2018 High School Graduation of CAL's GED Students

Library Director Tim Rogers welcomed graduates, families, friends and special guests to the 2018 GED high school graduation in the Main Library auditorium, Tuesday evening, May 1.  The event was hosted by the Center for Adult Learning, headed by CAL Literacy Program Manager Katie Devanny.

Twelve graduates crossed the stage to start a new chapter in their lives. The students' ages ranged from 19 - 61, proving you are never too old or young to achieve your goal.

                           2018 GED grad Maria Threat addresses audience.

Maria Threat and the keynote speaker, Greg Gaines, were on the same page, talking to the graduates about overcoming their fears. Ms. Devanny said, "CAL’s staff, especially the GED instructors, are extremely proud of the students and their accomplishments."  

Board Chair Ronnie King and Director Tim Rogers shook each graduate's hand after Katie Devanny presented a high school diploma to each graduate.  Then Mr. King congratulated the graduates and invited everyone to stay for refreshments.  

According to the Florida Department of Education, Florida's high school graduation rates have risen steadily over the past few years and is now at 82.3%.  The not-so-good news, as reported by U. S. News & World Report Best States is that Florida ranks 40th in high school graduation rates.

(Thanks to Katie Devanny for the input and pictures.)

St. Mark's Episcopal School Gives Main Children's An A & A WOW!

St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School brought 40 first graders to the Main Library, May 1, 2018. LAS Danny Menendez presented a sea creatures storytime for the students. They posted the visit to their Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/StMarksEpiscopalDaySchool] and also sent the following message:  "Thank you, Joanna for helping us arrange such a fantastic trip! Please tell Danny we really enjoyed our theater visit with him. The sea stories he shared with us were perfect! We also really appreciate meeting Mrs. Owl.  
Sincerely, Christine Burkett, St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School."  

Mrs. Owl is an animatronic created by Jacksonville’s own Sally Industries. She resides on a tree in the Children’s Theater. Mrs. Owl tells a story and sings a song at the close of storytime. She has four different programs she can do. The kids heard the story Who Hoots? and sang along to “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”

Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli, Main's YS Librarian II, for the blurb and great pic.

College and Career Fair At Main

Stephanie Miller reports on the tremendous success of this event; don't miss the photos:

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmb3ZBGW There are more photos in G:Shared/Main/Job Fair 2018 Photos/Job Fair

Staff used SST’s iPads to take photos throughout the day--we don’t have these yet…more to come. 

Find Your Future: College and Career Fair was held, Saturday, April 28, at the Main Library.  We hosted 15 college/trade schools/resources for youth and 27 businesses on the Ground, 2^nd, and 3rd floors of the library and 279 youths registered for the event. They were able to speak with local schools and businesses, representatives from several military branches, and resources to help them figure out next steps and possibly find summer employment. They also had the opportunity to participate in several workshop presentations by library staff, reps from Junior Achievement, and reps from the Microsoft store. Staff from the Main Library’s Conference Center and across the JPL system made the day amazing! These staff were:

o   JPL vendor table—Lynne Baldwin and Michael Sullivan

o   Center for Adult Learning vendor table—Katie Devanny

o   Branch staff: Jessica Bayne (KR), Kim Bennet (AYL), Justin Broadfoot (AR), Amy Davis (WST), Mina Figuerrez (UPK), Leslie Patterson (SOM), and Tyhedra Wilson (DU)

o   Main staff: Tiffini Anderson, Anjelica Bencomo, Alex Bishop,  Keira Maschan, Danny Menendez, Stephanie Miller, Joanna Nigrelli, Marcie O’Dell, Chiquita Powell 

o   E-services: John Carter and Nicole Rivera

o   Admin: Diane Alexander, Donna Crowther, and Sara Roberts,

o   Youth Services, Programming, and Outreach: Lisa Buggs, Kenya Coleman, Rebekah Mitchell

·        JPL Conference Center staff:

o   Table set up/removal: Michael Aguilar, Melvin Jones, and Sylvester Reese

o   Room set up and AV help: Ashley Boyd, Rebecca Cooper, and Mandie McKenzie

The rest of the Main Library staff kept the remainder of the building running, answered questions from participants, and sent staff to assist with set up and take down.

Pre-K Class Visit to Main Children's

Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School Pre-K students visited Main Children’s, April 25, 2018. They had a tour with Ms. Anjelica (Bencomo) and Storytime with Ms. Joanna (and Mrs. Owl).  (Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli, YS Librarian II, for input and pic.)

Job Well Done: Abby Pabustan

                    Kristi Dorney (L) presents Job Well Done Award to Abby Pabustan.

"Abby Pabustan, Library Clerk at Argyle Library, received a Job Well Done Award, April 12, 2018, for assuming responsibility for processing new adult books since August 2017. Abby was chosen for this task for her attention to detail which is essential for processing new materials. She found a couple of mistakes on spine labels before they could be shelved incorrectly. Abby maintains the browsing section by shelving new materials, as well as removing older items from the regular shelves. Argyle has not had any new materials for adults on the in-process list since Abby took over the task.  She is also a friendly face to customers and coworkers alike," said Kristi Dorney, Argyle Branch Manager.

WST Goes To NAS

"The West Branch Library was represented by two employees who kicked off a new partnership with NAS JAX MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation), April 28, 2018:  YS Librarian I Eve Harm and Library Clerk Jessica Carpenter.  They manned a table

at the Navy Base's Bounce-A-Palooza event.  Eve and Jessica made superhero bracelets, such as Wonder Woman, to advertise the three JPL Comic Con events, May 5.  They processed new library cards and talked about JPL's wonderful programs and databases, especially Transparent Language Online. It was a wonderful experience and WST is planning more activities with them," reports WST Branch Manager Kathleen Brunner.

A First Hard To Beat

DU's Beverly Mason had the honor and joy of helping her niece, Mary, age 5, get her library card and check out her first book, April 26, 2018.  Beverly said, "Mary loves Dr. Seuss' books and she chose Great Day for UP.  While she was here, she played with our literacy toys in our Play and Learn Area and played on our AWE computers.  Mary lives on the Westside, but the family wanted Aunt Beverly to help her check out her first book at the Highlands Branch."

Hannah Genslinger, Y O U Are Appreciated

Main YS Librarian III Chiquita Powell launched an Appreciation Station for the Teen and Children’s departments, April 1, 2018. Employees can vote for a colleague by filling out a form stating why he/she is appreciated. Chiquita took the first tally of votes and at the staff meeting, April 26, 2018, the employee with the most votes, Children's Library Associate Hannah Genslinger (R), is the first gift card winner.  "Hannah is a joyful member of our work family. She’s quick with a joke, a clever problem solver, and always willing to help others."

CONGRATULATIONS, HANNAH!

Celebrating Customers & DCPS Art Students

West Branch Library held two important events, April 11, 2018.  Melodie Brunson said, "We had an art gallery opening for DCPS young artists and we celebrated our library customers that we appreciate so much. 

"City Councilman Doyle Carter (L) came by to say a few words and mingle with everyone.

"We enjoyed live music provided by Al Poindexter and refreshments (cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, and cookies) were served. 

"Attendees were treated to tables showcasing some of our programs such as Cool Crafty Crocheting, 3-D printing, Lego building, and a collaborative art project.

                

"The JPL Foundation provided free popcorn while Zoe Carr (R) answered Q's at their table.  

"WST volunteer Ms. Jean at the Cool Crafty Crochet table is seen below while Friends of JPL President Margaret Smith looks on at the end of the table.

"We had a wonderful evening celebrating our customers, enjoying the young artists and talking to their families, as well as Margaret Smith and Zoe Carr."

      WST volunteer Carolyn Koehler and P/T Associate Earl Stitchcomb mind the food. 

Jackie Curry Celebrates 25 Years With Mayor Curry & Director Rogers

Jackie Curry, Library Assistant at Main's Interlibrary Loan/Talking Books Library, was escorted by Library Director Tim Rogers to Mayor Lenny Curry's office recently where Jackie was presented with her 25 year service pin and a congratulatory letter from the Mayor. 

All of us at JPL add our congratulations, Jackie, and our appreciation for all you do and have done for TWENTY FIVE YEARS!  

JPL's Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

JPL volunteers pictured--Fran Sweeney, 2nd from left; Douglas Tanner, Roberta "Bobbi" Mercier, and Margaret Smith--were honored for their outstanding work and dedication to the Jacksonville Public Library at the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held at Southeast Library, April 19, 2018.  The four pictured were given a plaque and certificate of appreciation.  Library Director Tim Rogers flanks the outstanding volunteers on the left and Library Board Chair Ronnie King stands to their right.  

The other nine nominees were each awarded a certificate of appreciation.

Briera Crocket – Argyle

Stacey Capps – West

Susanne Wiseman – Main CAL/UPK

Linda Steele – Pablo Creek

Larry Singer – West

Kazi Sabrin – Argyle

Tammy Cao – Argyle

Patricia “Kay” Fiorenzi – Argyle

Ciani Dacres – University Park.

View more pics on the photo album, including a pic of all of the volunteers:  

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157694086311551

South Mandarin Library held its DCPS art reception, April 19, 2018, for the public to view art work on display in the library made by students from nearby Bartram Springs, Greenland Pines, Loretto, and Mandarin Oaks Elementary Schools. Many of the artists and their families came to the reception and each student received a certificate from the library congratulating them on their creations and thanking them for allowing the library to display their works of art.

275 Turn Out For Turn It Up At PCR

PCR hosted Turn it Up Thursday, April 19, 2018, featuring performan-ces by Jax Youth Poetry Slam performers in celebration of National Poetry Month (pic above).  The event also provided space for a good mix of visibility tables, including Donate Life, Educational Homestay, Danielskids, and Jax Can - Fight the Blight (COJ).  Florida Blue hosted Bingo games in the conference room and the JPL Foundation had a table in the lobby with Dr. Jamie Self offering popcorn and information about Friends memberships and High 5 Reading.

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritis said, "We were pleased to have 275 customers move through the activities in the building during the two-hour time span and there was an audible appreciation for the lively, family friendly event. The Donate Life representatives (left) even read an impromptu poem about organ donorship which was not part of the original show! Donate Life and the Jax Youth Poetry Slam group made plans to work together for future events as a result of the connection made at Pablo Creek that day. 

"The Educational Homestay rep signed up to become an Organ Donor and two customers signed up to host international students. Mustard seed plants grown by the Fight the Blight crew went home with some 'budding' gardeners. In this way, the library continues to bring people and organizations together in unexpected ways.

"As always, our vital staff involvement included their setting up a putt putt course in the Community room to give people of all ages an opportunity to play mini-golf. JPL’s E-specialist set up a Spheros Robot course in the Teen Room (above right) to the delight of all ages."

                         Employees made a putt putt golf course.

SS Hosts DCPS Art Reception

San Marco Branch held an art reception honoring DCPS young artists, April 19, 2018. There was an award ceremony in the Balis Center where the students received certificates of appreciation for their hard work and artistic abilities. There were two guest speakers, Library Director Tim Rogers, and the Director of Art for DCPS, Jeffrey Smith. Over 70 people attended the award ceremony and reception that followed and guests were treated with music and refreshments. The event was coordinated by San Marco Branch Manager Lilia Simonton and Robin West Rogers. Photos were taken by Anthony Baltiero.

WBK Hosts Special Needs School Student Art

Twenty teachers, parents, and library customers celebrated a partnership between Westbrook Branch Library and Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center at an art opening, April 17, 2018. Palm Avenue is a neighborhood special needs school. Art Teacher Beverly Castro displayed her students’ work throughout the library, including photographs, mixed media, paintings, and fabric work.  

HAVE A TREAT: VISIT WESTBROOK BRANCH.  The artwork will be displayed through the end of April. 

Pictured above with a student's free standing piece of art are WBK Manager Scott Adams with Frankie Schroer, PAESC Teacher, and Beverly Castro, PAESC Art Teacher. 

Kudos From Customers - April 2018

Highlands Branch:  (Staff's name not given): The staff was very patient and polite. I obtained cards and bags for my three school age daughters. The staff member advised the girls of all the policies with me.  It made them feel a sense of responsibility and ownership. It was a great experience for my family. Thank You, Jacksonville Library system.

Main Library & Collection Development:  (Erica Brown, Main; Charlene Adkins & Jill Hale, Collection Development): I just wanted to thank those who order the books. I had suggested a purchase of a book I could not afford to purchase for my son anytime soon. I received an email back promptly and then within a week it was on the website to place on hold showing they were ordering it. It really means a lot that ya'll are willing to help me keep my 12 year old reading! Thanks again! 

San Marco Branch:  (Lilia Simonton, Sandy Ostroski, Davi Harmon, Anthony Baltiero, Robin Rogers, Selena Mann, Anthony Villareal, Juanita Searles, Marilyn Maron, Selena Mann, & Montae Latham): I needed special care on multiple visits. I didn't ask but each librarian insisted on taking care of me personally and assuring me I understood the process. Very well done.

Southeast Branch: (Carisia Rooney, Mia Clark, Sally Doherty, Alfreda Whitfield, Crystal Khadkahodie, Kim Smith, Kate Zakharov, Debra Wainwright, Hunter Alley, Gina Scott, Erika Knapp, Raquel Soto, Carol Bunker, Mia Brack, Shaina Ford, Anna Brown, Ysabella Banta, Pat Klingler, Andrea Markle, Linda Bryan, Abby McGeathy, Mary Smith, Debbie Gossman, Shirley Lui, & John Manahan): I would also like to let you know what a joy it was to find that your library is just what a patron loves. Quiet, knowledgeable staff, a large number of all types of reading materials and up to date technology. A really bright spot in Jacksonville! We’ve only moved South three months ago. 

DU Anime Afternoon

Highlands Regional Library held its second Anime Afternoon, April 14, 2018.  Beginning with a game of rock, paper, and scissors youth discussed the difference between U.S. typical school lunchtimes and how Japanese lunches are conducted.  (Did you know very few people take their lunch to school in Japan and they aren’t allowed to eat sweets and junk food with their lunch? Imagine that!)  Teens also took a food quiz to see how much they knew about various Japanese dishes.  Then Danielle Christensen, one of our P/T Associates, did a chibi art tutorial for the teens.  This was followed with making candy sushi while watching Dragon Ball Super.  Beverly Mason said, "We had a total of 15 for this program."

DU Holds 2nd Prep For College & Career Fair

The Highlands Regional Library held two workshops preparing teens for the 2018 College and Career Fair coming up at Main, April 28.  Beverly Mason said, "The second program 'Prepare Yourself for Job Success' was facilitated by Children Enriched with Opportunities, April 14.  The organization enlisted help from volunteers in the community.  Teens went to different stations discussing how to research their future, how to give a proper handshake and introduction, and how to dress for success.  At the close, they also had a chance to experience a mock interview.  Five teens attended this event with a total of 13 people involved. 

SOM's Customer Appreciation Day

SOM celebrated Customer Appreciation Day, April 18, 2018, with an evening full of fun for the whole family.  P/T Associate   Jim Olczak said, "Miss Victoria Locklin, an excellent local student violinist, dazzled us with several classical renditions.  

"P/T Shelver Sarah Miller (below) doubles as a glitter tattoo artist and shared her gift with all who desired to get 'glittered.'  

"The marquee performer was magician James Donaldson from 'A Sleight Touch of Magic' and he captivated the audience with several tricks.  

"P/T Associate Carissa Charest (below) brought her crocheting talents to the act with a 'Crocheting 101' session for beginners.

"There was plenty of chocolate and popcorn--a small show of appreciation to our customers who attended and those who participated."  

DU Shows Appreciation For Wonderful Volunteers

DU's Beverly Mason brags on their volunteers, "Highlands staff showed our appreciation with a party for our five teen volunteers, April 18, 2018.  Two of them were available to attend.  All of the volunteers are receiving a certificate of appreciation.  Three of the five volunteers have completed over 100 hours!  Two of those three are pictured, L/R: Naarah Black-Smith and Nico Delgado; Joshua Long is the third.  For those three we also put together a goody bag of chips, a cup of candy, cookies, pens, flash drives, and, of course, books.  After discussing the accomplishments of our volunteers, we enjoyed chicken, nachos, pepperoni, crackers, fruit, and donuts.

"Kennedi Ray and Taina Garcia are the other volunteers and we are grateful for all of their efforts to help us make Highlands Branch Library the best it can be."

DCPS Art Reception At Main Library

All DCPS elementary schools are represented in the 110 pieces of art currently displayed at the Main Library. To celebrate these young artists, families, teachers, and friends attended the DCPS Art Show reception, April 14, 2018.  Beautiful warm weather allowed everyone to enjoy the atrium on Main's 2nd floor.  Student art on display on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors represented the Best in Show winners from each elementary school. Children’s staff made exhibiting artist lanyards for each award winning artist to wear.  Kelli Heath, Joyce Truett, and Joanna Nigrelli hosted the refreshment table and passed out goodies to 127 attendees. Several of the artists also took home ComiCon flyers and comic book page contest entry forms. Teen volunteers Austin and Phong helped set up and take down at the event.  

Come see what the future holds in the art world; some paintings show great promise and all are worth the trip.  The exhibit is up through April 24, 2018.

FSCJ Student Reads At Main

Main Children’s had a special guest reader, Ms. Vickie Witherspoon, April 11, 2018.  She and her classmates worked on publishing a picture book for their Capstone Project in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Converged Communication at Florida State College at Jacksonville. They took on the task of writing, marketing and publishing a children’s book.  As part of the marketing venture, their story needed to be read to a group of children. Ms. Witherspoon represented her classmates reading her story, Oxi Finds His Purpose, a "why"- pourquoi tale - to 23 attendees following Main Children’s weekly Art Creation class.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY, APRIL 12, 2018

On PBS, April 11, 2018, a program aired honoring the Holocaust of WWII, its Jewish survivors and the 6 million others killed by the Nazis.  Of course, thousands of emaciated bodies left in open graves were found by American and other Allied soldiers as they advanced across Europe.  (The Germans had contests to see which death camp could kill the most Jews in the last days before they were invaded and knew their time of dominance was short.)  Those open graves didn't include the Jews who were killed in the bestial ovens--all because one man thought he was better than another race and taught and led a nation to hate.

After the Battle of the Bulge, fought from December 6, 1944-January 25, 1945  (VE Day was May 8, 1945), a rabbi held a Jewish service in which he honored all the war dead.  Other services were held for the Catholic and one for the protestant dead.  (Some 610,000 Americans fought in the battle that racked up 89,000 casualties, including 19,000 killed--the largest and most deadly battle of  WWII.  The rabbi admonished everyone to remember why the war was fought and that all the men in those graves had the same red blood; no race was better than another and that we all have a lot in common.  Elsewhere, another rabbi said, as he and other soldiers peered into the open graves at a death camp, that some might not know what we fought the war for, but that sight certainly represented what we fought against.  Those dead Jews, naked, skin and bones, stacked on top of one another, literally thrown in mammoth graves as a piece of trash should bring to remembrance what the ultimate state of man is when he is deceived and greedy to take another's right to exist as a human being because he thinks he is superior to another human being.

The Germans took captive 300 American Jews among the thousands of service men at the Battle of the Bulge.  Jews were separated from other races and taken to the Nazi death camps; only 63 survived until the Allied Forces set them free.  One company of Allied Forces captured by the Nazis included some Jews and their commander, who was not a Jew, was ordered to point out which of them were Jews and the commander said they were all Jews whereupon the Nazi Col. put a Luger in his face and demanded to know.  The answer was, "You can kill me but you only have a few days and the Allies will be here and you will be charged with war crimes."  The Nazi strode off and left them alone.  Oh, to love a fellow human like that and not hate.

Alex Bishop: Job Well Done!

Alex Bishop received the Job Well Done Award, April 12, 2018, as nominator Stefa Witt credited her as an "excellent representation of a staff member who supports core values of JPL. She has a great attitude and is willing to tackle any challenge thrown her way.  Alex  brings creative programming ideas to Main's Teen Department  with her Teen Podcast Series which she collaborated on with a fellow coworker.  This program allows teens to try something new using teamwork, technology, and experimentation with sound and self-expression.

"Alex has also been instrumental in the recent partnership formed between MOCA and the Teen Department. Her initiative to reach out to the community and encourage collaboration between local organizations and the library has made her a major asset to our team.

"I appreciate Alex’s hard work and forward-thinking efforts to provide teens with a positive and exciting library experience. She is a pleasure to work with and I am glad to have her on my team."                       

KR HAS SPIRIT

The Mandarin Library has SPIRIT!  The branch employees celebrated the third day of National Library Week, April 11, 2018, by wearing their Scrabble letters spelling it out. Circulation clerk Caitlin Ruvolo, who sent in this collage and blurb, got the idea of Scrabble from the weekly gathering of players that meet at the branch.

Pictured first above, L/R, are Mark Hohnadel, David Foster, Kelsey Groth, Diane Lewis, Margo Crafton, Robert Mosley, Caitlin Ruvolo, and Donna Peretzman. Second row: Margo, David, and Jessica Bayne.  Third pic down: Jessica, Patty Henderson, Shukti Banerjee, Robert, Caitlin, and Tammy Hilbert. 

It's Antsy At SE

Carol Bunker, SE's YS Librarian II, said, "The 'ant'-icipation is over at Southeast Library because our ant farms have arrived for the Observation Station! Children and parents can observe the ants creating their home throughout the blue gel. As a bonus, the ant farm has grass seed in the top so the children can observe root and plant growth. These guys will stay in our Observation Station for the next month and a half before our next animal guest comes swimming into Southeast.

"As you see, in the lower half of the display is an invitation, 'Lift the cover and see what you discover.'  A few of these doors open to: A 

little joke: Q: Why was the baby ant confused? A: Because all of his uncles were ants! Q: How much can an ant lift? A: An ant can lift approximately 20 times its own body weight. This means if a second grader was as strong as an ant, he/she would be able to pick up a car! Q: How many species of ants are there in the world? A: More than 12,000. To find out more interesting facts about ants, come to Southeast and interact with our Observation Station.

"A BIG thank you to Kimberly Smith for helping create our beautiful backdrop for our ant farm."

Singers By The Sea At JB

"As part of JPL50 pro-gramming, the Beaches Branch Library welcomed Singers by the Sea, a senior volunteer choir from Ponte Vedra, April 6, 2018, in JB's Community Room.  The audience enjoyed a variety of musical selections as director Becky Schumann led her group of singers, accompanied by musicians on piano, guitar, cello, harmonica and even bongo drums.  The audience was invited to join in on the Beatles’ hit 'When I’m Sixty-Four' and the program finale 'This Land Is Your Land.' We plan to invite the group back for future concerts," Gail Blumberg said.

CW: Going "Go365"

In the spirit of Go365, Webb Regional Library staff meet 10 minutes before starting work and walk through the stacks.   Janice Adams brags, "We get in about 1000 steps; then we're energized and ready to start the day." (Thanks to Janice for input and Sandra Fahy for the photo.)

(Staring w/the ballet shoes at lower right, going clockwise, employees are: Jessica Serrano, Sandra Fahy, Bobbi Knight, Janice Adams, Kimberly Kirkland, Brenda Johnson and Noah Thomas.)

How about you--are you Going 365?

Abby McGeathy : Job Well Done & CONGRATS ON YOUR MLIS

SE's Abby McGeathy (pictured left) received a Job Well Done Award from Sally Doherty, April 4, 2018, and she was doubly honored with a book bundle gift from ALA for completing her MLIS program at F.S.U. in December 2017.

Sally Doherty, who nominated Abby for the JWD Award, credits her with team work excellence: "I was scheduled to work a health fair and discovered that CR&M did not have any fliers promoting JPL’s health and medicine online databases.  I copied and pasted the databases that were under the category 'Health and Medicine' from our website and put them on a Word document and asked Abby if she could come up with a flier.  We were in a time crunch because the health fair was the next day.  Abby created a wonderful flier, had it approved by CR&M, and WOLA! We were ready for the health fair."