Congrats to DU For 30 Years Of Service

Kristi Dorney, Highlands Branch Manager, recaps DU's big day, "Highlands Regional Library celebrated 30 years of service, October 24, with the theme 'Preserving Our Past, Forward to the Future'. Guests were greeted at the front door by friendly scarecrows who complemented the library's fall decorations.The celebration included a ribbon cutting for DU's new E-classroom, face painting, clowns, balloon twisting, crafts, and door prizes. Everyone enjoyed delicious sweets (including the 30th anniversary cake) and drinks served with a background of 1980's music. 

L/R are Board Trustee Mario Payne, CM Katrina Brown, Board Chair Erin Skinner, Director Barbara Gubbin, and DU Branch Manager Kristi Dorney are pictured at the E-classroom ribbon cutting. Region Manager Jane Harris and Executive Assistant Andrew Herron also attended,. 

"Councilwoman Katrina Brown presented the branch with a resolution of service from the City Council. After remarks from Board Chair Erin Skinner, she and CM Brown cut the ribbon for the E-classroom. 

"I wish to thank my staff at the Highlands Branch Library for the success of the 30^th Anniversary event. Everyone pitched in to help in some way. I wish to particularly thank Mia Brack for assisting the custodian in cleaning up the huge mess our dumpster diver made just hours before the celebration. The event would not have been so successful but for the incredible vision and hard work of Felecia Battle and her team. Felecia created the theme and vision for the day and Farryn James and Barbara “Bunny” Fritz helped her to realize it. I am so fortunate to have had such a great team for the anniversary. Thank all of you so much."

Thanks to  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop for the pics.

Beautiful Listeners To A Fish Story

Margaret (Peggy) Crawford, Brentwood Branch's YS Librarian III, tells us,  "Eighteen children, some of NS’s favorite patrons, participated in our Read for the Record program recently.  They listened to Not Norman, A Goldfish Story, by Kelly Bennet. The youth from the All About Kids preschool are regular attendees at our Stories for Young Children programs."

Who Woulda Thunk?

Alison Pulley reports, "Mandarin Branch Library created a Read for the Record Display featuring the title character, Norman the goldfish. Books detailing the care and keeping of pet fish were a surprising hit and flew off of the shelves the whole month long." 

Scarecrows Don't Scare But Do Make Kids Smile

Eastside entertained 25 students during the “Fall Into Eastside” program, October 23. EB welcomed the fall season as students engaged in poetry reading with expression, a candy corn race, a candy apple craft, and a scarecrow building competition while sipping apple cider.  The scarecrow competition winner was Scarecrow Freddie in the purple attire. (Thanks to  Sharon Whitt for the blurb and pic.)

EB Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Jumpstart

Sharon Whitt, Library Associate Lead at Brown Eastside, sent this recap of a milestone, "October 22, 2015, EB participated in the 10^th anniversary of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record global campaign to generate public support for high-quality early learning and encouraged 32 patrons (accounting for 13% of visitors to EB that day) to read Not Norman: A Goldfish Story. The readers were able to post a signed picture of Norman the goldfish on the promotional poster after reading. 

Leery Of The Eerie Until We Get The Facts

Library Associate Christie Rogers said, "SOM entertained 15 parents and children in our Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood program, October 21, 2015. Marsha Daniels, a local bat enthusiast, shed some light, including pictures and videos, on some nocturnal creatures: bats. The children were excited to talk about bats, learn what they like to eat, and how they benefit people (among other habits, they eat mosquitoes)."

One More For Very Good Measure

 
Accountant Senior Nellie Harnisch, who works at the Main Library in the Finance department, celebrated a wonderful addition to their family, October 5, 2015. Nellie's daughter, Juliette Wooten, and husband, Clay, presented their daughter, Alexandria, with a brother, Sidney.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US!

Boo From Who?

BOO to you from Alison Pulley, David Foster (pictured), and Frances Wickes at the Mandarin Branch Children’s Department!

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch: Laurie (Norman) was a big help to me today.

Beaches Branch:  I just wanted to let you know how helpful Suzanne Neikirk was in helping me track down a returned book. Her assistance made my day much better and helped me breathe easier.

Main Library – Children’s: I wrote this review on Yelp about my WONDERFUL experience ...Especially impressed with the Librarian Marie (Myers). I travel to the Main Street Library WEEKLY! Free books… My baby has finally reached the important pinnacle of LIKING it when we read to her! Besides Dr. Seuss, what kind of books are interesting for both the baby AND the parents? I was at a loss so I asked the librarian, Marie, for some advice. Marie's eyes sparkled and I clearly saw the ignited fire of a librarian on a mission! She quickly grabbed books left and right, passionately describing how humorous each one was and how we'd enjoy them even if the baby couldn't understand them yet. Our favorites that Marie recommended were… She was SO helpful that I have decided to come to her on a regular basis so she can load me up with more entertaining children's books! I was dazzled by her knowledge and passion. Marie even took a family photo of "baby's first library trip!" Not only is the library lovely to visit in person, but you can also go online and choose what books you are interested in. Once the book is chosen, you select which library location you want those books sent to. In less than a week (sometimes longer if there's a queue for the book) you will receive an email notifying it's ready at your library of choice for a pick up! ...

Mandarin Branch: Mr. David (Foster) in the children's section is the nicest, most helpful staff person in your library, possibly in the whole Jacksonville library system. He remembers my kids and me, asks after their school lives, and is able to make recommendations for clubs and events they might like. He is far and above the friendliest person...

Pablo Creek Branch:  William (Bill) Figlietti was an amazing help to my son, assisting us in our home education program.  

SE's Teens Make Candy Sushi

SE's Anjelica Bencomo reports on their October 16 Teen program, Candy Sushi Making, "We had a sugar-filled happy time with 17 teens participating and they were eager to help and set up. "

It's Bosses' Day!

October 16 was Bosses Day--a day for staffs to thank their bosses and that they did. Some employees at the Main Library showed their appreciation to Lynne Baldwin, Main Public Services Manager, with a bouquet of flowers and Michael Sullivan, Main/Urban Region Manager, received a gift basket and balloon.  Both Lynne and Michael reflect their appreciation in these photos.

Nicolle Burton and Donna Crowther served up a scrumptidelicious luncheon to a few VIP's, too, on Bosses' Day.  The honored guests included Library Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil, Michael Sullivan, Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott, and Executive Assistant Andrew Herron.  Lynne Baldwin had to be elsewhere and was missed but certainly is appreciated for her many contributions to JPL.

THANKS, ALL YOU BOSSES, FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE JPL THE CONTINUING SUCCESS IT IS.  

NW Partners w/Rufus Payne Elemenary for Literacy Night

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch partnered with Rufus E. Payne Elementary for their Family Literacy Night. Sheenae Nelson read a story to the little kids and Michelle Petrin read to the older kids.  Gloria Buenavista prepared a library information table. There were 127 in attendance and to top it off, Batman made an appearance.  (Sorry, his pic refuses to post.) Thanks to NW Library Associate Gloria Buenavista for the input and pic.

It's Bosses Day!

Cynthia Simmons, Main's Clerical Services Supervisor, was pleasantly surprised to receive this beautiful arrangement from the Circulation Team in honor of Bosses Day, October 16!  

Author of Topgun Days At JB

The Beaches Branch hosted author Dave "Bio" Baranek, October 3, 2015.  Dave was a Navy Flight Officer who became an instructor at Topgun, the Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School, and was one of the pilots who worked on and flew in the movie Top Gun. After an interesting talk, Dave signed copies of his book Topgun Days about his experiences and we showed the movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. It was a great beginning for the month of October when the Sea and Sky Spectacular returns to Jacksonville Beach!

An interesting piece of trivia:  For those old enough to remember Ranger Hal and Skipper Ed,  Ranger Hal was Dave’s dad.  (Thanks to Terry Welch for the blurb and pic.)

Folio's Flowers Go To JPL

In its current issue of Folio Magazine's "Brickbats and Flowers" the Jacksonville Public Library was awarded this beautiful bouquet, which is displayed on the Main Library's first floor for all to admire.  In case the print is too small, the sign reads, "As a result of a $l million budget increase, the libraries will increase operational hours by 10 percent in locations where residents depend on the libraries' resources the most.  Thank you, Mayor and Council."

Friends Groups: It's Nice To Be Recognized

Above, some of the members of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library gather with their representative, Virginia Maxted, who holds the Board of Library Trustees Resolution presented to all Friends groups representatives that were present at the Board of Library Trustees meeting, October 8, 2015, in honor of National Friends of the Library Week, October 18-24, 2015  Other Friends groups representatives who attended the Board meeting and received the Resolution were: Melvin Turnage (Brenwood), Margaret Smith (Friends of JPL); Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch); Judy Klein (Murray Hill); and Celia Miller (Graham Branch).  (Also refer to the article posted on this blog, October 8, to view the content of the Resolution presented to the Friends at the Board meeting, October 8. 

If you see one of the Friends of the Library, do thank them for all their support for the JPL.

Jaguar Reads To First Graders At Main

Here are some photos from a school visit, October 13, 2015, from first grade Biscayne Elementary students. As you see, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick held them all spellbound as he read three books.  Everyone agreed: He was fantastic!  Director Barbara Gubbin was happy to have her picture made with Mr. Odrick, too.  (Thanks to Cindy Johnson, Community Relations Specialist, for the input and pics.)

Emma Pactor Becomes U.S. Citizen

Main's Kathleen Brunner, Librarian III, said, "The Main Reference/Periodicals and Call Center departments are pleased to announce that Library Associate Emma Pactor was naturalized as an American citizen on October 9, 2015. This is a picture of Emma and her congrats bouquet from her management team, led by Lynne Baldwin!  We’re proud and happy for her!" 

WE ALL ADD OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, EMMA!

Two At Main Receive Innovator Awards

Main's Libraran IV Lynne Baldwin reports, "Trevonna Miller and Sean Wallace were presented with Innovator Awards on October 13, 2015, at the monthly staff meeting in the Main Library's Special Collections department.  Sean and Trevonna were recognized for their teamwork in creating a sign showing the procedures for the new VCA machines.  Get to Yes customer service is thriving at the Main Library!"

DO YOU KNOW A DESERVING EMPLOYEE TO NOMINATE FOR AN INNOVATOR AWARD?  WE WANT TO HELP SEE THAT HAPPEN.  Just email Lelia Wertman and copy Sara Gunter to get the ball rolling.

Friends of Brentwood Branch Receive Resolution

(L/R): Florence Cunnningham, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Melvin Turnage  (back row, left), John Reazer (next to Mr. Turnage), Sharon Coon (with Resolution, front center), Catherine Cobb (next to Ms. Coon), and Jamila Douglas, all looking forward to Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  The Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, passed by the Board of Library Trustees, was presented to all Friends groups at the Board's regular meeting, October 9, 2015.  Everyone pictured, except Ms. Giltrop, are members of the Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library and strong advocates of NS.

Let's all be resolute in our support and promotion of Friends of Libraries Week.  Please think about doing a display, signage, etc. and thank a Friend when you see one.

Art Walk & Main Library Go Hand in Hand

Christa Snow (left) and Catherine Currier of the Special Collections Department staffed the table at ArtWalk, October 7, while Michael Sullivan reflected the Oktoberfest spirit. They answered questions about our collections and shared news of Main’s upcoming anniversary event, which will be November 7, 11 am - 3 pm. (Thanks to Kathleen Krizek, Librarian III, Special Collections for the blurb and pics.)

FJPL Book Sale, October 9-11, 2015

Tell your mama, tell you pa, friends and customers about this opportunity to supply their households with those books, DVDs, and CDs they can well afford now during The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library October Warehouse Clearance Sale:

Friday, October 9:  4-8 pm - Members Only (you can join there, if you're not a member)

      $10/BAG -  Buy one bag, get second bag is FREE!

Saturday, October 10: 9 am-5 pm -  $10/BAG DAY - 

      Buy two bags and get the third bag FREE!

Sunday, October 11:  12 - 5 pm - $10/BAG DAY - 

      Buy two bags and get the third bag FREE!

The Friends support us; let's support them.

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