Exceeding "Getting To Yes"

Mrs. Cathy Santiago, an appreciative KR customer, wrote SST''s E-Services Librarian III Eric Soriano a note of thanks for the computer class she completed at KR recently. She agreed to meet with Eric and KR's Manager Mark Hohnadel, April 26, 2017, to receive her MS Office 2010 Tech Classes Certificate of Completion and have this picture taken.  

Below is another picture of a happy customer. UPK Manager Tamera Branam said, "Summer Parker (center) is a regular UPK tech class customer  and was awarded a certificate of completion for finishing the MS Office 2010 Basics track. Eric Soriano and I presented the certificate on April 26.   She is the first 'UPK graduate' so we are very excited!" 

JPL Awards Committee Update

The JPL Awards Committee welcomes two new members, Pertoria “Tori” Kennedy of SST & Sabrina Whitfield of DU. Both provided an explanation of why they wanted to join the JPL Awards Committee:

The committee gives recognition to employees who do great work and that appealed to me.  Also, this gives me an opportunity to meet more of my JPL peers, and I look forward to seeing everyone. – Tori Kennedy

I'm honored to join the Awards Committee. I believe in award systems. Employees respond well when their hard work is noticed. It confirms they and their work are valued, which in turn is great for morale, motivates staff to improve and raises productivity. – Sabrina Whitfield

Additionally, the JPL Awards Committee has chosen a new person to sit as the committee Chair, Anthony Baltiero of Main. He supersedes Alisha LeVasseur who served previously as committee Chair.

Friends of JPL Book Sale, April 28 - 30

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library's BIG BAG SALE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, APRIL 28: 4 - 8 pm
MEMBERS  ONLY

Buy 1 bag of books for $15 and get a second bag FREE.

Members get a 25% discount so the $15 bag costs you only $11.25.
YES! You read that right - just $11.25 to get 2 bags of books.
7% tax will be added to the purchase price.

Not a member? Not a problem - join at the door.
    $10 membership - Valid from then to December 31, 2017
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, April, 29: 9 am - 4 pm
                And
Sunday, April 30: Noon  5 pm
BIG BAG SALE - BOTH DAYS

Bags are just $15 (plus $1.05 tax) each. If you buy 2 bags (total $32.10 - includes tax),
you get a 3rd bag FREE!

Our FOJPL Book Sales benefit JPL. Talking it up to customers, friends and family is a big favor to all of us. Why not check out their abundant supply and get your favorite materials? 

Making A Garden, Flower By Flower

Main Children’s area is sprouting springtime fun. Thanks to a new team member, Anthony Baltiero, they have a new interactive: Search out the seven big flowers hidden around the department and write the word that is listed on each one on the score card provided. Together, the first letters of all these words spell “FLOWER”. Then, each child colors his/her own bloom and adds it to the Children's garden! (Thanks to Marcie O'Dell for input.)

Getting Ready For 2017 SLP

The school year is winding down and that can only mean summer is almost here!  In Main Children's department, the signs are piling up, literally, as we prepare for our Build a Better World Summer Learning Program theme.

Pictured here is just one corner of readiness complete with posters, bags, bookmarks and stickers. Even the smaller kids' building blocks (bottom right) have been refreshed. Ready or not, here it comes!  (Thanks to Marcie O'Dell for the blurb and pic.)

Job Well Done: Anne Sawyer

Anne Sawyer, part-time Library Associate at AR, received a Job Well Done Award from her nominator/supervisor, Guy Adkins, April 20, 2017.  Anne is lauded for "creating, arranging, marketing and shepherding an adult music program. Through Anne's contacts, she arranged for North Florida Folk Network to use a community room for an Acoustic Jam Series.  Attendees can sing along and the program has been so popular, they were scheduled from March - June.  She has acted as hostess and provided refreshments and was careful to see that programs did not violate BMI or ASCAP."

Aditionally, Guy said, "Anne created a 3D undersea scene for the door window to AR's Children's workroom, a woodland design for the adult workroom door window and decorated the Children's area." 

GB Celebrates National Poetry Month

In honor of National Poetry Month, Graham Branch's Open Mic Night was presented, April 12, 2017, and hosted by Library Associate Tia Samuels.  Branch Manager Susan Arthur said, "It was a success with participants ranging in age from16 to 40 years old.  There were writers, poets, rappers and comedians showing off their talents with original material, as well as readings of poems written by greats Maya Angelou and Charles Bukowski.  Participants and listeners enjoyed refreshments and shared a lot of laughs.

One of our teen volunteers, Raymond Johnson, was in attendance helping the participants present their talents.

SOM Staff Recognize Friends of SOM

SOM had 45 participants in a special Friends of the South Mandarin Library Reception and Storytime recently. Joanna Nigrelli, YS Librarian II, said, "We had an enthusiastic group of storytime regulars and Friends of SOM participate in our Friends and Friendship themed storytime. 

"Recently, our Friends raised funds through their Book Sale to purchase interactive panels for our children’s area. Today’s celebration was in appreciation of their dedication to supporting the children and children’s programming at SOM."

Kudos From Customers

Eastside, Main, and SST:  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.

Pablo Creek Branch:  I just want to let you know that the Storytime and Crafts at the Pablo Creek Library (Tristan Denmark's program Story and Art for Early Literacy) is by far the best Children's program that we have ever attended! We have lived in many different cities and attended their library programs but haven't seen or experienced any that provide as much learning and educational enrichment as this one. It is evident that you put a lot of time and effort into planning the Children's programs. Thank you! Lisa

Highlands Branch:  Dearest Library Personnel, Miss Pat (Morrison) I just wanted to thank you all for the services you help provide to the people of city of Jax. The library has always been a research place for me. I was in high school in later 60's and graduated in 1971. The library personnel at Highlands Branch are very knowledgeable, and always kind and helpful. I bring my grandkids there some ER (early release) Wed. It is a blessing for me, and mine to continue to have the wonderful services the library offers.

SST at Mandarin Branch:  I attended the Cloud Computing class presented by Donna Peretzman at the Mandarin Branch location. I am a 1st time attendee to the computer technology class series and benefited greatly from today's session. I'm sure that I will attend future sessions. What a fabulous community resource!

Webb Wesconnett Branch: Add to Life is a community based facility. Our goals are to aid the Jacksonville community with their family members; be an alternative for institutional care and maintain a quality lifestyle. We were contacted by Noah (Thomas) from Wesconnett public library regarding a monthly activity time for our individuals. Noah brings topics of interest for all ages. She comes up with a theme for each visit with corresponding books to read. Each visit we listen to music, exercise, dance and make a craft. From her first visit Noah has made a big impression on our individuals with her fun spirit and hands on approach. She is very interactive with our clients. …

Job Well Done: Lisa Buggs

Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, has been an excellent mentor and advisor to Shawana Brooks throughout the planning and development of the “Kesha: A Black Female Experience of Identity and Race”. For this deed, Region Manager Michael Sullivan. said, "She deserves a Job Well Done award.  Ms. Brooks, new to JPL, was able to organize and develop the 'Kesha' exhibit under Ms. Buggs’ mentorship. Ms. Buggs guided Ms. Brooks through JPL’s labyrinth of procedures, paper work and departmental mazes that need to be traversed to pull off a major exhibit and program.  'Kesha' has been an overwhelming success, for which Ms. Brooks deserves credit.  However, Ms. Buggs’ role in enabling Ms. Brooks to act and succeed cannot be overemphasized.  Lisa Buggs is truly worthy of the Job Well Done award."

P.S.  If you have had the pleasure of attending any of the programs Lisa has arranged, you know JPL is always put in the best spotlight and everyone involved benefits--customers educated and entertained and staff challenged and reaping the benefits of a job well done.  THANK YOU, LISA!

Job Well Done: Kate Zakharov

Kate Zakharov (R), SE Teen Associate, received a Job Well Done Award, April 19, 2017, for recently providing an early literacy and a school age program on a Saturday when SE was unexpectedly short staffed in the children's department. Kristin Davis (L), who nominated Kate, said, "Both programs were well received and we were able to provide library customers with uninterrupted library services and programs, thanks to Kate."

Jobs Well Done: Alexis Carter, Clara James & Benjamin Smith

Tamera Brannon nominated four staff members for a Job Well Done for the DCPS Art Reception held in the UPK lobby, March 24, 2017. The program came together in a couple days’ time thanks to teamwork, innovation and excellence. The displayed art consisted of two panels– which disappeared in our large lobby space. We had promoted it heavily and expected school board member Cheryl Grymes to attend, so we had to do something special to fill the space and occupy our special guests and their families. With less than a week to plan, and a large amount of space to fill, Alexis Carter spearheaded organizing the event and worked the room the day of the event.  Clara James and Alexis came up with several tables of interactive activities, including connect the dots, learn to draw, coloring pages, and a reception table filled with beautiful frameable fliers of the schools displaying art.  Kimberly Hamilton had participants in her Thursday’s story time sign a "Welcome Student Art Reception" sign for the lobby.  Kimberly and Benjamin Smith helped generate ideas for activities and printed extra copies of things throughout the session as we ran out of activity sheets. The end result of their hard work was a fun reception for all ages, which allowed participants to view the art and participate in family activities. Over 50 people attended the reception, including Ms. Grymes and Ms. Giltrop. Many of the attendants complimented the staff on the reception.  They followed through on their commitment to provide a high quality reception on short notice--an astounding feat, employing all of JPL's Core Values.

Special Recognition For JPL Volunteers

April 13, 2017 was one of the most important celebrations JPL has each year: the day we honor our volunteers. This year, after the Board meeting at SE Library, Board Chair Ronnie King and other board members, Director Barbara Gubbin, and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop recognized our 238 volunteers and their varied and valuable talents. See some of the memorable moments in the link below where CR&M shares the album, JPL Volunteer Recognition 2017, with you (taken from the Flickr app). 

https://flickr.com/photos/37876374@N04/sets/72157682742835905 

Special honorees included "Outstanding Teen Volunteer" Bre' Aisha Stallworth, who completed 88.5 volunteer hours last year, fulfilling her requirements for graduation and for the Florida Bright Futures program.  She volunteers in Main's Teen area and sorts, shelves, shifts and weeds collections. 

"Outstanding Computer Instruction Volunteer" Gary Tomeny offers high quality computer classes and is in his third year of teaching high quality classes in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Windows 10, File Management, etc. Mr. Tomeny is a member of the Friends of SOM.

"Outstanding ESOL Volunteer" Instructor Noreen Stephenson has taught Level 4 ESOL students for a year and a half in Main's CAL department. Ms. Stephenson follows CAL's guidelines and prepares well planned presentations to ensure student advancement.

"Outstanding Friends of the Library Volunteer" Wendy Warner is Secretary of the Friends of JB and has logged some of the highest number of volunteer hours. She is always helping with library events, such as the Flamingo Book Club, sees that craft supplies are ready for JB activities and has donated many props to JB's Comic Con.

Of course, special recognition and many thanks were given and continually go to: 

      Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library
      Friends of the Beaches Branch Library
      Friends of the Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks 
             Branch Library
      Friends of the Murray Hill Library
      Friends of the Willowbranch Library
      Friends of the Dallas Graham Branch Library
      Friends of the South Mandarin Library
      Friends of the Maxville Library

Doing It Michelangelo’s Way

Librarian IV, YS Manager-Urban Core, Stephanie Miller, YS Admin, Rebekah Mitchell and KR Library Assistant, David Foster participate in SE Library Assistant, Paul Schaffner’s Teen Program “Paint Your Story,”  part of the Youth Services training exchange at the Main Library. 

David Foster (foreground and two others creating their own “masterpieces” inspired, they say, by Michelangelo’s painting in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

THANK YOU, FOJPL, FOR ALL THE COOKIES!

JPL employees had a smile on their faces this week, thanks  to the appreciation the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.  Mrs. Margaret Smith personally brought boxes of cookies in honor of National Library Workers Day--and each one of us--which has been an annual  event for FOJPL now for several years. We can't thank you enough--each and every one of Y - O - U!

Friends Of JB Book Sale

You are invited to help promote the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library Book Sale, April 19 (members only but you can join at the door), 20, 21, 22, 2017.  It will be held in the Community Room at JB:

Wednesday, April 19, 4 pm - 7 pm - 
           Members only - can join at the door

Thursday, April 20, and
Friday, April 21, 10 am - 5 pm 

Saturday, April 22, 10 am - 5 pm - Bag Day

                             YA'LL COME!

Two Thank You's To DCPS

Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent for DCPS, received some cookies at his office, April 11, 2017. Dr. Vitti is pictured in front of our JPL banner with a jar of cookies from former BOLT Chair Erin Skinner in appreciation for his cooperation during Mrs. Skinner's time as Board Chair. Ashley Smith Juarez, DCPS Board Chair during Erin’s tenure, also received a jar of cookies and a big thank you for her cooperation with BOLT.  (Kudos to Executive Assistant Andrew Herron and CR&M's Shennah Thrasher-Zamora for input & pic.) 

WBK's Balloon Science Program

WBK's Chiquita Powell shares, "WBK had a special presenter, April 5, 2017, when balloon artist Linda Brunson, visited lour library to present her Balloon Science program.  Twenty two kids had fun learning balloon science basics and they had the opportunity to twist balloons into hats and swords. As you can see, the kids had a great time taking pride in their creations."

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.