grandchildren had told him he had to learn how to use a computer.  It could not have been better if we had staged the whole thing.  CM Love was unaware of the e-specialist services.  During the tour of the public area he introduced himself to customers  and one woman told him she was looking for a job on the computer.  How great was that!  During the tour of the workroom CM Love commented that he had no idea all the different tasks it took to keep the library running.  I commented that it was fabulous teamwork that kept services available with a much reduced staff." 

    (Kim Kirkland with Council Member Love below.)
 

"I see CM Love every month at the Argyle Civic Association Meeting and know him to be a great friend of JPL.  Through Argyle Civic I was able to offer our Community Room for public hearings on a proposed use of a piece of property on Collins Road.  The public outcry over a Family Dollar Store going in there caused the owner of the property to change his plans.  As I walked CM Love to his car, he said he had no idea of all the things that were going on in the library.  Jane Harris was here and we agreed that it was a very successful visit.  He said he had learned a lot and thanked me.  I, of course, thanked him for his interest and time and invited him to return to Argyle."

KR Promotes Friends Book Sale

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin and her staff are promoting the Friends of JPL's Book Warehouse Sale with a colorful display. Lynne and the KR staff invite you to "Enjoy reading this summer with your favorite book purchased at the Friends Book Sale." There is still time to catch a few bargains at the Friends Warehouse, located on the south end of UPK, 3435 University Boulevard North:

                      Tuesday, August 5: 4 - 7 pm

                     Thurday, August 7:  4 - 7 pm

                     Saturday, August 9:  10 am - 4 pm

 
 Sara Peretzman (left) and Jessica show off a couple of their beautiful props for the Friends of JPL Book Sale that also promote summer reading display in the lobby of the Mandarin Branch Library.

Exceptional Volunteer: Elaine Ginn

Thanks to CAL Manager Sharon Jaskula for forwarding this report, written by CAL Literacy Program Specialist, Kathy Zaccardi:  

 "JPL is fortunate to have a number of talented, dedicated volunteers supporting library staff and serving customers throughout the system.  One such volunteer, Elaine Ginn (pictured above), has been strengthening our community by serving as a volunteer English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor with the library’s Center for Adult Learning for a little over a year.  Elaine shows an exceptional understanding of the needs of adult English language learners as evidenced by the progress her students have made at the Southeast Branch Library.  To ensure instruction is relevant to her students, Elaine brings in objects from everyday life to use as teaching aids and incorporates current events to engage students in discussion.  When Elaine is not teaching, she is busy publishing; she recently co-authored Mission Unstoppable:  Extraordinary Stories from Failure’s Blessings .  She is also the sole author of second book entitled Patchwork.  Elaine has an MS in Nursing Education and has been a professor of Health Education at Western Illinois University. 

 

"JPL is very grateful for Elaine’s contributions and those of dedicated volunteers like her who do so much to enhance library services and programs."

Teens Learn Crime Solving At DU

DU hosted FOP's Detective Snead from their crime scene unit, who conducted a forensics program, July 22. He explained to the teens how fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting DNA helps solve crimes.  Det. Snead told the teens how to collect their own fingerprints and how to dust for fingerprints on a cup.  We had an observation activity  for the teens to observe 20 items on a table, then name as many as they could remember. Later the teens played Clue and made edible eyeballs. .... Thanks to Beverly Mason for the article.

DU's Final SRP Teen Program

Highlands Library Associate Beverly Mason says, "July 29 was our final summer teen program, including awards/gaming and a couple of trivia questions for them to answer.  Winners for most books read and winners from DU's drawing contest were announced, and two local businesses provided prizes.

"Andy Morlock, owner of Northside Comics, a book store soon to open in Oceanway, spoke to the teens about the importance of reading and how reading comic books can help them learn.  There are many different concepts that can be learned through reading a comic book.  He also pointed out that even though a comic book has many pictures, it also contains a lot of words  and noted that the comic book he brought with him contained about 2400 words.

"The program closed with the teens making ice cream sundaes and playing Wii, Xbox, and board games."

 

High-Fives From JPL's Customers

Thanks to Kathy Lussier for submitting these letters sent by two customers of JPL, quoted below from The Florida Times-Union.  The first letter is dated June 19; the second, June 25, 2014:  

SUMMER READING - A personal experience

Regarding the Jacksonville library’s summer reading program, I can affirm its benefits. I vividly can recall my own exposure to summer reading. My parents encouraged us to read and participate each summer break. It was free, interesting and something to do. And it was a safe place to hang out. We could read all sorts of books, age appropriate or not. All that was required was to complete a short book review after reading our book. I was somewhat competitive and not coordinated enough for summer sports. But I could read the required number of books to “win” my certificate of completion. I truly believe that our library program stimulated my lifelong love of reading. Reading is an activity that does not discriminate, teaches us to explore and stimulates the imagination. Fortunately, when I was a child in the suburbs of Cleveland, transportation was available to the library. Now it is much easier to find books online.

I would encourage every parent or child care provider to give children the gift of a library card and the potential to discover new horizons.   Fern Malowitz

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Public Library - Popular, Underfunded
The Argyle library branch was closed Sunday and Monday, and opened only after 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

I arrived at 1:30 p.m., and every spot in the parking lot was taken. Once inside, I saw an eclectic mix of our citizens. There were young children, older children, teenagers, adults, both male and female. There were blacks, whites and Asians. It was a real demonstration of the importance of our library.

And then I reflected on the shortsighted actions of our City Council in repeatedly reducing the library’s budget. The council has approved the use of $40 million of our taxpayer dollars to construct a sports scoreboard that only a small percentage of our people will ever see. How sad! … Tom Brady

FREINDS BOOK SALE

The Friends of JPL are having another book sale:
Thursday July 31: 4-7 - members night (can join there) - SPECIALS DEALS
Friday , August 1:  10-6
Saturday, August 2:  10-4
Sunday, August 3: 12-5
$10/bag of books or CD's -dont miss this:
Tuesday, August 5:  4-7 
Thursday, August 7:  4-7
Saturday, August 9:  10-4

The Friends of JPL support us; lets support them. Customers and Staff can get excellent buys at the Friends Warehouse, 3535 University Boulevard, at the south end of UPK (1/2 mile past JU).

Brentwood's Summer Guitar Workshop

ULC Supervisor Pat Morrison reports on NS' recent Big Event:

The Summer Guitar Workshop that was held at Brentwood Branch Library ended with a mini concert on Friday, July 18.  Ten students from the workshop and the instructor Alexander Stoetzer displayed their musical talents before an audience of family, friends and community leaders. 

The six week workshop introduced children ages 7 – 14 to basic music theory, notes and strings.   The Friends of Brentwood Library generously purchased 10 guitars for the workshop and paid an honorarium to the instructor.  They also provided funds to purchase snacks.
At the end of the concert, the workshop participants received a certificate of completion, a table top music stand, a wooden foot rest, AND the GUITARS they used during the workshop.  They carried their “loot” home in a Jacksonville Public Library book bag.
 Too often we do not acknowledge the pistons that keep our engines going.  I must acknowledge it does take a village/a community/a system to …  Many thanks to The Friends of Brentwood Library and their community partners who donated money to purchase the guitars; thanks to JPLFacilities and Gary for creating the foot rests; thanks to Carolyn Williams, Julie McNeil and Kathy Lussier for attending and participating in this community event; thanks to Michael Soto and Mitesh Sangani for providing chairs for our audience; thanks to Ron Block for providing the bags; thanks to Cranston Burney for the photographs; and thanks to the wonderful staff at Brentwood who took turns staffing the workshop.

 State Representative Reggie Fullwood (rear, left below) encouraged the students and was delighted to be photographed with them and their "loot". 

The guitar workshop was a wonderful experience for the children.  We look forward to providing other unique experiences for the youth in our area.

(Click on the pictures for a larger view.)

Retiree Update - Elaine Kitchings

 

Thanks to ULC Supervisor Pat Morrison for this update on a stupendous retiree:

 

Mrs. Elaine Fears Kitchings retired from the Jacksonville Public Library in the year 2000 after decades of service to the youth of our community in her job as children’s librarian and storyteller extraordinaire.  She began her career with JPL at the Myrtle Avenue branch and she also worked at the Eastside branch, Regency Square branch and the Northwest branch libraries.

Elaine is quoted as saying, “I thought I had the BEST JOB in the public library because I worked with children … instilling in them a love of reading and learning about authors and illustrators.”  Despite all the wonders and information available via electronic resources, Mrs. Kitchings declares “The book is still the greatest source for learning.  Enjoy the printed page.”

Post-retirement, Mrs. Kitchings continues to promote literacy, storytelling and the joy of a good book.  She has worked as an adjunct professor at Edward Waters College teaching Children’s Literature to education majors, and she is the Tale Tellers coordinator for the RSVP program at Mary Singleton Center. Volunteer activities include a 14 year engagement reading stories to pre-K students at George Washington Carver Elementary school on a weekly basis. Mrs. Kitchings also continues to work with the group she co-founded 26 years ago – The Northside Storytellers League.

 

Most recently Mrs. Kitchings began the “More Than A Book”  discussion group for young girls at the Brentwood library.  She hopes to share the joy of reading with the young ladies and promote grammar, diction and writing skills.  Mrs. Kitchings chose the first title for the group, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.  The older title is still relevant and the lessons in the story and the situations were very relatable when placed in a modern setting.  The young ladies did a great job relating to the book and a lively discussion ensued.  Pictured with Mrs. Kitchings are Miss Kezia Weston and Miss Anna Williams.  The group selected Lois Lowry’s The Giver for the next discussion in August.

There have been a number of milestones in Mrs. Kitchings’ life since retirement.  In 2009 her husband and notable high school coach Earl Kitchings passed away.  Mrs. Kitchings is still surrounded by her loving family and proudly shares their accomplishments.  Her son W. Earl was the recipient of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission’s 2014 Preservation Award in the Heritage Education-Books category for his book The Perfect Ending.  Oldest grandson Cemal is a postal inspector in Pittsburgh; while her youngest grandson William Earl, II is a doctoral candidate at the Florida State University.  Her daughter in-law Angela continues to teach at Mandarin Oaks Elementary school.

GB's Special Summer Helper

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas and staff, as many other branches, regretted to see their summer helpers depart , July 25, and thew a party or a luncheon. Jackie said, "Graham Branch staff said 'thank you' and farewell to Summer Worker Zahria Singletary at a luncheon prepared by staff on the day before she left.  Zahria was very helpful keeping things running smoothly during the busy summer activities at the branch. She worked on the Reserve list each morning and unpacked
 
delivery.   Zahria is seen here as she trapped holds, which she did under the tutelage of other staff. In her 'spare time' she helped Children’s Librarian Peggy Crawford during the Fizz Boom Read children’s programs held at the branch each week. She was tested and retested on her shelving knowledge by Chanika Kimbrough until she knew where everything was supposed to be shelved and had few errors. She attended and participated in the Teen programs and discovered her skill for Duct Tape crafts with Michelle Petrin. She also shelved untold numbers of DVDs each day. For her short time with Graham, Zahria made an impact with her bright smile and sunny attitude. When asked what she learned about working at the library she admitted that she never knew about the concept of Reserves and processing Holds. Working behind the scenes opened her eyes to all the work that the library staff does to keep the customers coming back for more. The Graham staff wishes Zahria the best of luck in her future endeavors."

JPL wants to add our best wishes to all our summer student helpers and thank them for all their help this summer of 2014.

KR: 130 at Zoo Program & 2000+ Books Read for SRP-So Far

Jacksonville Zoo and friends visit the Mandarin Library
Melissa from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens brought some four legged friends with her when she visited the KR, July 16.  More than 130 kids and parents attended the program. 
 
See How Much We’re Reading

Sisters Jiwon and  Jihoo Byun and their little brother Jian are active members of the 2014 Summer Reading Program at the Mandarin Branch Library.  On July 11, the siblings with a little help from their mother Jeong Lee, added their books to the Fizz Boom Read beaker that keeps track of the number of books read this summer.  Over 2000 books have been added to the beaker since the Summer Reading started on June 1.

Thanks to Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin for the reports.

 

KR Happenings

Jessica Jones and Eric Cusaac (pictured below) celebrated the 4^th of July at the Mandarin Branch Library with enough decorations of red, white and blue to

launch their own Independence Day Parade.  Jessica and Sara Peretzman created a learning display focusing on the American Revolution and a book display highlighting the American History collection at the branch.

On June 18, at the last minute, MOSH had to cancel their scheduled program at Mandarin due to a fire at the Museum.  David Foster and Alison Pully rescued the situation so 160 kids and parents would not be disappointed! They stepped in and did an impromptu art class.   The kids loved making their own art work and Alison and David showed real leadership and customer service skills.  A Get to Yes Moment!

KR Volunteer Dipayan Banerjee Honored

KR Manager Lynn Baldwin is proud to congratulate Mandarin Library Volunteer Dipayan Banerjee who was selected by the Duval County Public Schools to attend the National Youth Leadership 

Forum (NYLF) on Business and Innovation to be held at Stanford University, California, July 16-23, 2014.  Dipayan is a senior at Stanton College Preparatory School and has been a volunteer at the Mandarin Branch Library since he was 12.  The all-expense paid trip was sponsored by the Duval County Public Schools.  Dipayan is the son of Mandarin PT Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee.

 

All of us throuhout the library system want to congratulate you, Dipayan, and thank you for your service to Mandarant Branch for so many years!

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  Michelle Petrin was a big help with printing from computer…          

Highlands Branch: I've just begun to learn more about the functions and gain hand-on knowledge of the computer. Ms. Yuri Jewitt, is a jewel, she is patient, great at explaining the process and procedures in terms that become clearly understandable and easy for this great granny to comprehend. Please continue to extend this service for all.              

Mandarin Branch: Dear Lynne Baldwin & the Mandarin Branch Library, Thank you! I really appreciate all the support you gave to the World Refugee Day celebration -- housing an awareness-raising display and providing services at the event. Thank you very much!

Pablo Creek Branch:  Ms. Elizabeth (Garnett) does awesome work.

South Mandarin Branch: The staff is consistently courteous, knowledgeable, and efficient (Keli Likins, Margo Crafton, Bryan Thomas, Ralph Henderson, Linda Ehnert, Lilly Waller, Leslie Patterson,  Irissa Allen, and Barbara Hughes).

Zoo Time SOM

The South Mandarin Branch had 75 in attendance for their July 17 SRP Zoo program, and as usual this is one of the kids' favorite programs.

An extra bonus: SOM hosted a special guest speaker for the program, School Board Member Jason Fisher.

The 4th At Southeast

 Deborah Wainwright shares some of the beautiful decorating done at the Southeast Branch Circulation Area for the 4^th of July.

Fiction Writers' Festival Great Success At NW

Four authors made a rainy Saturday afternoon a buzz of excitement at Bradam Brooks Northwest, July 12.  Authors Znea Wynn, Angela Vernon Mencham, Brenda Jackson, and Roy Glen, above, charmed 57 attendees with their helpful tips for writers, including the writing process, their books and their personal lives.  They had their books for sale answered questions.They obviously like people and the feeling was mutual. 

These four local authors are well-known for their urban, romance fiction genre and fantasy fiction.

Lisa Buggs wants to send a special thank you to these employees who made made it all possible:  NW Manager Elaine Randolph, Pam Beaton, Janice Best, Gloria Buenavista, R. Michelle DuBois, Gloria Glover-Fowlkes, Stephanie Harley, Davi Harmon, Dorrael Johnson, Erik Larsen, Shinita Miles, Sheenae Nelson, and Alfreda Whitfield. Thanks, too, to Region Manager Marshelle Berry for making sure the authors had lunch and attendees had delectable refreshments!

One of the Authors, Angela Vernon Mencham, garners attention at the Free Fiction Writers' Festival.

Willowbranch Shines Depiste The Rain

June 15, Willowbranch Library’s story hour focused on  water-- quite timely considering all the rain that we’ve been having lately.  We had a great turnout: 50 for the first session, followed by 39 during the second reading.  Miss Isabelle (Pierre) lead the children in singing and dancing, and then read the books Rain and The Falling Raindrop. 

Shenita Teaches Computers At NW

Marshelle Berry, Region Manager, sent in this photo of Library Associate Shinita Miles teaching Introduction to Computers. She is being assisted by Library Assistant Davi Harmon. Nine people registered for the class and all nine attended.

Too Much Fun To Pack Into One Summer--But DU Tried

Beverly Mason, DU Library Associate, reports, "Summer Library Reading Program and Zombie Makeover and other games have dominated the marquee at Highands Branch lately. We kicked off SRP eating hot dogs and playing “Minute to Win It” and other and board games, and included the 'Hunger Games'  Movie.

"Ms. Dana did a zombie makeover on one teen and then allowed the teens to apply each other's makeup.  They also had to make up a story about their person and how they became a zombie which would affect how they looked.  Afterwards, she gathered them together, had them explain why they did the makeup they way they did it, and gave helpful criticism on how they could have improved it.

"Other activities included Game Day with Pictionary Mad Science Party--including  Pop Rock/Balloon Experiment, Temporary Lava Lamp Experiment, Glow in the Dark Ring Toss, and a chemistry quiz.  We also enjoyed a bit of dirt cake."

A Stay at Home Mom

Mrs. Julie Pactor will to be a full-time stay-at-home Mom and part-time library employee as of July 5.  Laura Minnech threw a going away party--although she won't be gone too far. Julie will be working on a part-time basis to allow plenty of time for be a Mom.

Staff Profile - July 2014

Beaches Branch Manager Tamera Branam offers this input about the subject of our July Staff Profile, who is also an employee of hers, "Gail Blumberg, one of the first groups of Library Associates, is enthusiastic about her job.  Her past experiences as a teacher are reflected by her sense of order, belief in the sacred quietness of the library, and her injection of humor in the workplace environment.  She has a background in arts and enjoys making jewelry and other crafty projects."

Q: How long have you been a JPL volunteer coordinator and for which library locations?
      A: I have been a JPL Volunteer Coordinator for 9 years. I became the Coordinator at Pablo Creek in January 2005. When transferred to the Beaches Branch in November 2012, I took on the responsibility there as well.

Q: What caught your attention as to the need for uniform guidelines for volunteers and staff?
      A: Due to the 2012-2013 upheaval and transition system wide, I found that not all of the designated volunteer staffs were aware of the specific procedures set up by the Office of Volunteer Services.  They were either following what they felt was correct or continuing what was done by the previous volunteer coordinator. Many were new to the Volunteer program and did not know that they could access most information on JPL Neighborhood.

Q: How did you go about getting management’s approval to develop a system wide action plan for managing volunteers?
     A: When JPL initiated the concept of branches within a Region, I met with Director Barbara Gubbin and presented a written proposal to designate a Volunteer Coordinator to act as a liaison to coordinators within their Region.  These individuals would be “seasoned” coordinators with the ability to provide training and be available to answer questions.  This concept would also help to create uniformity throughout the system.

Q: Once management approved your suggestions, what were your next steps to implement the changes needed?
     A: From 2012-2013, I met regularly with a committee of administrative staff to create a pilot program within the Pablo Creek Region.  The members consisted of Sandra Stonestreet, Julie McNeil, and Bob Silkett.  We came up with a plan to update the information for the Volunteer  program on our website and determine what training could be offered.  During the first year, I met with the Volunteer Coordinators in my region and gave feedback to the committee.  In 2013-2014, we selected the Region Coordinators for the system and I instructed them on how to proceed.  We keep in touch via email and phone.

Q: Who is your favorite author and would you care to tell us why?      A: I do not have a specific favorite author.  I tend to select books in various genres based on the subject matter and storyline.  I do prefer novels with a strong female protagonist.

75 (SEVENTY FIVE!) YEARS: VALERIE EVANS, ED LEIN, & JIM BURNS

What's the occasion to party? The three persons seated below have a combined 75 years of service with JPL! We honored (l/r) Jim Burns' 13 years, Ed Lein's 27 years, and Valerie Evans' 35 years, at a well deserved  party, June 27, 2014.  Another long-timer, Lilia Simonton, Main Librarian, Sr., worked with these three employees over the years, and like many of us, came to wish all three the very best in years to come. (Ed will continue to line up some Music at Main programs part-time. Valerie and Jim will be full time retirees.)

.  All three received  a beautiful rendering of the new Main Library like the one presented to Ed by his Supervisor Erica Brown.  Valerie's, Ed's, and Jim's copies were signed by Director Gubbin, Deputy Directors Carolyn Williams and Mark Merritt--and every other employee who could get a chance to sign their individual copies.  (Above Library Assistant Diane Alexander takes her turn to sign.)

 

You can read more about Valerie in the December 2013 Staff  Profile and in an article about her being honored by the Library Board of Trustees, posted here, June 17. Ed was featured in the May 2014 Staff Profile, and Jim Burns was the subject for the July 2010 Staff Profile. 

 

One More Time:  GREAT JOB, VALERIE, ED, AND JIM!

To Catch A Mouse Is NOT Easy But IS A Lot Of Fun!

Sixty-five children were involed in a delightful program at Graham Branch, July 1.  The balloon twisting program, “To Catch a Mouse”, was interactive, educational, and what's more, the kids had a great time! They marched out to show off their balloon mice, a “balloon pulley”, balloon “lever”, a mouse trap, etc. Peggy Crawford, Sharon Whitt and Graham’s summer worker Zahira attended the event, took pictures and practiced crowd control. Even Stephanie (Harley) Padmore (center, by door in last pic) came in with her three nephews for the show. 

Looking For A Beaker Full

Gloria Buenavista said, "Kudos to Sheenae Nelson, part-time Library Associate, Sr. at Bradham Brooks Northwest Library for putting up this Summer Reading Program display.

The bubbles are names of participants and they keep growing. The beaker will be filled with how many books were read during the summer."

Davi Harmon Honored For Ten Years Service

Davi Harmon, Library Assistant at Bradham Brooks Northwest, was presented his ten year service pen and Branch Manager Elaine Randolph read his congratulatory  letter from the City at a pizza party celebration on June 20, 2014.  Let all of us add a BIG HOORAY FOR DAVI HARMON!

Urban Core Libraries Into SRP

Michelle Petrin, ULC's Teen Services Librarian says, "The Urban Core Libraries are 'sparking a reaction' this summer with fun science and art centric programs for tweens and teens. 

 "Teens at Graham Branch, June 12, and Brentwood, June 17, enjoyed making lip gloss and bath fizzies while learning about the science of emulsion and chemical reactions at the 'Make Your Own Make-up' programs. 

"June 18, Eastside teens performed experiments with various types of candy and made artwork with M and M's at the 'Candy Art and Science' program. 

"Westbrook teens have been busy, too!  Teens attending 'Make Your Own Slushie', June 20, had a chance to make predictions, perform experiments using different catalysts and learn about melting points. And, of course, they made some delicious frozen beverages. 

"June 25, teens at WBK took part in 'Balloon Afternoon', which included balloon science experiments about static electricity, sound, and centrifugal force.  They also learned how to make and decorate their very own balloon dogs and played a game called 'balloon sandwich'."

Michelle shouts a big “thank you” to staff at all the Urban Core Branches for making this summer a memorable one for ULC's tween and teen customers!

NW Hosts Ronald McDonald

Library Associate, Sr., Gloria Buenavista reports Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library had 72 attendees, including adults, at one of their ever popular SRP's, June 25.

Art At NW

Gloria Buenavista shares a picture of Yamir Holmes, who is pleased to see his art displayed at NW.  Yamir is a student of Martin Luther King Elementary, and MLK art teacher, Mr. Ramos, had their school's art display at Bradham Brooks Northwest from mid May to June 10.

 

SE: An Electrifying Spark of Reaction With Mad Scientists

Southeast Library youth services staff Karen Hardin, Carisia Rooney, and Anita Haller kicked off their Teen Summer Reading Program “Spark a Reaction” with a Mad Scientist Party early in June.  The conference room was decorated like a mad scientist

 

 

 

laboratory with microscopes, ‘preserved’ specimens, and ‘radio-active’ alien rock (Jell-O that glows under a black light). The lights were dimmed (as all mad scientist laboratories are) as the muted movie “Back to the Future” was shown on the screen in the background.  Smoking punch (with a little help from dry ice) and donut eyeballs were served as refreshments while the latest techno music played. Each teen had the chance to dress up like a mad scientist and get their picture taken. They also participated in a chemistry trivia contest and a ‘build the highest molecule’ game using mini-marshmallows and toothpicks.  We had 13 teens come to the party, including some of our teen advisory board members. Five of the teens who attended the party have now joined the teen advisory board! The party was a great success and a lot of fun!

 

Thanks to Carisia Rooney for the report--and especially the pictures that clearly depict the fun those kids had with the "mad scientist" theme.