JPL Award Winners Honored at BOLT Meeting, 8/13/15

At the August 13, 2015 Library Board meeting, Board Chair Erin Skinner and Director Barbara Gubbin proudly presented awards to the winners of the 3rd Quarter of FY14/15 (April-June):

Julie Rekow, Library Associate at Beaches Branch won the Inspired a Shared Vision as well as the Employee of the Quarter awards. Julie is well known for using Markerspace technology and her knowledge on how to use and troubleshoot JB's new Markerbot Replicator 3-D printer. She has researched how other libraries use this technology and read articles so she could show customers a glimpse of future technology.  Julie is also a walking, talking PR person for the Beaches Branch and much more can be learned about Julie in the August 5, 2015 JPL Staff News Staff Profile.

Eric Cusaac, Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, won the Challenge the Process award for volunteering to take over the multitude of materials continually donated for the Friends book sales.  He planned, organized, and made KR's workroom safe by eliminating clutter and freeing up space because KR no longer has 200+ boxes of book sale items waiting for pickup all the time.

John Carter, E-Library Specialist, SST, proposed, designed, and carried out the solicitation of staff stories for publication for JPL's 2015 SDD -- and won the Model the Way award.
 

Denise Thomas, Literacy Program Specialist at Main's Center for Adult Learning, took on the role of volunteer coordinator for CAL, tracking and compiling monthly volunteer reports for the center and she received the Enable Others to Act award.

Tyhedra Wilson, Library Assistant at Graham Branch, won a Model the Way award for the time and effort she spent creating a bulletin board display for GB's 50th Anniversary. GB does not own a die cutter for lettering, so Tyhedra enlisted staff from other branches to help cut out letters for a professional looking bulletin board, and she improvised using others' supplies and staff to get everything completed in time for GB's celebration.

Theresa Rooney, Manager of the University Park Branch Library, offered her support months prior to GB's 50th Anniversary and provided raffle tickets and came to GB to lend support the day of the event. Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil received the Encourage the Heart award in Ms. Rooney's absence.   

Thanks to Kathy Lussier for all the pictures.

Food For Needy Reigned In The Rain

UPK Manager Theresa Rooney reports, "The University Park Branch Library hosted a Feeding Northeast Florida mobile food pantry distribution event on August 12 from 4:30-6:30. This event was staffed entirely by volunteers, including ten teens from the branch and a pastor with twenty members of the Living Waters Christian Church, who use our community meeting room. Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, and Darren Mason, Council Aide for District 1, Councilmember Joyce Morgan, also volunteered. Council Aides Chiquita Moore and Jeneen Sanders dropped by to show support.  Despite the rain, the event was successful, with 12,844 pounds of fresh, nutritious food distributed to over 300 people, many of whom waited in line for hours." 

Ms. Giltrop commented, "Despite the heavy rain and when people had to come inside when lightening began, every person was patient, expressed their gratitude, and were obviously delighted to receive much needed groceries. It was a good community outreach and rewarding for all concerned."

A library card sign-up table and craft activities to entertain the children were also provided.

SLP Ends At UPK As A Super Success

UPK Manager Theresa Rooney is proud of her staffs' accomplishments, "Summer Learning may have ended, but it’s been a busy August so far at the University Park Branch. The Superheroes Cityscape backdrop on the wall was created by my daughter, Emily Matchett, and the Superhero capes were handmade by Library Clerk and master seamstress Rosalin Smalls.

SE: New CM Becton Visits & SLP Wraps Up

Councilman Danny Becton's August 5 visit to Southeast Branch was much appreciated.  He introduced two of their Superhero Stories for Young Children and Preschool Art and addressed a total of 102 people.about libraries and the importance of reading.  

Also,, SE's End of Summer Party on August 4 featured Minions. In addition to taking pictures with their life sized minion, patrons made their own minion goggles, ate banana pudding, searched for bananas in a scavenger hunt, and played Pin the Goggle on the Minion.

EB Has 400+ Readers For SLP

EB used an eyecatching poster for their SLP to entice kids to read.  The poster was titled "Read all summer to help complete Hero O'Malley's Puzzle" with the invitation, "Get a piece of the puzzle to fill in for each book you read."  The *puzzle had every piece completed and Sharon Whitt has reason to brag on EB's SLP readers. "Brown Eastside Library is proud to announce that Eastside kids read very well this summer. They read over 400 books to complete the *puzzle. Way to go Eastside Kids!"

Who's the strange character on the puzzle poster? Sharon says, "It’s  the *Platypus figure of the Summer Learning characters.  His name is O’Malley, so I just called him Hero O’Malley to add character to the character." GREAT IDEA, SHARON.  

At NS “Dreams Begin with Dreamers”

The youth of Brentwood Branch Library showcased what they learned during an intense four week camp in their production of “Dreams Begin with Dreamers”, July 31. The students were offered lessons in reading, math, science, interpersonal skills, drama, dance and self-esteem.

  

The Friends of Brentwood Library, along with funding from a grant from Navy Federal Credit Union,, sponsored the FOBL Theater Camp and Playhouse.  The children, ages 4 to 13, also had a muti-cultural field day. First they visited the courtroom of Judge Pauline Drake where she acknowledged and encouraged them in open court.  They also visited the Jacksonville Centre of the Arts, Old Stanton High School, the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Historic Park and finished the day with lunch at CiCi’s Pizza.  They were featured in the Jacksonville Free Press and a front page picture and blurb in The Florida Times Union’s Metro section.  The youth were also encouraged because they were able to earn points during the camp and were surprised at the end of the production when those points were turned into a monetary award.

Artistic Director and FOBL founder, Sharon Coon, developed the curriculum.  With the help of student stage manager Camille Boyd, student production manager Charlai Cooper (also the Mayor’s Summer Student employee who volunteered to stay an extra week), library liaison Betty Williams and the Brentwood staff that took on extra desk shifts, shelving and popped popcorn etc., the “dream” of having a summer playhouse for the young people of Brentwood became a reality.

Milestones At The Main Library

Will Daniels, Main's Conference Center Specialist, has celebrated many milestones with library customers and friends over his ten year tenure at the Main Library--and some of his own most memorable moments have also been experienced here at Main. Until July 5, 2014, Will was a single Dad, who can be especially proud of his son's accomplishments and shares some milestones here in photos of his son, Omari's growth from a boy to manhood.

Omari with Dad when he graduated as president of his elementary school class.

Omari, age 10, working at the Friends BOOKtique at Main. .

Omari with his date at the Main Library before their Senior Prom.

And above, Omar shares a very happy day, his Father's wedding day, July 5, 2014, at the Main Library. Will married a lovely physician named Terry.  

Many Super Hero Shirts On 1 David Foster = 1 Super Strategy

KR's super P.R. strategist, David Foster, quickly won customer support when he wore a different super hero T-shirt each day for SLP. Customers began donating hero T-shirts for David to wear. He said, "I’m wearing Spider-Man today, but tomorrow I can wear one of the Captain America shirts; plus I can hold his shield, which was a hit at the kick-off celebration.

"At our summer kick-off, Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones were both Batgirl; Carisia Rooney was SuperC, and Debra Wainwright helped kids create their own Captain America shields.

"Throughout the summer, so many families chose photo-ops with cardboard superheroes that Ms. Baldwin provided – Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Batman, Iron Man, Vision, Thor, and Captain America!

"Our super summer is a team effort involving everyone at KR.  'Avengers, Assemble!'"

Staff Profile - August 2015

JB’s Library Associate Julie Rekow is a collage of talent and expertise. She brings the community to JB by partnering with businesses and organizations for different programs, such as ComicCon, the Flamingo Book Club or the Doctor Who party.  Whether Julie is demonstrating JB’s new *Makerbot Replicator 3-D printer, helping a customer with an I-Pad, or sharing a synopsis of a classic novel with a teen, she is always promoting and personifying the value of a library visit. 

Julie graduated with an MLS degree from Dominican University and then worked as a youth services librarian in Minnesota.  She began as a part-time Library Associate at JB in January 2011 and promoted to full-time in August 2014.  JB Manager Tamera Branam and fellow staff value her contributions to JB and the beaches area.  When JB’s Gail Blumberg nominated Julie for a “Challenge the Process Award”, which ultimately won her the Employee of the Quarter Award, Gail commented, “Julie creates an environment that invites the community to utilize the library for programs, displays, and reading enjoyment…” 

Q: You use Makerspace technology and samples you have displayed, and you demonstrate the *Makerbot Replicator 3-D printer to JB’s customers.   How and why did you prepare for this?

A: Our Friends of the Beaches Branch Library made a very generous donation of a *Makerbot Replicator 3D printer last summer. It has been an amazing (and sometimes challenging) experience to learn how to use this emerging technology. The idea behind the donation was to give our customers an opportunity to see how a 3D printer works and share small 3D prints with them. JPL E-Specialist Randy Mapanoo and I have presented three workshops at JB. The 3D printer has been a hands on learning experience and I have been very lucky to have Randy to consult with. The 3D printer is one of the ways that JB has responded to patrons’ evolving needs and interests.

Q: You inspire staff and customers to share your vision of the future of the Beaches Branch; how do you accomplish that?

      A: When I arrived in Jacksonville for the first time in 2010 after living in landlocked Minnesota all of my life, I got off the plane with my daughter and we drove straight to the beach. The Beaches Library was my first stop and I knew it was where I belonged.

     For the public library to continue into the future, we need to work together to make our libraries thriving community centers that are responsive to the changing needs of our patrons and be a place that they care about. I make that happen by offering programs that reflect our patrons’ interests, collaborating with community partners, and creating eye-catching displays that demonstrate the depth and breadth of our fantastic collection.

      Q: What are some of the activities and partnerships with businesses and organizations you have participated in and how have those partnerships benefited JB?

A: Our partnership with the Superhero Beach Comic Book Store has resulted in three super fun comic cons. Local restaurants and Rona’s Bookmark have been extremely generous in donating prizes to the comic cons. Participation in SAC meetings at Fletcher Middle and High Schools brought the Fletcher HS band to play in our parking lot twice and Fletcher Middle art students painted jellyfish murals on our boarded windows. Circulation Assistant Terry Welch entered a group of us in the Beaches Sandcastle contest and we have participated twice in the Opening of the Beaches parade. Our biggest asset is the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. They are the best. Our Friends group, our exceptional children’s department, led by Nicole Saville, and wonderful ref and circ staffs have helped raise awareness about the library.  They have all shown that we are a vital part of the community.

Q:  Tell us about some of the fun programs at JB that you are involved in and how you promote them successfully.

A: Before I became a librarian I was a decorative artist specializing in hand painted crafts, furniture, and murals. Combining these skills with library programming has been a dream come true. With Pinterest as my guide, I have made lots of props for Diary of a Wimpy Kid releases in November, a Harry Potter Yule Ball over Christmas break (each staff member wore Harry Potter glasses), superhero everything for comic con, and quirky fun stuff for Doctor Who in late summer. The challenge is to create things that are inexpensive, eye catching, and create buzz.

Signing up teens for SLP is my favorite activity. The average teen is notoriously elusive and difficult to engage. With clipboard in hand, I have made it my mission to speak to everyone I see. They are not always receptive but, once the dialogue is established and I explain that they can participate at the level they are comfortable, I make a connection and get to hear what they like to read and what they are into. I wish I could sign them up all year long.

We hold an adult Flamingo Book club the last Tuesday of every month, reading books that are by Florida authors or that are set in Florida, and we serve food that reflects the read. For the teen anime club, I have been using the kids’ art to make the club flyers. The Friends post our library events on their Facebook page. Kathleen Bailey, editor of the Beaches Leader, has been a strong ally. JB staff are a great group of people and help me promote ideas. All of the various initiatives at the Beaches would not have been possible without my Branch Manager Tamera Branam, giving me the green light; FOBBL President Richard Crook keeps up with me and makes all of the events better. Circulation Assistant Terry Welch has fabulous ideas and gives her support, and Library Associate Gail Blumberg has been behind me every step of the way making sure I don’t forget anything.

Q: What is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?

A: Last summer I realized two dreams in less than a month. I finally made a trip to England, which has been a lifelong dream, and traveled with my daughter and her husband. When I got home, Rhonda Sarli called and offered me a full time job as JB's Teen Library Associate. Anyone who has ever worked with me will appreciate how big this was to me. Thank you, JPL!

Julie Rekow is flanked by her daughter Catie, who is an art teacher at the American School of Doha, and her son-in-law, Ben, is a geophysicist for Fugro. Catie and Ben live in Qatar in the Middle East. They visited Julie this July when this pic was taken.
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Julie's Note: The 3D printer is connected to a computer and we send jobs to it from thingiverse.com. Thingiverse is a website where people upload 3D print designs they have designed with a CAD program and they are free to share. Or we can also print designs that our patrons have created. The 3D printer uses PLA filament that comes on a spool like thick colored plastic thread. Like putting a bobbin on a sewing machine, the filament is mounted on the printer and then threads through a tube and is passed through an extruder nozzle that heats up to 215 degrees to melt the plastic. When it passes through the nozzle it follows the outline of the programmed design in thin layers of plastic that harden on contact with the air. This process takes a long time. Printing time can range anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 hours depending on the complexity and size of the design.

Maxville Branch Celebrates Ten Years

Director Barbara Gubbin welcomed 125 guests to Maxville Branch Library’s 10^th Anniversary celebration, July 18, 2015.  An official proclamation by the Jacksonville City Council was read recognizing Maxville’s anniversary. 

Festivities included face painting by Elizabeth McConney, a puppet show by Eve Harm, adult crafts by Elise Fare, a visit from the Jacksonville Fire Department, and balloon animals from Balloons R 4 Twisting.  All children in attendance received a new book, and refreshments were served.

Guests had the opportunity to meet City Councilman Doyle Carter, Friends of the Maxville Branch Library President Kim North, and Board of Library Trustees Vice Chair, Guy Anderson.  (Thanks to Mia Brack, West Region Youth Services Librarian III, for the blurb and pictures.)

DU's Cook-A-Book Program

Library Associate Beverly Mason, Highlands Branch, shares pictures of DU's first SLP program, Cook-A-Book, June 17; they had 30 attendees and discussed Japan, Sumo wrestlers, and made candy sushi.

A Few Critters, 1 Senator & Lots of Enthusiasm

Mandarin Branch Library was excited to host Florida State Senator Aaron Bean who visited during the children’s Jacksonville Zoo program, July 15, 2015.   Senator Bean was exuberant to be a part of the event and obviously enjoyed playing a game with the children prior to the zoo program. All participants received Twinkies from the senator.  

Senator Bean appeared at the Main Library's Zoo program prior to his appearance at Mandarin and his enthusiasm permeated kids and caregivers alike as the photos in these links to social media indicate:

FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/sets/72157655967282515

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jaxpubliclibrary/posts/10152935715416366

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary/status/621716478446956544

Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/5NHYzUrzjL/?taken-by=jaxlibrary

NW Finished Teen Hero Academy

NW's Library Associate Gloria Buenavista reports, "These pictures were taken the last day of our Teen Hero Academy series, July 23; The program began June 18 and ran six weeks. We discussed one superhero quality each time: Courage, Creativity, Strength, Intelligence, Generosity and Self-confidence.

"The teens painted shirts and, as you see, modeled them, too.  They had fun taking pictures using the masks and skyline during the program and while modeling their shirts."

 

JB's Flamingo Book Club Hosts Author

The Flamingo Book Club is held at JB and focuses on books set in Florida or written by Florida authors.  Terry Welch said, "For July we discussed Killer Instinct, written by SE Green (Shannon Greenland; she is 4th from left in the first row of those standing).  She attended the meeting and was a delight--and gained many new fans. Her new book is Killer Within. "  Thanks to Terry for the blurb and pic.  Terry is standing next to the author and JB Branch Manager Tamera Branam is on the back row, far right. Others are FBC members.

Sit! Stand! Heel!

KR's Children's Library Associate Alison Pulley said, "Seventeen kids attended the Summer Learning Mini Series program, July 24^th, “How to Train Your Dog to be a Hero”, at the Mandarin Branch Library. Paul Schaffner of Southeast Library organized the program and found a local dog trainer, Karen Soukiasian, who participated in the regional series. Karen brought a four-legged friend named Molly to help demonstrate basic commands. Kids and parents alike enjoyed the program, and Molly made many friends during her visit. All attendees are now prepared to be good pack leaders!"

DU Teens Love Their Art

Highlands teen program, July 21, 2015 was a blatantly colorful and fun event.

DU's Hongying Song, YS Librarian II, said, "There were about 15 participants in the hour long art program.  Felecia and Chanika judged the creations when the artists finished and first prize went to the work of the Superman theme (lower right).  The teens and tweens were creative and produced their own original designs. No one used the templates I had printed out online.  We were intrigued by the teens' creativity and delighted that they had big smiles of satisfaction with their works."

San Marco Branch Programs

San Marco Branch Manager Ann Fridl said, "July 25^th was a busy day at SS.  Landon Middle School teacher,  Monica Knighton (photo below) gave tips to parents on how to read to their children and then read her book, Next Time I Will Obey.  Saturday was also the last day for the Cook a Book program.  The theme was the hero in you and children made their own hero using Rice Krispies for a head and fruit roll ups for a cape."  

Big Hits Come In Small Packages

SOM's Library Associate Christie Rogers says, "Our Safari Soundlab program at the South Mandarin Library, July 23, was a big hit although we entertained a small group of ten.  Parents said that he played well to the children and he knew his audience." (Pictures did not turn out well.)

It's A Zoo Out There!

Sharon Whitt reports on their recent SLP, "The kids really enjoyed their visit with Emily from Zoofari Outreach.   Kids liked the hedgehog, alligator (yep, they petted it), and other creatures. Comic Heroes at EB was also a hit as children were able to enjoy a clay craft and they made comic characters after the program."

Summer Workers' Last Day

EB held a goodbye party for summer worker, Davetra Williams, July 23.  Library Associate Sharon Whitt said, "She has been such a pleasure to work with and eager to learn the operation of day to day activities in the  library.  I asked her what she liked best about her experience working at the Brown Eastside Library.  Her comment, 'Y'all!'  By that she meant Eastside staff has been very welcoming and helpful to her and a great staff to work with."  (Pictured L/R: Davetra Williams, Karen Lewis, Michelle Dubois, and Valerie Govan.)

Main Admin's summer helper, Martin Jones, turns 18, August 15, and he starts college just before that.  Admin and he have a mutual admiration society and we will hear updates from college. Martin was treated to lunch at Cafe Nola on his last day.  

If anyone else has a blurb about your summer student workers, send it in; it will be posted. 

Conversations From Mayport

Lyn Corley’s talk, Conversations from Mayport, July 21, 2015, in the Lounge at the Main Library held the audience's rapt attention. Mrs. Corley is steeped in NE Florida history, and prior to her talk she taped interviews with 15 people who have their heels dug in Mayport sand. Her presentation was an excerpt of a year of securing interviews with people such as Buffy and Janice Strickland  (remember their seafood restaurant?)  She captured on tape the modern Mayport history from its citizens--something that never had been done.  A copy of her Conversations from Mayport is now in Main's Special Collections and the original recording is filed with the Jacksonville Historical Society.   

Mayport brags a big chunk of American history and Mrs. Corley dealt a full hand of details that most history books have not had privy to—a close-up of Mayport’s present day people, laced with old adventurers, such as Jean Ribault. It was an intriguing session. 

The first picture on the left is the Mayport Grammar School. Below that is pictured Donald and Gloria Wilson in front of the Jean Ribault Elementary School.  Mr. Wilson's grandfather was once principal of the school. The school is now used as the Marine Science Center. Last is the Mayport Presbyterian Church. The church underwent a modest addition but retained the main structure intact.  Both the school and the church are over a hundred years old. (Thanks to Mrs. Corley for sharing the pics.)

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Conversations from Mayport is just one of several JPL Summer Adult Programs that Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, has lined up that educate and entertain adults. These programs continue through August 18, culminating with "A Life Intercepted" and "Water from My Heart" presented by The New York Times best-selling author, Charles Martin.  GREAT LINEUP, LISA, AND CR&M!

Notice Of Three Former JPL Staff Who Have Passed Away

JPL Retiree Elsie Oishi (she and a couple of other retirees keep us apprised about retirees) sent an update on former JPL employees who have passed away recently, "I am not sure whether you know about these or not, but thought I would send to you in case not.. Besides Lynette Tanner, Larry Snook's former secretary in the 1970s who passed in March, there are two others that I know of.  They are Virginia Wansley who passed away in February and Sybil Stanton who passed away on July 8, 2015. I saw the Retired Employees Association newlsetter that mentioned Wansley's passing and Flo Clark alerted me to Sybil Stanton's death. Wansley went really far back so probably few people will remember her, but people should remember Sybil Stanton. There was no obit for Sybil, just an announcement."  The Admin office has received no other news about these retirees' passing but, of course, we take a moment to honor them and pray for their families. 

I Knew I Could Do It!

Jackie Spiritas, GB Manager, brags on two young SLP fans' accomplishment, "A young 'architect' and her 'engineer' friend posed for a picture by their creation in the Children’s Department at the Dallas Graham Branch Library."

Kudos From Customers - July 2015

Beaches Branch: I have been to many libraries in my 80 years, and have never met a more friendly staff than at this one. Whether it is placing a book on hold or renewing or checking out I have had a great experience.

Pablo Creek Branch: I was helped professionally, courteously and expeditiously by Greg Pierce and Elizabeth Garnett at the Reference Desk. I had checked in quite a few books at the automated center, but was not credited for a book that was due the 25th. I also was credited for a book that I had not checked out (nor returned). It was a glitch in the automated check-in, but Greg and Elizabeth persisted in searching for the missing book and did find it. I was very appreciative and very relieved.

South Mandarin Branch: Angela Richman was very knowledgeable regarding online services. She was helpful, accommodating and gracious in my native language (Spanish)! 

West Regional: Jason Enoex at WST was very helpful with my needs and went beyond the scope of his job duties.

Cows ARE Appreciated At DU & Staff Are Heros

DU's YS Library Assistant Felecia Battle held Stories for Young Children’s program, July 15 , for a crowd of 45 children and caregivers. Kids enjoyed stories, songs, and a flannel board activity for Cow Appreciation Day, and each child received a cow mask.

Thanks to Captain Felecia Battle, DU's All-Star Squadron (Kristi Dorney, Felecia Battle, Chanika Kimbrough, Farryn James, Tyneshia Matthews, Beverly Mason and Victoria Galman) has been in training during the Summer Learning Program. Felecia says, "We have completed our training mission and now we are all Heroes with a story to tell."

Padma Subramanian Celebrates 15 Years With JPL

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop presented Padma Subramanian, JB Library Assistant, with her 15 year City service pin and a letter of congratulations from Mayor Brown, July 17, 2015.  Region Manager Bob Silkett was on hand for the recognition.

CONGRATS AND THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US AT JPL, PADMA.

Raymond Neal and Michelle Petrin Receive Service Pins

Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, who presented MH Manager Raymond Neal with a 15 year anniversary pin and CW's YS Librarian III Michelle Petrin received her 10 year pin; both are holding their congrats letter from the mayor. The presentation was done at the CW Region leadership team meeting, July 15, 2015, at Panera Bread on Roosevelt Boulevard.

THANK YOU, RAYMOND AND MICHELLE, FOR ALL THOSE YEARS AT JPL.

Robert Moseley Receives 15 Year Pin

Library Assistant Robert Moseley was presented with his 15 year City service pin and a congratulatory letter from *Mayor Brown, July 14, 2015, in a gathering of staff before the library opened.  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop made the presentation and Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil was on hand to congratulate Robert.

Robert has won four Innovator Awards (IA) since the awards were first made in 2012!  He is well known and appreciated for his savvy money handling methods.  Robert's first IA in 2013 was for creating a tip sheet for balancing the audit with the cash report, simplifying the cash handling process (CHP).

In 2014 he won two IA's, first for creating instructions on how to format the audit report, so others could make the report when he was out. The second IA was for reprogramming Mandarin Branch's cash register so the receipts for customers listed the items they paid for--fines, fees, lost books, Pharos printing, guest passes, and JPL bags. Robert also created a manual to instruct other branch staffs in reprogramming their cash registers and now all branches use this method.  Talk about good customer service! In 2015 (at least through June), he has won an IA for creating an online shortcut to make it much easier for staff to locate all the different folders and forms needed to complete the CHP--a real frustration and time saver.  

The second Innovator Award in 2014 won Robert the "Challenge the Process" award and the Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter.
CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE, ROBERT, AND MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP JPL"GET TO YES!"
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*Note: Mr. Moseley completed 15 years of service before Mayor Curry took office, July 1, 2015.

Science And The Art Of Blowing Bubbles

Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Science Superheroes at GB, July 8, had fun learning what happens when you mix different types of soap and water and air together – Bubbles! 

Children learned they can make bubbles of different “strengths”  - some you can even hold in your hand! The chemistry behind the process was so fascinating that some of the kids even figured out how to use their fingers to blow bubbles. Surface tension is exciting and messy stuff!

SST's Yuri Jewitt Wins Owly Award

Assistant Director for Support Services Gretchen Mitchell shares some good news, "Congratulations to Yuri Jewitt as our latest recipient of the SST Owly award.  Yuri was given the award by Justin Keiser. Yuri recently did special keyboarding outreach classes at Chaffee Trail Elementary near WST. She went out of her comfort zone teaching school-aged kids for the first time and realizing only when she got there that the school only uses Mac computers with the keyboard layout slightly different from what she was accustomed. But she handled it really well and had a good learning interaction with the students.

EB Beats Boredom W/Variety For SLP

      Sharon Whitt, Library Associate Lead at Brown Eastside Branch, reports SLP is a hit with the kids. Spider Man spins webs throughout the library so children can get their "spider sense" by being an Eastside Reader.  

The kids asked Sefari Soundlab (1st left) to do the Ne Ne dance after the program, so he did and all the kids joined him in the dance after his last reggae song. 

Mrs. Kate (2nd left) brought her stories to life through songs and puppets, as the children watched and played along in amazement.  

Huggable Melodies (3rd left) encouraged kids to be a Hero when faced with bullying, using stories and music sing-a-longs, and a coloring activity followed the program.

Kate Zakharov from Main Children's fascinated the children with her Cook-A-Book program. Their favorite part of the program?  Interacting with food as it relates to the stories; who wouldda thought!

Richard Mott Promotes JPL's Project Outcome At ALA

Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, gives us a snippit of one of his contributions on behalf of JPL at ALA, "On Saturday, June 27, I participated in a panel that gave an update on the progress of the PLA task force I am a member of, now called 'Project Outcome.' I shared JPL's experience piloting a survey we conducted last September of attendees of CareerSource programs, computer and technology programs, and early literacy storytimes (for the storytimes we surveyed the parents). Over 95% of attendees of all of these JPL programs indicated that they were more confident about the subject matter, more knowledgeable, and planned to use what they had learned. This kind of data helps us move a step beyond simply head counts to begin to demonstrate with quantitative data the impact of these programs on people who attend. Finding ways to demonstrate that impact is what this task force is all about."

More Library History

Julie McNeil, Assistant Director for Public Services, had the joy and honor of seeing her daughter,Kyra McNeil, graduate from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in June. Kyra will be attending UCF in the fall.  Julie says, "She's a true library baby--she was almost born at the Mandarin Library during my 'Chickens and Eggs' story time back in 1997!" 

Tour Of Jessie Ball du Pont Center (Formerly Haydon Burns Library/old Main Library)

About 40 JPL employees and retirees were ushered into the 2nd floor conference center (formerly the old Main Library's puppet theatre) for a talk given by the President of the Jessie Ball du Pont

Foundation, Sherry Magill (our gracious host who invited us for a tour is pictured here).  She detailed how the Haydon Burns Library was transformed into the Jessie Ball du Pont Center.  Mrs. Magill first noticed the vacant library building when she stopped at a red light at the corner of Ocean and Adams streets a few years back, asked the owner for a tour, which was granted, and fell in love with the building.  The rest is history and the new Jessie Ball du Pont Center opened for a media tour, April 16, 2015.

Mrs. Magill shared her memories of how much Taylor Hardwick (Hardwick and Lee were the original architects) cherished the architecture. (Mr. Hardwick fought to keep the building when it was being considered for demolition.)  Mrs. Magill is big on "green" and stated  that element has been considered in every aspect of the building's renovation and build out which is almost complete. "Green" figures into much of the $23 million spent in the refurbishing; amazing when you consider they paid $2 million for the old Main Library. A good bit was spent for Internet and wi-fi wiring.

The building is leased to non-profits and the vision is for the building to be a nonprofit center for northeast Florida.  Little available rental space is left.  United Way of Northeast Florida will move in soon.  Mrs. Magill believes leadership organizations and businesses should be downtown. Board rooms, conference center, 3 kitchens, eight refrigerators and several dishwashers are all shared. Board rooms, learning centers, and even the putting green/garden on the third floor can be rented for private affairs and they have a catering kitchen for such.  Mrs. Magill believes the new Main Library and their Center can partner well where rental space is concerned.

Recycled rain water feeds vegetation around/in the building and solar panels heat water for showers. All LED lighting is used in common areas and offices.  The old boilers and chillers are replaced with the most modern HVAC.  The company that originally sold the old machinery to the city asked Mrs. Magill for the equipment and it is now in their museum.  (Some will remember when you could get a smell of fuel oil through the vents when the heat was on in the winter.)  The elevators are new but use the same shaft installed in 1965.

The third floor where the Director's, Deputy Director's, Administration, board room, staff lounge/kitchen, Tech Services and Cataloging, mail room, call center and the huge office supply room are now the admin offices of the Jessie Ball du Pont Foundation.  Just before their offices is a large glass walled, handsome board room that looks out to the garden/putting green (called the courtyard at old Main). The wide porch that spanned the Director's office down most of the Forsyth Street side still stands and lines the Foundation's executive offices.

The second floor has learning (training) centers, open kitchen, and expansive seating area  (lined down the area called "the bridge" at old Main), the conference center, an open wi-fi center and kitchen, as well as offices. In the old Main Library, the children's department was on the right of the elevator and FAR (Fine Arts and Media) to the left.  (The "bridge"--a large open space--beyond where Children's and FAR were--once hosted a reception held by the JPL Foundation for the then new director, Ken Sivulich. Someone played the seldom used piano and everyone enjoyed the spacious area overlooking the first floor.)

The ground floor boasts a huge reception/seating area, reception desk, and offices.  The two big ceramic tile library front "murals" that faced the elevators on the third floor now adorn the wall leading to offices to the left of the Center.  In "olden days", the circulation desk stood on the right as you entered the turnstile on Ocean Street, the Genealogy and Florida Collection was on the left, and the history collection faced you.  The JPL Foundation once hosted cocktail parties for Night of Literary Feasts attendees there (with proper permission from the city, of course) before groups separated to be wined and dined at different prominent hosts' homes where various famous authors were the main draw.

The basement contains the building's powerhouse, another open kitchen with condiments in open display--paid for by swiping your debit or credit card--the building engineer's office, mail room, and soon to be United Way's 211 center, and a planned A/V production center.  Mrs. Magill explained that if, say, the FTU wants to interview someone, they could skype the interview at this center.  This will be another shared space that any of their nonprofits can use.  Previously, Main Library's Periodicals and Government collections were housed, as well as other books to be sorted.

Well, that's not a complete picture or comparison of old versus new but a good overview.  For more details, please follow this link:  Jessie Ball du Pont Center

Other pictures taken during the tour are on the gadget (right) side of this blog. Many thanks for the pictures shared to Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Resource Development Coordinator Pam McClellan and two thoughtful retirees: Belinda Campbell and Peggy Glasnap.  As everyone did who toured, they oohed and ahhed at the Center's transformation into the 21st century while capturing the nostalgia of old Main.

Director Gubbin Receives ULC Innovation Award For JPL

Library Director Barbara Gubbin (far right facing audience) received one of the Urban Libraries Council Innovation Awards given to JPL at ULC's conference in San Jose just before she and others attended ALA in San Francisco this past week.  JPL won the award in the category of Customer Experience.  Ms. Gubbin said, "Our application was for recognition of a different approach to marketing our online products such as Transparent Language...as part of a 'learn a language' free series at JPL ..."  Ms. Gubbin congratulated everyone on the team for this success, including SST/E-Services, SST/Collections, the Marketing team and everyone in a JPL library where we are holding or promoting classes to learn a language.

In the application to ULC, Ms. Gubbin noted, "The 'learn a language' series sign-ups far exceed our expectations...In September 2014, prior to the new promotional approach, 251 people used the database.  In December, usage more than doubled, with 600 people using it."

Karen Walker, Manager of e-Services and Digital Access, gives these 2015 monthly figures:
January – 513

February – 501

March – 559

April – 396

May – 481

Karen added, "This is an average 80% increase in usage.  We had language learning programs all of these months except February."   

Now You See It; Now You Don't

The Barry Hinnant Magic Program at the South Mandarin Library, June 25, had 85 spellbound customers waiting to see "what's next". Library Associate Christie Rogers said, "The large crowd had a great time and after the program, kids and adults were asking to check out books about magic."

Hot Buys @ Cool Prices: Friends July Book Sale

Like the old rock 'n roll song says, "Tell your ma; tell your pa..." --and, of course, your customers: 

Get your favorite books, DVD's, and CD's at the Friends of  the JPL Booksale (located at the south end of University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard North; a few blocks north of JU):

Friday, July 17 - 4 - 8 pm:  FJPL members only but you can join at the door & BUY ONE/GET ONE FREE!

Saturday, July 18 - 9 am - 5 pm: Unadvertised in-store SPECIALS!

Sunday, July 19: Noon - 5 pm:  buy 2 bags and get a 3rd bag FREE!