Library Day in Tallahassee -- JPL Board & Execs Ask for State Aid

One day each year while the legislature is in session, JPL executives and library advocates head to Tallahassee to visit with State Senators and Representatives who help determine who gets what share of the the State Aid pie. JPL's value and a fair share of that pie are uppermost in the minds of those who call on our legislators that day. This year, Library Day was March 9 and again the case for JPL was told well.  At left, L/R are Director Barbara Gubbin, State Rep. Jay Fant, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Library Board Member Sybil Ansbacher, and former Mayor of Neptune Beach, Harriet Pruitt.  

Above, L/R: Mr. Leroy Hutchins, Jr. (JPL Board member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins' husband), Harriet Pruitt, Library Board Chair Ronnie King, Jennifer Giltrop, State Rep. Tracie Davis, and Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins.

Padma Subramanian Retires After 18 Years

Padma   Subramanian began her library career at JB in May 1999 as a part time clerk, then transferred to KR for 15 months and back to JB for a short period. Later promoted to Library Assistant, Padma was assigned to  SE and after a year moved to  PCR  in time for its grand opening and worked for Mindy McClure and Carol Bailey.  She was transferred back to JB in 2011 and is retiring there, March 20, 2017. 

Padma said, "I am so grateful to have worked with so many good people. I wanted to thank each and every one who worked with me. I made so many friends through JPL and have a lot of good memories. Thank you all again." 

You will be sorely missed, Padma.

Job Well Done: Tyhedra Wilson

DU's Tyhedra Wilson shines with the  Job Well Done Award she received, March 8, 2017, from Sabrina Whitfield. Sabrina credits Tyhedra with a positive influence on DU staff.  She said, "Tyhedra researched JPL's point of sale/cash management system and found action buttons on the Workflows screen that allow one to pay multiple bills. This made DU's transition to the new cash management system easier."--Not to mention the time (and consequently, money for JPL) that Tyhedra's discovery will save staff in the future!

Additionally, Tyhedra is a winner of the Challenge the Process and Get to Yes awards. 

You Go, Girl!

Sheenah Thrasher-Zamora, Community Relations & Marketing Assistant (pictured above with Tim Tebow), had a very special day, March 4, 2017. She said, "In an effort to create a partnership with JPL and Tim Tebow, I went to his annual Celebrity Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedre. I didn’t register as media prior to arrival, but I prayed about it earlier before I left home and God made a way and the people in charge let me in to see Mr. Tebow. I was able to introduce myself and snap this nice photo, as well as give Mr. Tebow a package I created for him. It included JPL marketing material and ideas of how he and the library could partner in the near future. He was so gracious and kind. I will be following up soon with his assistant. 

"I wanted to share this, not to brag, but to inspire you that no matter how big the vision and no matter who does or doesn’t believe you can do it, if it’s for you, it will be.  This quote has inspired me for a long time:  "...if you can see the possibilities, it can come to pass.” – J Dianne Tribble)."

Job Well Done: Erik Larsen

Librarian II Erik Larsen received a Job Well Done Award, March 1, 2017, for reaching all of NW customers with his contribution of his Read 66 daily reading.  And In the spirit of this year’s mission, “Everyone serves youth!”, Erik took this opportunity to go big. Instead of the typical reading that takes place in the corner of the children’s department (with an average of 5-10 listeners), he read a long poem, T S Eliot’s “Skimbleshanks: the Railway Cat,” over the intercom, reaching 60+ customers. It is a challenge to get people’s attention to listen to a Read 66 performance and Erik was able to lighten the mood of everyone who heard it. People in the circ line were smiling and teens stopped playing video games long enough to enjoy the full performance. This was by far our biggest Read 66 reading and it was a game changer in that we will probably continue to do our Read 66 performances. It was refreshing to see Erik go outside his comfort zone to deliver a wonderful reading of a classic poem, making everyone's day a bit brighter. Anthony Baltiero, who nominated Erik, said, "Coming from a children’s librarian that reads out loud to children on a daily basis, Erik did a fantastic job. Bravo!"

Job Well Done: Pam, Arthur, Antoinette & Betty

           Betty Person (center above) and other J-W-D winners had  staff on hand to cheer them on.

Main Manager Lynne Baldwin presented Pam Beaton (bottom pic, center) , Arthur Finley, Antoinette Walker (pics not available) and Betty Person for Job Well Done Awards, March 2, 2017. Lynne said, "The Grand Reading Room was scheduled to be closed to the public on February 4 and 5 to have the ceiling repaired and painted.  This meant that customers at the Main Library were limited to 20+ public computers rather than the normal 100+. GRR staff spent the week leading to closure preparing customers for the repair work and limited number of computers that would be available. Pam Beaton and Arthur Finley  helped move furniture and tape off areas of the GRR. Then Arthur and Pam took charge and provided terrific service to customers using the computers in the lobby. They made sure that workmen were not disturbed in the GRR and that they had access to the staff elevators to bring in equipment.  They helped with sign in station signage and kept me updated on progress of the repair work and customer comments.  They also worked with Conference Center staff on the noise from scaffolding in the GRR.  Repair work was completed ahead of schedule and Arthur and Pam helped prepare for the opening of the GRR, February 5.  February 6, Betty Person followed up with ITD to install the computers and make sure Facilities and the manager were updated on the GRR furniture. We did not receive any complaints from customers due to proactive customer service, leadership and team work provided by Pam, Arthur, Betty and Antoinette.  Job Well Done!"

Too Cute To Miss

Children in the March 3, 2017 storytime at South Mandarin Branch celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss--a day late but worth the wait as you see above. After storytime, the children had fun decorating and wearing their own Cat in the Hat. Joanna Nigrelli, YS Librarian II, said, "Thank you to our great teen volunteers Amy and Ann for cutting out 50 hats for both of our storytimes."  (Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli, YS Librarian II, for input and pics.)

Mrs. Mary Ann Johnson Pearson: - March 1932 - February 2017

Mrs. Mary Ann Pearson's funeral service was held March 3, 2017, at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church and about 200 family, friends and former coworkers came to pay their respects.

Honoring her life, mention was made of her many years as a librarian for JPL, her active membership at Bethel Baptist, including serving as a Sunday School teacher for several years and her involvement with the NAACP.  Mrs. Pearson served on the local and state NAACP Executive Committee, the NAACP National Life Membership Committee, and was state assistant secretary for many years. She was also involved in other civic endeavors. Former Governor Bob Graham appointed her to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission.  She received numerous awards for her service.

Mrs. Pearson is survived by her three children, Patricia, Rutledge, Jr. (Brenda), and Roderick Pearson and several grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and her sister, Beulah Marie.

DU Youth Asks To Read At Route 66 Program

Eve Harm shares their good news, "Highlands Library invited youth to begin reading, navigating, and driving Route 66, February 27, and the offer was met with enthusiasm. In fact, one young man (pictured here) is a regular customer who, having observed the daily Route 66 presentations by DU’s children’s staff, asked Felecia Battle to let him read to the group that day.  Note the attentive audience of peers." 

JB Has Exciting Jax Reads Event

It was a big night at JB when the Flamingo Book Club discussed the Jax Reads book, The Namesake, with 35 attendees. They were treated to Indian food, entertained by dancers, enthralled by speaker Prema Kumar and decorated with Mehndi tattoos. Terry Welch said, "This fabulous evening was created with help  from staff member Padma Subramanian, who is going to retire on March 10, 2017.  Additional photos can be found on the Friends Of The Beaches Branch Library Facebook Page."

Job Well Done: Velinda Washington-Watson

Velinda Washington-Watson received a Job Well Done Award, February 16 2017.  Main Librarian I Matthew Taylor, who nominated her, said, "Velinda has been a part of the Adult Nonfiction\Reference department on 3rd floor longer than any of the other staff beside me. Having had a chance to work with and supervise a number of shelvers in the past, she has proven the most efficient, conscientious, and friendly person we have had in that very important position.  I was particularly glad to have her last week when I had a new volunteer in.  I spent some time with the volunteer, teaching her the Dewey shelving until she appeared able to shelve on her own.  Since Velinda was in that day I asked if she would work with this new person until she felt more comfortable.  The volunteer told me how good Velinda was at showing her things.  In the future I will incorporate some of her  tips on explaining Dewey shelving when I work with other volunteers. Velinda always goes beyond what someone else would do when she is shelving the returned material, pointing out spine label problems and other issues.  In this case, she willingly did something another person might have complained was not their job."

Art Form Classes at Main's Children Department

Marcie O'Dell reports, "A total of 30 students comprised The Art Creations class at Main Children’s department, February 22^nd and 23^rd.  They bought ingredients for bean & rice mosaics and learned about the origins of the mosaic art form before creating their own piece. This school-age class rotates different art mediums each week, allowing for a unique experience each time. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 11:15 and on Thursdays at 4:00."

WST Hosts SLP Training Day

Summer Learning Program Training Day was held at West Branch, February 16, 2017. With all JPL Children’s staff in attendance, the day was filled with much needed information about our SLP planned events, and it was presented with zeal and creativity!  Pictured here is the staff from Children’s West, Northwest and Main holding their aluminum sculptures, which were put together as part of the Collaborative Art Program, the Summer Learning Program chosen by these three branches. Great minds think alike, yet a diverse array of artistic vision keeps us all in balance. Great job everyone!  (Thanks to Marcie O'Dell for the blurb and pic.)

Job Well Done: Raelyn Wiire

Raelyn Wiire received a Job Well Done Award, February 6, 2017, from Main Manager Lynne Baldwin.  Lynne said, Raelyn coordinated the Deck the Chair project at the Main Library and demonstrated leadership, creativity and team building. She formed a committee with volunteers from the Main Library and Urban Core branches to create a library themed holiday display using a large orange Life Guard Chair as part of the Deck the Chairs event which focused on creating a strong community in Jacksonville.  Raelyn and the committee created a design plan for the chair and used a small budget for the decorations.  She also worked with Jackie Spiritas from PCR on the design contest for customers, which included a design idea for the chair featured in the Deck the Chair event at Jax Beach in December.  Raelyn also coordinated the installation of the chair, signage promoting the chair and did a great job with the placement of it. The sparkling white lights could be seen throughout the first floor in the Maker Space area and could be seen from the Conference Center level. It was an interesting way to promote library services to the community." 

Congratulations, Shukti!

Shukti Banerjee officially became a United States citizen, February 17, 2017, during a special ceremony.  Mark Hohnadel said, "Today the staff at Mandarin celebrated Shukti's special accomplishment with cheers and a congratulatory cake." 

Job Well Done: Alison Pulley

Pictured is Alison Pulley being presented with a Job Well Done Award, February 21, 2017, by KR Manager Mark Hohnadel for having her summer program Go Native. The program, which she designed, was  chosen by multiple library locations for the Summer Reading Program.

Kudos From Customers

SST & Beaches Branch:  Just finished up Adobe Photoshop with Randy Mapanoo. Good job working with a group of participants with widely varying skills. We are eager to apply what he taught us today. Thank you

PCR: Amanda Gore - Great Help, Kind, Sweet, Just Perfect.

SS:  I want to commend Amber Pierce …for going above and beyond her work duties.  I was worried about having a lost DVD and she spent most of her afternoon searching the shelves and database to see if it had been checked in. Luckily I found it and was grateful for her dedication and knowledge of the library system to assure me that all would be done to locate the DVD. She is extremely knowledgeable of her job and beyond and makes useful suggestions of reading material and websites to explore. She is my favorite library clerk and I am always cheered up when she's at the desk. I hope she stays with the library for a long time!

SE:  Anna (Brown)…helped me by phone and was wonderful and upbeat. I love all the librarians that have helped me by phone in the past. Though I do not take full advantage of the library offerings, I truly appreciate the library and consider it invaluable to the community, just like music and the arts. The library can help be an equalizer of opportunity for citizens.

West:  I would like to express my appreciation for the personnel at the West Regional Branch, Bill (Figlietti), William (Gilliam), Shannon (Buchanan) and others for the personal services they help me with each and every time I visit the library, which is at least two to three times a week. They are awesome.

A Note From Jane Harris

Jane Harris, Webb Region Manager, is retiring February 24, 2017 and wanted to leave this note as a fond farewell:

Dear Library Staff,

Thank you so much for the flowers, cards and calls I received these past months.  I really appreciate your concern.  I’m really sorry to have to take early retirement.  It has been a joy and pleasure working with all of you.  I will miss seeing all of you but hope we can keep in touch.

Thank you,

Jane

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."