Baltiero Gets Seat On ALSC Committee

Main's YS Library Associate Anthony Baltiero was recently asked by the president of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a subsidiary of the American Library Association (ALA), to sit on the School-Age Programs and Service Committee. The appointment, effective July 1, 2017, is for two years. Anthony said, "This is exciting news; there are only eight seats on the committee and JPL will now have some direct representation for at least two years."  

The mission of the committee is: “To identify and disseminate information on effective, cooperative or innovative programming for school age children to libraries, schools, and community agencies serving youth. To develop training workshops on school age programs and services and present them at conferences, institutes and for other institutions serving youth. To cooperate appropriately with other ALSC committees and other associations working with the school age child to initiate activates and projects.”

SS Hosts DCPS Art Exhibit

San Marco Branch hosted 67 attendees at their art reception March 30, 2017. Larry Roziers, Ex-Officio member of BOLT and DCPS Executive Director, had the pleasure of assisting the art teachers award  the certificates to deserving students. Everyone, including Julie McNeil, enjoyed thie special treat--meeting teachers, kids and viewing their art work.

Dr. Seuss Time At JB - Thanks to Friends of JB

The Friends of the Beaches Branch Library held their annual Seuss-tastic, March 25^th.  The Cat in the Hat was on hand to welcome over 90 Seuss fans of all ages. Children enjoyed activities that included stories, crafts, games, a costume parade, trivia contest, face painting, snacks and prizes. Teen librarian and Seuss fan, Julie Rekow, made time to read to the children from one of her favorite Dr. Seuss books, The Foot Book (And all feet get raised below.) 

The girls pictured above were volunteers who helped out at the event and came dressed as Dr. Seuss characters, Things 1, 2 and 3--all sisters.

Nicole Saville spoke for all JB staff, "Many heartfelt thanks to the Friends of the Beaches Library for another wonderful event."  (Thanks to Nicole for the blurb and pics.)

Job Well Done: Cayonne Hendley

The Children’s Department was busy with customers, March 4, 2017, when a four year old boy asked Cayonne Hendley for help to find the computer game with the “red car.” Kelli Heath, who nominated Cayonne for a Job Well Done Award, said, "The little guy did not know the name of the game and Cayonne sat with him for about ten minutes scrolling through the games to no avail. Cayonne asked me to assist and the three of us looked through game details for one having a car to no avail. Cayonne continued to search the games until he found one with THE RED CAR. He was patient and worked diligently to “get to yes” with the boy.  I was impressed with Cayonne’s willingness to help and his determination to keep working until the customer was satisfied. The boy turned off the computer and then came back to Cayonne to help him find the “red car” game again. Cayonne assisted him until the game was found AGAIN! Way to Get to YES!  (Thanks to Hannah Genslinger for the pic.)

Looks like everyone agrees that Cayonne deserves the Job Well Done Award presented to him March 31, 2017:

.

Highlands Readies Kids For Jax Book Fext

The week before Jax Book Fest, March 25, 2017, children visiting DU had the opportunity to learn about three of the children’s guest authors: Karen Beaumont, Ethan Long and David Catrow. We used the Something about the Author database to accomplish our goal. 

 We focused on a different author each day. Youth learned to develop surprise endings, such as Ms. Beaumont does; draw in a cartoon style using Ethan Long as a model; and mix 

up media and design as David Catrow does.  During the week, 40+ children enjoyed creating art inspired by some of the 27 Jax Book Fest children’s authors.

Of course, everyone was invited to the big day of Jax Book Fest at Main. 

SOM Hosts Kids' Art & CM Schellenberg

South Mandarin hosted 75 students, family members, and teachers from Greenland Pines, Loretto, Mandarin Oaks and Bartram Springs Elementary Schools at their DCPS Art Show reception, March 29, 2017.  The 6-7 p.m. event was honored to have City Council Member Matt Schellenberg speak to the crowd and JPL’s own Mark Merritt was also in attendance.

CM Schellenberg spoke on the importance of education and including art in public education. He mentioned he had a daughter who had attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and thanked the teachers and students who participated in the art show. 

CM Joyce Morgan Reads & Plays At UPK

If CM Joyce Morgan did not sit on our City Council, we would like to invite her to regularly read at JPL's Storytimes because she obviously has charisma. Above, CM Morgan reads one of three books that held kids spellbound at University Park Library, March 20, 2017. Later, CM Morgan had these little ones giggling as they played "Ring Around the Rosie" (center pic) where they fell down and bounced back up again. The 15 children and parents--and UPK staff--say, "Thanks and come again soon, CM Morgan."

Above CM Morgan--with some of her fans-- holding one of three books she read, Megan and Michael Get Dressed, by Denise Fleming. YS Assistant Kim Hamilton stands behind CM Morgan.

Is Your "Light Bulb" On? Ideas Needed!

Sara Radovic, who manages Makerspace, offers you an opportunity to set your creative juices in motion:  "Do you have an idea for a Makerspace program?  Would you like to teach a program in the Makerspace at Main?  Drop us a line at jaxmakerspace@coj.net.  We'd love to hear from you.

"Jax Makerspace is a place for making things; for hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create.  Programs offered in the Makerspace fit within five tracks:  Arts and Crafts, Do It Yourself, Music, Tech and Writing. Since launching in August 2016, we've offered 200 programs within these tracks, including guitar lessons, African dance movement classes, writing circles, digital photography basics and much more.

"For more information, including our upcoming events, follow us on Facebook. Thanks!"

EB Flies With Women's History Month

Brown Eastside Branch celebrated Women’s History Month by exploring two of the most famous female pilots ever in Fly Like a Girl. YS Librarian II Shawn Norton said, "Sixteen school age youth came to build, test, refine, and compete with their own paper airplanes. In the picture, you see our ‘ring of fire’ for their stunt planes to fly through. These pictures were from a brief celebration after everyone completed their first test.” 

Job Well Done: Ysabella Banta

Ysabella Banta (R) boasted  a Job  Well Done Award, March 29, 2017 because "Bella" is a a reliable part of the team.  She is a F/T student working P/T at KR and helping wherever needed. Nominator Patricia Turner posed with Ysabella, and credits her "with helping to cull magazines and pack boxes of donations and  lift totes (since some of us can’t).  'Bella' is friendly and everybody appreciates her efforts." 

Job Well Done: Patricia Turner

Patricia Turner received a Job Well Done Award, March 29, 2017. She took on the job of sorting donations and withdrawn books as to destination and whether they are book sale or recycle materials. Robert Moseley, who nominated her, said, "Patricia has done so well that other staff and delivery drivers thank her for her expediency in getting it all boxed quickly. She also stays in good communication with JPL Facilities weekly regarding pickups and requests more boxes as needed to satisfy the ever increasing volume of books arriving at KR."

Great Artists of DCPS Display At KR

The DCPS Spring Student Art Reception, March 28, 2017, at KR saw 78 school principals, teachers, students and their families enjoying the art exposition.  Isabel Moreno-Santiago said, "They explored art displayed throughout the library and enjoyed light refreshments. Of course, our employees always enjoy the children's talent and seeing old and new faces in the library."   

Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel admires art in top left pic (R) and Isabel stands with Brett Hartley, Principle of Crown Point Elementary in top right pic.

  

Job Well Done: Jay Brasfield

Jay Brasfield received a Job Well Done award, March 21, 2017. He discovered an opportunity to exhibit the Jacksonville Historical Society’s diorama depicting the Great Fire of 1901 while its home, the Jax Fire Museum, was closed for restoration. Jay coordinated the move of the diorama to Main's G floor and maximized the value of the display by providing YS staff with talking points about it and they incorporated his talking points into their field trip tours of the building. As a result, students received the opportunity to learn significant local history while waiting in line to check out books. 

Jay also planned a program featuring the Fire Museum’s administrator, Ashley Charboneau-DiPaola, who discussed the events of the Great Fire and the history of the Jax Fire Department for the 49 people who attended the program. J

Jay is currently working with the Jax Fire Museum to have the diorama relocated to the Morris Ansbacher Map Room. Once relocated, it will remain in the 4^th floor Map Room for about a year. The diorama will serve as a complement to our collection and enhance our tours of the department.

Trainers Get Training

UPK hosted this meeting, March 28, 2017, for Librarian II's and Clerical Supervisors. The topic was staff training and everyone gave our new Training and Development Manager, Tracy Pigott, their rapt attention.

Inaugural Jax Book Fest @ Main

The Jacksonville Public Library hosted their inaugural Jax Book Fest Saturday, March 25, 2017, from 10-3 at the Main Library.  The Jax Book Fest celebrated books of every kind for every age with 150 authors and illustrators and a wide range of fun activities.  More than 3600 people of all ages enjoyed the panel discussions and Storytime, met with authors, shopped at the San Marco Bookstore in the 303 Lounge, took part in Poetry Slam, had their faces painted and took home balloons animals.  Big thanks to Amber Holley, Lisa Buggs, Keli Likins and their team for organizing the Jax Book Fest, the Literary Event of the Year. Thanks to Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin for the input; pics.  CR&M's Margaret Fishback provided the pics and click on the link below to enjoy.  Margaret adds, "You can download any image you like by clicking on the down arrow symbol that appears at the bottom right of the image: 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157682012731115https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157682012731115

Curl Your Little Finger & Pour The Tea

  

Southeast Branch held a Teddy Bear Tea Party, March 24,2017, and 20 adults and 40 children enjoyed lemonade (served from real tea pots), cookies, petit fours and  scones. 

They listened to teddy bear stories, played pass the teddy bear and made teddy bear and  tea pot crafts. (Thanks to Kristin Davis, for the pics and input.)  
            

You Are Real People

This is a compliment for PCR in Counting Opinions; however, over the years, many similar compliments have been received regarding various JPL's:

Y'all are exquisite always and so very helpful with smiles when i request it. I thank you for the equipment you have available for us coming in to use them but most of all I thank you for having REAL PEOPLE in the Library to inquire; to me there is no substitute for PEOPLE in this world, much less the Library, and it always brings a quiet joy and comfort to my heart and soul as it reaches down and touches my past as a child when I worked there. I love the quietness of the Library, the "sh's" and the glasses that some still wear; Nostalgia.

GB Displays Student Art

The DCPS Spring Student Art Reception was held March 23, 2017 at the Dallas Graham Branch Library. Children and their families were invited to a celebration of the art and artists of Duval County Public Schools. They explored art on display throughout the library and enjoyed light refreshments.
 
Normally the DCPS Spring Student Art Reception is held at the Brentwood Branch Library.  This year due to renovation plans it was temporally moved to GB. Even with the location change,16 adults/parents and 45 children attended with a  total  of 61.

If you have not experienced the joy of seeing some really good art (Van Gogh would agree), some of these children's art work is amazing.

Kudos From Customers

Eastside Branch, SST, Main-Training & Special Collections:  I would like to thank Shawn Norton, Lynn Jacobson, Kathleen Krizek and Tracy Pigott for the time they spent helping me with the Overdrive download on my Kindle Fire. What a fantastic group of people.

Main – Conference Center & Security:  Dear Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed working with Will Daniels. Will is the epitome of professional. He was right there on top of everything at all times. He directed his team like a pro and the set up for my daughter’s wedding was perfect. Even with everything he had going, he patiently listened to our requests and took great care of us. He provided us with information and diagrams... We were extremely relieved to have been allowed to bring our arbor and the reception decorations …It took a lot of the stress off of my family. I also wanted to commend your security staff. These folks kept guard over our things so that we could come and go as needed. If you hold each of your conference specialists to Will's high standards you will never have a bad review. We love Will! He made our event a success....

Mandarin Branch:  I just wanted to say how much my family and I appreciate the children's staff at the Mandarin Branch. My children love Mr. David Foster; we have never met a more friendly, attentive librarian who clearly loves his job and the children! He makes going to the library very pleasurable and exciting. The other ladies (Frances Wickes & Isabel Santiago-Moreno) are super nice and helpful as well. We appreciate the time they take to help us find different types of subject books and even letting my son help shelve books. The patience and friendliness of the staff is just above and beyond what we've experienced and we really want to say thank you.

Pablo Creek Branch & Others:  …I would like to thank you for all the hard work you and all your library staff members do on a regular basis …I frequently visit PCR because I am enrolled in a Master's of Leadership Program and this branch is close to where I reside. I have had the opportunity to visit a few other branches and everyone has always been so attentive and helpful but PCR is my favorite because of all of your library employees, cleanliness, organization, and large variety of resources. I would like to recognize one of your employees, Mr. Jason Enoex. Mr. Enoex always goes above and beyond to assist library members. …I was about to leave the library and decided I wanted to check out a book. Mr. Enoex went out of his way, knowing the library was closing within five minutes, and looked in every section to see if the book was available for check out. Unfortunately, the book was just a reference book and was not allowed to leave the library. Mr. Enoex always has a smile on his face and is willing to go out of his way to serve others. He is a kind and respectful individual that has a "servant's heart". The world would be a better place if we had more people like him working with the public. He always assists me and other library members with resources or technical issues regarding computers. He is never too busy to help. Mr. Enoex is an asset to the PCR branch. I hope that there is a way that he can be recognized for his diligence and commitment to PCR and library members. …

South Mandarin Branch:  Angela (Richman) showed me how to use Brainfuse to get help with my translation. I appreciate that this resource helped me with my tradition. Angela was very professional in everything. Thank you so much ; It was an excellent experience.

Job Well Done Award: Shawana Brooks

Shawana Brooks earned a Job Well Done Award, March 21, 2016, for her tireless work on the Kesha Exhibit presently in Main's Makerspace. Shawana organized the exhibit by recruiting local artists and community leaders to support it, and promoted Kesha via social media, print media and television appearances. She coordinated the installation of the exhibit and worked with CR&M on flyers and other marketing tools. Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin, who nominated Shawana, said, "To her credit, the exhibit has attracted customers who might never have visited the library and Kesha has touched the heart of the Jacksonville community." Region Manager Michael Sullivan presented the award to Shawana. 

It Was Red Hot At PCR's "Turn It Up Thursday"

Councilman Aaron Bowman and his wife, Debbie, were at Pablo Creek Library's March event after months of hearing about the energy and community involvement at PCR's monthly "Turn It Up Thursday."  CM Bowman asked many questions about PCR, the staff, the "Turn It Up" program, and he and Debbie happily took a picture with Ozzie the Osprey before regretfully leaving for another appointment. 

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "March 16, 2017 was PCR's history-making 'Turn it Up Thursday' – not because of the number of people (although we had 488 in three hours!) but because of the visible impact on everyone involved. Some 55 Brownie Scouts and 25+ UNF athletes came together to achieve separate goals. With the help of UNF staff, the female athletes and volunteers, a multitude of Brownie Scouts from several troops earned a 'Celebrating Community' badge. The two seemingly disparate groups worked together (with the guidance of PCR staff and Brownie Scout and UNF leaders) to satisfy a series of badge requirements, including parading around the library, chanting the Osprey Swoop, learning about local landmarks, and ceremoniously appreciating each other, as seen below: 

"Athletes from basketball, swimming, track and field, golf, volleyball and more, had a blast reading to the kids, running the Putt-Putt in the Stacks game, and leading a parade around the non-fiction area. Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop captured the parade on video and snapped pictures of the process, made possible by many weeks, if not months, of communication with UNF and Brownie Scouts to coordinate.

"The Northeast Florida Music Conservatory rounded out our pleasure and success of the day with their upbeat music.  Ozzie the Osprey joined them to express all of our appreciation for their time and talent.

"This event is bigger than the library.  It is a humanitarian project that uses local resources, staff skills, and a focused energy to bring the theme 'Libraries Transform' to life. 'Turn it Up' makes the kind of impact that explains this concept without words. Our customers are smart – they know how they feel when they are a part of something. It’s exciting and organic. 

"Who knows what will happen next at the library?"

 

                         Parade of Brownies and Athletes In PCR.

No Gold At The End Of Your Rainbow? Just Make It

It was a Happy St. Patrick’s Day Stories for Young Children with Carol Bunker at the Webb Wesconnett Library. Carol said, "We had our pinch protectors on, talked about the color green, shamrocks and leprechauns. We then made rainbows and Lucky (our Leprechaun from story time) gave us pots of gold for the end of our rainbows since we helped him find his lost gold at the end of story time."

Main Boosts Artwalk To High Gear

Main's Don Carpenter said, "With 786 people in attendance at the March 1, 2017, Artwalk, the Main Library added a big draw contributing to another success.

"Inside Makerspace, the vivid, delicious JAX Book Fest cake was purchased by Main Manager Lynne Baldwin and was a magnet to the refreshment table in the Book Fest 2017 Poster Exhibition. The cake mirrored the winning poster beautifully and was quickly

devoured by attendees. Big thanks to Lynne for providing the cake and dishing it out!

"This month we recognized the contributions of local women writers and gave them opportunities to discuss their craft. Dr. Jennifer Leiberman was there along with Rainey & Emily, poets from the UFC Program. They read their works aloud, promoted Read 66, and took questions.

"The Build Your Own Bookmark Program and the Zine Creation Station, with guest Zine publisher Lindsay Anderson, were also popular and will likely be repeated.

 

"Michael Sullivan, unable to find the pot at the end of the rainbow, helped promote the Leprechaun Ears Program, a hit with the kiddies.

"Also making its debut was #JaxBookFace. Insert yourself in a favorite book cover and don’t forget to tag us!If you’re not regularly attending Artwalk, you’re really missing out on something special.

JB Gets Heads Up On Forthcoming Books

JB's Terry Welch reports, "March 15, 50 book lovers got the scoop about upcoming books from Sharon Parker of Penguin Random House.  Attendees received a 'Borrow.Read.Repeat' tote bag. (Don't be jealous!)  Ms. Parker will also be appearing at Staff Development Day on May 1st; you will like her just as much as this audience did.

"As a thank you, we presented Sharon with a stuffed penguin."

 

Florida's First Lady Reads At Main

Mrs. Ann Scott visited the Main Library Children's department, March 15, 2017, during Carisia Rooney's story time. After a warm welcome by Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Carisia and her staff, 4th grade students from Lone Star Elementary were introduced to Mrs. Scott. She had come to read a story and everyone found her to be an engaging story teller. As you can see in the link below, everyone gave their rapt attention as she read the book, It's Because of Winn-Dixie, by Katie DiCamillo. 

Mrs. Scott told the 50 students, two teachers, and a few parents that she is a strong advocate for literacy and reading and she is a proponent of healthy living.

Treat yourself:  (Mrs. Scott is the lady in the black dress; Ms. Giltrop wears the red jacket, and Ms. Rooney dons the grey top.)

https://flic.kr/s/aHskQTYHuj

Watch Out For Low-Flying Aircraft!

Main Children’s celebrated Women’s History Month with a program, “Fly Like A Girl”, featuring women aviators and daredevil wing-walkers. On March 15^th Meloney Shepherd led the presentation dressed in her aviator garb. The kids shared their airplane flying experiences, learned about Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Harriet Quimby and more and then they created two versions of paper airplanes, one from a model and one with upgrades they thought of themselves. The kids had fun and, who knows, maybe a future aerospace engineer was born in the process.

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."