All Friends Receive Resolution In Support Of FOL Week

(L/R: Library Director Barbara Gubbin, JPL Board of Trustees Chair Erin Skinner, Celia Miller (Graham Branch Friends); Margaret Smith (Friends of JPL); Melvin Turnage (Brentwood Friends); in back, next to Mr. Turnage is Judy Klein (Murray Hill Friends); in front and between Ms. Klein & Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop is Virginia Maxted (Beaches Friends); and far right: Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch Friends).

                                        ____________________                          

At the JPL Board of Trustees meeting, October 8, the Friends groups' representatives were presented with a Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015. It reads,

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have served for many years as the vital link between libraries and the community, holding popular events, encouraging others to join, and promoting the library as a learning commons and an institution essential to literacy and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have devoted countless hours to the raising of funds - funds that finance programming, events, learning materials, computer technology, e-classrooms, software, staff training, digital access, leadership awards, and the preservation of historic collections, and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have advocated to citizens, community leaders, and state officials the importance of the library, its potential, and its future,

The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Library Trustees, on this the eighth day of October, A.D. 2015, does hereby declare its support of

           Friends of Libraries Week, to be held October 18-24, 2015.

                                        (Signed): Erin Vance Skinner
                                                               Chair
                                         The Board of Library Trustees

                                      ________________________     

JPL employees are innovative and you will find ways of acknowledging and promoting Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  If you see a Friend, please thank them for all the hard work they do for JPL and tell them how much we appreciate everything they do for us.  

And The Winners Are

Main YS Librarian III Laura Minor reports, "The winners of JPL's 2015 Teen Summer Short Story Contest were honored at a reception at the Main Library on October 7. Each year, the Library hosts a summer short story contest for teens, ages 12-18. In addition to submitting a short story based on an assigned theme, teens volunteered a minimum of 10 hours at their local library. This year, 92 teens participated in the program. A panel of judges selected four winners.

"(L/R above): Abel Thomas, Edmund Ahiahonu, Councilman Tommy Hazouri, Camila Sanchez, Vivianne Wagner

"12-14 year old

·        1st prize ($100): Vivianne Wagner, Stanton College Preparatory School

·        2nd prize ($50): Abel Thomas, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

"15-18 year old

·        1st prize ($100): Camila Sanchez, Paxon School for Advanced Studies

·        2nd prize ($50): Edmund Ahiahonu, Stanton College Preparatory School"

NS Features Brown Girl Dreaming

Brentwood Branch’s More Than a Book Club for Teen and Tween girls discussed Brown Girl Dreaming, September 25.  The discussion was followed by a Dreamy Soul food feast featuring fried chicken, potato salad, black-eyed peas, green beans, rolls and pound cake for dessert. The 13 girls and one boy sipped sweet iced tea from mason jars which they could take home as a memento.

There was a display of items from the book that some of the youth were not familiar with such as a straightening hot comb, record albums, Jacks and a Watchtower magazine. These items spurred conversation and the youth talked about their dreams and some of their family memories.

Staff Profile - October 2015

Andrew Phillip Herron has a light side that can dispel an intense moment, put one at ease, and revert back to any serious situation any day may bring. Add to that his agile mind, Andrew is never boring.  He has a keen perception and quick to "get it".  Not having been in government before, he has learned much about politics and the JPL system in his 17 months as Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin.  One of a kind and worth getting to know, that's Andrew.

Q: What positions have you held  that prepared you to be the Executive Assistant to Director Barbara Gubbin?

A: Prior to assisting Ms. Gubbin, I worked in New York City as Executive Assistant to the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, as Assistant to the Government Relations Group at MetLife, and in similar positions at JPMorgan Chase and Scholastic Publishing.

  

Q: Have you had a particular interest in another field that contributes to your current position?

A: Yes.  Avocationally, I worked for a long time as a composer of musical theatre, finding to my surprise that all 24 productions of my work occurred in cities other than New York.  Since coming to JPL, I’ve been amazed at how similar the administration of a library system is to the administration of an arts center – with programs in progress, politics in play, and a concert hall taboot.

Q: What would you encounter in a typical day as Executive Assistant to the Director?

A: The first responsibility of the Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin is to handle her calendar.  However, that involves a lot more than it sounds like:  In a typical month, I’ll set up meetings between Director Gubbin and trustees, senior staff, and city officials.  I’ll draft or procure agendas, materials, and minutes for those meetings.  I’ll also work with the Executive team, with CR&M, with the Conference Center, and with Administrative Aide Sara Gunter to help ensure that these events are smoothly executed.

  

Q: What has been the most rewarding and/or challenging aspect of your position?

A: The most rewarding phenomenon in my time at JPL has been the budding of new political support for the library.  This came in the wake of many meetings we set up for Director Gubbin and trustees to introduce the library to the incoming mayoral administration and City Council.  CR&M provided excellent materials for those meetings, and now, months later, Director Gubbin’s and our trustees’ advocacy has paid off.  We now have funds to restore 88 hours of weekly library service to the city, starting November 14th.

Q: Is there something you would share with us that most do not know?

A: Yes.  Though I’m usually an affable stuffed-suit, occasionally my whimsical side bursts forth like an out-of-control sock puppet.   If this ever happens while you’re looking, pay no heed.  It wasn’t my fault.  I was just in the arts.

JAX READS! Closes On Successful Note

Jacqueline Woodson (above) signs another copy of her book, Brown Girl Dreaming, at the JAX READS! closing event in the Main Library's Hicks Auditorium, October 4, 2015, when she spoke about her experiences that promulgated the book.  The appearance was courtesy of BANNED.  Ms. Woodson's fans at this event numbered 207, including 10 participating staffs. JAX READS! promo enticed customers to make 200 check outs of hardcover, CD, and downloadable print and audio versions per Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Communication.

 

90 Second Graders Tour SE

Region Manager Keli Likins is proud to announce that 90 Greenfield

Elementary School 2nd graders toured Southeast, October 5, 2016.

A Special Thanks From A VIP For NW

Antonia Bryant, Chairperson, District 8, Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, visited NW, September 25, bearing cake, cupcakes, and a card to thank Bradham Brooks Northwest employees for assisting with the town hall meeting featuring newly-elected City Council Member Katrina Brown. Erick Larsen and Gloria Buenavista took a few photos. Ms. Bryant’s handwritten message reads,

“Dear Bradham-Brooks Library Staff and Management, On behalf of District 8, Duval County Democratic Party, I wanted to thank you for the support you gave us for our Town Hall meeting with Councilwoman Katrina Brown. You went above and beyond the call and we truly appreciated your help. You are indeed a very important part of our community."

Kids 'N Dogs Just Go Together

On September 19, the South Mandarin Library held a Read to Rover program. Two Shetland
dogs named Trey and Shelly visited for an hour and a half for children to read to them and pet them. Many of the children who came were amazed there were dogs in the library. SOM had 24 attendees that talked about dogs, read to Trey and Shelly, and/or pet the friendly dogs. Trey tells kids reading is fun while Shelly pays rapt attention.  (Thank you to Christie Rogers for the heads up.)

PCR: No Holds Barred On Creativity

PCR’s LEGO Club meets once a month. Children ages 8 – 18 come in to build whatever they want, using their imagination.  Thanks to PCR Library Associate William Figlietti for the pics.

Banned Book Week At NS

Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr. at NS, shares Brentwood’s Banned Book Week display.

A Little Thank You For Council Members

Library Board Chair Erin Skinner sent this picture of Council Member at Large, Group 5, Sam Newby, pictured here with a letter of appreciation and cookies. They were presented September 30, 2015 for his support in the FY2016 budget season.  Chair Skinner said, "Assistants of all others on City Council have received letters and cookies personally to give to their CM’s." 

Delores Walker Receives 15 Year Service Pin

GB's Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Delores Walker, Library Clerk at the Graham Branch Library, was presented with  her 15 year pin on October 2 by  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop. Delores was given a letter of recognition signed by Mayor Curry congratulating her for 15 years of service to the library. Delores said she has actually worked for the library for 25 years, having spent the first 10 as a part-time clerk. She recalls working under the former Deputy Director Carolyn Williams at the Bradham Brooks Northwest Library when it first opened. Delores said that she has enjoyed many aspects about the job and watching her son grow up in the library. The Graham Branch staff congratulates Delores Walker on her milestone achievement."

NW's Jax Read!! Event

Northwest library participated in the Brown Girl Dreaming, Jax Reads! event, September 23^rd. Nineteen attendees ranging from a 5 year old to age 14 enjoyed the chance to make their own dream jars.  They discussed their goals and talked about the book, Brown Girl Dreaming. One girl said she wants to be a teacher while her sister pronounced to the group that she wants to be a princess! 

                                      Kids' dream jars

Press Conference For Student & Educator JPL Cards A Great Success

The September 24 press conference to announce the partnership of JPL and the Duval County Public Schools to put library cards in the hands of 60,000 students, K-5th grade, was a resounding success. Library Director Barbara Gubbin and Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti (above) both spoke of the educational success this partnership will foster.  

Director Gubbin had this to say after the press conference today, "Putting books into the hands of young children seems a simple enough task but as we listened to Dr. Vitti, who articulated so well the barriers to making this happen, we were reminded again of how difficult this actually can be.  Instilling a love of reading because reading is easy and fun for a young child is one of the most important things that we can do as people who work in our library.  What you did today and the work Amber and the team of all our children’s librarians and their support teams at every library – circulation staff, reference librarians, custodians, security guards - everyone – are doing for 60,000 DCPS students and their teachers will have  positive outcomes for those children for many years to come.  Great job and thank you again!"

Mayor Lenny Curry addressed the conference and sang the praises of this partnership. Several of his staff also attended, along with DCPS Executive Director Larry Roziers, DCPS staff member Tia Ford, some Council Members, Library Board members Sybil Ansbacher, Gerald Reid, Mario Payne, Ronnie King, and former Board Chair and JPL liaison to the JPL Foundation Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, and some JPL staffs. Additionally, students of Garden City Elementary School enjoyed the Children's Department, engaged in story time, and checked out books using the new virtual Student Cards.

  

JPL A Win At NEFLIN Conference

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop accepted a  "Making the Most of NEFLIN in Continuing Education Award for a Large Library" from NEFLIN at their September 18 conference.

JPL seems to have a track record of making the most of whatever resources we have.  HOORAY FOR US!

Thanks to Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott for the input and picture.

A Bountiful Basket for NEFLIN Conferences - Thanks to JPL Staffs

A bountiful gift basket donated by JPL staff was auctioned off last Friday, September 18, at the NEFLIN Annual Meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Baymeadows Road. JPL's basket brought in $80.00, and a total of $1,631 was raised by the silent auction and raffle for the Jim Morris Fund. The fund provides up to $500 per recipient in travel funds to be used towards attending conferences or other professional development activities.

Diane Alexander and Pam Beaton coordinated the basket project for JPL, soliciting and receiving donations from JPL administrators, as well as staff who have profited from NEFLIN training over the last year. The basket theme was “Road Trip Picnic” and it was filled to overflowing with organic trail mix, tortilla chips & salsa, veggie chips, dried fruit, crackers, salami, chorizo, cheese, nuts, granola bars, and two bottles of wine – one red and one white – along with picnic accouterments for two – tablecloth, place mats, flatware, wine goblets – and many other tasty items too numerous to catalog.

Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, said, "Many thanks to Diane and Pam and all those who contributed to this good cause."

SE's JAX Reads! Event Coming Up, 9/25/15

Anjelica Bencomo, SE's Teen Library Assistant, is proud of their Teen Advisory Board members. Here they are seen preparing for SE's Jax Reads! event, 4:30 pm, September 25, when 13-18 year old teens will discuss a  diverse and multi-cultural art experience  in a program called Graffiti.  Teens will explore a wide range of techniques and create their own works of art which will be put on display. 

If you know any artsy teens, tell them about SE's upcoming program.

Traveling Tales Presentations by JPL Staff At NEFLIN

Stephanie Miller (above) and Rebekah Mitchell (right background) are shown presenting Traveling Tales to attendees of the NEFLIN annual meeting, September 18. Traveling Tales is a project funded by a NEFLIN grant.  Richard Mott (above left foreground) and Lynn Jacobson (right foreground) can be seen enjoying the presentations.

Council Member Matt Schellenberg Reads At SOM

Library Associate Christie Rogers reports, "The South Mandarin Library was pleased to have Council Member Matt Schellenberg join us and read at story time on September 18, 2015. He read two stories that featured cats.  He then let everyone ask him questions and shared some personal information. 

"Most of the questions were in regards to the books. He brought zoo tickets and would ask the children 'What was the name of the cat?' and 'What color were his shoes?' When the child answered correctly he/she received a zoo ticket. CM Shellenberg shared that he is one of eleven children and he has a new grandchild. When someone mentioned noise he said that noise doesn’t bother him since he comes from a large family. He enjoys coming to the library and thanked everyone for having him. 

"Sixty two customers enjoyed our special guest."

Kudos From Customers

Graham Branch: The Library is my favorite place; I had a great experience. Ms. Tyhedra Wilson taught me how to keep account of my reading list. Thank you so much.

Highlands Branch: *Ms. Juanita Searles takes exceptional care of me and my husband. She helps us not only when we come in the library but over the phone, too. Everyone that we come in contact with is so very helpful and nice.

Main - Circulation:  …Erin Tuzuner…recognized me as the owner of a local business that she frequents. In addition to greeting me and making me feel extremely welcome she also recommended a newly arrived book to me -- a fiction novel that had elements of my business as part of the story. Jacksonville may be the biggest city in the country (by area of course) but when a librarian like Erin goes out of her way to make thoughtful reading suggestions and build relationships with the neighborhood in this way it shows that we still have the potential of being a small town in which residents receive this unique, personal service. Thanks for the tip, Erin; I liked the book and I'll be back.

Main – Special Collections: I was researching in the Florida history room and left my wallet on the table. It had over $1,000 in cash. She (Christa Snow) found my phone number, called me right away and was as nice as could be. I tried to give her a reward and she flat out refused anything of the kind. She is a wonderful person and an invaluable asset to the library.

San Marco Branch: Ms. Emily (Gideon)…is amazing. We would not continue to support the library if story time programs were cut. We home school and rely on story time.

_______________________________

*Ms. Searles, formerly at DU, is now at SS

54 JPL Educator Cards Given At TEACH Conference

On Saturday, September 12, 2015, several JPL staff attended the TEACH Conference (teachers met to inspire each other and share their ideas and concerns) sponsored by WJCT at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Jacksonville. JPL staff took this opportunity to make 54 educator cards for private, public, and charter school teachers in Duval County.

Those who took their Saturday to promote this wonderful project were Amber Holley (Youth Services Manager-Main), Susan Mankowski (Early Childhood Specialist-Main), Rebekah Mitchell (Youth Services Librarian III-Main), Lynn Jacobson (Bibliographic Systems and Access Manager, SST), Charlene Ovshak (Library Circulation Supervisor-Main), Stephanie Harley (Clerical Services Supervisor-CW), Beverly Brown (Clerical Services Supervisor- PCR), Corey Z. Scott (Library Assistant, Circ, Main), Milicia Thomas (Library Assistant, Popular-Main), and Donna Crowther (Library Assistant- Main).  Thanks to Milicia for the input.

Kathy Lussier, CR&M Manager, Honored By Library Board

Erin Skinner, Chair of the Library Board, presented CR&M Manager Kathy Lussier with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Library Board meeting, August 10, 2015, for Mrs. Lussier's outstanding work accomplished during her five year tenure with JPL. Mrs. Lussier introduced branding to JPL, received an award for instructing JPL staff on LibraryAware and strongly promoting its use system wide for individual libraries' promo materials, and she and her team rolled out unbelievable numbers of programs and their own p.r. materials for JPL, including posters, pamphlets, news releases, the JPL Newsletter. etc.  

Mrs. Lussier and her husband Joe, will be moving to Austin, TX, and her last day at JPL will be September 18.

Olga Bayer, who will pinch hit for the CR&M Manager until a new one is found, said, "All of our team can honestly say there is no one like Kathy. She is a wonderful person and boss, and she and her many talents and brain will be sorely missed here in CR&M. We wish her the very best always."

All of JPL employees can ditto that statement, Kathy!

Staff Profile - September 2015

Eric Cusaac, Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, has been with JPL 24 years.  He began as a part-time clerk at Mandarin Branch in 1991, then transferred to old Main as a driver for distribution when JPL still owned that service. Later he moved to Brentwood, then to West Regional before going back to KR in 2009.  There he serves as a supply and property clerk and is responsible for reporting building issues to JPL Facilities. 

The Library Awards Committee (formerly R and R Committee) awarded Eric a Challenge the Process Award on July 9, 2015, for his diligence in resolving the constant clutter of boxes that became a big nuisance and safety issue in the staff workroom at KR.

Q: You volunteered to reclaim KR’s work space, What relationships had you already solidified that helped you solve the problem of hundreds of boxes of books that stacked up weekly ?

A:  I used my experience as a driver to communicate with the current distribution staff.  We could understand each others' problems and work together towards a solution to KR’s clutter.  Additionally, I had a good working relationship with KR’s staff and we wanted to see the clutter diminished.  We had a common goal that would benefit everyone.

Q:  How did you get your vision across to staff?

A:  I met with staff, outlined a plan for streamlining the donation process, listened to suggestions, kept good communication going between staff and myself, my supervisor and Region Manager.  I first secured my superiors’ input, suggestions, and approval before proceeding with the plan.

Q:  What steps did you then take to set your plan in motion for diminishing the clutter and safety hazard in the staff workroom?

A:  I had worked elsewhere on Sundays and observed how those branches handled donations and adapted some effective measures for KR.  I organized carts for sorting donations and weeded materials.  I created book sale and recycling signs for carts so donations could be sorted and packed quickly, saving much time and energy for all concerned.

Q:  Life is a learning process for all of us; was there something beneficial that you learned during this process?

A:  Laundry carts are not the most efficient way to store items for recycling.  Current distribution trucks are smaller than the ones we used at old Main.  They don’t have the capacity to hold lots of  laundry baskets and they don’t have tailgates to load them on their trucks.

Q:  What is something we may not know about you that you would share?

A:  I like to stay in touch with my family and I travel to Atlanta, Orlando, and Florence, SC as often as I can to see them.  I like sports, particularly bowling and fishing, and my favorite football team is the New York Giants.

GB Gets Into "Brown Girl Dreaming"

Marie Myers at Graham Branch reports, "We had our first Art Club/Brown Girl Dreaming (Jax Reads! featured book for 2015) poetry project at Graham Branch, September 3rd.

"Twelve teens used the image on the first page of the book as a background for our poem. I chose two poems from the book, which I photocopied and cut out the words. Teens then used the words on the table to create their own "found poem".  I thought it was a great twist to the classic found poetry technique. As they were finishing, they had a choice to either glue their poems on the paper, write it, and/or draw on it, too. We read the actual poems at the end."

Beautiful West Regional Library Celebrates 10th Anniversary

WST's Manager Kathy Tekin recounts their big day, "A fun time was had by all who attended the West Regional Library’s 10^th anniversary party, August 29, 2015.  Despite a bad rainstorm, we were honored with 200+ guests and we commenced with the reading of an official proclamation by the Jacksonville City Council recognizing West Regional’s 10th anniversary. Library Director Barbara Gubbin welcomed everyone and recognized Melodie Bishop, architect for West Regional, and her husband, former Council member Bill Bishop. Representatives of the Maxville Friends of the Library and Friends of JPL were also there.

"Festivities included storytelling by Northside Storytellers, music with Al Poindexter and adult crafts by Elise Fare.  The children were encouraged to participate in craft activities relating to the St. Johns River and pretend fishing in the river to win prizes.  Refreshments of cake, chocolate dipped strawberries, popcorn, and punch were served by our local Girl Scout Troop 607. 

"Party attendees were afforded the opportunity to meet City Councilman Doyle Carter and Board of Library Trustees Vice Chair Guy Anderson (pic at top), who addressed the gathering.  Guests also had an opportunity to ask questions and learn from our community partners, Duval County Cooperative Extension Office, AquaJax, and our own Talking Books and Special Needs Librarian II, Chris Easton (pic below)."

Jax Reads! Ready At WBK

WBK's Library Associate Kimberly Cherry said, "The Westbrook Branch staff had their display ready for the Jax Reads! community promotion of  Brown Girl Dreaming. I designed this large poster and colored it to resemble the book cover. The display includes other books by Jacqueline Woodson so that we would have a variety of books for children to adults.".

LET'S HEAR ABOUT YOUR JAX READS! PREPARATIONS! 

Jax Reads! Kickoff Big Draw For VIP's

Library support was vibrant at the Jax Reads! kickoff at the Main Library, September 1, 2015, attended mostly by VIP's.  

CR and M's Manager Kathy Lussier welcomed everyone and introduced Director Barbara Gubbin, who acknowledged many VIP's individually. Attending were State Senator Audrey Gibson's Aide, CM and Chairman of the Finance Committee Bill Gulliford, CM's Aaron Bowman. Katrina Brown, Doyle Carter, Al Ferraro, Jim Love, Joyce Morgan, Sam Newby and Scott Wilson; Margaret Smith with the Friends of JPL; some Library Board members; Leslie Kirkwood, Chairwoman of Banned; Michael Boylan, WJCT's President and CEO and other media reps, and some of the Mayor's and JPL's staff. 

She thanked the city for not reducing the JPL budget FY2016 and recognizing the importance of libraries.  Director Gubbin also thanked the CR and M staff and JPL employees as a whole. She gave a brief background of the author and said the book, written in poems, won the National Book Award and other awards. The Mayor and CM's will receive copies of Brown Girl Dreaming. She then introduced Mayor Lenny Curry.  

Mayor Curry acknowledged that reading precedes any success in life and the importance of libraries. He said sports as priority one in his life was overturned by reading in his youth and reading was a major contributor to his success as it can be for anyone. His family uses the San Marco Branch. 

Mayor Curry encouraged everyone to read Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson, during this city wide effort, September 1-October 4.  

Director Gubbin and Board Chair Erin Skinner unveiled the READ poster designed especially for Mayor Curry and the Jax Reads! kickoff. He was obviously delighted with the poster and thanked everyone.

Ms. Lussier also thanked all JPL staff without whom there would be no Jax Reads!--and particularly graphic artist Denise Turner for the Jax Reads! logo and color combination used in all of the attractive promotional materials.

Author Jacqueline Woodson will be at the Main Library Hick's Auditorium, October 4, to culminate the Jax Reads! program. 

To view more of these really good pics (thanks to Olga Bayer), you can link here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofjax/albums/72157655721146634

Back To School Is A TD @ KR

KR's Frances Wickes was so pleased with this outstanding bulletin board and her coworkers.  She wanted to share this photo with you and said, "Carisia Rooney and Alison Pulley 'cheer' as the Mandarin Branch kicks off the school year with a brightly decorated bulletin board.  The children have been adding their favorite book titles to the board all week!  GOOD P.R. FOR KR!

Mark Merrit - A Walking, Talking Ad For JPL

Mark Merrit, Deputy Director of Administrative Services, is not one to capture the spotlight; however, Jennifer Giltrop, Deputy Director for Public Services, got him to show off his tie that his wife, Rachel, had made especially for his "29th" birthday, August 26th.  The tie has row upon row of the JPL logo and Mark is proud of his wife's ingenuity and thoughtfulness--and his tie.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!

Mrs. Carolyn Votaw Passes Away

Carolyn Votaw served as Executive Secretary for two Deputy Directors, Sylvia Cornell and then Carolyn Williams when Mrs. Cornell retired.  Mrs. Votaw retired when we moved to the new Main Library but her husband, Paul, continued on as a librarian until shortly before his death.

Mrs. Votaw passed away August 19, 2015, and her funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., August 26, 2015, at Eternity Funeral Home, 4856 Oakdale Avenue, Jacksonville, FL. 

We extend our sincere sympathy to her family.

Where There's A Will, There's A Way

Patricia Morrison, ULC's Librarian IV, is proud to report, "Young people attending the Friday morning story time at Brentwood library had to be redirected  away from the stairs and the elevator as they arrived.  Story time was relocated to the colorful children’s section on the ground floor because the programming area on the second floor received a much needed coat of paint.  Peggy Crawford aptly held the attention of the little minds despite all of the regular library activities going on in the background.  How’s that for transporting children to new worlds and taking them on an adventure.  Last Friday they all went to veggie land  where they discovered the letter “V” and lots of vegetables." 

A "Tree" grows in Brentwood

Betty Williams, NS Library Associate Sr., said, "During spring break 2015 programming, Brentwood Branch hosted Mary Puckett of the county extension office on the first day of spring (see staff news dated 3/24/15).  After a discussion on plants, she showed the

children how to transplant a tomato plant and plant sunflower seeds.  I have tended our branch plant, program attendees have watched it grow during the summer and we now have a harvest. The tomatoes are pretty tasty too!"

It Pays To Follow The Manual

AR Manager Donna Carroll said, "Teamwork was in full display at Regency Branch, August 21. A snake made its way into the workroom and after hissing at staff decided to hide under the shelves.  Through the great teamwork of Anna Gonzalez, Bernice Newsom and Hamid Hassan (everyone else watched in terror), they managed to capture the snake.  After consulting the Get To Yes Difficult Customer Manual, the snake was given a warning for harassing staff and then trespassed."

  

Legos Win Kid Appeal

 "The Lego Club at the South Mandarin Library is our most attended and asked about program. The program, August 19, had 48 in attendance. We put Legos on a quilt and let the children be creative and build whatever came to mind," said Library Associate Christie Rogers.

Talk About Customer Appreciation!

Highlands' Hongying Song shares this picture of  amazing young customer appreciation. Library Assistant Felecia Battle received a BIG surprise on August 13 when a group of students from Wright Way to Higher Learning School and their teacher, Sylvia Hagans, paid Felecia a visit. They brought Felecia balloons and cards to celebrate her birthday. The children have attended DU's school age programs regularly. They put the HAPPY in Felecia's birthday.  And all of us wish you a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Felecia!

140 Kids Get Backpacks At NS

Betty Williams is proud of NS' latest successful project, "On August 14, 2015, the Friends of Brentwood Library sponsored our Back to School Bash and Back Pack Giveaway at NS and 140 children received backpacks stuffed with school supplies.  This is the second year of the Back to School Bash and we were able to give out even more backpacks than last year. The families were then able to go across the street and enjoy hot dogs and other refreshments.

Again this year the church across the street allowed us to use their parking lot and JSO blocked off the street.  Children climbed on the big red truck from JFRD and the biggest hit was sounding the siren in a police cruiser. This is always a wonderful community event.  The parents were very appreciative and everyone had a good time.

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch: Gail (Blumberg) is very helpful and goes beyond the call of duty. She always has been.

Main – Circulation: Thank you for having such a great staff: Willysa Jones, Arnesha Walton, LaTanza Sutton, Corey Scott, Theresa Bascom, and Katherine Golden. I have visited the Main Library for the past two weeks and everyone that has been named was very helpful, pleasant, and friendly, and I would like to thank Cynthia Simmons for having such a great staff. Please keep up the good work.

Main – Reference:  Kathleen Brunner was very helpful.

San Marco Branch: I compliment…Curt Beadell because…Curt helped me today…by finding the citation information for Eickhoff's translation of Homer's Odyssey. The book was no longer in the library system, but I had borrowed it previously and needed the citation info to finish a long term essay project.

Webb Wesconnett Branch: I went into your library for a one on one class with John Carter. This young man is awesome. I was treated with respect and patience. I'm sixty seven years old, yet he treated me like a good professor would a student in need of a little more help, and not like an elderly person with only half of their brain left. Thank you for having this young man there to help me. A grateful and satisfied customer.

David Foster Receives Innovator Award

Mandarin staff not only cheered their success with SLP, they hoorahed David Foster for getting an Innovator Award, which was presented to him August 19 for his creative marketing. He wore a Super Hero T-shirt every day during the summer learning program. Customers liked his idea and started donating a variety of Super Hero T-shirts for him to wear. KR Manager Mark Hohnadel presented the award; Lynne Baldwin, who formerly managed KR, nominated David.

Never one to capture the spotlight, David is pictured here with the whole KR gang that made KR's SLP a great success. L/R are Sara Peretzman, Stacey Van Hoy, David Foster, Eric Cusaac, Don Carpenter, Shukti Benerjee, Robert Moseley, Lisa Veal, Diane Lewis and Mark stands in the back. Allison Pulley took the picture.

Making Memories

Southeast's Alfreda Whitfield has a new addition to brag about and shares this picture of her granddaughter, Eden Renae, born June 6, 2015.  Eden is pictured here this month with her big brother, Jaiden, 5 years old, who just started kindergarten.  The pic with Alfreda cooing at the baby was made when Eden was about 1 1/2 hours old.  Thanks for sharing, Alfreda, and Congratulations from all of us.

 

Chris Eaton & Scott Adams Acknowleged at 8/13/15 BOLT Meeting

Library Board Chair Erin Skinner (2nd from right) announced that Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton (2nd from left) and Librarian III and manager of TB, Scott Adams (far left) had  the distinction of winning a "Certificate of Braille Magic" from "The Wizarding World of Braille", printed both in Braille and in text, addressed to JPL "for helping defeat Lord Printemort and the medium that shall not be named." This defeat occurred at the 2015 North Florida Regional Braille Challenge, hosted at the Main Library earlier this year.  You can read all about the notable event and Christ Eaton in the May 5, 2015 JPL Staff News blog's Staff Profile featuring Chris.The award was granted by the State Coordinator for the Braille Challenge, Sue Glaser, who represents the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired. Director Gubbin stands far right.