3 At AR Receive 10 Year Pins & Congrats

On September 25, 2014, Regency Square Branch Manager Donna Carroll presented ten year certificates to Pat Dowdell, Mary Heaney, and Mia Brack (pictured L/R), for their hard work and dedicated service to Jacksonville Public Library.

These ladies have long since established an exemplary level of customer service to our customers--including children and parents--by way of informing, nurturing, and educating at Main, San Marco, University Park, Pablo Creek libraries and currently at Regency Square Branch.  As Library Assistant, Pat Dowdell showcases her skills in circulation with emphasis in the children department.  Mary Heaney, Library Assistant, exercises her dexterity in the children’s department and vocally painting story time sessions.  Children’s Librarian Mia Brack serves in the never ending quest for early literature success for future readers and above.

We congratulate and appreciate their continued service in making the Jacksonville Public Library system the place to start here and go anywhere! 

Thanks to Lenora Stuckey for the article and everyone joins in your congratulations. 

Staffs Honor Michael Sullivan

Lynne Balwin, Mandarin Branch Manager reports, "SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan was surprised by the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library with a celebration party (with balloons and everything!).  Everyone at Mandarin and throughout the SE Region wanted to thank Michael for his leadership and support.  Michael is a great Region Manager.  Michael was also presented with an Innovator Award, a gift card to Carrabba’s and decorated congrats cake.   The break room was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Big thanks to Sara Peretzman and her decorating team of Diane Lewis and Jessica Jones."

 Congratulations to Michael Sullivan for leading the way for the SE Region Libraries!

Science Fair @ Mandarin Branch

It’s Science Fair time again at Mandarin Branch and Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones used their talents to create displays promoting science fair resources available at the library.  The display is part of the branch’s Learning is Fun project.

State Rep. McBurney & Director Gubbin Join Fun At KR Storytime

State Representative Charles McBurney and his staff visited the 10:15  am Stories for Young Children program on Thursday, September 25, at the Mandarin Branch Library.  Representative McBurney is a big supporter of the library and he was absolutely terrific interacting with the families and the staff.  He and Library Associate Alison Pulley make a great story time team.   Administrative Assistant Adam Miller shared his memories of coming to Mandarin as a child and was particularly pleased that  the Mandarin Dragon was still here.  On hand to show their support and join in the story time fun were Library Director Barbara Gubbin, SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan, and SE Region Youth Services Manager Anita Haller. 

Mr. & Mrs. Sangani Are New U. S. Citizens W/124 Others

Mr. and Mrs. Mitesh Sangani became United States citizens, September 26, 2014, along with 118 others, in a ceremony presented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and JPL’s Center for Adult Learning.  The ceremony was conducted at the Main Library’s Conference Center, which Mitesh manages.  Mitesh was proud to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Library Director Barbara Gubbin gave the  welcome address and Betzy Santiago, Special Assistant to the Mayor and International Officer for the City of Jacksonville, was the keynote speaker.  Ms. Santiago also presented Mr. and Mrs. Sangani with a congratulatory letter from Mayor Alvin Brown on their new citizenship.  The letter also acknowledged Mitesh’s impressive experience that contributes to his success as Conference Center Manager. 

Susan Olson, USCIS Senior Immigration Services Officer, presided. Roseanne Hill, Immigration Services Officer, made the Presentation of Motion to Naturalize New Citizens; and Lisa Bradley, Jacksonville Field Office Director, administered the Oath of Allegiance.

 

Mitesh and Bhagwati Sangani have two sons, Rohan and Ryan (scroll up the blog; they are pictured on the right), were present for this momentous occasion, and the other new U. S. citizens were cheered on by their friends and families as well.

"Conversations With Courtney" Event Big + For JSO And JPL

 Courtney Lewis, the new Music Director for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, was a hit with a crowd of 100+ who came to hear what they could expect from the young Maestro and get to know him personally during a JPL/JSO partnering event, September 24.                    

Courtney told how he went often after school as a boy to Belfast, Ireland's public library to search out past and present great works of music, particularly old compositions, and learn what other Maestros did that promoted them to greatness. 

 

His favorite books and CDs were on display for the audience to check out on the spot and he touched on a couple of his favorites. (You can find his list at http://tinyurl.com/courtneyslist) 

He spoke about his expectations to attract newcomers to JSO performances and old scores to be played, as well as new ones, that he believes will be interesting to various segments of our multicultural population. 

 

To conclude the event, Director Barbara Gubbin presented Courtney with his own Jacksonville Public Library card.

 

Big Announcement: JSO offers a special discount for JPL cardholders to save 50% on concert tickets in October.  Use the code JAXLIB when ordering online at www.jaxsymphony.org or when calling the box office at 354-5547. 

JPL Wins Golden Apple Award

Congratulations to our Training Department for helping JPL win the Golden Apple Award from NEFLIN for sending the most employees to training. Library Director Barbara Gubbin was proud to receive the award at the NEFLIN Annual Meeting recently and is shown here sharing it with Mike Shell, JPL Training Coordinator and Diane Alexander, Training Library Assistant.

UPK's 10th Anniversary Party - Come One, Come All!

University Park Branch Library Manager Theresa Rooney and staff offer this personal welcome to all JPL employees, friends and families to attend UPK's 10th anniversary celebration.  UPK is located at 3435 University Boulevard (about eight blocks north of JU, on the right).  :

"The staff of the University Park Branch Library would like to invite all  JPL staff to visit and help celebrate our 10^th Anniversary on Saturday, October 4^th. We are having a Community Open House from 11-2 with free coffee and donuts from the Donut Shoppe (an Arlington institution since 1962 and winner of the “Best Donut in Jacksonville” poll by The Florida Times-Union in 2012). We expect the branch to be a beehive of activity with approximately 14 community organizations doing outreach (see flyer for participating organizations) and our CAL and computer classrooms open for demonstrations. Tree Hill is bringing a snake and JFRD will have a fire truck in the parking lot outside the branch."

"Our program with elected officials will begin at noon with a welcome by Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Library Board Chair, and remarks by Director Barbara Gubbin, Councilman Bill Bishop and Councilman John Crescimbeni, the presentation of a City Council Resolution to the branch and a Florida Library Award presentation to Senator Audrey Gibson. We will have some great door prizes, including gift certificates from the Donut Shoppe and area restaurants, donations from several of our vendors and two Jaguar tickets. Winners must be present to win."

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch: I love this library. The staffs are very friendly and are always willing to help, especially (Janet) Ducat - wonderful lady.

Mandarin Branch:  Don Carpenter was a big help with citations.

Support Services:  Donna (Peretzman) knew the subject, was very professional, and verified we understood what she was teaching.

Southeast Branch: I was in the SE branch yesterday and the librarian on duty at the front desk was doing a super job despite some "difficult" customers and a long waiting line.  She was very professional, helpful and her ability to handle competing priorities/numerous unhappy people was truly commendable. (Even though the employee is not named, this is so exceptional for a customer to notice, it is being posted.)

 West Regional Branch: …Jason Enoex is a big asset to the library. He is so helpful and very nice. I am happy to know him.

Gloria Bunevista Celebrates 10 Years w/JPL

 NW's Teen Library Associate,Gloria Bunevista, receives her 10 year service pin from her Region Manager, Marshelle Berry on September 18, 2014.  Thank you for all those years, Gloria.

JPL Board of Trustees Update

Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, right, passes the gavel to the new Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, Erin Skinner.   Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins will now be the Board's liaison with the JPL Foundation.  Her devoted service as the Board's Chair is very much appreciated, and we welcome Mrs. Skinner as the new Chair. 

Delores Walker Wins Innovator Award

Graham Branch Library Clerk, Delores Walker, was presented with her Innovator Award, September 15, by GB Manager Jackie Spiritas.  Delores planned for months, garnered businesses, volunteeers, and staffs to see the "Unique Boutique" at GB a reality again this year.  Resut:  200+ children received school supplies and clothing.  All this, and she still performed her daily duties. (See the article here about "Unique Boutiqe", posted August 15, 2014.)

Congratulations, Delores!

 

NW Manager Elaine Randolph Retires

                     All the very best to you, Elaine, always.            

Many of us would have liked to join those who came to bid a sad/glad farewell (glad for her, sad for us) to Elaine Randolph at a lunch held in her honor at Monroe's Smokehouse Barbeque, September 15.  In the photo above (L/R) are Marshelle Berry, Guy Adkins, Stephanie Harley, Sharon Kirkes, Michelle Petrin, Raymond Neal, and Elaine Randolph in front.  The Friends of NW also paid tribute to Elaine's tireless support over the years on September 11 during a covered dish dinner held in her honor by employees.

Planning The New JPL Staff Association

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Marshelle Berry, Region Manager, sent this photo of several members of the JPL Staff Association Planning Committee--(L/R) Kimberly McTeer, Cory Scott, Leslie Patterson and Stephanie Harley--as they review a draft copy of the Membership Brochure. Stay tuned for more updates.

KR Celebrates September Birthdays

On September 11,  the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library threw a surprise birthday party for three employees who celebrated their birthday in September --  Library Associate Alison Pulley, Library Associate Don Carpenter (center) and Library Assistant Robert Moseley.  It was a great party!

 KR Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "A big thank you to Sara Peretzman (with help from Jessica Jones for organizing the celebration --  decorations, refreshments and gifts." 

Ms. Wilson Receives 10 Year Service Pin

Library Assistat Tyhedra Wilson (left), works in the Main Library's Circulation department.  Tyhedra received her 10 year service pin today from Cynthia Simmons, Library Clerical Services Supervisor.  Congratulations, Tyhedra!

Incredible India Meets SOM

Leslie Patterson (2nd from left), a clerk at South Mandarin Branch, planned a hit program, September 6, and 70 people were charmed by the Indian dancers from Renuka's Indian Dance Academy.  An India storyteller, Mr. Garge, was no less spellbinding as he read to the children and all enjoyed a craft, henna tattooing, and refreshments topped of the event (donated by House of Spices India Cuisine Art.)

 

A Challenge From KR

Library Assistant Robert Moseley created a sign connecting the name of each person working at Mandarin to show the power of team work.  Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin challenges the other branches and departments to show their awesome teamwork by connecting their names.

India Comes To KR and SOM

Mandarin Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee and her daughter, Dayita, stopped by the  Mandarin Branch Library on September 6 to show the staff their beautiful traditional Indian dress.  Shukti and Dayita were on their way to an Indian Festival program at the South Mandarin Branch.

Staff Profile - September 2014

Robert Moseley started with JPL in May 2000 working part-time in Technical Services (now SST), as he puts it, “slapping labels on books.”  After six months, he worked in Acquisitions, receiving and packaging new materials to go to branches. Robert moved to Distribution in 2002, making daily deliveries and driving the Bookmobile for 2 ½ years.  Then he passed the Library Assistant exam and worked in Main/Circulation until spring 2007, and subsequently laterally transferred to Main/Teen and was there until October 2011, when he was promoted to Clerical Supervisor at Mandarin Branch. Due to budget cuts, Robert demoted to a Library Assistant in October 2012, and was sent to Main/Popular. After 6 months in Popular, he transferred back to Mandarin where he is today—and where Robert had an idea that management thought would improve customer service system wide.  We thought you would like to know how that clever idea evolved into a reality.  

Q: What sparked an interest in you to change the way library cash register receipts are configured?

A: One day I looked at the receipt from the customer’s point of view, and I thought to myself, “Is there a way that we can change the way the receipts are printed so customers can see what they paid for?” So I did a little research, found the manual to the registers, and discovered that you could indeed change the registers and with Ron Block’s and my manager, Lynne Baldwin’s, approvals, I tested a cash register and found it’s not that hard to change one. With that assurance, I wrote an instruction sheet and sent it to Ron, and he distributed it. Now the registers say Fines, Non Resident Cards (Non Res Cards for short, due to small space on the receipts), Lost Materials, Damaged Materials, Library Bags, Lost Cards, Guest Pass, Printing, Donations, VCA, Jamex (rarely used), and Misc.

Q: How did you persuade KR Manager Lynne Baldwin, and then Circulation Manager Ron Block that reconfiguring JPL cash registers would be beneficial?

A: I explained that defining exactly what a customer paid for on the receipt would benefit customers and staff and I explained how it could easily be done, and Lynne could see the advantages of the change and approved my proposal right away.  She asked me to please ask Ron first. I emailed Ron for approval, and he responded within 5 minutes: YES!!  

Q: You also created a manual so other libraries could easily reconfigure their cash registers, if the change went system wide.  Tell us about that.

I am more of a visual learner, so I created a step-by-step instruction sheet with LOTS of pictures to easily guide staff in changing a cash register.

Q: When did the new configuration of cash registers take effect and what steps were made to get the changes system wide?

A: From approval to test my idea, to completion of the instruction sheet, it took about a week. I emailed the instructions to Ron, and he sent them to the branches right away, and the system wide changes were made within a month.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby or care to tell us who your favorite author is?

A: Spending every second I can at home with my daughter is No. 1. Once she’s in bed, I’m on my computer playing MMORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing games).  The game I’m playing right now is Star Wars: The Old Republic. My favorite author is Joseph Delaney, author of the Last Apprentice series.

SE Wecomes Back To School

Southeast Branch shares their Back to School decorations with us. Appropriate signage with appealing art addressed such things as bullying (see first sign on left) below alphabet; then "raise your hand" kept the mood light.  Overall the signs and  props are delightful and would make even the somber soul smile and want to look at everything displayed. 

 

Thanks to Deborah Wainwright for making going back to school an adventure.

Sad News

Mrs. Carole Smith, a JPL retiree, phoned today to say that Mr. Larry Snook passed away at St. Vincent's Hospital here in Jacksonville, September 1, 2014.  No funeral arrangements or other information is available at this time.

Mr. Snook was Assistant Director under Library Director Harry Brinton.

Our sincere sympathy to Mr. Snook's family and friends

Friends of Brentwood Library Have A Big Bash

The Friends of Brentwood Library put smiles on the faces of children, parents, public officials  and even public safety officers with the help of a few fabulous community partners.  FOBL presented a Back to School Bash at the Brentwood Library, August 15, 2014.  It was an afternoon of fun, food and information.  Parents and children queued up inside for the backpack give-away where they were treated to words of encouragement by Councilwoman Group 1 At-Large Kimberly Daniels, and a short presentation on The New Core Curriculum by a representative of DCPS’ Parent Academy.  Parents were encouraged to attend the educational sessions before the giveaway began. Then 124 backpacks were distributed to an appreciative group of parents and students.  Meanwhile, in the downstairs meeting room there was beading and foam jewelry making fun, and 35 youth participated in the crafts program conducted by our youth librarian Michelle Petrin.  The church across the street from the library allowed the Friends to use their parking lot for the outside activities. 

The fire department brought the big red truck and JSO brought the K-9 unit as well as the bike safety unit.  The officers directed traffic as customers crossed the street to pet the dog and climb into the fire truck.  Another local church provided hotdogs, chips, and drinks for 200 people.  There was jump rope fun and a hula hoop contest judged by Navy Federal Credit Union staff.  The Credit Union provided the prizes for that contest.  FOBL founder Sharon Coon stated “I’m very pleased that we’re able to serve so many people”.  She gave certificates of appreciation to all the volunteers.  Betty Williams, Library Associate and David Stevenson, part-time Clerk helped with the backpack giveaway, Michelle Petrin did the beading class and Gloria Armstrong took pictures.  Our little staff did our part  to help with the back to school bash and continued to Get to Yes with our other customers.  Betty Williams says, "Thank you all for your hard work, everyone.  We were tired but smiling at the end of the day."
In addition to providing monetary and volunteer support to the programs presented by the Brentwood Library staff, FOBL has identified three events they will plan and present this calendar year. The Back to School Bash was one of those events.  (Thanks to Betty Williams for this article.)

We'll Miss Marjorie Gibbons

Library Assistant Marjorie Gibbons was joined by family and friends on August 27 and honored with a farewell luncheon hosted by the Graham Branch staff. Barbara Gubbin presented Marjorie with a  resolution for her 30 years of library service and a library Gold Card. Jackie Spiritas said that Marjorie has been a valued member of the staff and customers enjoyed coming to her desk and talking with her. She has received many contacts from library friends, and most have worked with her in the past. Marjorie stated that she has worked for every library branch in the system (including the Bookmobile) with the exception of Argyle!  Many who know Marjorie would say she has never met a stranger…. Just this past week Marjorie spotted Mayor Alvin Brown in the grocery store. She called out his name and introduced herself, told him that she has always wanted a picture with him and she got one and it is being shared here with her library family. The Graham Branch staff wish her good luck in her future endeavors and hopes she enjoys visiting with her large family and many friends. Everyone wishes her the best.

JPL Celebrates 100 Years As Member of FDLP

Kathleen Krizek, who heads up Main's Special Collections Department, her team,  Kathy Lussier's CR&M team, and Mitesh Sangani's Conference Center team, and the U.S. Navy band's beautiful music--all made an inviting setting for the bevy of political stars and others attending the 100th anniversary celebration of JPL's participation in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) at Main, August 26, 2014.  One or two pictures would not do the event justice, so treat your eyes to one of the best executed programs ever at JPL.  Every employee who worked on this project can say you spotlighted the library at its best: 
                          https://www.flickr.com/photos/34206377@N08/sets/72157646882793681/
The Navy Band Southeast's Woodwin Quartet, Fair Winds, provided a pleasant backdrop of music while attendees enjoyed refreshments prior to the ceremony.  Ms. Krizek welcomed everyone and invited them to tour the closed stacks housing Government Documents later.  Director Barbara Gubbin acknowledged special guests, spoke about Jacksonville 100 years ago and read a letter from  the Dean of UF Libraries, Judith Russell.  She noted that JPL has the 3rd oldest FDLP collection in Florida. 

Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins spoke about the value of being a government documents depository and the importance of free access to knowledge, and read a letter from the Superintendent of Documents, Mary Alice Baish. She was pleased her husband could accompany her on this important occasion. 

Congresswoman Corrine Brown underscored Dr. Simmons-Hutchins' statement about the value of access to free information, encouraged everyone to vote this last day of early voting, and credited Dr. Simmons-Hutchins with getting her here and convincing her that she should  vote "yes" for establishing an independent library taxing district for Duval County, which was on the ballot.  She also said she hoped CM Bill Gulliford, who was present, and others would favor it.   

State Senator Tony Hill closed the program by reading the Mayoral Proclamation celebrating JPL's 100th anniversary as a member of the Federal Depository Library Program.

Ms. Krizek said about the tour she conducted after the program, "I took CM Bill Gulliford, Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Michelle Barth and Paul Martinez, Director of Intra-Governmental Services, on a tour of the closed stacks housing Government Documents. They appeared impressed by the types and depth of information in the collection. Two other depository coordinators, Barbara Costello (with Stetson University, which houses Florida's oldest FDLP collection) and Jan Swanbeck (with UF, which houses the second oldest FDLP collection) were special guests and were also taken on a tour of the rest of the Special Collections area.

 "I enjoyed the chance to show our department, its collections, and staff to individuals who are not regular users. We hope to broaden awareness of the depository and the materials we have available to assist reference staff help customers with research."

(The picture above includes L/R: Director Gubbin, Congresswoman Brown, Library Board Chair Dr. Simmons-Hutchins, State Sen. Hill, Senior Librarian Krizek, Ms. Swanbeck and Ms. Costello. .....Ms. Krizek and CM Gulliford on the tour of the closed stacks in Special Collections are seen in the far right picture on the top row on the link above.) 

SOM Celebrates India

Keli Likins, SOM's Manager, invites everyone to an adventure in Indian culture, "This is our display with Ganesha advertising our upcoming incredible India program on September 6 @ 2:00.  There will be an Indian dance performance, henna tattooing, storytelling and a craft.  Free Indian refreshments will be provided by House of Spices India Cuisine Art.

"Volunteer Gail Lafser (L) , created the Ganesha. Leslie Patterson (R) Library Clerk, helped to plan the program."

Volunteer Briana Moore Honored At Mandarin Branch

The Mandarin Branch Library honored Volunteer Briana Moore for her service and commitment to the Jacksonville Public Library on Thursday, August 21.   Briana is a big supporter of both of the Mandarin Libraries, working on Wednesday at South Mandarin and Thursday and Friday at Mandarin. Briana received an Innovator Award for helping the children’s staff at Mandarin reach its annual goals in collection management, programming and promoting educational resources. Briana received a gift card from Target and a Star Wars gift from the children’s staff.  SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan was on hand to show his support and the staff welcomed Briana’s parents (flanking Briana in picture) to the festivities.  Everyone enjoyed cake, donuts and fresh strawberries.  Big thanks to Alison, David , Frances, Diane and Sara for organizing the party. (Thanks to KR Manager Lynne Baldwin for the idea to honor Brianna and for the article.)

KR Makes Racking Up Birthdays Fun

August is the month to celebrate birthdays at the Mandarin Branch Library. Four employ-ees celebrated birthdays in August – and pictured L/R: they are David Foster, Patricia Klingler, Patricia Henderson Eric Cusaac. The staff at Mandarin threw a surprise birthday party on August 19 with carrot cake, balloons, birthday cards, and gifts.

With cake like this and treats like that, it almost makes you want to have another birthday soon, doesn't it?

 

Kudos From Customers

Highlands Branch:  Everyone that works at the Highland Branch is very pleasant, helpful & very knowledgeable (Ann Fridl, Maude Scott, Joel Thorbs, Beverly Mason, Julia Horton, Felecia Battle, Tyneshia Matthews, Anne Norris, and Scott Corey.)

Main Library- Conference Center: Letter from Mayor’s Office: …We wanted to recognize your amazing staff for their professionalism and team spirit. …When we requested the use of one of your rooms, Mitesh Sangani, Will Daniels and the staff quickly rose to the occasion and set up the room.  …When we determined our invitee list was not as big as we anticipated, they offered to help reconfigure our large conference room to accommodate our guests ... Your team proved to be gracious team players and very accommodating of our changing needs.  Thank you for all you do for the City of Jacksonville and specifically the Mayor’s Office.
 
Main – Reference: Kathleen Brunner was very helpful to me in trying to find a Saturday edition of The Florida-Times Union. She walked about the library to locate one of the four copies but all were in use. She then helped me find the the information I was seeking on line. She was efficient and courteous at all times.  

Southeast Branch: Mark Hohnadel went above and beyond more than any other person past or present to help me find  my book.

Support Services –E-Specialist: Thank you so much for having Open Lab at Southeast Branch. I happened upon it while here to check out books I had reserved.  Donna Peretzman was professional, KIND, patient, knowledgeable and made me feel totally at ease. I came in to learn about Zinio and left with lesson plan ideas/source sites and other information to help me obtain images for my father's memoir. …

Library Board Presents Awards & Hails Ed Lein's 28 Years

The Library Board made several awards at its August 14 meeting, and Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams proudly made the presentations.  KR Library Assistant Robert Moseley was named the Employee of the Quarter (3rd quarter) and he received a Challenge the Process Award.  He is responsible for JPL's reprogrammed cash registers so customer receipts now itemize what they are paying for.  (Read more about his accomplishment in the September 5 "Staff Profile"). 

Beverly Brown, PCR's Clerical Supervisor, won the Enable Others to Act Award for her recognition of the need for a training class for clerical staff and pursuing that need to a successful reality.  (You can read more about that in the August 5 "Staff Profile".)

Ann Fridl, DU's Manager, won an Encourage the Heart Award for giving "Caught in the Act" awards that recognize staff that demonstrate exceptional team work.  The awards also encourage cooperation and assistance among staff.

Chelsea Partridge, a Shelver at WST, volunteered to present a monthly science program at WST and is working on a notebook to assist other branches in this endeavor, and she is the winner of an Inspired a Shared Vision Award. (Not pictured.)

Winner of the Challenge the Process Award, Gail Blumberg is a Library Associate at JB.  She created and trained a team to implement her plan of a uniform JPLVolunteer program.  (Read more about this accomplisment in the July 5 "Staff Profile.) Gail could not be present at the awards.

Last--but most certainly not the least--to be honored was the indomitable Librarian Ed Lein for his 28 years of service to JPL's Main Library.  Ed was presented with a gold library card, a plant, and a letter of appreciation from Director Gubbin. (Read about his work and organizing concerts at Main, which remain among the best attended adult programs at JPL in the May "Staff Profile".)

Meet Gail Hunyar, New President of FJPL

We thought you'd like to meet the effervescent, community minded new President of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, who introudes herself in her bio for the JPL Staff News blog, as

 "Gail Mary Hould Jewett Hunyar          

"During the summer of 1959, my family chose Jacksonville as our new home.  My father had just retired from the U.S. Navy and he did not want to return to New Hampshire to shovel snow.  Jacksonville was and still is a navy town and we felt at home.  My brother and I started school at Hogan Spring Glen Elementary, followed by Southside Jr. High and Englewood High School.  I was part of the class of 1968 and after graduation I got a great job at the Federal Reserve Bank counting and sorting currency.  This was my introduction to the financial community which became my career for over 30 years.
"In our early days in Jacksonville, my mother was very lonesome.  She found the San Marco Branch Library and became a regular patron.  She could go to the library twice a month and she would check out 25 or so books each time.  She taught us that the library was a safe place with endless possibilities.
In 2008, when the opportunity arose, I took early retirement from banking.  I goofed off for a few months, walked daily on the beach and enjoyed being free of the corporate world.  I decided to volunteer at the Friends of the Jacksonville Library (FJPL) and started sorting books on Saturday mornings.  Slowly I became more involved until this past June when I was elected President of this same group.  My love of books, early retirement and wanting to give back have brought me to this place where I feel like I am making a difference while having a really good time and working with like-minded people.  My glass is always half full!

"These days, if I am not at the FJPL warehouse, you will find me in Evergreen Cemetery.  I am one of the guides for the 14th annual Tales of our City Cemetery Tour.  The Pilot Club of the Port of Jacksonville and Evergreen Cemetery will present our historical tour on October 11 & 12, 2014. The proceeds from this tour will go to the North Florida School of Special Education and other community service projects of our club.  This will be my third tour as a guide and I am having fun learning & sharing the history of Jacksonville.

"I have a wonderful husband to whom I have been married for over 25 years, two daughters and two grandsons.   Eddie and I travel the USA visiting national parks and "the must see places" across our great country.  Life is good for me and mine and I am thankful every day for the day my family decided that Jacksonville would be our "home town"." 

Gail Hunyar is like a friendly neighbor that you wish you had met a long time ago and we at JPL hope we have the pleasure of knowing her for a long time to come.

Bright, Sunshiney Day For GB Volunteers

GB's Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "Graham Branch provided lunch for their volunteers, August 15, in appreciation for all of their services to the library. Without their help on a weekly and sometimes daily basis, our customers would not get the items they need as quickly. From shelving materials to processing holds and reserves – they do it all, sometimes working on special projects that staff would not be able to do. The volunteers received a Panera Gift Card, a community service pin, T-shirt, and certificate. They munched on Bono’s Barbeque with lots of homemade sides, thanks to the generous contributions of employees. (Pictured L-R: Volunteer Coordinator: Sharon Whitt, Volunteers Brittany Stewart, Lanicha McMillan, and GB Manager Jackie Spiritas. Not pictured are Volunteers Ifeyinwa Ajaegbu, Lance Franklin, Patricia Mull and Leroy Harrison.)"

All of us at JPL thank these and all our Volunteers throughout the library system for their many hours of hard work.

JPL's SRP 2014 Wrapup

Amber Holley, Librarian III, Youth Services Specialist, wraps up SRP this way, "Summer Reading Programs are the library’s answer to the dreaded 'summer slide' when children on summer break tend to regress in reading skills and vocabulary.  There are so many other things to do, and any required reading can wait until the week before school starts. Right? WRONG!

" Summer Reading Programs share a great idea with the kids: Reading is fun and an amazing way to spend a rainy, hot, boring, sunny, summer afternoon.  And the library programs are fun, informative, free AND there are incentives for kids who record and participate in reading challenges.  Kids win. Summer slide? Not so much.

 

"This year 6,533 children and teens signed up for the summer reading program. They read a total of 69,082 books, reporting their reading to local branches and receiving encouragement and prizes for all of their hard work. Main and branches kept track of children’s reading using these great visuals, making tracking summer reading fun!

"The themes this year, FIZZ BOOM READ and SPARK A REACTION, focused on science and the many topics related to exploring, predicting and observing the world in a scientific way.  Library programs hosted at Main and branches around the city supported that theme, showing children that science is exciting and fun. Programs like Boom Science: Fire and Ice Show, Curious Moon Puppets: Fizz, Boom, Bugs, and Machines, Ronald MacDonald, and Zombie Makeup programs drew 38,749 people to our summer programs this year.

"All of this goes to show that you really were as busy as you thought! Congratulations and Thank You to all of the youth services staff for a successful Summer Reading Program. . . . Time to start planning for next year!"

Above left pic is from Main's Crafternoon where Batman masks were provided.  The crowd scene was taken as SOM's Ice and Fire program.

Baseball & Reading Score A Home Run!

Library customers and staffs watched the Jacksonville Suns play the Mississippi Braves at Bragan Field,  August 10, 2014, for our Library Night. The game was a lot of fun for baseball fans and library staffs, and the all you can eat hotdogs, popcorn, and lemonade were wonderful.

 The Mississippi Braves won with a one run lead; a fly ball flew up towards the lights and became uncatchable. Suns manager Andy Barkett said, “We’ve won a number of close games this year. Sometimes, your luck starts to run out on you, and it kind of ran out on us in this series.”

Two young participants in the Library’s Summer Reading program, however,  had a tremendous run of luck at the game. These readers won the random drawing for a bike donated by the Jacksonville Suns. The prize bikes were awarded at the game by Jacksonville Suns owner and President Peter Bragan, Jr. From June 1 to August 1, Christopher Martin, age 8, read and logged a total of 235 books. Nine-year-old Divyne Wright, read and logged a stunning total of 566 books.

Thank you to the Jacksonville Suns and Peter Bragan, Jr. for another wonderful baseball event!

 And thanks to Amber Holley, Librarian III, Main Library, Youth Services Specialist, and Janice Best, Main Library Associate, for the blurb. 

WBK Makes Going Back To School Fun

Getting ready for the school year, WBK had a total of 18 children attend the Back to School Bash. Two children were rewarded by our raffle with a bag full of school supplies and goodies. Hot dogs, chips and drinks were served for refreshments. Bingo was a big hit. They really enjoyed the activities, prizes and give-a-ways.  ( Thanks to Kimberly McTeer, WBK Library Associate for the article.) 

GB's "Unique Boutique"

Graham Branch Library hosted a Back to School supply and clothing giveaway event on Tuesday, August 12, with over 200 children and their parents in attendance. There were lots of hugs and thanks from the parents and kids with happy smiles as they left with their goodies. The event was organized and efficiently run with Library Clerk Delores Walker at the helm. The families were invited one at a time into the room which was transformed into a “Unique Boutique” with tables of new and gently used clothing and accessories. Each child was allowed to pick out two items of their choice with the help of their parent. The families were led to the supply bag table to pick up their essentials for heading back to school and then were treated to refreshments on the way out. There were several

prize drawings including the grand prize of a Wii console and games, donated by Cipeo Walker. Delores organized the donations and the gathering of supplies and clothing, setting up, and helping the families flow through quickly.  The outpouring of donations of clothes and school supplies from library departments and branches including SST and UPK and many individual staffs was generous. Graham’s staff all played a part in the success--organizing donations, signing people in, helping children pick out clothes, and raffling off prizes. There were many other people outside of the Graham employees that helped with the event, including Highlands Library Assistant Felicia Battle, who helped families in the Unique Boutique. Part-time Library Clerk Margaret Miles was borrowed from Brentwood to help at the customer service desk. Tierra Chandler, a representative of Tobacco-Free Jacksonville and the Florida Department of Health, offered illustrations and information about the health risk of smoking flavored tobacco products. Carl Patterson, Operational Manager with Crystal Spring Waters, delivered donated cases of water. Target Stores donated tote bags with handles to accommodate the supply giveaway. Edward L. Thomas, Jr., Academic Tutor with FCCJ helped efficiently organize the set-up of the supply bags. Greta Gordon baked cupcakes, made honey-drippers, cookies, and popped corned for the event.

 
  Dee would like to give a special thanks to Gretchen Mitchell and Friends of JPL Vice President for Programs Margaret Smith, who have been generous supporters of the Back to School event for years. There were many unnamed donors and helping hands that unselfishly gave their time and resources. Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event ran smoothly thanks to Delores Wallker’s organization of the event combined with her years of experience running it.

 

Helping A Good Cause On Saturday

 Here's is a photo of Kristi Dorney and Donna Crowther  manning one of the ShadCo tables and handing out ShadCo information at the Safety Fair at the Avenues Mall last Saturday, August 9.  They were there about 2 1/2 hours.  They both also help man San Marco Branch.

Whatever It Takes

To help inspire teens to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, Ron Jones and Terry Welch of the Beaches Branch agreed to dress as Frankenstein and The Bride,  IF 100 teens signed up--117 teens signed up!  Here they are with Branch Manager, Tamera Branam “Sparking a Reaction”. Above is a picture of the  scoreboard created by Julie Rekow (or as the Bride calls it, ‘our family tree’).