PCR Has Councilman's Wife To Read For Story Time & Promotes Voting

The Pablo Creek Branch Library hosted an exciting and timely “Voting Themed” Stories for Young Children at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Guest reader, Mrs. Debbie Bowman (pictured with a future voter), wife of District 3 City Councilman Aaron L. Bowman, read aloud the picture book “My Teacher for President,” by author Kay Winters. Each child received a handheld American flag from Mrs. Bowman, who was decked out in patriotic colors and brought her own story time props.
                                

Following the reading, the children had an opportunity to vote for their favorite ice cream flavor (chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry). No recount necessary -  strawberry was declared the winner for this group of voters. Each “voter” received an “I Voted” sticker and enjoyed learning about the letter “V” and singing “She’s a Grand Old Flag” led by Youth Services Librarian Kristin Davis.

Our “Voting Themed” Stories for Young Children was a fun, interactive program for our youngest citizens. Their parents really enjoyed the opportunity to meet Mrs. Bowman. Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, “We hope the community will see this as another motivation to continue the voting theme as Election Day approaches.”

Study Buddy Goes to Ralph Henderson

SOM’s YS Librarian II Margo Crafton gave the Study Buddy she recently received to SOM's Library Associate Ralph Henderson for his amazing customer service and his database knowledge that is beneficial to the branch. (Thanks to Christie Rogers for the input & pic.)

Theo Tarver, Alvin Joyner & Preston Stokes: Job Well Done!

Assistant Director for SST Gretchen Mitchell said, "Theo ,  "AJ", and Preston were tasked with moving supplies, furniture and equipment with minimal instructions and a deadline. 

                

"Not only was everything moved ahead of schedule, everything was neatly arranged, well organized, and a particularly fragile item was placed in a protected area.

                

"This work is just an example of the strong sense of teamwork that all three men regularly show as well as their commitment to striving for excellence even with every day, non-glamorous tasks."  

FIRST Grads of Career Online High School In FL Walk At JPL

Director Barbara Gubbin &;Howard Liebman, Ph.D, congratulate six of nine graduates.

Katie Devanny, Program Manager for the Center for Adult Learning reports, "On September 28, 2016, six adults crossed JPL's Hicks Auditorium to receive the first of many to come Career Online High School diplomas. The graduates were awarded scholarships through the Jacksonville Public Library to attend Smart Horizons: Career Online High School. The graduation ceremony is the first for JPL and the first library in the state of Florida!  (JPL was one of the original eleven libraries in Florida selected by the State to offer COHS.)

"Six of the students (three could not attend), who graduated are pictured above. They are L/R: Tywanda Sheffield, Kenneth Moore, Nano Malilho, Khadjah Dunnam, Jolessa Davis, and Yosef Avraham.  Yosef  (below) was the student speaker.

"Kate Stewart (right) was the keynote speaker for JPL's inaugural graduation.  Ms. Stewart is the Cofounder and Executive Director of the non-profit JaxCoE-Jacksonville Community of Entrepreneurs. She has an extensive background in risk management, education, culture studies, and entrepreneurship. Ms. Stewart has founded several companies. She is an instructor for the Army's Foreign Military and Culture Studies. She knows first-hand about the value of education, as well the hard work and determination needed to succeed. Her pitch is 'It is never too late to pursue your dreams.' She shared this philosophy with the graduates and challenged each of them to listen to the narratives in their lives and where it is taking them.  

"JPL was honored to have Amy Johnson, State Librarian, Dr. Charles Moreland, Director of Community Affairs for COJ, and Dr. Howard Leibman, Cofounder and CEO of Smart Horizons Career Online High School, as guest speakers at the graduation.

"To date JPL has awarded 63 scholarships, and Tammy Owens, Literacy Program Supervisor, interviews each potential candidate before awarding a scholarship.

                                          Katie Devanny with some of the graduates.

"The Center for Adult Learning manages COHS, however, we know that it is a system wide effort to promote the program. Thank you for sharing the information with your customers, and a special thank you to Karen Walker and Luis Terron for creating JPL's tassel bling: a great keepsake for the graduates."

Who Will We Really Miss? Michael Shell Retires 9/29/16

Mike Shell, Librarian III and Training Coordinator for JPL is retiring September 29, 2016, after 16 years with JPL.  He has worked at CW and SE, in ILS, Main Reference, and later took over Training in October 2012 after Sara Radovic. Mike plans to further develop his

writing, editing, and photography skills and do freelance work in those areas. Mike was honored at a luncheon with much home-cooked dishes and goodies on his next to last day and Julie McNeil had to get a photo with him.  He leaves us this note: 

Folks,

I have three encouragements to give all of you:

First, to our customers, if you work in the library you are a librarian.  That’s a good thing.  They come to the library because they know and trust that you will find a way to help them.

Second, you are what libraries have that tops Google and Amazon.  You are skilled human beings who help customers put their needs into the right words and to find the best solutions.

Third, your customers know that public libraries are “first responders.”  Libraries are among the few public services agencies where people can still walk in and talk face to face with expert problem-solvers.

When you think about your own library career, therefore, don’t worry about training hours.

Instead, ask for learning experiences which will help you feel better and more competent as you serve your public.

You are wonderful people.

Blessings,

Mike

JPL Scores Wins At NEFLIN Awards Ceremony

JPL was well represented at NEFLIN's (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) annual meeting, September 23, 2016, at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center in Orange Park.  Lasting most of the day, a good lunch was served with a gold rimmed NEFLIN 2016 Olympic plate as the centerpiece on each table.  Awards were presented by NEFLIN's Executive Director Brad Ward.

To celebrate unity as an organization, everyone who registered received a pair of red Converse All Stars tennis shoes with NEFLIN embroidered on the sides.

JPL's Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott is President of the NEFLIN Board.  He introduced new and retiring board members and announced all of the winners and Olympic Game participants.

Library Director Barbara Gubbin, pictured below with Brad Ward, received the Innovation Award for the Student Library Card Initiative.


JPL's Manager of YS & CO Amber Holley won the Member of the Year Award for her excellent management of the Student Library Card Initiative.

JPL's Bibliographic Systems & Access Manager Lynn Jacobson was a semi-finalist in NEFLIN's Olympic Games and she, along with other contestants, had the "honor" of being wrapped in toilet paper.

JPL donated two of 22 gift baskets that were auctioned off at the event.  Proceeds go to the Jim Morris Continuing Education Fund, which sponsors members' attendance at worthwhile training events and conferences.

Pictured below are all of the winners of 2016 NEFLIN awards: (L/R: Elizabeth Curry, Distinguished Career Award; Director Gubbin, Innovation Award; President of the Friends of Fernandina Beach Library L. Dee Torre Kaufman, Library Champion Award; and Manager of YS & CO Amber Holley, Member of the Year.

Additionally, Director Gubbin was pleased to receive NEFLIN'S Golden Apple Award.  The Jacksonville Public Library had the most employees, out of all of NEFLIN's members, who attended their professional training and conferences.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS FROM ALL OF US!

Two DCPS Visits At CW

YS Librarian III Phenessa Gray shares their good news about Crystal Springs Elementary students' visit, September 22, 2016.  She said, "Janice Adams did an awesome job giving the 47 kindergartners a tour.  Rafael Reid (center above) did a great job engaging the students in Storytime.  

Branch Manager Kathy Tekin did equally as well sharing fun facts with thirty-five 4^th graders. They learned  about the types of books students can check out . And, the 4^th graders had a blast with the scavenger hunt. 

CW’s DCPS student visits were a success for all of us and the students had a pleasurable, educational experience at their library."

Who IS That Pokemon?

“Who’s That Pokémon?” If you take a jaunt around the Children’s area at Main you can play this game created by JPL staff members Beth Friederich and Chris Tabur. If you can name 10 of the 15 shadows throughout the department you win a prize!  Many children have been up to the challenge.  Marcie O'Dell asks, "Are you?"

The answers are: Haunter, is the ghost in the self-check machine. Totodile is the gator by the gator couch.  Dewgong is the ice Pokemon responsible for the below zero temps. Pikachu is an electric mess-maker responsible for all computer malfunctions.  Jigglypuff carries his microphone to put people to sleep, and Wobbufet is the patient Pokémon who is there to inspire all passersby.
  

  

Library In Middle Of 100th Celebration Of MH Community

The Murray Hill Preservation Association sponsored a block party, Saturday, September 17, 2016, to celebrate the community's 100th year anniversary, and they exceeded the estimated attendance of a thousand.  MH Branch stayed open until 9 pm for the occasion.

Murray Hill was incorporated as a city on July 5, 1916 and then on June 8, 1925, citizens voted 96 to 9 for annexation to the City of Jacksonville.

Region Manager Marshelle Berry, MH Branch Manager Guy Adkins, and several employees enjoyed joining in the community centennial celebration.  At left, you see the results of E-Specialist Donna Peretzman helping kids with 3-D printing Pen Art they created--stars, caterpillars, and feathers, etc.

CR&M's Part-time Graphics Artist Margaret Fishback ran a green screen just outside the library, and inside YS Librarian II Camara Bragdon helped youth make Pokemon Balls.

The Friends of the Murray Hill Library had a booth in front of the library and Judy Klein (center below), past president and board member, helped man their booth.

A unique touch to the block party was a portable (trailer) climbing tree right in the midst--no climbers were seen; still it was a great conversation piece. (No, the tree is not connected to the live wires even though it appears to be.)

                      AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Patty Henderson: Job Well Done!

Patty Henderson (left) is a part-time shelver at Mandarin Branch. She was presented with a Job Well Done award, September 20, 2016, by her supervisor, Stacey Van Hoy.  Stacy said, "Not only does Patty do a great job shelving, in her 20 hours a week she has almost single-

handedly shifted the entire adult collection.  She shifted quietly, quickly, and efficiently, with a smile on her face.  Customers now have a more organized collection, in good condition, with room for growth."

Kudos From Customers - September 2016

Beaches Branch:  I have been thrilled with the help and partnership Theresa Rooney, Nicole Saville, and Gail Bloomberg have given the American Sewing Guild! The facility is fantastic. Large conference room was perfect for a group Sew In—machines, ironing boards, and all! Small conference room is great for our monthly meetings. Gail made a great flyer, pulled circulation material, and made a display to promote National Sewing Month. Seams Beachy Neighborhood group surely appreciates the Beaches Branch Library!

Murray Hill Branch:  The Staff at this Library is the Best! Margaret (Esposito), Amy (Douglas) and Doug (Fair) go out of their way to help. Love all of them!

Mandarin Branch:  ...While it's been many years since I've visited a public library, I was pleasantly surprised by the resources offered along with the assistance and guidance that is available from the staff.  It's been several decades since I've tested the job market. I found myself unsure of the correct and current procedures for formatting and electronically submitting a resume so I went to the library. I was told by Ms. Stacey Van Hoy that there are classes held on a monthly basis to bring folks up to speed and that Mr. Mark Hohnadel will hold the next one the following month.  Instead waiting until the class next month, Stacey spoke with Mark and explained my dilemma. She then introduced us and he spent time to give me a brief overview, chose several books for me to review, and then set an appointment with me for the following week. The following week, Mark took an hour of his time to discuss my situation and offered guidance in several areas and clarified questions I had from the reference material he gave me.  I was in awe of the helpful service and the sincerity of solving my concerns exhibited by Mark, Stacey and the entire staff. 

After reviewing the end product, Mark asked for a copy to forward to a friend and has even set an appointment for me to interview for possible employment. Mark said "just doin' my job"; however, he and his staff certainly go far above and beyond their duties.

Please accept my thanks for the assistance that your Library System provides and congratulations to you and Jacksonville on providing an excellent product.

Pablo Creek Branch: Ms. Marcie (O’Dell) is always helpful; she is always smiling and welcoming. …

San Marco Branch:  I want to commend the library staff (Lilia Simonton, Davi Harmon, Robbie Crabtree, Emily Gideon, Amber Pierce, and Juanita Searies) on their deep reserve of patience with the Middle School kids during the weekday hours after Landon Middle School lets out. I have observed the library staff treating the kids fairly, leniently (sometimes more than one chance to change behavior as befitting a middle school aged child), with compassion and understanding. I believe this is appropriate and the way kids will learn not to fear going to the library. They will grow up wanting to keep coming back. My son loves coming to the San Marco branch! ... 

Job Well Done: Michael Sullivan

Main Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Michael Sullivan deserves a Job Well Done Award for leading the Main Library through a successful year of exciting activities, events and programs -- the 10th Anniversary Celebration for the new Main Library Building (with 4,000 customers participating), Project LEAP, the DCPS visits had 10,000 kids visit, Spark Walk, the visit of Librarians from South Korea, Lunch in the Lounge Concerts, monthly Art Walk, Online High School, the Braille Challenge, the Young Adult Job Fair 1(200 teens and parent attended) and the brand new Makerspace.  Most importantly, under Michael’s leadership, Main Library staff has become a real team dedicated to working together to creatively expand our services and programs to the Downtown and Urban Core Community."

Rosalin Smalls Retires 9/23/16

Rosalin (Roz) Smalls came to JPL in September 2004 and first worked at AR, then transferred to DU, then central supplies at Main, then to UPK, and back to Main working in circ to close out her career, September 23. as a library clerk. She is proud that she has only had three jobs in 46 years. 

Roz first worked in the NY Attorney General's Office for 9 1/2 years, typing legal docs, then moved to Jax in 1978 after visiting family here.  She said, "Things really changed since I used to come down on the train for summer vacations with my brother."  Two weeks later, she had a job as a typist at Southern Bell and then became an operator, finally taking an "exit" package offered to staffs when Southern Bell downsized in 1998.  

For nine months she was semi-retired and Roz went to Ft. Meade, MD to be with her daughter and son-in-law for the birth of their first child and Roz' first grandchild was born, July 4, 1999. By August, she was job hunting and in October began working for Guardian Ad Litem (a program that advocates for children displaced from their homes) as a front office person. In June 2004, they downsized and Roz visited family in NY.  That September, she began working at AR as a clerk and the rest is history. 

Roz is excited about not having to be anywhere at any given time and plans to first visit her Dad in October, then make a few road trips, including Atlanta, South Carolina, and Miami.

Above, Roz is pictured as she sang, "Natural Woman" at the Staff Association party, August 6, 2016.  She says, "Maybe I'll take my talent show 'Natural Woman' act on the road or join a line dancing group so I can 'keep moving'.  I've built some treasured relationships and sistah-hoods at JPL and I plan to visit some of the staff and do lunch.  I will miss staff; I have learned from them and appreciate that.  As my Dad, who is 96 years young says, 'You're never too old to learn and anyone can be a teacher.'"

Roz' blended family includes five daughters: Sharlene, Doreen, and Junise, Troy and Danielle, seven grandchildren and three great grands.

PCR's Turn It Up Turns It On

                       JB Library Clerk Danielle Linnen at ticket booth

Pablo Creek Library hosted a Football themed Turn It UP Thursday on September 15, 2016, complete with a life sized ticket booth and decked out Jacksonville University cheerleaders (pictured below) from the JU Spirit Team. 

Library fans enjoyed music courtesy of the Northeast Florida Music Conservatory which provided a lovely woodwind quartet playing background music for library customers. Bach to Rock Music school offered two free 30 minute music lessons to our youngest customers in the Children’s department. There was a “pin the football over the goal post” game as well as delicious Nothing Bundt Cakes (table pictured below).  They provided free bundt cake samples to Pablo Creek customers.  Putt-Putt in the Stacks pitted the Jaguars against

FSU and the Gators and our flick the football table awarded the finger kicker with information about online resources for sports magazines. All levels of staff enjoyed making the sports cut-outs, building the ticket booth, arranging the Putt-Putt holes and thinking of ways to move people through the activities. Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas is proud of the staffs' efforts and happy that the customers really seem to enjoy the interaction and variety of activities.  We are planning the October Turn It UP which will be a Fall Festival, October 20.
                                              

        Part-time Library Associate Diane Ressler and Region Manager Sara Roberts

LRT Hears Management Points Learned From NEFLIN Training Institute

Among other important issues discussed at the Library Round Table, September 15, 2016, were management keys learned by recent graduates of the NEFLIN Management Training Institute.  Margaret Morford, Librarian II, Special Collections, shared points she learned: dealing with employee performance issues, how to eliminate time wasters, dealing with staff who are habitually late to work, and those habitually late submitting reports within deadlines.  Additionally, she pointed out the "2x2 strategy" - managers should take a couple of minutes every two weeks to have an informal talk with their staff and ask what they are working on and see if they are having any problems. This will be helpful at monthly one-on-one meetings we have.

JB's Manager Theresa Rooney passed on principles she learned about managing change.

Jackie Spiritas spoke on work site communication effectiveness; employee performance issues; how to manage change effectively at work and how to coach/mentor/train staff; building a team environment; and how to transition into a lean environment. 

CAL's Program Manager Katie Devanny shared points on worksite comunication (pic below) and Librarian II at Main Erik Larsen made a presentation about team environment. 

 SE Librarian III Carisia Rooney (below) spoke on the four keys of a lean environment.

Two JPL Advocates Receive Awards

JPL's new Library Board Chair Ronnie King received WJCT's First Coast 2016 American Graduate Champion award, September 15, 2016 at a reception and dinner honoring the winners.  

Friends of the Dallas Graham Branch Library Board Vice Chair Lynn Sherman also was honored with the award. 

The two were recognized for committing their time, skills, and resources to make sure that young people succeed, and for playing an active role in improving educational outcomes for all students.

Ms. Sherman

Betty Williams Retires

Library Associate Betty Williams is retiring, September 16, 2016, after eleven years with JPL.  Betty worked at SOM until 2012, then transferred to NS, and moved to Main's Reference department, September 12. She is looking forward to new adventures and an exciting new chapter in her life.  We wish the very best for this wonderful person.  

Congratulations To Susan Mankowski!

Main's Early Childhood Specialist Susan Mankowski was presented with the Sherwood H. Smith Award for Advocacy by United Way during the Partners in Philanthropy luncheon at the Omni Hotel, September 15, 2016. Susan was nominated for the award by Manager of YS & CO Amber Holley.

Susan had her own cheering section led by Director Barbara Gubbin, Amber, and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, who took pictures.

ALL OF US ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU, SUSAN.

Book Discussion & Art For Teens At KR

Alison Pulley in KR's Teen department advises, "In October, KR will begin a new program,'Book 2 Art', which will be half book discussion and half art.  We will discuss the spooky graphic novel by Emily Carroll, Through the Woods.   

One thing I have found to be helpful in garnering teen interest--aside from communicating in person and advertising to schools--is to create a display inspired by the book. Making this 'Book 2 Art' cart was fun and I’m looking forward to doing others."

Games To Learn By At CW

CW's Phenessa Gray used games to entertain and titilate the brain in her September 14 children's program. She said, "Twelve kids and parents enjoyed learning about *Milton Bradley (1836-1911), an American publisher and manufacturer, who also created board games still used today:  The Game of Life, Connect Four, and Battleship. 

Other classic board games, beside Milton Bradley's, were played, too, such as Tic-Tac-Toe, UNO, Jenga, and Candyland."
______________________________
*(Information was retrieved from Biography in Context research database and Who Was Milton Bradley? by Kirsten Anderson.)

Tuning Up For Poplular Tune-In With Customers

Lunch @ the Lounge with Steve Gallatin, pictured left "tuning up" for the noon hour-long concert, September 14, 2016, had about 35 people enjoy the concert. Steve is a guitarist rooted in the traditions of American jazz, blues, and R&B, representing America’s musical heritage from the perspective of the modern generation.  He also plays with local R&B collective Band of Destiny, World View, The Steve Gallatin Trio, and the Raisin Cake Orchestra.  (Thanks to Kathleen Brunner for the input and blurb.)

1st DCPS Visit At Main for 2016-2017

The Main Library hosted its first DCPS class tour, September 13, for the 2016-2017 school year. Pictured are 4^th graders from Andrew Robinson checking out the monster truck on Laura Street on their way out after touring Main.  Students participated in a ‘Non-Fiction Scavenger Hunt” after their tour of the children’s department and were introduced to many different kinds of books in non-fiction. Everyone had fun and day one was a success!  (Thanks to Nicole Evans for the blurb and pic.)

Stacey MacPherson: Job Well Done!

Tricia Larrabee, Library Services Clerical Supervisor, Pablo Creek Region, nominated Stacey MacPherson for a Job Well Done award and Stacey received it at PCR's staff meeting, August 31, 2016.  Tricia said, "Stacey is in charge of all missing and damaged materials, AV cleaning and spine labels for PCR. These items were in several locations in the workroom and she organized them in one central area, nearer to where they are needed.  Now items are in labeled containers indicating where they should go. Processed items are across the top, labeled with customer names and dated.  Stacey's hard work has increased efficiency of the process of these tasks."

Eve Harm: Job Well Done!

UPK's Manager Sandra Ostroski awarded Eve Harm the Job Well Done award, September 9, 2016.  Sandi credits Eve with "creating a feedback form to be completed by her direct reports, which she believes will help improve her supervisory skills, as well as show her where she is doing a good job.  When I heard about it,  I thought it was a good idea and asked her to give me a copy.  Now I, too, can have my direct reports filled out and receive some feedback on my supervisory performance. Good job, Eve!" 

Mia Brack & Gina Scott: Job Well Done!

Gina Scott (red top, 2nd from R) and Mia Brack (far R) received their Job Well Done awards, September 8, 2016, amidst a lot of congrats and staffs' smiling faces.

SE Clerical Supervisor Debra Wainwright nominated Gina for her front line marketing skills, especially promoting SLP. Her infectious enthusiasm spread to all the staff to beat the goal set for SE.  She spoke to customers in the stacks, at self-check, and the circ desk. And beat that SLP goal, SE did, for kids and adults:  Kids - from 401 in 2015 to 695 in 2016 - up 73%. Adults - from 75 in 2015 to 210 in 20l6 - up 180%.  (Teens attendance was down from 75 in 2015 to 63 in 2016, or -16%.)  

Additionally, Debra said, "When customers say they don't have computer access at home, Gina asks them to write down the titles and bring the list on their next visit and they can get logged at the library."

Before Mia Brack transferred from PCR to SE, PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas nominated Mia for holding a reception for students, families, and teachers to celebrate the DCPS Art Show. Jackie said, "Mia models the way for other staff to share ideas.  In that way, she enables others to act and be successful with an idea that works."  

Flying High

Sarah Harper (left with fellow grad), Sara Gunter’s granddaughter, graduated from UF, August 6, 2016, cum laude, with a B. A. in Political Science.  Sarah minored in Environmental Science and Innovation while earning a certificate in Public Policy.  She also received a medal for being in the inaugural class of Innovation Academy at UF.  

Shortly after graduation, Sarah flew back to Paris and is a consultant for a nongovernmental organization involved with the U.N. where she had interned. She is exploring the continent, learning French and loves their baguettes and cheeses.