Jax Black History By Lori Boyer, President of City Council

President of the City Council and representing District 5, Lori Boyer (standing, center) tells children about Jacksonville’s place in Black History, February 8, 2017, during her visit at the San Marco Branch.  (Thanks to Kevin Douglas for the pic and heads up.)

WB Receives Award

On hand (L/R) for the award were Friends of WB: Hella Shull, Cristina Maduro, and  Roxanne Henkle, President.  Holding the award is WB Manager Scott Adams, Region Manager Marshelle Berry and CM Jim Love.

Willowbranch Library received the Riverside Avondale Annual Preservation Award at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepard, Jacksonville, Florida, February 16, 2017.  The award was for exterior/interior improvements made and 5,000+ new materials added for customers to check out.  The improvements occurred while WB was closed due to water intrusion.

The WB site improvement project was successfully completed due to the dedication and hard work of a team comprised of representatives from the city, library  administrators and staff, Friends of WB, community businesses and neighborhood residents. 

WB opened November 17, 1930 an is the oldest running public library in Jacksonville and is one of Riverside-Avondale's most recognizable landmarks and very popular with members of the community.  

JB's Black History Program

JB's Gail Blumberg coordinated a two hour Beaches Branch Library Black History Program, February 11, 2017.  It was designed to educate, inspire and entertain customers using African-American history, poetry and music.  The Fletcher High School Step Dance Team, "Ladies of Pink Ice", led by coach Wanda Ware, performed. Courtney Amaro served as poet and Tony Harmon was the vocalist.  Pictured are mistresses of ceremony, Gloria Gipson and Almeritta Wilcox, who are friends of JB staff.  Almeritta is also a former JPL employee. 

Job Well Done: Marcie O'Dell & Kelli Heath

Marcie O’ Dell and Kelli Heath received their Job Well Done Awards, February 14, 2017.  Beth Friederich credits the two with having revitalized the display cases outside the children’s theatre at Main to be fun for all ages. Beth says, "Kelli’s author birthday matching game over the past year has attracted many customers. To expand its popularity, Marcie and Kelli created two more games for customers to enjoy. The One Minute Story display asks families to create a story using some or all of the items in the case. The Color Game display features a different color each month and asks families to find a specific item(s) hidden among the others. These displays feature suggestions on how to play the game from toddler to adult and is family friendly and promotes the library as a place to play and learn."
(To see a pic of the display cases, see the 6th article below.)

NS Honors Chess Club Participants

The Brentwood Branch Library and the Friends of Brentwood Library hosted the Brentwood Bishop Honors, February 11, 2017,   This was an awards ceremony to recognize all active participants of the Chess Club.  Billy Allen reports, "The event was a huge success and we hosted over 50 people including chess club members and families."

Pictured (L/R) are David Stevenson, Part-time Library Clerk, Jeanette Ali, who is on the board of FOBL and assisted with the awards, and Billy Allen, YS Librarian I.  Ms. Ali holds a beautiful plant NS staff gave her in appreciation of her assistance with the awards. 

JPL Leadership Awards Made At BOLT Meeting

Sara Radovic (center above with Library Board Chair Ronnie King at left and Director Barbara Gubbon at right), Librarian II/Makerspace Coordinator, first won a Challenge the Process Award and then was selected as the Employee of the 1st Quarter (October-December 2016). She and other award winners were honored and presented with their awards at the Library Board Meeting, February 9, 2017.  

Using a grant from NEFLIN,Sara and her committee made survey safaris to develop a successful project plan. Sara then created a PowerPoint presentation for admin and local groups, as well as a proposal form and made sure plans and goals were met. Consequently, the goal of 20 programs was exceeded with over 60 programs in December. In addition to this and her regular library duties, Sara presented a report on the project grant to NEFLIN.  She is responsible for Makerspace daily operations and recruited BOLT Chair Ronnie King to facilitate coding classes. Nominated by Main Manager Lynne Baldwin, Sara is also credited with giving our community an excellent place to explore, collaborate and create.    

Bryan Thomas (center, above), Graphic Designer for the CR and M team, has created a series of branch postcards to further JPL's brand, created CD of signs from the Teen Battle of the Bands, brought different color treatments into promotional materials, and served as a source of positive productivity for CR and M in general.  For this, Bryan received the Inspire a Shared Vision Award.

Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora (center, above), Assistant in CR and M, is always eager to provide praise and motivation for staff. "The Encourager", Sheenah also created internal awards for CR and M.  Her positive results won her the Encourage the Heart Award.

John Wilson (center, above), Library Assistant  at Main, stage managed this year's Teen Battle of the Bands, helping to corral young, ambitious musicians. Quick to lift the spirits of his co-workers, John received the Enable Others to Act Award.

Kate Zakharov (center, above), SE Library Associate, developed the Budding Scientist program. Teens from Atlantic Coast High School's National Honor Society not only attend library programs but  they also create them from scratch and facilitate them for younger children.  For this much admired program, Kate received the Challenge the Process Award.

JB's Team Work Is A Work Of Art

JB's Terry Welch shares, "On February 4, 2017, Laure Norton from Beaches Life Mosaics taught a group of women how to make a beautiful mosaic sea turtle at the Beaches Library. Few of us had any experience in doing mosaics, but the team work resulted in this beautiful work of art.

"It was named 'Mosaic 3' after it was grouted and ready for hanging. Isn’t it gorgeous?" 

IT MOST CERTAINLY IS, TERRY!

2017 Braille Challenge Success

Talking Books/Special Needs Manager Chris Eaton reports, "The 2017 North Florida Regional Braille Challenge, February 2, 2017, held in Main's Conference Center, drew more than 40 competitors in the elementary-high school grades to test their proficiency with the Braille writing system and win prizes and possible advancement to the national competition at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles, June 16-17. 

"Also on hand were roughly 200 family members and friends of the competitors, teachers of the visually impaired, vendors and volunteers. 

"Ms. Lori Hershey, Duval County School Board District 7, joined us to speak about the importance of literacy for everyone. Library Director Barbara Gubbin congratulated the competitors for their efforts and encouraged them to keep improving their Braille skills. 

"The event celebrated 10 years of the Braille Challenge in Florida and featured decorations and activities related to the different themes of all the previous competitions."

The Games Are On!

Main's Children’s Department always has great games for kids (and kids-at-heart) to play while they browse the stacks.This month, Children's celebrates the color pink with a display of items that hide five very small, pink erasers. Once the viewer has done this, he/she takes one step to the right to play “The One-Minute Story Challenge,” where five random items are showcased. Marcie said, "Depending on one's age, the player uses the suggested number of items in a short story and tells it to our reference desk staff to win a prize. If the players are still game for more fun, they can take another step to the right and play our monthly Author’s Birthday Matching Game! (Games are created by Kelli Heath and Marci O’Dell .)

Friends of JPL Book Sale, 2/10-12/17

The Friends of JPL Book Sale, Friday, February 10 - February 12, 2017, is a huge opportunity for all of Jacksonville, so mention it to customers and won't you visit and buy, too?

Friday, February 10, 2017, 4 - 8 pm (members' night; you can join for $10 before you shop).  Buy one book/DVD/book on CD/music CD at regular price and get a second item of the same price FREE!  ADDITIONALLY, YOU WILL GET THE MEMBER'S 25% DISCOUNT.

Saturday, February 11, 2017, 9 am - 4 pm: Buy one book/DVD/book on CD/music CD at regular price and get a second item of the same price FREE!

Sunday, February 12, 2017, Noon - 5 pm:  Bag Sale - Bags are just $15 AND if you buy two bags, you get a third bag FREE.

All three days they have special books for 50% off the listed price.

A 7% SALES TAX WILL BE ADDED ON ALL PURCHASES. 

Mayor & Mrs. Curry Read At Main

Special surprise guests, Mayor Lenny Curry and his wife, Molly, came to Main's Children department, February 3, 2017, for story time.  They had a fun, interactive reading session with the children and stayed for photos after for Read 66 and to help promote JPL's upcoming Jax Book Fest.

Do you have any dignitaries, legislators, or special guests appearing at your branch?

Eve Harm Judges At Science Fair

DU's YS Librarian II Eve Harm had the honor of judging at the Science Fair, January 31-February 2, 2017, in the Prime Osborne Center.  Eve went back,February 2, to interview the elementary school scientist.  Eve said, "The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at 6 pm, February 2. There were so many interesting projects to see, but my favorites were whether font type use impacts memory; how skateboard design has changed over the years and whether new school skateboards outperformed old school skateboards.

"There were a number of familiar faces judging and we enjoyed the amazing array of projects. I also had a pick of the thank you gifts from DCPS." 

Job Well Done: Mandy Elliott

Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott received a Job Well Done Award, February 1, 2017. PCR Branch Manager said, "She created an innovative Graphic Novel and Manga aisle that is more attractive to customers than the usual shelving arrangement. Mandy's idea to use a combination of magazine shelving and traditional shelving to create an orderly mash-up of material appeals to teens' sense of dis(order) and acts as a divider between Teen Fiction and Adult Fiction. After approval, she shifted and rearranged the whole aisle in a matter of hours. Mandy is ordering new material to keep the collection fresh and can be counted on to give expert Reader’s Advisory service to teens on the genre. The Aisle 5 project was reviewed and approved by Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop who visited the branch and was pleased with the effort. The staff is proud of Mandy and is inspired that she has vision and is so enthusiastic about her work."

West Branch's Read 66

West Branch has a fun bulletin board with classic Corvettes, including photos of staff (with the cat, Chocolat, and gerbils, Michaelangelo and Donatello). Staff is giving out trackers, promoting Read 66 like crazy, and reading aloud to customers.

Customers are driving down Read 66 Highway on West's vintage map of the USA and staff is having a fun time promoting and encouraging everyone to read.  

Promoting JPL At Fletcher Middle School

Julie Rekow is pictured before her talk at Fletcher Middle School English classes, January 26, 2017. As a result of her talk, the FMS school tour is now the hottest ticket in town and permission slips to come to the library rolled in. There was a school visit at JB later that day and the teachers told Branch Manager Theresa Rooney they were very impressed and that there were more permission slips returned after Julie's talk at FMH.

Ahoy There!

Pictured above are Children’s Associate Jonathan Sandbach and fourth graders from Pinedale Elementary enthusiastically crowded into the "boat" in Main's Children's department.  Jonathan toured the high seas with them, January 26, 2017, navigating them safely through a Dewey Decimal System scavenger hunt and informing them of the many services the library has to offer. At the end of the tour, the students were shown how to use their Duval County Student ID to check out a book!

Chinese New Year At Pablo Creek

Pablo Creek Library celebrated the Chinese New Year with the help of UNF’s Confucius Institute, the Jacksonville Chinese Association, and Whole Foods on Turn it Up Thursday in January. The library was transformed into a street fair carnival with several different stations offering a different aspect of Chinese culture. Over 450 customers enjoyed a Chinese Tea Tasting, learned Chinese Calligraphy, Papercutting and more. During the event, drums and music announced the appearance of the traditional “Dragon Dance” with 10 customers and staff leading a giant and elaborate dragon around the inside perimeter of the library. Demonstrations of Tai Chi, Martial Arts, and traditional Chinese dance took place in staggered events in front of the Ask Here desk. Customers were drawn to the delicious Asian food prepared and served by Whole Foods in the library lobby. Children and adults tried their hand at Lego Mindstorm challenge which was facilitated by E-Specialist Luis Terron. PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event was fantastic and an inspiring way to learn about Chinese culture.

Kudos From Customers

Graham Branch:  …(Per C.A.R.E. report):  The customer wants to give high regards to the workers on how they treated the kids that were there. This needs to be known to the public. She had such a positive experience. From the security guard to the workers (Susan Arthur, Manager; Cranston Burney, Tia Samuels, Michelle Dubois, and Delores Walker). She wants to thank the mayor for giving the kids a place to go after school. It was a refreshing positive experience that she has not had in a long time. ...

Main - Ref:  I wish to praise Rita Vernon and Chelsea Taylor at the Main Library. Rita Vernon at the reference desk helped me locate Cliff Notes for Chaucer. I simply asked for Cliff Notes, but after telling me where they are located, she asked me which one and confirmed it was at the same place. I also wish to praise Chelsea Taylor because when I asked her where the Cliff Notes were, she came over and found Canterbury Tales, the one I was looking for.

Main:  The Special Collections department is awesome! I ...needed some resources from Jacksonville's City directories immediately. Although most libraries usually can't spend the time and don't have the capacity for a big research project such as this, James ("Jay" Brasfield) was able to help me out with the time he had left on his shift. Great customer service; I'm so thankful!

Mandarin Branch:  This note is to send you our family thank you for Ms. Frances (Wickes). She always goes out of her way to help our grandchildren. She is a total joy!

South Mandarin Branch: (Per SOM supervisor): The caller gave enthusiastic praise for the "gentleman and two ladies" (Ralph Henderson, Christie Rogers, & Joanna Nigrelli) from the reference desk who helped her on the computers.  She came to the library to download and print and said she was "nervous, frustrated, and embarrassed" because she did not know how to use computers well. She said the staff was "awesome" and friendly and she was impressed staff took the time to explain how to do what she needed to get done.

JPL Staff Attend Author Event

Special Collections staff attended a lecture co-sponsored by the Friends of JPL at the Jacksonville Historical Society, January 18, 2017. Donn R. Colee Jr., author of Towers in the Sand: The History of Florida Broadcasting, spoke about the fascinating history of Florida broadcasting. During the process of researching the book, Mr. Colee  

(L/R): Catherine Currier, Laura Minor, Mr. Colee, &  Martha Smith

used the resources in the Main Library’s Special Collections. During his lecture, Mr. Colee credited the library and signed the Special Collections copy of the book: “To Jacksonville Public Library - Thank you for your valuable contributions to this book. Good reading, watching, and listening. Don R. Colee, Jr.”

Climate Change Discusstion At Makerspace Event

Main's Jax Makerspace (JMS) featured “The Climate Is Changing; Are You?", January 15, 2017.  It was a 2 1/2 hour panel discussion on climate change and the First Coast community.  The program was inspired and hosted by Matt Colaciello whose Facing The Frontlines photography exhibition is on display until January 26 at Main. Sixty-one participants  registered in eVanced, and Mr. Colaciello also streamed live video of the program via his Facebook page where there were around 600 views.

Some of the subjects that were addressed were:  Ways to address climate change in your community; global warming has already begun to affect the First Coast region; and know what the rest of the century may look like for us.

Panelists were Shauna Allen, National Park Service; Professor Gellars, UNF Department of Political Science; Maria Mark, UNF Environmental Center; and Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper.

ACT/SAT Prep Program At Mandarin Branch

                                 Alison Pulley holding ACT/SAT book with four teens.

Mia Brack reports, "Mandarin Branch Library hosted a Duval County School Board Member, Lori Hershey, and Ronnie King, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, January 14, 2107. They attended Alison Pulley’s ACT/SAT Prep program and saw Alison demonstrate to customers many of JPL's online resources for test preparation. Questions were answered and she spoke about teen programs at the library,  After the program, Mr. King and Mrs. Hershey met with families attending the program and all enjoyed granola snacks Alison had made."

Pictured left are Lori Hershey, DCPS board member for District 7, seated between a parent (L) and her son.

KR Revs Up For 2017

Read 66 - Frances Wickes created a Read 66 display for KR to raise awareness of the program.

To the right is KR's New Year Resolution poster - Kids at Mandarin Library joined “Bob the Minion” in his quest to be awesome in 2017. Kids are writing their resolution on a star joining Bob in this endeavor.  

Below:  Reading with Diva and Tenor - New Foundland therapy dogs at KR.  Believe it or not, the dogs enjoy children reading to them.

Thanks to Isabel Moreno-Santiago for the input.

Pre-K Stories Off To A Colorful Start

Baby, You Can Drive My Car!  Preschool Stories for Young Children and Art at West Branch kicked off 2017 and our Read 66 program with some great stories and songs (and music!) about transportation and maps with Miss Carolyn.  For a fun story time activity, children placed their cut-out cars on a map.  We then had small toy cars that our little ones  drove through paint in our art portion of the program.  What a hit this was!

Melodie Brunson invites you to "go to WST's Facebook page to see what we did in our Preschool Music and Movement with Miss Melodie here at West on our last Friday before New Year’s Day.  We read stories about celebration and food traditions on New Year’s,

sang songs about New Year’s Day, put on party hats, did our 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 countdown and threw Styrofoam peanuts for confetti.  For firecracker noise, we jumped on bubble wrap."

Job Well Done: Anthony & Vickie

Two deserving employees received a Job Well Done Award, January 10, 2017:  Anthony Baltiero designed a Pokemon Scavenger Hunt for children and teens at NW.  The scavenger hunt is inclusive as it does not require participants to have an electronic device to hunt for Pokemon. Participants are provided a sheet with clues so they can search the library for 20 hidden Pokemon. Once they find all 20 Pokemon, they can bring their completed Pokedex to the reference desk to pick up a small prize. So far, over 40 children and teens have completed the Pokemon scavenger hunt.

Vickie Leonard has a talent for creating eye-catching library displays with library materials and props she brings from home. Month after month, she decorates the circulation desk at NW with a timely theme. Her talent for creating displays has not gone unnoticed, and as a result, she was asked to create displays at another branch in her region. Vickie happily obliged. Festive holiday displays created by Vickie were enjoyed at NW and WB.

PCR's Stormtroopers Draw Customers' Attention

Pablo Creek Library staff Danielle Linnen and Nikki Denton created a Throw-Back Thursday monthly movie program, January 5, 2017, which has been building attendance and a following by showing family-friendly movies in innovative ways. The latest edition of the “Star Wars: Force Awakens” drew 50 participants, including two Troopers from the 501^st Stormtrooper Legion, who hosted a meet and greet with the customers at Pablo Creek. When the Stormtroopers entered the Teen room the children screamed with excitement. Everyone wanted to meet them and get a picture. Attendees were treated with Yoda Soda, Lightsaber pops and popcorn. Afterwards the Troopers walked through the entire library interacting with customers.

Manager Jackie Spiritas reported that the library makes use of every space and the innovative use of space for the movie program is a good example. Pablo Creek transformed the Teen Room into a home theater by projecting the movie onto the large (formally boring) wall in the Teen space. The movie was seen and heard by library customers walking in the building and many people were drawn to the excitement of the open setting and surprised by the appearance of the Stormtroopers.

Overheard: “Fifteen minutes into the event and you made me a Star Wars Fan!”  

“This room was definitely more comfortable than the other one” (Community Room A)

“The acoustics in the room were fantastic!”  

                 Seen in the stacks: Stormtroopers developing a Reading habit

Stormtrooper playing with toys in the Children’s Department

Stormtrooper posing with a big fan: Library Associate Mandy Elliott

Read 66 Theme Leads Displays At NW

Anthony Baltiero (above) created a Read 66 display for NW to raise awareness of the program. The theme plays off of the legendary highway (and TV program), Route 66 and the display features route 66 signage and a hand drawn roadway. Anthony added, "It is rounded off with books about developing reading skills, information flyers about the Read 66 program, and it's full of Read 66 signs to grab customers’ attention."

Additionally, Vickie Leonard and Anthony showcased the National Geographic collection in a display designed to rev up circulation of lesser used materials. They included books, DVDs, and backdated magazines. Along the top of the display is a banner-trim with different wildlife photos. To bring the display to life, they added stuffed animals across the top--and who doesn’t love those gorgeous creatures of the wild?

  

Webb Wesconnett: Off & Running W/Read 66

Kathy Tekin has good reason to brag on her staff; she said, "Jessica Serrano created the display for the adult area with books found on the website under Read 66. Bobbi Knight and Noah Thomas created the bulletin board and book display.  I really love the phrase 'blue us away!' found in the children’s dept.on the book display,'These books blue us away!'" 

WHAT'S ON YOUR DISPLAY?

11th Battle Of The Bands Winners Named

The 11^th Annual Battle of the Bands, postponed to November 19, 2016, due to Hurricane Matthew, saw  five teen bands gave it their all! The winning band received a $100 cash prize from the JPL Foundation, professional recording session and CD from Green Team Media, gift cards to George’s Music Superstore, an official Battle of the Bands Gold Record and trophy, and an opportunity to perform at the January 2017 Art Walk.  All participating teens received a CD single with their band’s entry to the competition. 

1^st Place and 11th Annual Battle of the Bands Champion: The Allie Rhorer Band (pictured below L/R: Evan Mayo, Allie Rohrer, Gabriel Pfaffman, Gianluis Hernandez:

2^nd Place: Thee 2 Be

3^rd Place: Modern Monsters

Holly Amber, Manager of YS, said, "We really appreciate the  participation of the following people for their hard work:

Judges:  Stephanie Miller (Urban Core Manager) , Jay Brasfield (Special Collections), and Phil Green (Owner, Green Team Media) 

Event Stage Manager:  John Wilson (POP/MAKERSPACE) 

Others Who Made This Event a Great Success:  Jonathan Sandbach (Children’s), Amber Holley (YS Admin), Rebekah Mitchell (YS Admin), Susan Mankowski (Early Childhood Specialist), Laura Minor (Special Collections), Anjelica Bencomo (Teens), and Bryan Thomas (CR&M)."

(L to R): Laura Minor (Special Collections), Angelica Bencomo (Teens), Susan Mankowski (Early Childhood Specialist), Rebekah Mitchell (YS Admin)

(Thanks to Angelica Bencomo for her input for this araticle.)

SOM Hosts CM Schellenberg

Region Manager Keli Likins reports, "Council Member Matt Schellenberg (third from left above) attended the Gingerbread program, December 27, 2016, at South Mandarin Branch Library.  He read the narrator part of the Gingerbread Boy play.  Afterwards the kids made their own gingerbread boy cookie. 

"Thanks to the SOM staff for a good program."

EB Draws New Customers

Brown Eastside hosted Santa, December 22, and Shawn Norton (above center) , YS Librarian II, shares, "Sixteen  parents and children came to our Santa Stops and Photo Ops program. For some, this was their first visit and because they had fun, they plan to come back every Thursday for more stories (sans Santa, sadly to say.)”

                          Shawn Norton's daughter, Robin, had her time with Santa, too.

DU's Minute to Win It: Holiday Edition

Youth enjoyed fun games, December 22, including: Snowman Stack – Each team had to see how many snowmen they could create in a minute by stacking marshmallows, and then making the faces with candy corn and chocolate chips.

Candy Bar Game - Teens tried to dress with a scarf, winter jacket, and mittens, cut a piece of candy in half and eat it before the next teen rolled a 6.

Winter Weather Watch – an online scavenger hunt that included information about winter and winter storms Grab Bag –The teens created Human Christmas trees by wrapping their teammates in crepe paper, paper chains, and adding a bow on top.

Present Time – Teens unwrapped a present while wearing a pair of gloves.

Snowball Toss – One teammate held a wreath on a string while another teammate attempted to toss snowballs(marshmallows) through the hole in the wreath.

Unwrap a Kiss – Each team had to see how many Hershey's kisses they could unwrap with one hand in a minute.

After the games, the teens decorated and ate gingerbread men and washed them down with hot apple cider.  (Thanks to Beverly Mason for the input.)  

"Noon" Year At DU

Eve Harm, Youth Services Librarian II at the Highlands Library,  surprised children with a special “Noon” Year  celebration after a special storytime and noise-maker craft.  In the style of a traditional balloon drop, the children tossed the balloons into the air using a tablecloth “parachute”.  (Thanks to Michelle T. Petrin, Youth Services Librarian III, Highlands Region, for the news.)