Book Club Good Business For MH

Guy Adkins, MH Manager, forwarded this pic and blurb, "We wanted to share this picture of a meeting of the book club at Murray Hill Library, April 23^rd. The book club is led by Margaret Esposito, MH Library Assistant. The book they discussed was Incognito: The Secret Lives of Brains, by David M. Eagleman.  Margaret is seated on the right with the book (yellow dust jacket) in front of her.  The book club meets monthly at MH."  (Click on the pic to enlarge it.)

 

West Entertains Artists, Teachers, Family, & Friends

Melodie Brunson,P/T YS Associate at WST, said, "Our second annual Sip and See Art Gallery Opening celebrating artwork from DCPS elementary students at West Library, April 20, was a resounding success with about 85 present! Parents, grandparents, friends and art teachers from Crystal

Springs, Chaffee Trails, Mamie Agnes Jones, Whitehouse and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools came to celebrate their artists and their work. We sipped sparkling grape juice and nibbled on cookies, apples, and cheese and crackers. A fine time was had by all."

A Very Special Birthday for Eleanor Baldwin: 100 Years

Happy Birthday to Eleanor Baldwin (mother of Librarian IV Lynne Baldwin).  Mrs. Baldwin (who is a retired librarian) celebrated her 100^th birthday on April 24, 2016.  Her best gift came from the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library who surprised Mrs. Baldwin with a beautiful flowering plant arrangement.

In honor of her birthday and to support JPL, Mrs. Baldwin donated $36.00 for 12 JPL Bags to give as gifts to relatives visiting Jacksonville for her birthday. 

What a nice thing to do, Mrs. Baldwin, and thank you. 

So, You Think You're Busy?

Lisa Peterson, SST's Technology Services Administrator, is a bit more busy than the average working mother lately. Lisa said, "My son Cameron (left photo with mom and her husband, Les) graduated from Marine boot camp, April 8, 2016, at Parris Island, SC.

"Cameron married Miss Blake Leggett (middle photo) on April 13, 2016, at Hidden Hills Country Club in Jacksonville. 

"My son, Seth (last photo with two of Lisa's younger children, son Levi, and daughter Ella) graduated from Army boot camp, April 14, at Ft. Benning, GA.  He, too, is still in training.

"Saturday, April 16, Tessa attended her high school prom with her boyfriend."  And you don't EVEN want to know the rest of this working Mom's schedule.


Lisa has seven children in a blended family: one step-son, Justin (age 29), who is also in the Marines and stationed in California. Lisa's children are Cameron (21), Seth (19), Tessa (16), Tad (13), Levi (10) and Ella (6).

Feast Your Eyes

More Student Art At Main (Thanks to Cranston Burney for taking pics of these and enticing us to see more examples of student art exhibited on the 2nd floor at Main):

Kudos From Customers - April 2016

Beaches Branch & Main - POP: …Theresa Rooney assisted a customer on the computer who was trying to print a copy of a song but did not want to pay for it. Theresa suggested a catalog search and found a copy of the music score located in the Main Reference Collection. She asked Gail Blumberg to call the Main Library to see if they could copy and fax it to us for the customer. Although the material needed had been removed from Reference Department shelves, Library Associate Kimberly Smith in Main POP searched diligently, located the music score on a cart, and faxed a copy to JB. This made us all look good and the customer was elated. ...

Highlands Branch:  I would like this to be considered a formal commendation for Chanika Kimbrough. She is very knowledgeable, courteous and goes the extra mile to be of service. Excellent!

Main – Non-Fiction:  Matthew Taylor was very helpful and very quick to respond to something I had been looking for for years. I appreciate so much what he did for me.

Westbrook Branch: Site manager, Shawn Norton, made himself available for needed help (computer). In direct relation to his selfless help, I was able to secure employment.  Thank you so much.

SST @ Willowbranch:  I spent an hour with "tech supporter" GAMBLE (Nicholas Beardsley) this morning and learned more from him in one hour than I had in dozens of other sessions with my new iPhone "consultants". Gamble is WONDERFUL!! Thank you so much for this marvelous service!! This is what we all need to keep up to date!

Main Children's Dept. In On National Library Week

Main Children's Marie Myers reports, "For library week, I made a memory game/matching game of children’s book characters. The object is for the children to find which book characters go together. I used old book pockets to hold the cards. I thought it would be fun for parents to see book pockets and reminds them of their childhood. Here are pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/JPLmainkids/photos/pcb.10153572327678017/10153572327643017/?type=3&theater

JPL Volunteers Honored By Library Board of Trustees

Above is the cover of the Volunteer Recognition Program distributed at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, April 14, 2016. Everyone was delighted to visit with these honorees when a special cake was shared by all after the meeting.  Below is a picture of the volunteers honored by the Library Board. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT OUR SUPERB VOLUNTEERS?

Some of the volunteers I know:  SE Librarian I Sally Doherty, far left, back row. Front, far left: Margaret Smith (green outfit w/ yellow shirt). Mrs. Smith is Treasurer of the FOJPL and a retired exec with JPL. Mrs. Joyce Charron (fourth from left in front) and her husband, Ed Charron, standing behind President of the Friends of JPL, Sylvia Wren, standing (red suit) next to Joyce; and on the far right, first row is AYL Library Associate Tracy O'Sullivan.  

If you can identify others, their names will be posted here.

Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin ordered this beautiful cake for the volunteers and all at the meeting enjoyed it and getting to know one another better.

Lynne Baldwin said, "Nicolle Burton was responsible for coordinating the Volunteer Recognition Celebration on April 14. She did a fantastic job." 

Are We Proud Or What!

SST's Supervisor of Collection Development and Acquisitions, Charlene Adkins, and her husband and Murray Hill Branch Manager, Guy, have big news to share. Charlene said, "We wanted to brag about our youngest son, Spencer (left), who was inducted into Mandarin High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society, April 14, 2016.  Students in Mandarin’s chapter are required to have at least a 3.5 weighted GPA, leadership in school and community activities, service in school and community activities and good character." 

Congratulations to Mom and Dad--and especially to Spencer. 

Student Art Stars At UPK

New art hangs over the readers’ section of the University Park Library.  Children’s Librarian Eve Harm said, "We created the pieces with help from DCPS students who attended our Gallery opening, April 14^th.  We had 24 in attendance that night from Lake Lucina, GRASP Academy, and Fort Caroline.  Since the students shared their art with us, we shared our art of story time with them. Afterwards, they helped us create some new stars for our department. They also enjoyed a snack and apple juice out of champagne glasses to celebrate this wonderful Gallery opening." 

Student Art At NS

NS & EB Manager Phenessa Gray shares photos from Brentwood Branch's art reception for elementary school students who attend  Andrew Robinson, Brentwood, John E. Ford, John Love, Long Branch, and R.L. Brown schools.  Phenessa said, "Forty three attended the event where art teachers presented certificates of recognition created by Robin West-Rogers for the students' artistic talent. Parents were very proud of their students and the artwork is simply amazing." 

Teens Learn How To Manage Money

JPL partnered with the League of Southeastern Credit Union on April 2nd to sponsor Mad City Money, a finance workshop designed to teach teens how to manage money. One hundred teens were given a virtual salary and asked to work out a budget and then offered different ways they could spend their money at different tables set up for the event and Channel 4 covered it. 

JPL's table was represented by Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani and Main Teen Library Associate Katie Guarino, who offered the library as a free entertainment and educational source.  Katie and Mitesh had plenty of p.r. materials to back them up.

The 30 volunteers pictured below helped make the event a great success for the teens and about 50 parents stayed to observe the workshop.

                                                             

The New Impressionists, Pointillists, Modernists, Etc.

Every spring the Main Library has the pleasure of exhibiting very popular student art from across the DCPS system. Beth Friederich, Main children's department, reports, "We had 117 visitors stop in to admire the student artwork on April 16--just from 3-4pm."  The exhibit can be viewed on the 2nd floor until April 27, 2016.

THANKS TO FRIENDS OF JPL FOR COOKIES GALORE

The Main Library celebrated National Library Week with cookies from the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.  Jay Brasfield from Special Collections really liked the chocolate chip cookies.  Big thanks to the Friends of JPL for the show of appreciation and for their support.  (Thanks to Lynne Baldwin, Main Library Manager, for the blurb and picture.)

P. S. All of us enjoyed the cookies--sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate chip to boot!  More than that, we all have a better library system because of the Friends and thank you for all the things you do for JPL.  

Something To Shout About

Meet the Super Stars, who put a big smile on their mothers ' faces, April 13. Kayla Thomas (left), CW's Noah Thomas' daughter, and NW's Gloria Buenavista's son, Jay-Jay were inducted into the National Honor Society at Darnell Cookman High School.

Being in the Honor Society means these high achievers have a 3.0 or above GPA average, have demonstrated leadership abilities, have good character and have performed service to their school and community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KAYLA THOMAS AND JAY-JAY BUENAVISTA!

SOM Honors Volunteers

South Mandarin Library hosted their Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, April 12, where volunteers were thanked for their service during National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

P. S. All of us at JPL appreciate all of our volunteers.

National Library Week Celebrated by VIPs, JPL Retirees, & Customers

Pablo Creek Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "The National Library Week kickoff event at PCR began with a fascinating discussion about JPL's past, present and future. In a living room style interview – Jennifer Giltrop and Friends of JPL Treasurer Margaret Smith (JPL retiree, volunteer, and library historian) explored the history of the library system in Jacksonville from the Great Fire in 1901, to the expansion of library services under The Better Jacksonville Plan, to the current technology with 3D Printing innovation. E-Specialist Luis Terrone was on hand to discuss the latest in 3D Printing and perform a demonstration to the fascination of the attendees. A slideshow took the audience through retrospective highlights from JPL's past and present. Among the attendees were Dr. Charles Moreland, Director of Community Affairs; Councilman Aaron Bowman (District 3) and Councilwoman Joyce Morgan (District 1), and Mary Catherine Gilligan, Special Assistant to U. S. Senator Marco Rubio. Other special guests include longtime JPL employees, now retired – Gloria Tusing and Elsie Oishi. Many thanks to the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library for the delicious refreshments with JPL logo shortbread cookies and lemonade. A photo booth and several unique opportunities for participation are on display at the library so customers can express how they feel about the library throughout National Library week."

Thanks, Cranston!

When the fire alarm went off at Main, April 11, Cranston Burney was prepared as always.  Since he was manning the 3W desk, he came out fully prepared with the Floor Warden yellow hat, the vest, and the day’s schedule.  He also remembered the walkie talkies, although they proved not to work properly.  (Well, that's what it's all about--finding what works and what doesn't and staying prepared for the next time.  Yay to Cranston for really being ready!  Thanks to Kathleen Brunner for the blurb and pic. 

Music At Main From Across The Pond

The Adderbury Ensemble visited from Great Britain and gave a free performance in the 303 Lounge at Main yesterday.  They were visiting North Florida with funding from the Delius Trust.  They performed music by Frederick Delius and others. (Special Collections also houses his music collection on the 4^th floor.) The ensemble played beautifully for the appreciative 75 people who attended. However, there was a surprise ending:  The last movement of the last piece was interrupted by a fire alarm emergency and everyone had to clear the building!  

Thanks to Main's Kathleen Brunner, Librarian III for the report and to Cranston Burney for the pics.,

Main SparkWalk Awards Teen Art Contest Winners

Stephanie Miller, Urban Libraries Manager, proudly announced, "These are the winners of the Teen Art Contest. Their art is currently on display in the Teen Room. In May, the 1^st place winner, Juliette Harmon, will have a solo show in the Teen gallery space. In June, the 2^nd place winner, Ellery Susa, and 3rd place winner, Jordan Warner will share an exhibit in the Teen gallery space. They were honored at the Teen Art Contest reception on April 6 as part of the SparkWalk events at Main." Pictured below are Stephanie Juliette, Jordan, Ellery, and Mia Brack.

SE Hosts 6th Great Decisions Program W/Topic On U.N.

The United Nations post-2015 was discussed at the sixth Great Decisions program at Southeast Regional Library on the evening of April . Joy Bagwell, former president of the UN Model team at UNF, led the discussion of 20 attendees. Bureaucracy, the role of the secretary-general, makeup of the security council and peacekeeping were addressed. Joy is the youngest facilitator of the program at the library and participants were vocal about their satisfaction with her perspective and ability to share insight on the only organization made up of all 193 recognized countries in the world. Joy will study international and comparative law at George Washington University in the fall. The final two programs cover climate geopolitics on April 21 and Cuba and the U.S. on April 28, 2016.

SparkWalk, April 6, 2016 At Main

Above, Kathleen Brunner, Librarian III in Reference and Nonfiction at Main, gave tours of the library during JPL's SparkWalk; here she is(far right) with the first group. Below are pictured Matthew Taylor (NF),Kathleen, Katie Devanny (CAL)   and Judy Bradshaw (Learn to Read) who manned the p.r. table outside of Main for a while. The JPL SparkWalk table was also manned earlier by Kate Holmes and Matthew.

Kathleen said, "I hosted two tour groups from FSCJ’s Teaching and Learning conference, which was being held at the Hyatt Regency this week. They were a wonderful audience, and they especially appreciated the various artworks in the building. Some were from out of town, while other locals mentioned that they had been here before but were unaware of the myriad of joys and services offered, especially on the 4^th floor and Conference Level.

"It was the REF/PER/NF department’s turn to man the JPL table for the 1^st Wednesday ArtWalk, which happened to coincide with the SparkWalk. We had a celebration of Poetry Month on our table, plus information on upcoming JPL programs/events.  Next to us, CAL and Learn to Read were manning a table with information on their special services."  

Thanks to Cranston Burney for the pictures.

Staff Profile - April 2016

Emily Gideon, San Marco Branch's Children's Library Associate, coordinated the Teens Make a Difference grant program and the Prime Time Story Time grant program for three years before going full time with JPL. Both programs had ties with a number of libraries: CW, MH , KR, AR, UPK, Main, AYL, GB and DU. On a whim to test herself, Emily took the Library Associate exam. (She had planned to homeschool her daughter for one more year and wait to take a job.) She passed the test and JPL offered her a job at SS and SS is in her neighborhood, next to the school her son attended, and the one her daughter would attend the next year. Emily had a perfect match and has been at SS a year and a half. (Cherry on her whipped cream is she goes home for lunch and is able to take her daughter to/from school twice a week.)

PRICELESS: Emily with one of SS's youngest customers, whose expression appears as one of disdain about being photographed, but she may be thinking, "Oh, well; I DO have a cute hat and my best dress on, so it's ok."

Q: You helped increase circulation recently at SS, as attested to by your Branch Manager Lilia Simonton. That is no small accomplishment. How did that happen?

I started with one story time and now have three. With these story times I display books that relate to the theme. Increasing programming has helped with the circulation. Jill Haile does a fantastic job ordering books and so I feature the new books on displays. I also put seasonal books on display and make sure those displays are never empty.

Q. Specifically, what did you do in these individual projects that effected such positive results?

I have been enthusiastic about welcoming families into the San Marco children’s department. I love children’s books and I love sharing those books with the kids and I don’t mind laughing at myself. My story times are not perfect and more than once a parent or caregiver has had to help me out with a rhyme but we always have a good time.

Part of creating community has been attending School Advisory Council (SAC) meetings at Spring Park Elementary. Through that partnership, Mrs. Picray, the media specialist, suggested we have a pajama story time and she would come and read. In December, we were able to host Spring Park Elementary. Not only did Mrs. Picray read, but we had a special guest, Mrs. Molly Curry, the mayor’s wife, participate as well.  Mrs. Curry brought her three children in pajamas, and they all enjoyed the gingerbread, crafts, and activities.

Q:  As head of SS’s Children’s Department, do you see future projects that you can build on your present successes?

A: In addition to the school pajama story time we also had a stuffed animal sleep over story time.  In the future, I would like to have a once a month story time for families where both parents work and don’t have a chance to take their child to a morning story time. I would like to do a paper mache project with the 6^th graders that come every afternoon at 3:00 when school gets out. 

Q:  Is there anything in your past work experience that has helped you in your current position?

A: For 5 years, I worked in the children’s department of Barnes and Noble and then I homeschooled my four children for almost 15 years. I have taught pre-k - 5th grade at least three times, and 6^th and 7^th grades once because my children entered public school at different times. Having four varied readers in my house has also made me keenly aware of different genres of children’s books, which is helpful when a recommendation is needed.

Barnes and Noble regularly changed not only their displays but rearranged the whole department to keep things interesting for customers. I also keep in mind what I wanted as a mom when I took my kids to story time. I started taking my oldest to story time in Palm Bay, FL. I loved the rhymes and books she chose but I don’t think she ever learned our names. By the time I took my youngest to story time we were in Jacksonville and we sat through Mrs. Mary’s story times at UPK. She was always so friendly to all of my children. I also took my children to Mrs. Marie and Mrs. Rebecca’s programs at Main and they also always made us feel welcome. It’s about marketing but it goes hand in hand with community. 

An Easter 2015 picture of Emily's family, L/R: John-Thomas (20, clerk at Main; honors student at UNF); Emmett (15, IB student at Stanton);  Josh (Supervisor for the City Building Dept.); Elise (11, at Landon); Stewart (18, senior at Stanton, accepted into the honors program at FSU for the fall) and Emily Gideon.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: In 5 years, I look forward to more established relationships with people in the San Marco community.  I especially hope to see little Weston or little Nola, who came to my first story time a year and a half ago, come visit me to say they will be going to Landon middle school and they will look forward to visiting me after school.

In 5 years, I see my job of raising my children as almost done. I will only have one child at home in her junior year of high school, one just finishing his first year as an honor student at some unknown college and will have two done with their enrollment as honor students at UNF and FSU and hopefully will be getting their Masters.In five years, I see myself preparing for an empty nest and filling it with JPL and spending time with my husband, Joshua 

SE Program Helps Crowd "Get It All Together"

Southeast Branch hosted a Mindfulness and Stress Management lecture by Dr. Suman Kollipara, president and founder of a non-profit called Peace Tree Innovations Society, March 20 and 21, 2016.  Dr. Kollipara elaborated on the values of meditation and learning how to destress. Twenty five attended the March 21 presentation and 30 turned out for the March 21 lecture.

What Seniors Need To Know Program At SOM

On Wednesday evening, March 23, 2016, South Mandarin Branch held the program “What Seniors Need to Know,” presented by Eddie Malone of Elder Care Resources.  Additional speakers were Connie Robinson Long of Connie’s Tool Box and Lisa Atkinson of Home Instead Senior Services. The event provided information on the services available for seniors wishing to remain in their current homes for as long as possible.  Discussed were topics on upgrading homes to be user friendly for seniors and also how to remain independent by receiving help with personal and medical needs. The program was open to everyone, and specifically for interested seniors and family members of seniors.

 

   Eddie Malone is describing here the facts of aging in place.

   Connie Robinson Long is explaining why seniors need to maintain their homes properly.

 

   Lisa Atkinson is giving pointers on the importance of receiving help with medical needs   and services.

Thank you, Ralph Henderson, for the article and pictures.

Help for Small Business Planners At SOM

Entrepreneurs are excited people.  When you meet a person bent on starting their own business, you can sense their interest and intensity. This was evident at the South Mandarin Branch on the evening of March 30^th, during the Funding Your Dream: Small Business Strategies program where 26 men and women gathered to hear two interesting presenters. 

Presented by Specialists of the Small Business Administration, Donna Padgug and Jay Choi, future business owners were provided with information on financing, research support and given contacts to help them develop their new businesses.  Based on their questions, and answers provided, these future business owners received the advice and direction they needed to proceed to their next step of proprietorship.

Ms. Padgug and Mr. Choi provided another opportunity to meet the informational needs of the Mandarin community.          

 Ms. Padgug responds to a question from a future small business owner.

  

 Mr. Choi is seen here explaining the intricacies of financial assistance provided by the SBA.

Thanks to Ralph Henderson for the input and pics.

Author SKYPE Visit At JB

JB was one of the winners of “A Sudden Light”  Book Club kit which included a SKYPE visit with the author, Garth Stein!  On March 29^th, the Flamingo Book Club enjoyed a funny and entertaining virtual visit with the author, who discussed his writing process as well as books The Art of Racing In The Rain and A Sudden Light. The kit also included swag such as buttons and matchboxes to commemorate the visit.  Another great book club meeting led by Julie Rekow.

NS Celebrates Women's History Month With A Tea

Brentwood Branch Library celebrated a Women’s History Month Afternoon Thank You Tea Party, March 27, 2016. Thirty one ladies enjoyed an inspiring event as they shared their memoirs and gave tribute to women who have greatly impacted their lives. Children and teens also attended and learned how much one person can positively impact their lives and the value an afternoon tea.

A reporter for The Jacksonville Free Press was also there to cover a portion of the event and spoke with Sharon Coon, the Founder/Organizer of the Brentwood Friends of the Library. 

The names for the group photo are:  L/R Seated: Pearl Graham-West, Veronica Y. Njeri-Imani, Nicci Steward, Ivera M. Anderson. 1^st Row Standing: Angela Peterson, Dr. Brewda J. Harris-Green, Annette Hines Dues, Sharon Coon, Helen Giffith. Last Row Standing: Sis. Catherine Cobb, Jocelyn Gaffney, Thelma Frazier, NS Manager Phenessa Gray, and JPL Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop.

Thanks to Brentwood Branch Manager Phenessa A. Gray for the news and pictures.

Two Street Pipe Mobile Mosaics

Guy Adkins, MH Manager, said "This is to announce the temporary placement (between six months and one year) in front of the Murray Hill branch library of two street pipe mobile mosaics: “Children” (foreground) and “Sailboats of the St. Johns River”. The artwork was installed by Kenny Rouh and his wife, the artists of the pieces, on March 26^th."

This little redhead could not wait to relate to "Children".

Library Board Trustee Mario Payne Reads To Kids & Parents At DU

Highlands Branch's LA Felecia Battle, held her first Dads with Donuts storytime with guest reader Library Board Trustee, Mario Payne March 24, 2016. The kids enjoyed stories, songs and donuts with their dads. Mr. Payne began with his favorite childhood song, "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and the kids and parents were pumped up for storytime. Later the kids made a  donut craft with their dads!

Getting To Know You; Getting To Like You

Tara Connolly, LEAP grant employee in the Urban Core Region, brought a group of women that she is working with through the City Rescue Mission to the Main library for a tour. Kathleen Brunner escorted them through the building and spent almost two hours with them. They asked Q's as they toured and Kathleen said, " We ended our time together at the CIRC desk applying for library cards."  Thanks to KB for the news and pic.  Great p.r. work, Kathleen.

Easter Fun At San Marco Branch

The bunny theme at Stories for Young Children program at San Marco Branch saw 16 children painting while another 10 played with early literacy blocks.  After reading three books about bunnies, the children (assisted by their parents) created a "tape resist" painted Easter egg." They learned about mixing colors and "resist art".  Parents enjoy talking with each other after the programs and often visit with each other at the nearby park when they leave SS. 

Female Pilots WOW Kids W/Visit At EB

Lt. Lara Bzik and Lt. Lindsey Asdal visited Brown Eastside Branch, March 16, along with the Navy's P.R. representative Julie Lucas. They fascinated customers with their talks about being female pilots.  JPL's May Kramer and the Navy personnel swapped JPL and Navy literature.  Navy stickers were given to the children and they assembled small planes and several tried on a flight suit and helmet. They also presented the pilots with interesting questions, such as, "Have you ever flown at night?",  "Will the Navy pay for pilot training and further education?" and "What countries have you flown over?"  Pretty mature questions, don't you think!

The Navy team wants to return to JPL and JPL is looking forward to more sessions for our customers.

Kudos From Customers - March 2016

Main - Children's:  Kelly (Heath) was very polite and helpful. She was empathetic to me finding my flash drive and ensured I knew where to pick up and search for lost and found.

Main - Talking Books:  Carol Michael, manager for Vision Education and Rehab Center FSCJ, was setting up a presentation appointment with Katie Devanny at CAL when Talking Books and Cris Eaton were brought up in the conversation. Carol praised Chris on the work he has done with VERC's clients. She talked about how great the service provided is but more about what Chris himself has done. It was great to hear such wonderful praise about a colleague. CAL witnesses every day Chris's great work and it was great to hear that he is appreciated outside in the community. Thanks Chris for being a great JPL representative! 

Murray Hill Branch:  I wanted to commend your librarian, Doug Fair, on his outstanding customer service. ...There was an incident with a patron that made me feel uncomfortable leaving the building. Doug went outside to assess the situation and to put my concerns to rest. He went above and beyond his duties @ the desk. I want to thank him. ...

SST:  Personally, I feel very satisfied with the personnel that work in this library.  In general, they are very professional and friendly.  Standing out with those virtues is instructor Flory (Florinda Martinez, E-Library Specialist, SST.)

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  LOVE the audio class w/Mr. Josh (Jubinsky).  We can’t make it every week, but always enjoy it when we come. 

Cuties In Cats In The Hat

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch delighted kids who were invited to make a  “Cat in the Hat” for Dr. Seuss'  birthday, March 2. ( NW's Storytime and  Craft participants didn't care that the program was a bit of a belated birthday celebration held on March 15.)

Outstanding Employees Receive JPL Leadership Awards

The JPL Board of Library Trustees was introduced to seven JPL Leadership award winners for the first quarter FY 15/16 at the Board's March 20, 2016 meeting.  Director Barbara Gubbin (R in first pic below) and Chair of the Library Board Erin Skinner (L in first pic) were on hand to congratulate the winners.

Two Main Librarian III's were winners of the  "Encourage the Heart" award: Tamera Branam (2nd from L above), Main/Pop, and Kathleen Krizek, Special Collections (2nd from R). Both teamed up to have "5 Days of Sweet and Savory Delights" for Main staff during the holidays. Five departments hosted and decorated their workrooms and organized the food. Whoever could get by enjoyed seeing different locations in the Main Library, meeting other staff, and all enjoyed some great holiday food.

Laura Minor, YS Librarian III at Main, won a "Model the Way" award AND the "Employee of the Quarter" award for the effective, rewarding work she did for the Main Library's 10th Anniversary Teen Battle of the Bands program, November 7, 2015.  After six months of advanced planning that included a host of people 's efforts, the event saw over 500 customers attend to hear ten bands (some had to be turned away for lack of time.)  Laura did not have her picture made.

Support Services staff racked up three "Model the Way" awards. Jill Haile (middle, pic below) is a Librarian III in Collection Development. Jill worked many extra hours to clean, weed, organize and shift WB's collection prior to its reopening.   

Librarian I Diane Pless (2nd from R above) and Library Associate Linda Smith (2nd from L above), also in Collection Development, assisted Jill Haile in the huge job of weeding at WB.

Two Main Library Associates, Marsha Collins
(Children's) and Marie Myers (Main/POP) suggested a photo contest for Main's 10th anniversary and teamed up to create guidelines for the contest. Their adroit planning won Admin's approval and after working with other Main departments and the Art Walk Committee, they bragged 47 entries and 50 people attended the reception.

San Marco's Library Associate Emily Gideon (below, middle) won a "Model the Way" award for increasing circulation of children's materials. Emily has been aggressively promoting books and reading through programming, outreach and other activities. She developed partnerships with some school principals and teachers.  Emily added a "Holiday Storytime Pajama Party where Mayor Curry's wife read and their three children attended, along with 50+ others.  She also added two other weekly storytimes at SS. 
 
CR&M's Coordinator Olga Bayer could not attend the Board meeting but most know of her dedication to JPL, its staff, and CR&M. Olga managed staff in CR&M when Ms. Lussier left and took on much responsibility before Chris Boivin became the department manager in mid-December.

We owe all of you a debt of gratitude for your unusual abilities, creativity, dedication and hard work.