Randy Mapanoo: Job Well Done!

Gail Blumberg recommended SST's Randy Mapanoo for a Job Well Done award and on August 25, 2016 Karen Walker presented Randy with the award.

Randy has worked well in training, mentoring, and encouraging staff and volunteer instructors in teaching tech classes. He is very supportive in this process and makes it conducive for the instructors to do well. Randy has performed outreach at various JPL functions, demonstrating 3-D printing, promoting e-services and is active in community events, such as the UNF volunteer fair, and visits senior centers, etc. He has developed new and advanced level classes (3D printing, 3D design, Excel 4, and the new MacBook series) that are offered not only at the PCR region branches but also throughout JPL. 

Randy is the program lead for Mac, Excel, and 3D classes so he coordinates with other e-specialists and volunteers who teach these classes. He helps supervise and train the volunteers and staff class instructors at UPK, AR, and PCR.  Randy is an active listener and instructs staff and customers from their viewpoint.  He ensures that he understands their questions and does not give up trouble-shooting until he finds an answer.  One of our regular customers was having trouble understanding the new interface with the self-check machines.  Randy was able to help the patron and consequently helped our clerk at the circ desk.

Brenda Johnson: Job Well Done!

Beverly Ramsey (left) and Marilyn Jordan (right) presented Brenda Johnson with a Job Well Done award, August 25, 2016, at the Webb Wesconnett Branch. 

Brenda is known to be patient and attentive to CW's customers, answering question in a professional, calming tone.  At the circ desk she acknowledges any and all in line.  At self-check, she greets all customers with smiles--especially the kids.  Brenda really listens and laughs it up with senior citizens and many customers know her by her first name.

She is persuasive in getting customers to use self-check machines and purchase library bags (stating the money will help with adult and children's services.)  

On Brenda’s desk is a Study Buddy, recently given to her from one of CW's staff, which says, “Your customer service went above and beyond when you helped the senior to her car and carried her things."  

 She rarely transfers calls and always uses her “listening” ear.

Christe Rogers & Ralph Henderson: Jobs Well Done!

Ralph Henderson and Christie Rogers were presented with their Job Well Done awards, August 17, 2016, at South Mandarin Branch, by SOM's Margo Crafton, YS Librarian II.

SE's Lisa Taylor, who was a new employee at the time, appreciated Christie's willing and friendly spirit when she was temporarily assigned to Southeast Branch.  Lisa noted how Christie explained the volunteer process, did teen programs, and showed genuine concern for the success of SE's SLP. 

Ralph was nominated by Region Manager Keli Likins for inspiring staff to take risks and leading a trend for librarians and associates to become more technically competent in teaching computer classes.  Ralph is passionate about all electronic resources and speaks with conviction about how important it is to get the word out about them and teach customers how to use them.  Staffs often ask Ralph when they have Q's about technology.

The Sound Of Music At Main's MakerSpace

Josh Jubinsky uses the Main Library's new Maker's Space to teach guitar lessons on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm.   With the City's assistance, Josh accumulated ten guitars and took time to restring each one so novices don't sound "twangy" and possibly become discouraged.

Interest in these guitar lessons has grown so they are adding another program,  Audio Explorations “Guitar Workshop”.  Josh, a Children's Library Associate encourages us to spread the word, "Just starting to play guitar? Come learn something new from a local musician. Experienced guitarist? Come teach someone something new! Jax MakerSpace is facilitating weekly guitar workshops in September. Join us to engage, learn from, and help teach Jacksonville's guitar enthusiasts, every Thursday in September, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m."

Classes are for all ages--old enough to hold and learn guitar.

Foundation's Great Gatsby Party: Great Success

Did you attend the 2016 Gatsby Soiree fundraiser the JPL Foundation hosted Saturday evening, August 27, 2016, at Suite's in the Town Center?  If you did, you know what a fun time it was for the hundreds who showed up in their roaring 20's best.  Above are pictured (L/R) Dr. Michael (Jamie) Self, the Foundation's Development Director, his wife, Angel Self, Conference Center Specialist, Julie Graham and Maureen McGinnes.

At left is Nikki Kimbleton pictured with Angel. Nikki is a morning anchor of News4Jax and she and co-anchor, Vic Micolucci, were celebrity auctioneers for the event.

Jamie said, "The event raised about $4,000. There was a live auction of donations, a 50/50 raffle, VIP sales, and a portion of the night's proceeds that raised money for the event.

"I want to thank Suite, their staff--especially Shahn Sarwary and Maureen McGuinnes--and volunteer coordinator Julie Graham for their hard work to put the Gatsby event together!

"The Chris Thomas Band provided live music from 8 to 10:30 and they were fantastic! Hundreds of people attended, danced, donated to the library, and enjoyed the party." 

Betty Person Gets Study Buddy

Special Collections Library Assistant Betty Person was presented the JPL Study Buddy by Assistant Director Julie McNeil, August 26, 2016, for her exceptional customer service.  This picture was taken in Main's 4th floor Grand Reading Room. 

One example of Betty's outstanding service was written by a customer recently and that commendation appears in Kudos from Customers, posted August 19 on this blog--scroll down and see Kudos from Customers for Betty and four other staff members. (Thanks to Betty's immediate supervisor, Margaret Morford, Librarian II/ Special Collections, for the news.)

THANK YOU, BETTY, FOR CARING AND MAKING JPL LOOK GOOD!

GO & SUPPORT JPL FOUNDATION: 8/27/16

HAVE FUN AND go and support the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation this Saturday evening, August 27, 2016.  All you need to know (ticket price, when, where, date and time are on this link:
     http://bit.ly/gatsbysuite)

Greg Royce, Ryan Fix, & Jay Brasfield: Job Well Done!

 
Greg Royce, Ryan Fix, and Jay Brasfield were nominated by Main Manager Lynne Baldwin for Job Well Done awards and were presented the awards, August 25, 2016.  The three are credited for "moving 19 microfilm cabinets, including contents from the 2^nd floor to the 4^th floor Special Collections Department as part of Operation Moveable Feast Collection Move at the Main Library.  Work had to be done before we opened to the public and they could not request assistance from Facilities.  They worked together planned the most efficient/effective way to move the cabinets without damaging them or injuring themselves.  It was a challenge and took longer than anticipated.  They completed the move without major disruption and made it possible for us to move forward with the collection move."  

Lynne added, "They received praise from Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop: 'I really appreciate your teamwork and can-do approach in making this happen.  Thank you!'”

Sara Radovic & Mia Clark: Job Well Done!

Librarian IIs’ Sara Radovic and Mia Clark were awarded Job Well Done awards for the National Coloring Book Day program held in the Jax Makerspace at Main, August 2.  Librarian III Tamera Branam, who nominated Sara and Mia, said, "The program came together in a little over a week’s time thanks to teamwork, innovation and excellence.  Sara and Mia coordinated with all the different departments of Main and other regional libraries to collect coloring supplies, find tables, create advertising and spread the word among staff and customers. They even had staff from outside the urban core help cover the program.   Sara and Mia had the bottom floor transformed with tables, coloring accessories, floor stickers and coloring pages while coloring customers were serenaded by softly playing background music.   The end result of their hard work was a fun program for all ages, children to adult, which allowed participants to be creative and color!   101 attended the program!  The ladies were a positive influence on customers and staff, and followed through on their commitment to provide a high quality program that was fresh and inventive.  The fact that they pulled together this successful program on such short notice is an astounding feat that shows all of the JPL Core Values at work!"

Mr. Exceptional: Mark Hohnadel

There is more to this story than we're telling right now (watch for the September 20 post of Kudos from Customers).  Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel was presented with the JPL Study Buddy by Assistant Director Julie McNeil, August 24, 2016, and lauded by Region Manager Keli Likins for his exceptional customer service.

One example of Mark's service is spelled out in a longtime customer's recent email to Director Barbara Gubbin. Mark was credited with having brought library materials the customer had on hold to the rehab center where the customer was recuperating.  Mark did this three times.  The customer said, "That was beyond the call of duty."

Michelle Petrin Graduates From SSLLI

                            Michelle Petrin is pictured in middle, middle row.

The 12th class of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute celebrated their graduation at the State Library in Tallahassee, July 22, 2016.  YS Librarian III for the Highlands Region Michelle Petrin was the sole graduate from JPL.  Michelle said, "Participating in SSLLI was inspiring and transforming for me.  I had a chance to connect with library leaders who have turned around difficult situations and created success stories in their communities.  One of the most valuable takeaways was discovering the importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses and having the ability to self-correct by learning from mistakes.  It was reassuring to find that sometimes the best leaders are those who evolve and are made over time through challenges, personal courage, setbacks, self-reflection, and an ability to grow.  SSLLI encouraged me to look at my job in a new way and to be better prepared to make tough decisions."

Check out the photos! 

Marcie O'Dell: Job Well Done!

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas nominated Marcie O’Dell for a Job Well Done award and presented it to Marcie, August 27, 2016.  Jackie said, "Marcie began the 'Art for Early Literacy' program at PCR in May to support Early Literacy. It was well received by children and parents. That first month saw 589 youth attend during 12 programs. 

"Marcie was not told to start a new program but she worked hard to create it, researching and studying before implementing a new style of activity. She sets up stations so children can experience a new art activity. She takes time to engage with parents and kids and displays their artwork in the library. Marcie took a risk offering a new program to parents/youth that used to be called 'Music and Movement'. She challenged the norm by introducing it to staff and parents. Educating the parent and caregiver about the way art and literacy go hand in hand is an important role that Marcie approaches seriously and strives to make it better each week. 

"Her display of children’s work encourages children to be proud of their art and associate that with a good library experience in a learning environment. The program launched a new style of community engagement in PCR’s Children’s department.

"In order to maximize funding for the library, Marcie cleaned and organized the Children's supply area and the Puppet Theatre closet  to determine what suplies/resoures PCR already had.  This helped her and it helped other staff find opportunities and ideas for their
projects. Marcie is growing as a YS Library Associate by accepting constructive input from her supervisor and the Region Manager.

"I have received compliments about Marcie and the new program. One stated, 'On 5/23 Ms. Marcie O'Dell started 'Art for Early Literacy'  and my three year old explored various art mediums in a safe and nurturing environment.  He talked about his experience all 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. 

"Marcie models the way for other staff by organizing supplies and resources and trying new programs."

Friends Book Sale: Aug. 26 - Aug 28, 2016

When we support the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, we do ourselves a BIG favor.  The Friends are holding another Bag Sale and your family, friends, and customers can do themselves a favor, too, with an opportunity to buy books, DVDs, and CDs from the Friends' restocked shelves:

Friday, August 26: 4 - 8 pm - Buy 1 bag: $11.25; get 2nd FREE

     Friday is members only night.  Not a member? You can join at the door.
Members get a 25% discount so the $15 bag only costs you $11.25 (plus tax). You read that right - just $11.25 to get 2 bags of books.

Saturday, August 27: 9 am - 4 pm - $15/bag - Buy 2 bags and get 3rd FREE

Sunday, August 28: 12 - 5 pm - $15/bag - Buy 2 bags and get 3rd for FREE

The Friends Bookstore is located at the far right end (facing UPK) of University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard, North, Jacksonville, FL.

Turn It Up Thursday @ PCR = WOW Time

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas reports there is something for everyone at this now regular event, and Turn It Up Thursday, August 18, at Pablo Creek Library proved that.  It was a magical affair with fables and fairy tales coming to life in a variety of ways. Ninety children enjoyed Puppet Shows featuring the classic wisdom of Aesop’s Fables, “Princess and the Pea,” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Library Associates Marcie O’Dell, Mandy Elliott, and Kimberly Bennett (pictured below) performed behind the scenes for the children and gave voice to Mr. Hare, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Tortoise. 

         

While waiting for the show to begin, children moved through a series of activities and got stamps on their “mini passports” through PCR's Wonderland. Some of the fun activities included the ever popular “Putt-Putt in the Stacks” created and hosted by the Girl Scouts of America. With the help of Library Associate Nikki Denton, the children decorated a royal crown and got their faces painted by Eve Harm (UPK & in green costume below) and Elizabeth McConney (Main) who were on hand to assist with the whimsical embellishments. 

                                    That crown has to look and fit just right!

Keyboardist Doug Matthews made a return appearance and entertained the book browsers with background music in the lobby. YS Manager Amber Holley was on hand to give morale support and encourage the children to cycle through the activities and ultimately receive their ice pop at the circulation desk. The featured adult program for the night was part of an ongoing Financially Fit Series: Investing 101 facilitated by United Way/RealSense.

Alice and Wonderland was spotted, as well as staff wearing fairy wings and tiaras, to set the mood and build excitement during the event. Part-time clerk Hunter Alley researched and demonstrated Tumblebooks to the families, tying in the fairy

tale-themed books to his presentation. He also pulled titles that were featured in Tumblebooks for his display.  Part-time clerk Kristina Mikhedok apprenticed with the face painters, helped the Girl Scouts set up golf holes, and ran interference at the craft table. Volunteer Jacob gave out pencils and ice pops. 

All staff at Pablo Creek continue to be engaged and involved – either by wearing a crown, learning to paint faces, helping to set up the putt-putt holes, or working the craft table. It has become a point of honor to serve on the Turn It Up planning committee with staff asking to rotate in on the fun, including skills and ideas of each department and staff member. Customers become acutely more aware of all of our services and events on that evening because they are all happening at once. Over 400 people came through the gate between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Not everyone knew what they were walking into but they had something to talk about when they left! The Turn It Up committee meets every week to discuss ideas, divvy up responsibilities, and prepare for the next month. Stay tuned for a fantastic football themed Turn It Up to kick off September 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Kudos - August 2016

Beaches Branch:  I've really enjoyed the adult arts and craft classes...Ms. Gail (Blumberg) is knowledgeable, patient, and an encouraging instructor at all levels. The activities are simple.  I especially love the ability to take home the small completed, or nearly done, project at the end. Please continue to have them here. Thank you!

Main Library - Special Collections: High compliments and appreciation for Ms. Betty Person, who assisted me during my visit! Not only was she welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful, but she went the extra mile to make sure I had all the information I needed. When she learned that I wear hearing aids, she was especially sensitive and made sure I could hear her. She took the time to walk me through the process of accessing computers and printing my documents; she even showed me how to add funds to my card. Ms. Person treated me like a valued guest and provided excellent service. Thank you for an excellent experience at the library!

Mandarin Branch:  Mr. David (Foster) and Miss JoAnna (Reeves) are awesome! We love coming to story time.

Southeast Branch:  :  I wanted to let you know that my 13 year old daughter really enjoyed the teen program "Art with Anthony" that was held at the Southeast Branch on July 20. She found it informative and engaging and she said it made her try new art ideas she wouldn't have done on her own. …

South Mandarin Branch:  I truly appreciate Ms. (Margo) Crafton's …help; she's an angel! She helped me find my son's book required as summer reading in his school and went out of her way to find it for me. Thank you very much; there's still some good people in this world.

Success Story: Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora

Chris Boivin, CR&M Manager, shares this wonderful story about the success CRM’s Administrataive Assistant, Sheenah, enjoyed on her path that took her through graduating Virginia College and to the library. Enjoy:   https://www.vc.edu/vc-news/2016-08/virginia-college-success-story-sheenah/

Urban Core Staff Meets

Urban Librarian IV Stephanie Miller reports, "On August 9, all of the Urban Core staff came together at GB for a combined staff meeting. We celebrated this year’s changes (added hours and new staff) and successes, especially Project LEAP outreaches and DCPS student computer usage in the UC libraries. We also talked about new opportunities coming to us this year with the added grade levels for the DCPS student cards and Kindergarten and 4^th grade class visits to GB. We discussed the Search Institutes 40 developmental assets, coming up with places where the library and library staff can stand in the gap for the kids we see each day by providing safe spaces and positive adult interactions.  

"A special thanks to Jonathan Sandbach, Donna Crowther, Sharon Whitt, Charlene Ovshak, Sara Radovic, Stephanie Harley, Beth Friedrich, and Diane Alexander for covering the UC library desks so that staff could leave their locations and the Main staff who covered extra desk shifts that day to make this possible!"

Back to School Kickoff For More Student Cards & 170 Backpacks For Kids

August 12, 2016 was a huge success both for DCPS and JPL.  Brentwood Branch Library kicked off the second year of its partnership to increase the number of students with JPL cards from grades K-5th to K-12th.  Phenessa Gray, then NS Branch Manager, said, "We witnessed riveting speeches that motivated our community to support JPL and DCPS from Director Barbara Gubbin, Dr. Charles Moreland, Director, Community Affairs; Councilman Reggie Gaffney, and Dr. Larry Roziers, Assistant Superintendent, Family and Community Engagement.

Additionally, the Back to School Bash served 170 children receiving backpacks filled with school supplies (above). Youth Services helped majorly with activities, such as face painting, hula hooping, math plinko, jewelry making, and Frisbee making.  Our students are off to a good start and have access to much needed resources and services to help them succeed this school year."

Above are pictured Councilman Reggie Gaffney speaking, and far left is Dr. Larry Roziers, DCPS Assistant Superintendent, Family and Community Engagement, Director Barbara Gubbin, and the lady on the far right is Ms. Sharon Coon, founder and organizer of the Brentwood Friends of the Library. 

First Talent Show For Staff Assn.

The JPL Staff Association held its first Talent Showcase in the Main Library auditorium, August 6, 2016, MC'd by Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Main's Stephanie Harley (left). Talented contestants did not disappoint the crowd of about 100. Performers included Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora (above), a new comer to CR&M, who danced to a song by Hillsong, "Oceans." She won lst place and $100!  Admin's Andrew Herron played selections from a work he composed, entitled "Variations on a Moody Theme, Rhapsody in F Major-Minor."  He won 2nd place and $50.  Rosalin Smalls (2nd below) sang "Natural Woman" and won 3rd place and $25.

NW's Gabriel Bugarin (1st below) recited a poem he wrote, "Moon Womb."  We don't have pictures of the other talented performers:  

NS' Milicia Thomas danced to the song, "Somebody", with her daughter, Amiyah (age 3), and nieces Yasmin (age 9), and Chole' (age 5), making it a family affair. KR's JoAnna Reeves sang and played the piano to the tune "Wish You Were Somehow Here Again." WBK's Kimberly Cherry's two daughters made her proud.  Jadia (age 11) and Aniyah (age 8) danced to the song, "Worth".  

The 3 M's (though not billed as such) pictured below made their humorous mark on the evening.  Below are Mark Merritt in the striking red wig (middle) instead of his usual tam, Mark Hohnadel (left in the construction helmet), and Michael Sullivan (right) sang "Manic Monday".

This event would not have been possible without all the talent shared, the many volunteers, and of course, those who took their time to attend and show their support.  THANKS, EVERYBODY!

SOM Hosts Citizenship Ceremony

Eleven people became U.S. citizens, August 3, 2016, at a naturalization ceremony held at South Mandarin Branch Library where more than 50 family members and friends attended to wish them well.

The new citizens, some of whom had waited five years for this day, took the oath of allegiance to the U.S.A.  Afterwards, Ralph Henderson, SOM Library Associate, spoke about library services and resources, and was honored to hand out the Naturalization Certificates.

These new citizens, who came from various countries, do have one thing in common now.  As American citizens, they will be able to vote this year.  (Thanks to SOM Library Associate Angela Richman for the article and pic.  She said everyone at SOM added their congratulations to our new citizens.)

ARTHUR FINLEY HONORED BY MAYOR FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Arthur Finley is not much for the spotlight but on August 10, 2016, he shared it with Mayor Lenny Curry, Director Barbara Gubbin, and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop (who served as photographer) and his immediate supervisor, Librarian II Margaret Morford and other staff who attended for this very special occasion.  Arthur was congratulated by the Mayor and, of course, given his 40 year City service pin and a congratulatory letter from the Mayor.  

We all add our congrats, Arthur!

PCR Has Local Dignitaries Visit

Jackie Spiritas, Pablo Creek Branch Manager proudly reports, "District 3 Councilman Aaron L. Bowman hosted an informative Town Hall Meeting at Pablo Creek Regional Library, August 8. Mayor Lenny Curry spoke about the upcoming Pension vote on August 30 and took 

questions from the community. Following Mayor Curry, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop reported on the recent events and accomplishments of the Jacksonville Public Library, including the launch of the new JPL website, Makerspace at the Main Library, and the upcoming DCPS partnership press conference to be held at the Brentwood Library. Other city departments reporting included JSO Zone 3 Assistant Chief Mitchell, JFRD Director Kurt Wilson, and Bryan Mosier with Code Enforcement. Dr. Charles Moreland, Director of Community Affairs, and some other departments were represented. 

"I said that Town Hall meetings are a perfect way to introduce the community to their local library branch and promote upcoming activities. It was quite an honor to host one that Mayor Curry was able to attend. The branch was looking good and staff really pulled out all the stops to stock fliers, fill and create new displays so that we were ready for our special guests.”

Biggest Pizzas For Biggest Help From SE Teen Volunteers

Lisa Taylor, Librarian II at Southeast Branch, sent us this pic of their summer teen volunteers ready to chow down at an appreciation party, July 29. (Check out the size of those pizzas!)  They were made for Southeast's summer teen volunteers, and as you can see, there wasn't a frown in the crowd at the unveiling of those pizzas. (Teen Library Associate Kate Zakharov, 6th from left, joined the teens for this photo.)

Lisa said, "We purchased the pizzas from a small local business, Renna’s Pizza, and they gave us a 10% discount."

Highlands' Teen Activities = Exceeding SLP Goals

DU's Beverly Mason reports on three Highlands Branch programs, "We had a teen summer celebration program, August 4, because we exceeded our goals for SLP.  We set a goal for 75 teens to sign up and another goal for teens to read 250 books.  Our final results for summer learning were 83 sign ups and over 400 books read!  The reward was a summer celebration including Wii, board games, pizza, and ice cream sandwiches.

"Jennifer Swanson presented Brain Game Olympics for Teens, July 27.  Teens enjoyed figuring out some brain teasers and special games from her Brain Games book and from the TV show.  Teens experienced a fake arm; they felt through a box while blindfolded to find some items, and the last activity was cup stacking.

 "This was our 6th week of our mini series program, July 28.  Teens

practiced their coding skills while playing Life Size Pac-man."

SOM Thanks Teen Summer Volunteers

 SOM's Christie Rogers reports, "We threw a thank you party, August 5, for the 34 summer teen volunteers at South Mandarin Branch Library. They
worked hard and we wanted to thank them with pizza, soda, and cupcakes. Not all of our teens could attend but those who did enjoyed the food and camaraderie." 

Pictured is just one of several tables and Ralph Henderson (far left) chatted with three of the teens at his table.  

Mandarin Branch Honors Summer Teen Volunteers

KR hosted a summer teen volunteer appreciation party, August 8, 2016.  Three volunteers were able to attend: L/R: Danny Kim, Rafel Sebaih, and Nick Christus.

Alison Pulley said, "All eight of our summer volunteers were a pleasure to work with. They helped to make my first summer in Teen a breeze!"

The JPL Owl Is Full of Compliments

 “How do you like the library’s new hours?” was a recent question customers were asked system wide.  The raves poured in--so many that the project originator, CR&M’s Manager, Chris Boivin, had his staff created this JPL owl comprised of customer compliments written on sticky notes.  The owl appears small here; however, it stands 8 ft. tall and is 8 1/2 ft. wide!  

We can thank the diligent work of our Library Director, Barbara Gubbin, the Admin Team, and the Library Board because they petitioned the City Council last year to restore some of the library hours previously cut. The City Council heard their voices echoing library customers' repeated requests for longer hours and voted to restore 88 service hours to our libraries. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, CITY COUNCIL FOR THE 88 LIBRARY SERVICE HOURS!

Staff Profile - August 2016

As our YS Department’s Early Childhood Specialist, Susan Mankowski doesn’t have a “9-5 job”.  She does have a passion for Early Childhood Literacy (ECL) that is apparent to even a casual observer.  Her own work, as well as her success with JPL’s

partnerships, prove she gives much of herself and makes us all proud to know Susan. 

You will see how United Way's partnering with JPL has put your contributions to excellent use and those who contribute to worthwhile causes always make a huge difference.

Q:  You’ve been involved with ECL for eight or nine years at JPL.  What progress has been made in educating parents about this critical need?

      A:  Over the past nine years, it has been a pleasure to see staff embrace early literacy and become advocates for our youngest customers.  Youth Services staff are more aware of early literacy and are now confident to speak with parents and community members about this area.  As a result, JPL is becoming a beacon in the community for people who want to know more about early literacy and early learning.  Our story times have always supported the development of literacy skills, but now we can say why we do what we do.  This also helps when developing partnerships with other early childhood agencies, which ultimately goes back to supporting our families.  So the progress I’ve seen?  Knowledge, confidence, and the ability to share information about early literacy with the community. 

Q: Recently (June 1 – 20, 2016), JPL successfully partnered with United Way in the ReadingPals program.  What other partnerships are planned to advance ECL?

A:  We have wonderful relationships within the early learning community, and I’m excited to see how the partnerships continue to evolve.  Since the successful summer book drive, we are working with ReadingPals to update and distribute the ReadingPals read-alike recommendations (check out a copy in your Children’s Department), and provide training for in-coming ReadingPals volunteers on how to read and engage young children.  Tours for pediatric residents from UF Health will continue, as literacy levels directly correlate with addiction, incarceration, and health outcomes.  The pediatricians are always amazed at how much the library offers to support their families and they speak so highly of the staff they meet.  We will continue attending Early Learning Coalition board meetings, New Town Success Zone, Read It Forward Jax, and Community Action Network partnership meetings to promote and answer questions about JPL services and resources.  Meghan Parkinson is gearing up for a second year as the Early Childhood Specialist with JPL’s LEAP program.  She is working hard with staff from the Urban Core to bring youth programs and resources into neighborhoods in Health Zone 1.  We are about to start year 2 in the Duval County Public Schools partnership!  Early childhood covers birth to 8 years, so Kindergarten field trips and Student Library Cards will play a big role in advancing early literacy opportunities for school children in Duval.  I’m sure other opportunities will present themselves as the year progresses.  

      Q:  What is your favorite part of your job?

 A:  The relationships. I love going out and being with staff.  Collaborating on projects, rearranging furniture, creating early learning spaces in the department, hearing funny stories about programs, or brainstorming challenge: I love it.  I also love going out to community events and bragging about what we do as a library system.  It’s so rewarding and fun to connect a customer with a library resource they did not know existed.  The best are the active users who love my JPL resource challenge and turn it around to try and stump me.  

Q:  You won the Sherwood Smith Children’s Champion Award in June. What is this about and what did you do that resulted in you receiving this award?

      A:  The Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Award is an annual award given by United Way of Northeast Florida.  Two awards are given, actually.  One for service and one for advocacy, and I am honored to have received the Children’s Champion Award for Advocacy: “A community advocate whose efforts have resulted in positive change in policies or conditions that impact the well-being of children and youth in Northeast Florida”.  In a nutshell, I was nominated for my role in working with staff to enrich their early childhood programs and resources, as well as creating research-based training and materials for parents, teachers, and community members. 

Q:  What personal plans are on your horizon?

   

 A:  I have a few personal goals I’d like to accomplish.  I live in an older home and enjoy learning how to do many of the fixes and improvements myself (except electrical, I don’t do electrical), and my yard needs a major overhaul.  I’d like to become Florida landscape certified and/or a Master Gardner, so I can address not just the beauty but the actual problems in a way that are eco-friendly and that I can upkeep on my own.  However, a short-term goal is to use my passport again this year.  I traveled with my church and the Jacksonville University choir on a singing tour of Italy in May, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Then I went to celebrate my friend’s birthday in Canada in July.  So I’ve got the travel bug, and want to go somewhere else by next April.  I don’t have any idea where that will be, so I am open to suggestions!  

NW Gets Into Minecraft

Gamers of all ages were attracted to this Minecraft display created by YS Library Associate Anthony Baltiero and he said, "The handcrafted life-size 'Creeper' head has been the talking point of the display. Check out some of these awesome Minecraft books and see what the craze is all about. The display will be up through August."

SE Hosts Miss International and Miss Teen International

Southeast Branch Library had two young dignitaries visit, July 30: Miss International, Elise Banks (far right, front) and Miss Teen International, Jules Fletcher.  The children enjoyed their reading during story time, and added to the fun were cookie decorating and crown making.

Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, said, "Our teen summer volunteers were instrumental in planning and producing this program and did an amazing job."

 

CM Danny Becton Vists SE for Summer Library Program

Council Member Danny Becton (District 11) joined kids enjoying Southeast Branch's Zoo program, July 28. CM Becton knows the importance of JPL's Summer Learning Program that encourages children to read while school is out and not get into "the summer slump". Before the program, he spoke with the children and families about that and the significance of libraries.  Above, CM Becton and Library Director Barbara Gubbin check out a python. (Thanks to Mia Brack for the news & photo.)

Kids Learn Summer Reading Is Important

Main Children's department enjoyed a visit last week from magician "Too Fun".  She told stories, including The Three Little Pigs, while children came on stage and acted out the characters.  She told us that reading over the summer is important and helps prevent 'summer slide'.  Above, kids hold up a secret message, READ.  In one of her comedic magic tricks, "Too Fun" took a blank coloring book, said the magic words, and suddenly color appeared.