SOM's Staffs & Customers Enjoy, Enjoy

SOM's Library Associate Christie Rogers reports, "South Mandarin Library held dual programs December 22, 2015.  One hundred fifteen attended the Gingerbread program where staffs read the Gingerbread Man story (above L/R are Angela Richman, Christie Rogers, Leslie Patterson, Salvatore Migliaro, Gayle Lafser, Margo Crafton, and Sarah Miller.) After the story, children chose decorations for their gingerbread man cookie and decorated it.

In another room, Santa was available to greet children and have pictures taken and many lined up for a pic with Santa. They had color coded tickets and were allowed in the room 10 at a time. A huge thank you to Cheryl Callavini and Rebekah Mitchell for handling the crowd control (185 attendees!) for Santa.

Jessica Jones Receives Innovator Award

Jessica Jones (seated left) holds her Innovator Award recently granted to her by Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin. Jessica is a Part-Time Clerk at KR and volunteered, along with Library Clerk Sara Peretzman, to create a display for Main's 10th anniversary. They used customer compliments from Main's opening in 2005, complemented by the library's symbol of the reading owl. Sara and Robert Moseley set it up on the ground floor for all to see. A good pic of the display can be seen in the article posted November 19, 2015, "Main's 10th Anniversary Photo Contest & a Kiosk Full of Kudos". 

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "The part-time staff were also honored at a party just for them at the Mandarin Library on December 9.  (Pictured L/R standing: Mr. Hohnadel, Patty Henderson, Stacey Van Hoy, and Shukti Banerjee; seated L/R: Jessica Jones and Tammy Hilbert.)

State Rep. Fullwood & FOBL Make 30 Kids' Christmas Bright

NS Library Associate Sr. Betty Williams writes, "On December 18^th the Friends Of Brentwood Library sponsored their 2^nd annual toy giveaway.  Jolly ole St. Nick (State  Representative Reggie Fullwood of the 13^th district) read to 30 children who are regular attendees of our Storytime and those  young children received a wonderful Christmas  surprise.  

"Branch Manager Christine Cavan started the program with Christmas songs and showed the children how to make it ”snow”. She then introduced St. Nick who was followed by his reindeer pushing two tables loaded with gifts.  The looks on the children’s faces were priceless.

"After Santa read a story each child received two gifts, a Leap Frog “laptop” and a box of smart blocks.  Mrs. Coon, FOBL founder, also gave the children snacks of fresh fruit and popcorn balls.  The FOBL left  several small gifts which included a stuffed animal and a book for the staff to give to other community children who frequent the library.  They also gave the staff a fruit basket.  Another FOBL member, Miss Pearl, who owns a bakery in the neighborhood loaned decorations to make the library festive for the children.

"Our Friends exemplify the spirit of Christmas all year long, but this is always very heartwarming and the community appreciates it."

Poinsettias For EB

Brown Eastside's Manager, Chris Cavan, sent this picture of May Kramer, their new part-time Associate. May is standing next to some Christmas poinsettias planted outside the library.

Looks like they brought a literal ray of sunshine.

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  I wanted to thank the library and Ms. Gail (Blumberg) for having the beading class…It was my first experience with Native American beading.  I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting more folks in my community with like interests. It’s great that you offer classes such as this for adults.  Look forward to similar offerings in the future.  Thank you!

Main Library and Pablo Creek Branch: (Re: Amber Holley and Jackie Spiritas) I'm the Asst. Director of IT for the North Central Regional Library - I attended the YALSA conference in Portland and am writing to request a copy of the presentation on "Teaching Urban Teens Valuable Skills". This was presented by two of your library staff members I believe. We are interested in holding a job fair and would love to have a copy of the presentation for future reference and planning. This was a great presentation and an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing!

Mandarin Branch:  A grandmother wrote a thank you letter as it was dictated by her two 3 year old grandchildren, thanking friends for chocolate popcorn, etc. Later, the grandmother attached a copy of the letter to her comment card left at KR.  The comment card reads, “Attached is a copy of the thank you letter my not-quite 4 year old grandchildren wrote to some friends.  Miss Allison (Pulley) and Mr. David (Foster) have made a wonderful impression on them as you see in the letter!  You will notice that these librarians received more attention than even the chocolate popcorn my friends gave them. I would like my Sophie’s and Evren’s comments included in these employees’ next performance review.  Good work—especially with lasting impact as theirs has—should be rewarded.”

Murray Hill Branch:  Re: Cheyla Scantling: …I came...needing help. …There is a girl there, who…was so very nice to me…I asked her to help me with my computer work; she said, “No problem” and showed me how to print. I told her I was not good at computers and she said not to worry because we all have something that we're not so good at. She made me feel so much better about being there. I told her I was a veteran and new to Jacksonville because my wife just died and I was now living with my daughter. She told me, “Welcome to Jacksonville and welcome to the library.” I had my daughter set up this email address for me so I could write…and let you know what a nice girl she was. She gave me a booklet of the computer classes the library has and told me there are classes for the elderly. I'm glad that she was there to help me. My daughter is going to help me go to some of the computer classes. Sheila [sic] told me we all have something that we are not so good at, but thanks to her, computers might not be one of them. Please tell her for me what a good job she did helping this old veteran and I thank her very much.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  I would like to acknowledge the excellent service Ms. Michelle Petrin provides in the Children's department. I am a grandparent of two beautiful grandchildren and we have used the library throughout the summer and during the holiday season. Ms. Petrin has always assisted me in finding materials, books, and videos and has given excellent suggestions for my grandchildren. Also, Michelle has provided schedules for my grandson for I-Ready. I will continue to bring my grandchildren to this library because of her. She is always pleasant, smiling, and helpful to anyone I’ve seen in Children's. She is an asset to the library. Thank you for her service to the community…

Study Buddy Goes To Cheyla Scantling

Julie McNeil, Assistant Director for Public Services, noticed a detailed compliment for one of Murray Hill Branch's library clerks, Cheyla Scantling, and presented the Jaguar Study Buddy to her in recognition of  her outstanding customer service. What did the customer say? You can read the kudo  (and others) in December's Kudos from Customers, posted December 18, 2015, on this blog.

Santa Visits NW

The ever popular Santa’s visit to Bradham - Brooks Northwest Branch drew 36 kids and caregivers, December 15, 2015. Councilwoman Katrina Brown’s assistant, Dana Lewis, was there and read Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, by Steven Kellogg, and Santa read What Santa Can’t Do, by Douglas Wood.  *Presents were given to the children, which they plunged into quickly.

The Library Board's Liaison to the JPL Foundation, Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, PhD., pictured left in the middle picture, boosted NW's Phenessa Gray's (she sent the input and pics) and Ms. Lewis' (right in the center pic) spirits.

*The gifts of books, decorative bags and wrapping  were given by Marshelle Berry, Highlands Wesconnett Region Manager, for the children.  APPLAUSE!

Star Wars At SOM & KR

Christie Rogers, Library Associate, SOM, reports, "On December 12^th, 102 people at the South Mandarin Library held a Star Wars Celebration that included light saber making and practice, Yoda ear craft, and a Jedi walk. Four characters were on hand to interact and have pictures taken with those who chose to participate. Star Wars library materials were available for check out and water and popcorn were furnished by the Friends of the South Mandarin Library. A fun time was had by all."

The picture below shows an earlier Star Wars program with participants at Mandarin Branch.  Alison Pulley said, "KR hosted a Crafternoon: Star Wars program on December 16 and had 104 attendees. Kids interacted with various Star Wars memorabilia from David Foster’s personal collection and had a blast making Yoda light sabers."

                            Getting Started

Now, how does that go together?

Pretty, Pretty

Main Manager Lynne Baldwin sent this beautiful picture of one of Main's trees decorated by library customer Judy Klein, who used her own creations of origami birds.   

UPK's Kids' Gifts Are "Wrapped" Between Two Covers

Ms. Eve (Harm) beautifully displayed UPK's children's Christmas/holiday/Santa book collection and she said, "Those titles have been flying off the shelves as fast as Rudolph."  

 

Tis The Season For Red Noses

These kids showed their circus spirit recently at UPK clowning around with Ms. Kim (middle). They have read the five books required to earn a kid’s ticket to the Ringling  Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, January 21-24, 2016.  

What stories do you have to share of children ages 2-12 who have read five book and earned a free ticket to the circus???

PCR Has A Treasury Of Looters

Mia Brack, YS Librarian III for the Pablo Creek Region, reports, "Library Associate Zachary Jimison designed an amazing scavenger hunt at Pablo Creek Branch, December 12. Sixteen children and parents explored the entire department to loot a treasure trove of book prizes and the treasure chest of books."  

EB Creates Yummy Houses

Brown Eastside Library's Karen Lewis stands with one of the gingerbread houses decorated by the kids at EB during their December 10 session. Karen created the houses and 14 youths stuck on the various candies and sweets.

(Nobody's telling if the gingerbread houses will last till Christmas.)

SE Teens Enjoy Hour Of Code Program

Southeast Branch's Teen Library Assistant, Anjelica Bencomo said, "I am pleased to report we had 18 participants December 11, 2015, in our Hour of Code program for teens. We paired up on the computers and some teens worked using their phones. Most averaged 7-10 per game. They started with Star Wars and migrated to the Minecraft program and one or two teens worked on the Frozen program."  Anjelia's Region Manager Keli Likins responded, "Great job." 

Lunch @ the Lounge Concert Series Begins At Main

"The new Lunch @ the Lounge concert series began December 9, 2015, at Main and was a rousing success," Kathleen Brunner (in the red outfit below) reports.  

"Sixty people came to meet and hear the trio Meridian’s music that put a tap in the feet and a smile on all the faces.  Meridian played lots of traditional songs from many countries:  Ireland, England, France, Germany and Poland.  All of the most recognized songs were played, such as Silent Night, We Three Kings, Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabelle and Away in a Manger. 
   

"Many thanks to many staff who deserve recognition for their contributions that equaled total success:  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Cranston Burney took pics; CR&M made fliers, posters, and ads; Linda Ekersen put it on the website; Lynne Baldwin got the cake, water, and decorations; Erin Tuzuner served the cake; Kathleen Krizek and Katie Devanny manned the AARP table outside the door and directed people into the Lounge. Mitesh Sangani and Will Daniels are appreciated for helping get everything ready, several months in advance, the day before and day of the event.  Thanks to Ed Lein and Lisa Buggs for helping shape the idea and for everyone who supported me on the path to make it happen.

"This is such a wonderful place to work with excellent team members everywhere you look!  Thanks to all of you for caring and making this come together so well.

"I look forward to seeing you at the next concert on Wednesday, January 13, at noon in the Lounge for Jig to a Milestone!

"P.S. Don’t forget Ed Lein's Intermezzo Concert on Sunday at 3 pm in the auditorium featuring The Florida Brass Ensemble.”

Guess Who Uses The Library

Molly Curry, the Mayor’s wife, and their daughter, Brooke, using the self-check machine at San Marco Branch. Thanks to Region Manager Keli Likins for the pic.

KR's Readbox - No Rental Display

Mandarin customers are getting all their holiday books quickly and easily with Frances Wickes’ new Readbox display. It’s been a hit since it debuted last week. (Thanks to KR's Allison Pulley for the blurb and pic.) 

Main Is Getting Ready

Above, holiday trees in the Grand Reading Room, 4th Floor, Main, and Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visitors to the Grand Reading Room pictured immediately below and below that, a Florida Santa with a traditional Santa on the 4th floor: 

 Kathleen Brunner adds her cheer at Main with a smile complemented by a holiday pullover:

·         Other signs of the holidays are springing up around Main, too--What's happening at your library?

Making The JPL - DCPS Partnership Work

Beth Friederich, SE Youth Librarian II, reported in an email to Amber Holley, Rebekah Mitchell, and Jennifer Giltrop this good news, and Deputy Director Giltrop asked that Beth's email be shared with you: "This school year, I have grown to become a part of my region’s school community. Rather than going to SAC meetings and trying to convince them to let me into their school and ask how I could assist with their initiatives and events, this month, I got an invitation! Last Thursday and Friday, I judged the Science Fair at Greenfield Elementary. The field trips from our DCPS partnership have helped to solidify the bond between our communities and are beneficial to the customers that we have in common.

"Thank you for all of your hard work in organizing and making this partnership a success."

Ms. Friederich wanted to add this note FYI, "3^rd – 5^th grades participated in the Science Fair at Greenfield Elementary. Projects varied from the traditional volcano to the creative use of a laser to power an object and were assessed using a rubric. My favorite was the ANT BUFFET. The students believed the ants would prefer a sugary cookie to other foods. Unfortunately the ants that showed up at this picnic were not sugar ants but hot dog ants.

Memories of Christmases Past

Mike Shell, JPL's Training Coordinator, remembers one of his favorite things from his childhood Christmases, a chime similar to the one shown here. As the candles burn, the heat causes the chimes to ring. Mike said, "Swedish Angel Chimes go back to the nineteenth century. Here is a very good website with historical details: http://www.oldchristmastreelights.com/candle_chimes/candle_powered_chimes%20INTRODUCTION.htm.  Note that the Germans had a wooden version."

Do you have a favorite memory about this time of year?  If so, why not share it with us?

Staff Profile - December 2015

Hurry along if you want to speak with Charlene Ovshak, who is often on the run in her relatively new position as JPL's Circulation Supervisor. Charlene is an amiable sort who wastes no time getting down to the nitty gritty, as you see here, because times's ticking and there's much to do. 

1    Q: What position(s) did you hold prior to JPL?   

      A: Previous positions?? I began working with JPL in 1988 and I’ve have managed to stick around.

3    Q: When did you begin with JPL and what different positions with JPL have you held prior to becoming Circulation Supervisor? 

      A: I started as a Clerk Typist II at Webb Wesconnett Library, then transferred to the Mandarin Branch. I promoted to Children’s Library Assistant and was there for the reopening of Willowbranch (the first time). Beside WB, I have also served as a Children’s LA at Highlands and San Marco  Branches.  Later, I became a Library Clerical Supervisor for the Beaches and Pablo Creek Regional Branches. I spent a couple of years working with JPL Facilities and Support Services before becoming Circulation Services Supervisor in June 2015.   

   

      Q:  What are your duties as a Circulation Supervisor?   

  

      A: I work closely with supervisors, region managers, and administration to create and implement policies and procedures. Mostly, this means I’m in everyone’s business and still trying to figure out what our policies and procedures are supposed to be. The new position keeps me so busy I barely had time to even do this profile.  J
     
 Q: Please share with us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

  
 A: While it would be fun to say I have some crazy hobby that nobody knows about, I spend most of my spare time spoiling my three beautiful grandchildren, Austin, Ava and Amelia. 
    
    

DCPS Students Sail Thru Circ, Thanks to Cynthia & Corey

Cynthia Simmons, Main Library Clerical Supervisor, and Corey Scott, Library Assistant, received their Innovator Awards recently.  Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin said she nominated them for "redesigning the space on the first floor near the circulation desk and in the promenade to provide better access and an easier flow for our DCPS school visits. Both Cynthia and Corey have done an outstanding job ensuring that there is enough room for the students, teachers, staff and our regular customers. They worked with the children’s department and the adult services departments on the daily scheduled visits that needed assistance, as well as opening up self-check machines to better maximize the checkout time. They organized the children’s display of books in the circulation area and made sure that I love JPL stickers are available to be given out to each student."

A big step, Cynthia and Corey, towards Getting to Yes, too.

JPL Joins Holidays in Hemming Party

Thanks to photos and input from Anna Gonzalez on the City sponsored Holidays in Hemming held

Saturday, December 5, from 11-3, for the public.  The Youth Services team--Anna, Rebekah Mitchell and Kate Zakharov--took good advantage of the event to promote library services and spoke to at least 215 people! Saturday, December 5, from 11-3, for the public.  The Youth Services team--Anna, Rebekah Mitchell and Kate Zakharov--took good advantage of the event to promote library services and spoke to at least 215 people! The children gathered for a story read by Ms. Kate and they helped decorate Christmas trees.  

SS Program Includes Mayor's Wife As Reader

Keli Likins, Southeast Region Manager, reports, "The Holiday Pajama Story Time was a success at the San Marco Library, December 3. SS partnered with Spring Park Elementary School to produce the program and the Principal attended with his family. Ms. Picray, their Media Specialist, was a guest reader, as was Mrs. Curry, the Mayor’s wife. Guy Anderson,one of our Library Board members, also attended. 

After the stories and crafts,cookies and games, I spoke with Mrs. Curry about how we work closely with our local schools and that attending SAC and PTSA meetings have helped us create a relationship with Spring Park Elementary.

"Thanks to all the work of the San Marco staff, especially Emily, for making this event possible."

GB's YS Librarians Inspire & Entertain Kids

Audie Gibson was the absolute epitome of Santa as he held a little Christmas package (including white bow) during a morning stop at GB, December 2, 2015. (Rebekah Mitchell said Mr. Gibson was recommended by a Clay County librarian. What a perfect Santa! We hope Mr. Gibson continues to play Santa for a long time to come. What rosy cheeks! 

In the afternoon, Raelyn Wiirre, GB's YS Librarian, said they instructed youngsters in creating marbled paper during Art Club. Here is a more than satisfied customer with her finished art.  (Don't miss that motto on her shirt: "always be awesome".)   

Some of the awesome results of these children's art are shown below:

NBA Legend, Artis Gilmore, At GB

November 19, 2015 was a memorable day for the 33 (mostly children) who attended Dallas Graham Branch's program featuring the great NBA star, Artis Gilmore.  It was hard to tell who enjoyed who more--Artis or his fans.  
Mr. Gilmore spoke about his life and the similarities between a team sport and life. He allowed Q&A's and later autographed pictures, and was patient to take many photos with fans and staff. Annie Norris donated a basketball that was raffled off. Mr. Gilmore's fans were happy to see his two NBA championship rings that he proudly wears while everyone enjoyed enjoyed conversation and refreshments. (Thanks to  Linda A. Griffin-Foresto,  GB Library Associate, for the news and photos.) 

                               The long and the short of it.

All Things Merry & Bright

Mandarin Branch welcomes the season with a winter wonderland!  Pictured are KR’s YS Library Associate Alison Pulley, KR Library Assistant David Foster, and volunteer Holly Cleveland.

Dinosaurs Deliver Fun At AR

Dinosaurs are always a big draw with children and Regency Square Branch was no exception at Family Fun Night, November 19, 2015. Children enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones, excavating dinosaurs from blocks of ice and doing dinosaur crafts.  Meanwhile, parents visited with one another and colored in adult coloring books. YS Librarian Camara Bragdon and Library Associate Lenora Stuckey put on a fun event enjoyed by all 30 attendees. (Thanks to Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, PCR Region for the blurb and pic.)

Look Who Won the Battle of the Bands Contest

The 10^th Annual Teen Battle of the Bands was part of the Main Library’s 10th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 7.

Ten bands competed. American Idol finalist, Tyanna Jones, kicked the event off with a live performance of the hit, “Wings.” Local band Tomboi emceed and performed while the judges deliberated.

First prize winners, Tone Revival, received $500, three hours studio time at Green Team Media, and gift certificates from George’s Music. Second prize winners, GFM, received $250, and third prize winners, Limitless, received $150.

Shawn Pfaffman, Owner/ Director of First Coast School of Music, sent us the following email after the event: “Thank you all again for an incredible event.  Everything was so well planned and executed.  I was very impressed.  I have judged many Battle of the Bands, including colleges and yours was by far the most professional that I have experienced in the past 20 years.”

Many thanks to Laura Minor, YS Librarian III, for the article and Cranston Burney who took these pictures.  

Kudos from Customers

Graham Branch:  So far so good. Thank you, Betty Powell.

Highlands Branch:  Jeff Geiger was very helpful. He helped me find the author's name and address so that I could write a letter of appreciation to the author. Very glad Jeff is on your staff.

Main Library:  Thank you, Kate Holmes. You have no idea what this means to me. The picture of my brother was the main guy on Radar, Steve Lawson. I cannot believe how hard you worked for me and how fast you were able to achieve my request. Thanks again. 

  

Pablo Creek Branch:  Beverly Brown has provided me with great information on the Educator Program and many other online resources. Kudos, Beverly.

Southeast Branch: I wanted to give some positive feedback on a librarian that I have seen from my elementary days to the present time being my high school career,…Mr. Paul (Schaffner).  After seeing him at my local library for the past 10 years, I felt it was about time that someone appreciates him. I feel he deserves recognition for the many children he has helped to find books, displaying his tireless dedication. I think he has acted as a "librarian father figure," displaying qualities that portray a willingness to help blossom the minds of our future. If anyone is to truly understand how we can have a good future, it would be to first look at the youngsters of today, those who nurture their learning and educational growth, such as our teachers and librarians; they are true heroes. For these reasons, I would like to congratulate Mr. Paul of the Southeast Branch on being a true hero.

Main's 10th Anniversary Photo Contest & A Kiosk Full of Kudos

 
Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin designed this beautiful cake for the photo contest, which Marie Myers and Marsha Collins organized. Library Associate Myers said, "We invited our customers to participate in a photo contest featuring the Main Library. Children 3 - 12, teens, and adults submitted a total of 47 photographs. The contest was in conjunction with Main's 10th anniversary and culminated November 4, 2015 during Art Walk. A photo contest reception was held in The Lounge at Main where Director Barbara Gubbin presided and awarded several prizes. The photographs will be on display on the 3rd floor until November 30, 2015."

              One of the winner's photos -- an entrance door at the Main Library.

Mandarin Branch's PT Library Clerk Jessica Jones and Library Clerk Sara Peretzman created this 10th Anniversary display seen at left, using the Reading Owl symbol as the focal point for customer comments that were made at the grand opening of the Main Library, November 12, 2005. Sara and Robert Moseley assembled this eye catcher on the ground floor.

A JOB WELL DONE BY ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN MAIN'S 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

Mister Grinch Steals Some Awed Attention

The infamous Grinch came to the Main Library Children's Department, November 13th, for a special family program.  He read his own story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, promoting the musical of the same title that will be held at the Times Union Performing Arts-Moran Theater, December 1-6.

Carisia Rooney (far left) acted as the page turner since Mister Grinch's hairy fingers were much too long for that. Carisia said, "The little boy in the picture, whom I had never seen before, climbed into my lap about half way through the book and surprisingly sat there contentedly to the end of the story--right by creepy Mister Grinch!"