Staff Profile - July 2016

Margaret Morford has mastered one of Wisdom's greatest components: knowing when to speak and when not to; she has that down pat.  And you would never know if she doesn't like someone because she is gracious to all. This Special Collections Librarian tops off these jeweled characteristics with a proficiency she wears like comfortable shoes.  

Margaret's husband, Don, is a physician. She is a proud aunt of grown nieces, Mary and Kris, and she and Don are excited about their planned visit with them and their families in Ocean City, MD, in late July.

 Q: You won an “Inspired a Shared Vision” award in the 2^nd fiscal quarter for your accomplishments with the JPL 50+ grant program.  What did the grant require of JPL?

A:  JPL was one of 4 libraries in the country selected to receive the AARP Foundation ISOA grant that ran from June 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016.  JPL was chosen due to its excellent programs for seniors.  Since Jacksonville’s population has 30% of its people over 50 years of age, we were considered an excellent candidate for the grant.  

The grant required that we combine AARP Foundation resources with library staff, volunteers, materials and programs to help patrons ages 50+ to find jobs and local support agencies to achieve economic success.  We performed 5 minute intake surveys for the AARP Foundation at a designated place in the library Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., August 2015 through March 2016 and we surveyed 460 people.  The survey was designed by the AARP Foundation which asked people if they had concerns about food costs, housing, looking for a job, wanting information about free tax preparation, or taking care of a relative. If they were interested, the AARP Foundation would send the person information about organizations within the community that could help them.

Q: How did you promote the JPL 50+ program and what challenges did you overcome?

                                      

A: The American Library Association monthly magazine American Libraries interviewed Lisa Buggs and me about the success of the JPL 50+ program and is running an article in the June issue.  

Transportation was an issue for older adults-- getting downtown to participate in the programs and take the surveys. We had to be creative and take programs and outreach to various events.

We had a challenge recruiting volunteers due to the distance they had to drive to get downtown and find convenient parking.

Some people didn’t want to take the survey due to privacy concerns and security of the information taken (i.e. giving name, phone number, and email address). 

We had to move our daily AARP Foundation JPL 50+grant room in the Main Library from the 3^rd floor to the ground floor to increase our visibility to customers and so we could be of more help.

Q:  How did the success of the program benefit JPL?

A: The library reached a good number of older adults in our community. We are continuing our programming at the library for seniors and it continues to be called JPL 50+.  The e-specialists have upcoming technology programs at the branches for seniors with topics such as social networking, Android phones and tablets for Adults 50+, and iPhones and iPads for Adults 50+.  Also programs are planned for topics such as Lawyers in Libraries, Get Financially Fit, and we have Career Source Northeast Florida for those looking for jobs.

By targeting people 50 years of age and older, the library is able to design programs of interest for them to attend and address their needs for resources for technology support, personal finance assistance and health concerns.

Q: You have a long history serving JPL. Please tell us about it.

A: I have been with JPL for almost 12 years after coming from a corporate/scientific librarian environment at a chemical company.  I started in Special Collections at the Main Library as a librarian in the African American Collection and remain in Special Collections as a Librarian II. I really enjoy my work in helping people with their research needs.

I have served on the JPL Leadership Awards Committee, am editor of the Special Collection’s newsletter called The Owl’s Nest, and I served as Pilot Program Manager for the AARP Foundation ISOA – JPL 50+ grant.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your life and how did you overcome it?

A: The biggest challenge in my life was finding out I had breast cancer in the fall of 2013.   It was a whirlwind of a year at Mayo Clinic with surgery and treatment, but I am glad to say I am cancer free and doing well.  I appreciate the support I have had from my family and friends (including library, neighborhood, and church friends). The love for my job has gotten me through it.  I definitely have a lot to be thankful for.

There were better days ahead:

Margaret and Don at the Kentucky Derby, May 7, 2016. 

Some Know How To Pick A Winner

The Jacksonville Public Library picked the winner of the 2016 International Dublin Literary Award, which carries the largest literary award of €100,000 (about $114,000) for a single novel written in English. The Irish award is given for the “highest form of achievement in literature.” A special committee of JPL librarians and staff, led by CW Branch Manager Kathy Tekin, read, reviewed and nominated the book, Family Life by Akhil Sharma, for the award. Judges ultimately selected Family Life for the short list of 10 novels out of 160 titles, and on June 9, 2016, announced Akhil Sharma’s Family Life as the winner of the award.

Nominations for books were submitted by libraries all over the world and spanned more than 40 countries. JPL was one of just two libraries to nominate Family Life. The Jacksonville Public Library committee described the novel as “beautifully hypnotic,” with Sharma’s “plain style, its gaps and fissures and mighty sense of lack … both proof of the inability of words to render grief and a demonstration that they can do exactly that.” 

Family Life can be borrowed from JPL. (This particular book can be found with three different book covers.)

You may want to read these articles:

 https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jun/09/akhil-sharma-wins-100000-dublin-international-literary-award?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

http://www.dublinliteraryaward.ie/news/winner-2016-press-release/

Thanks to Olga Bayer, CR&M Coordinator for the input.

Baking Pans & Abstract Art At AR

This EPIC Summer Learning Program, Tuesday, June 21, got things rolling at the Regency Square Library with the school-age mini-series, Art in Action. Twenty-four kids learned about the “athlete with a paintbrush,” Jackson Pollock, and then created their own abstract paintings using marbles. Camara Bragdon, AR's Youth Services Librarian II said, "I used baking pans because it was easier to contain the paint and marbles and tin foil to line the pans assured no leaks and it made clean up easy. The kids also took their artwork home in the pans. (Thanks, Camara, for the pic and blurb.)

You are one smart lady, Camara.

Justin Keiser: Job Well Done

Karen Walker presented Justin Keiser with a Job Well Done Award, June 29, 2016, on behalf of Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives.  Richard hailed Justin's excellent quality of work, teamwork, and innovation creating a two-minute video for Richard to present at a PLA preconference in Denver in February. Richard said, "The accolades we received for the clip were effusive.  The event coordinator described it as better than they had hoped, injecting the event with energy and enthusiasm for the instruction that was to come.  The success was all thanks to Justin." 

A Gold Medal For A Poet

Amanda Whaley (left), Main Pop/Fic Library Associate, celebrated with her daughter, 
Aracely Medina, after the National Scholastic Awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall in NYC, June 2, 2016. Aracely won a gold medal there for one of her poems.  She had just graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she studied creative writing. Aracely also used to volunteer in Talking Books. 

(Click on the pic for a clearer look at the huge gold medal.)

Mandarin Branch Celebrates 30 Years

On Saturday June 18, 2016, the Mandarin Library hosted an Open House celebrating 30 years of service to the community.  Library Director Barbara Gubbin welcomed about 80 people and City Councilmen Tommy Hazouri (above) presented the library with a resolution honoring Mandarin's 30^th anniversary.  Library Board Chair Erin Skinner, groups from the library, members of the Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society and the Mandarin Garden Club were among the honored guests. All enjoyed donations of cake from Publix and sandwiches from Jimmy John’s, along with door prizes.

So. Hospitality Greets Korean Librarians At Main

Fifteen Korean librarians and their interpreter were hosted in the Main Library Board Room (photo above), June 22, by Director Barbara Gubbin and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop. Several department heads spoke on the functions of their departments, followed by a Q&A. One example, Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton gave a presentation describing the Sorenson video phone; there is at least one ADA p.c. at each JPL location with appropriate accessible programs, and the 3-D restroom models at the men's and women's restrooms on Main's conference level, which they saw on their tour of Main with Ms. Giltrop and Kathleen Brunner. Lynne Baldwin kept the group together and coordinated transportation for them. Before the tour, each guest was given a beautiful JPL book bag and everyone was treated to pastries and fruit (provided by Lynne) and coffee. 

                                                            In the 4th floor Map Room

In addition to Main's avant-garde Children's department, of particular interest were the 910 Imagination Squared! 5" wood squares on the conference level, painted and/or decorated by individuals. (The collection was donated to Main by Dolf James and Christina Foard in 2011, after they were exhibited September 1-November 14, 2010, at MOCA--at which time MOCA had a record attendance).

On the ground floor, the Korean librarians saw the 39 paintings (below) of young lives lost to violence in Jacksonville.

All of the visitors were intrigued with the Main Library, which Ms. Gubbin had noted earlier is the largest public library in Florida and that Jacksonville is the largest city in the contiguous U.S.  They were busy snapping pictures all along the tour.

As you can see, hosts, hostesses, and visitors had a wonderful time getting to know each other and our guests learned a lot about how Jacksonville and the Main Library lives. The librarians were sponsored by the National Library of Korea in Korea’s Global Leadership Program to Jacksonville and they were on their way to the American Library Association Conference in Orlando.

                   Ms. Giltrop presented each guest with a beautiful JPL book bag.

(Please note how good pics turn out when they are taken in a well lighted venue. A big thank you to Cranston Burney for these great pictures.) 

Betty Person: Job Well Done

Special Collections Librarian III Kathleen Krizek granted her Library Assistant Betty Person (pictured left) for the Job Well Done Award, June 22. Kathleen said, "Betty works well with members of the department and Grand Reading Room staff. She shares information with supervisors about facilities and customer concerns. Betty doesn’t have the opportunity for flashy projects, but she’s dependable and an asset to the department."

Main's EPIC Summer Kickoff

Main Children's department kicked off their EPIC Summer, June 16. Nicole Evans said, "With so many fun things to do, an hour wasn't nearly long enough. We encouraged everyone to come back for more fun each week!”

The little girl with the blindfold is playing “Pin the Smile on the Cheshire Cat” with Art Associate Marie Myers. 

The little boy with boxes falling over is playing“life-size Jenga". He had just lost a game to his brother. DRATS!

The girl below is also playing a game of “life-size Jenga” with  her sister.

 

Emily Gideon Helps Kids Go For The Gold

SS Children's LA Emily Gideon found a big box months ago planned for discard and stashed it in SS's break room for future use. Recently, Emily painted the box with an outline of a person holding the Olympic symbol. She cut out a hole for kids to put their cute faces in as they pretend to be an Olympic champion, thus rewarding her coworkers' patience with the box's long time storage when they saw the delight on the children's faces. 

Late Tuesday, June 21, a family visited the Children's department for the first time and while they enjoyed reading books, they also had fun with the photo cut out prop. Emily snapped a few photos like this one with her phone and sent them to her email, then printed them out on a Publisher document for customers to take home. Emily capped off their visit by signing up the children for SLP and encouraging them to check out books regularly and keep reading all summer. You guessed it: They said they definitely will be back! And who wouldn't after such a warm welcome.

Matthew Taylor: Job Well Done

Main has someone special in the Nonfic/Ref/Per department: Matthew Taylor. He was granted a Job Well Done Award for 15 years of Get to Yes service by Lynne Baldwin, Main Manager, June 21. Lynne adds, "Matthew is professional, dependable, and works hard," and she also credits him with "volunteering help at outreach tables, being flexible, and covering where help is needed, even on Sunday." 

Kudos From Customers

CR&M (Main Library) & AR:  I think events outlined in May's Newsletter (CR & M’s Olga Bayer, Editor) were awesome. The Chinese Tea Ceremony (AR’s Shirdellah Groulx’s doing) was an excellent idea; please have this on the calendar again in the future. The whole heritage/history theming was very creative. I am not sure how often you do this, but I feel it was a well thought out way to introduce people to other cultural norms and customs and would love to see more of this in the future.

Main – Special Collections: I highly appreciated the assistance that I received from Ms. Betty A. Person on 6-1-2016 near closing.  I am a FSCJ student and was working on a project. She made sure I got all the important documents that I needed to complete my part in a group project.  It would be nice to have staffs that present upmost customer service like she provided; the world would be a better place. Thank You, Ms. Person; you highly deserve the kudos that I am passing to the Main Library.

Pablo Creek Branch: Ms. Marcy (O’Dell) started the Art in Literacy component last week…and it was an amazing experience for my 3 year old. He was able to explore various art mediums in a safe and nurturing environment. He talked about his experience throughout the afternoon. Please continue to build on this program in addition to the story times. Our community of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will benefit from this type of development.

SST & KR:  I am very satisfied with Donna Peretzman, the lovely lady who teaches the computer classes. I wish more staff members were like Donna. Also, the gentleman (David Foster), who works in the children's section, is also very helpful & courteous. 

NS' Exercise Your Mind! Kinect Golf Tournament

A mother who had never played before, competed against her teenage daughter and walked away with the silver medal playing in the Xbox Kinect golf tournament at NS, June 16. Ten participants competed for the “gold” and kept their strength up with fresh fruit and trail mix provided.  Betty Williams said, "Although the competition was stiff, everyone had fun.  This was advertised as a program for adults, but we allowed older teens to participate as well, and two of them won the gold and the bronze. They also received 'happy faces'."

PCR's Win-Win: 'Turn It Up Thursday'

Pablo Creek Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "PCR 'Turn It Up Thursday' was a huge success at the Pablo Creek Library, June 16. Customers enjoyed 9 family friendly events all going on in a community style celebration of early literacy, local culture, and continuing education from 4:00-8:00 p.m. If you were a part of this event in any way you had fun. From the part-time clerks to the Mayor’s Summer Workers to Sara Roberts, Region Manager – everyone played a part either dreaming up the ideas, preparing for the events or working the room. The following 'out loud' activities drew a crowd of approximately 215 people:

·      "Fire Safety presentation by JFRD (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department) complete with real fire truck, water shooting fire hose and free firemen hats. Library Associate Marcie O’Dell and Children’s Librarian Hongying Song hosted and took pictures.

·    " Putt-Putt in the stacks with trivia questions about the library and books as prizes. Host caddies and score keepers: Library Assistant Erika Zeigler and Part-time Library Associates Diane Ressler and Shirley Holcomb, Part-time clerk Chad Corcoran. Score sheet created by Part-time Clerk Kristian Mikhedok.

·       "We had Jacksonville Humane Society Kitten University graduates (3 adorable kittens, one of which was adopted out during the event) and  FSCJ Culinary and Hospitality Program manager Bob Mark whipped up summertime snacks without using an oven. The demonstration and hands-on preparation using the audience was followed by a tasting.

·        

       "A Jazz piano soloist entertained customers with live music to browse books by during the activities.

·       Also on the agenda were an  American Flag, July 4^th craft using paint sticks and sponge star stamps – prepped by Mayor’s Summer Workers and presided over by Librarian II Greg Pierce.

·        

      "A JPL Library table was set up featuring all downloadable guides and Part-time clerk Hunter Alley and Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott promoted everything digital at the library; a Powerpoint I Class taught by Mandy Elliott, Teen Library Associat and Bedtime Stories for Young Children presented by Library Assistant Erika Zeigler.

Jackie concluded, “There is no doubt that the majority of our customers are open and excited to try new things at their local library. The activities on 'Turn It Up Thursday' are fun and the atmosphere is energizing. The program brings together the staff to create something unique in every department. I enjoy seeing the staff work as a team to pull it together successfully. Every event requires someone’s special talent or skills be discovered and put to good use.”

Here is a video you can enjoy : https://onedrive.live.com/redir?

 resid=41C7EEE99E002021!148&authkey=!AObyz3w55WEEchg&ithint=video%2cMOV

And Jackie says, "There are many more pictures in G/PCR/Programing/2016-06-16."

Just wait until the third Thursday in July!

Friends of SOM's Book Sale A Big Success

Region Manager Keli Likins and staff were happy to see the turnout at South Mandarin Branch's Friends Booksale, June 17.  Keli said, "Between 10:00-1:00 today, 500 people had already attended the book sale!  The parking lot overflowed and the street and Walgreens next door were also full!  A huge success so far."

Congratulations To High Scool Grad RayQuan

Zephenia Chester, SST Library Clerk, celebrated a milestone with her son, RayQuan, who graduated from Raines High School, June 8^th.  (He celebrated his 18^th birthday the 5^th.)  Pictured are Trina Cummings (grandmother), RayQuan, and Zephenia on the Big Day.

Lynn Jacobson Qualifies for NEFLIN Olympics

SST's Lynn Jacobson, Bibliographic Systems and Access Manager, has qualified for NEFLIN's Summer 2016 Olympic trials!  Lynn and 24 other top qualifiers now go to the trials representing their respective libraries. The qualifiers will "face a test of their knowledge, endurance, and street smarts and participate in a scavenger hunt at their library."  The day for the trials has not been determined; however, the top ten from this event will move on to the NEFLIN Olympic Games.

At NEFLIN's Septembr 23 annual meeting the top ten people will be pared to the top three using a variety of Olympic Games. The top three will then compete for the Olympic Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals.

LET'S CHEER LYNN ON!

Friends of JB Go Dr Suess

The Friends of the Beaches Library celebrated Dr Suess Day at JB, June 11, and 250 kids of all ages partied. They played games, participated in crafts, face painting and listened to a story. Pictured is Wendy Warner, member of JB's Friends Board, dressed as The Cat in the Hat. Teen Librarian Julie Rekow read The Foot Book to the delight of all. Additional pictures can be viewed on The Friends of the Beaches Library Facebook page and at Jacksonvile.com.  (Thanks to Terry Welch for the news and pic.)

It's Grad Day For Management Training

Training Coordinator Michael Shell proudly shares, "The Jacksonville Public Library has seven! recent graduates from NEFLIN’s first Management Training Institute (MTI) class:  http://neflin.org/mti/ 

"They are: Catherine (Katie) Devanny, Erik Larsen, Rebekah Mitchell, Margaret Morford, Carisia Rooney, Theresa Rooney and Jackie Spiritas. At the last class on June 2, the twenty-four library staff celebrated with cake, punch, presents, laughter, tears, and of course:  pictures.  

"The group met monthly from January - June 2016 at the Orange Park Public Library. 

"JPL appreciates the Orange Park staff for hosting us.

"Congratulations to the participants for their time and effort to make this Institute a success!"

Job Well Done, Alison Pulley

Teen Library  Associate Alison Pulley (right) received her "Job Well Done" award, June 15, for her Art Club programs at Mandarin Library.  The award was presented by her supervisor, Librarian II Stacey Van Hoy. 

Children's Library Assistant David Foster recommended Alison "for long-range planning for her art club. The programs have an overarching theme of art history throughout the ages and continues throughout the school year. Because students are ready for some fun after an arduous day at school, Alison keeps the history short and interesting, and because she is first an artist, Alison teaches technique that only an artist could convey."  

David added, "Alison's art club turns STEM to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math."  

KR: HERE WE GO!

The picture above shows Mandarin Branch Shelver Patty Henderson cutting cake for the 130 people who attended their Summer Learning Kick-Off Party, June 15.  The customers enjoyed cake, ice cream and a craft.

Above, Library Assistant David Foster and PT Associate Frances Wickes serve ice cream to the happy crowd.  Regional Manager Keli Likins  said, "Great job, Mandarin staff!!"

                         AND HERE KR GOES WITH SLP!

COMING TO MAIN: EPIC SUMMER READING KICKOFF!

Main's Children's department EPIC Summer Kickoff party, June 16, will find their staff ready to go. YS Librarian III Carissa Rooney's staff have an assortment of prizes displayed for children ages 0-12 to win. Each week children can visit the library and enter their names for the drawing.  

Staff have two visuals ready; the one shown here is the football field, which will track the progress of  children's reading. 

Keep encouraging children, teens, and adults to sign up for the

Summer Learning Program!

SS Kicks Off Its Epic Summer SLP

Pictured is the Epic Summer Kick-Off Party at San Marco Branch Library, June 14, 2016, where fifty attended. Director Barbara Gubbin and Library Board Member Guy Anderson shared brief remarks with the audience.  YS Librarian II Kevin Douglas is reading Green Eggs and Ham to the audience. The kids also enjoyed a scavenger hunt, a craft, and cupcakes.  (Thanks to Region Manager Keli Likins for the news and pic.)

Two Grads With Honors

Melodie Brunson, PT Youth Services Associate at West Branch, says, "My son, Benjamin Brunson, and his wife, Katie, graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine last month. They have now re-located to Ft. Collins, CO, where Ben is pursuing an internship at Colorado State University specializing in Internal Medicine.  His goal is to teach at a veterinary college and treat small animals. Katie is doctoring food animals such as cows, chickens, pigs and goats. Needless to say, my husband and I are very proud of their accomplishments and hard work!"

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN AND KATIE!

Summer Students Arrive At Main

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop sat a few minutes with 21 students assigned to Main Library departments for the Mayor's Summer Job program on their first day at work, June 14. She welcomed and encouraged them to learn all they can about how the library operates and invite other young people to become library customers. She also challenged the students to make the most of their opportunity while they are here to learn about working in a business environment. The student interns will have six weeks to do just that.

Thank You To ALL Who Gave

A Job Well Done Award was presented to Sara Gunter, June 13, for coordinating the United Way and Community Health Charities campaigns in April.  Y O U folks are the WINNERS:  Lynne Baldwin, who coordinated and remitted for Main, and these indispensable staffs, who did the same for the branches:  Robert Briley, Kathy Tekin,Tyeshia Matthews, Sharon Whitt, Susan Arthur, Padma Subramanian, Hongying Song, Betty Williams, Pamela Brooks, Marcie O'Dell, Eria Brown, Ann Fridl, Lynn Jacobson, Mildred Roton, Scptt Adams and Sharon Kirkes.

MOST OF ALL, TO ALL OF YOU WHO GAVE TO THESE CAMPAIGNS:  JOB WELL DONE! 

2nd Quarter FY 15/16 Leadership Winners

JPL Board Chair Erin Skinner (Left in pic below) and Director Barbara Gubbin (far right) were on hand at the Library Board Meeting, June 9, 2016, to present the following Leadership Awards and offer congratulations, along with all the Library Board members, to some very deserving employees.

Luis Terron, SST E-Library Specialist (above, 3rd from L), won both the Employee of the Quarter and a Challenge the Process Award for the 2nd quarter of FY 15/16. Carolyn Wiltse (2nd from L) of Vision Education &; Rehabilitation Center at FSCJ, who developed the idea for bathroom tactile maps that were 3-D printed by JPL, also cheered Luis. Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton (2nd from right) hailed Luis' creation of the 3-D model for restroom accessibility guides for visually impaired library customers and said Luis' ideas will be spread to a wider audience.  

CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny (above center) was awarded the "Inspired a Shared Vision" award for researching innovative ways to improve all adult programs so JPL remains current with national standards. Her instrumental lead in the development of Pre-GED/GED programming, a new path for CAL, opened the way for CAL to expand and include the Smart Horizons Career Online High School Scholarship program, funded through the State of Florida as a pilot program for eleven libraries.  Out of those, JPL holds the honor of saying JPL has the first high school graduate through this program.  Katie's staff boasts, "She is a wonderful guide for her team". 

Librarian II Lilia Simonton (above center)  "Encourages the Heart" of San Marco Branch staff.  She prints out recognition of the increased self-checkout (SS had two weeks of error free transactions).  Lilia prints out rewards for staff to sign so the whole branch can celebrate, has reward parties, brings in cookies for staff meetings and sends e-mails about balancing transactions to congratulate employees for a job well done.

As project manager for the JPL 50+ grant program, Librarian III Margaret Morford (above center) "Inspired a Shared Vision" as she coordinated funding, staffing, programming, outreach, and reports. She increased the number of surveys taken by promoting JPL 50+ at local events and held interviews with WJCT Stereo 90 and American Libraries magazine. The finale, March 30, featured Jeannie Blaylock, First Coast News, and CM Sam Newby as guest speakers.

Southeast's Library Associate Anjelica Bencomo (center above) "Challenges the Process" each month as she assists her Teen Advisory Board in creating the large scale decor for a themed wall display at SE.  Additionally, Anjelica's innovation is used to assist in system wide programming and initiatives.  Her creative programming has caused a surge in Teen Advisory Board and other teen program attendance.

Library Assistant Felecia Battle "Modeled the Way" at the Highlands Branch by involving other employees in issues with Oceanway lockers and, consequently, staff began to get positive results.  Felicia is credited with being patient and kind as she instructs others in the mechanics of everyday operations.  In Felecia's absence, Julie McNeil accepted for her. 

Gloria Armstrong Honored At Retirement

Brentwood Branch Library Assistant Gloria Armstrong retired June 10 and was presented with a letter of recognition from Director Barbara Gubbin (far right), June 9, 2016, in honor of her 30 years of service to the library. She also received a dozen red roses and her JPL gold card.  Pictured with Gloria are Chair of the Library Board Erin Skinner (far left) and NS/EB Manager Phenessa Gray. The big event took place at the JPL Library Board Meeting that day.

Got Lunch; Got Music

Main's Lunch in the Lounge hosted the San Marco Chamber Music Group, June 8, sponsored by Project Listen. They are a string/oboe quintet; four of them play with the JSO, and the fifth is a music professor at UNF.  Forty-five people attended the concert. (Thanks to Cranston Burney for the pic.)

WST's Prime Time Family Reading Time Is A Success

Kathy Tekin, West Branch Manager, reports, "Our Prime Time Family Reading Time program, April 5 – May 10, was a success. We had eight families complete the entire program with twelve families at the beginning. Mia Brack and Michelle Petrin did an excellent job of providing interesting and entertaining library commercials for the families with Mr. Smiley (an alligator puppet). They made weekly reminder calls to the families and prepared books for them to check out each week.

"The families were engaged and active participants each week during the book discussions.

"Our next session will be at UPK Tuesdays, September  13 to October 18, 2016, 6:30 – 8 p.m."