Come In - Classes Are Fine At Main

                         Danny with his Koi & Joanna's Manatee 
These pictures are an example of how Main's library staff can enjoy classes Makerspace has to offer.  Earlier this year Children’s Manager Chiquita Powell, participated in the Makerspace Acrylics class taught by Librarian II Raelyn Wiirre who works as Arts and Culture Curator. Check out the fab landscape she created!  A couple of months ago Main Children’s Associate Danny Menendez participated in the Makerspace Watercolors class taught by Main’s Marcie O’Dell. See what a great koi fish painting he made.  YS Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli participated in last month’s Watercolor’s class that focused on Silhouette Art. Her Florida manatee inspiration turned out, as you see, well done. So, don’t be shy; check out the many classes you can take FREE in the Main Library Makerspace. 

                             Chiquita (and Smiley Face) are pleased with her results.

Friends of Brentwood Library Load Students W/Fun & Backpacks

Brentwood Branch and the Friends of Brentwood Library (FOBL) held the 5^th annual Back to School Bash, 3-5 p.m., August 11, 2018. The gate count that Saturday was 885, but based on the number of back packs given away (276), estimated attendance was 650 people for the event. FOBL purchased 300 book bags and filled them with school supplies.  Recipients of book bags ranged from K-12^th graders.Back packs left over were donated to local children in the first two days of the school year. (Above center, founder of FOBL Sharon Coon has Director Tim Rogers and Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek's full attention.)

Kathleen said, "Director Rogers, Mrs. Coon, Region Manager Michael Sullivan, and I welcomed everyone.  Director Rogers read Book with No Pictures by J. Novak.  

"Don't miss how much fun Director Rogers and staff had with attendees in their activities-- just click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmofwNo2
There were inside activities, such as coloring and making dragon tails for the children.  E-Specialist Luis Terron had Spheros that caught everyone's eye.  (Sphero fuses physical 

robotic toys, digital apps, and entertainment experiences to unlock the true potential of play and learning.) Outside, participants could hula hoop, blow bubbles, play recycle bottle bowling, hopscotch, Simon Says, etc. FOBL provided snacks and bottled water.

"Staff issued seven new library cards and welcomed many first time customers to our location. Several other branches sent staff to help support the event.

"I was very impressed that Director Rogers was there to participate and enjoy the day. (It was so hot; I tried to rotate staff in and out of the a/c so they wouldn’t fry.)"

Stephanie Harley's pictures are seen here.  Jenna Hassell also took pictures and they are in the link above.

Ansbacher Family Thanked For Monitor

The Main Library's Special Collections Department is honored to have a collection of maps donated by the Ansbacher family and recently the family added a touch screen display monitor for the 4th floor where the Ansbacher Map Collection is housed.  Board Chair Ronnie King thanked the family and Library Board Trustee Sybil Ansbacher, personally,when she attended the Library Board meeting, August 9, 2018.  

Laura Minor, Special Collections Manager, displayed the monitor.  Director Tim Rogers noted the tremendous value this map collection is to JPL and our community and recalled the dinner that was held earlier in the year where eyeryone was treated to a tour of the collection.

Library Leadership Award Winners Recognized By Library Board

Library Board Chair Ronnie King (R below) had the privilege of introducing the third quarter (April, May, and June, 2018) Library Leadership Award winners to the members of the Board, August 9, 2018, and he and Director Tim Rogers (L below) enjoyed giving the awards to:

Monte Latham (center abpve), Associate at the San Marco Library, was recently noted by customers for the quality computer assistance he provides and for staying with children after hours.  For this, Monte received the Model the Way Award and subsequently was named EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER (April - June.)

Erin Tuzuner, Stephanie Harley, Mina Figuerrez, Mildred Roton, Leona Cain, and Theresa Bascom, (L/R above) created Customer Appreciation Day at University Park.  Over 150 customers came out to enjoy refreshments, music, and fun.  Erin and Leona created a scavenger hunt for kids and Mina allowed the teens to have a dance off.  For this, they received the Get to Yes Carolyn Williams Team Award.

Caroline Williams, Stacey Van Hoy,  and Kenya Coleman(L/R below) and Hurley Winkler (not present) investigated ways JPL could help customers facing homelessness and mental health issues. The result was the Social Services training model at the Main Library.  For this they won the Challenge the Process Carolyn Williams Team Award.

Caroline Williams, Stacey Van Hoy, Kenya Coleman(L/R below) and Hurley Winkler (not present) investigated ways JPL could help customers facing homelessness and mental health issues. The result was the Social Services training model at the Main Library.  For thisthey won the Challenge the Process Carolyn Williams Team Award.

Gio Linatoc (above), Graphic Artist for Community Relations and Marketing, created the eye-catching JPL exhibit on the Duval Street side of City Hall.  For this, Gio received the Model the Way Award.

Christine Rogers (below) planned the South Mandarin ComicCon program, which was a fine success.  For this, Christine received the Model the Way Award.

Tia Samuels (above), Library Associate at the Graham Library, has provided book readings and word puzzles to elderly residents at the Mary Eaves Apartments, gaming for the after-school crowd at Graham, and basic email and ebook instruction for others.   For this, Tia received the Challenge the Process Award.

Alexandra Bishop (not present), Library Associate at the Main Library, partnered with others to help the homeless and transient populations at Main and created the Care Cart--where staff donate personal care items that teens can pick up, no questions asked. Between April 10^th and today, about 202 teens have been helped.  For this, Alexandra received the Enable Others to Act Award.  

From all of us to all of you: WAY TO GO!

Great Back To School Give Away At EB

The Better Dads Society and the Ice Foundation partnered to host a book club and back to school bash, August 11, 2018. Supplies, bags, and books were given out to over 50 youth at the Brown Eastside Library.  Mentors from BDS were there with breakfast and lunch--and to act as reading coaches. State Representative Tracie Davis and District Executive Secretary Kiaira Nixon also came to share in the fun. 

West Engages Customers & Staff

West's Eve Harm shares, "WST staff, except for a shelver, who is out this week but has a place saved for her, participated in choosing their favorite children’s book and getting caught reading it.  The display went up August 10, 2018.  The photos are now a guessing game and a great way for the kids to learn a bit about our staff especially in time for the start of school.  The sign to the side asks, 'Can you guess who is who?  What book would you be caught reading?' Thanks to all the WST staff for helping me create the board."

Job Well Done: Eastside Branch Staff

EB Branch Manager Shawn Norton brags, "Staff at Brown Eastside went above and beyond expectation for youth services and customer service at the end of the school year and beginning of summer.  All EB employees actively registered and helped customers log their reading and we were over half way to our goal two weeks into SLP.  We registered 170+ children! Staff actively engaged with children and teens at all times, even if unscheduled or prompted. When regular duties were done, clerks read or colored with children; associates played board games and the entire building hummed with positive energy. This team is extremely flexible helping each other do extra for our community every step of the way."

"For their efforts, Christina Gasull, William Figlietti, Karen Lewis, Cheyla Scantling, Stephanie Huderson, and Patricia Mull received the Job Well Done Award, August 1, 2018."

Job Well Done: Beaches Branch Staff

Beaches Branch Manager Theresa Rooney gave Job Well Done Awards to her staff, July 28, 2018.  She said,  "This year, I challenged my FT staff at JB to plan and produce Comic Con instead of allowing the bulk of work to fall on Julie Rekow, who had produced five successful previous Comic Cons. This year’s event was four months in the planning and the entire Beaches Branch FT staff--in addition to accomplishing their regular tasks-- produced the most successful Comic Con yet. They all shared equally in producing 2018 Comic Con, which had over 2,000 attendees and 20 exhibitors, many of whom exhibited for the first time.

·         "Julie Rekow, Teen Librarian, provided the vision and the passion, shared the planning process with volunteer Candy Keane, and kept staff on track with regular updates at meetings.

·         Gail Blumberg, Library Associate, went to work months before the event and contacted over 25 local businesses to solicit prizes. She ended up obtaining more prizes than we had ever received before. Both Julie and Gail also were instrumental in making our branch TARDIS machine a reality.

·         Robbie Crabtree, Library Assistant, assisted Julie with the gargantuan task of decorating the branch to Julie’s meticulous standards and spent many hours on a ladder. During the event, he roamed the branch in full Deathstroke costume, providing additional photo ops.

·         Terry Welch and Amber Pierce, Library Clerks, planned all the book displays, which were comic-themed for the first time. They also came up with the awesome idea of having each person who checked out a book during Comic Con spin for a prize, which boosted circulation.

·         Mary Hatfield, Library Clerk, provided critical behind the scenes help and also worked as a floater to provide breaks to staff and volunteers during the event.

·         Nicole Saville and Andre Smith, Children’s Librarian and Children’s Library Associate, respectively, planned and supervised children’s activities for the first time this year so we had some new activities and crafts in addition to two superheroes roaming the branch.

"We actuated Comic Con 2018 in a way we’ve never done before and I’m so proud of my staff for stepping up to meet my challenge. My PT staff, Darlene Boda, Mary Wilson, Margaret Terrell, Theresa Weatherford and Rachael Jones, deserve recognition as well. Without their support, FT staff would not have been able to meet regularly to plan this event."  (No photo available.)

Job Well Done: Tyhedra Wilson

Bradham & Brooks Northwest Library's Linda Tucker awarded Tyhedra Wilson with a Job Well Done Award, August 8, 2018, because "Tyhedra is an outstanding role model. She operates in the spirit of excellence in all that she does and is a great leader who carries out the vision of JPL. She is also a great teacher who believes in the term team work.  Tyhedra is patient and kind and treats everyone as though they were the most important person on earth.  (No pic available.)

Job Well Done: Christa Snow

Main Library Manager Erica Brown nominated Christa Snow, which was awarded to Christa, July 20, 2018.  Erica said, "Since we restarted more hours for Ask a Librarian, many staffers have had problems with the training they received through a webinar from Tampa Bay because some of our local issues were not addressed. Christa volunteered to sit with Main staffers one onoe and trained three of them during the initial week they were going "live". I was not made aware until I sent an email asking new participants if they were having issues. I then found out that Christa arranged training with them.  Christa was originally assigned to Ask a librarian when we first participated with the Tampa Bay Library Consortium. Her experience has been invaluable to those trying to learn more about this service."  (No pic available.)

Job Well Done: Ed Murray

Ed Murray, who is a Librarian I in Non-Fiction at the Main Library, received a Job Well Done Award, August 6, 2018 from Tricia Larrabee.  Tricia recalls, "I had the chance to see and talk with Ed many times and he is amazing with our staff and customers.  Ed is very helpful when we call from the Call Center, or if we have any reference questions.  More importantly, he is friendly to all customers who walk into the reference area and he knows all regular customers who come into his area and chats with them.  His actions set an example of how all staff should treat customers." (A pic is not available.)

And many who know him would agree:  Ed is superkalafragalistic expealidocious.  

FRIENDS OF JPL: BEST BARGAINS - NOW & SOON

BIG BAG SALE: BOOKS, DVDs, CDs Thursday, August 23, 4 - 8 p.m. FJPL MEMBERS ONLY BUT YOU CAN JOIN AT THE DOOR FOR $10 After member discount:  $11.25/BAG Buy one bag; get 2nd FREE Friday, August 24: 4-8 p.m. $15/bag; buy one bag; get 2nd FREE Come early for best selection. Saturday, August 25: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $15/bog - Buy one bag; get 2nd FREE - CLEARANCE SALE

IN-STORE SPECIALS

VALID AUGUST 1st  THROUGH AUGUST 21st    EVERYTHING IN STORE  BUY ONE GET ONE FREE EXCEPT: CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND SPECIAL BOOKS

Add 7% sales tax to all purchases. ______________________________________________________                         Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library 3435 University Blvd., N. Jacksonville, FL 32277 (904) 630-2305

Can You Help?

Hello sewing enthusiasts!

Need to clean out your overstock and scraps of fabric, thread, ribbon, etc.? The Makerspace staff is seeking donations of fabric and such to have materials on hand for customers to use during classes and demo sessions. For fabric scraps, we would like bits about the size of a fat quarter and larger. For everything else, we will take what you send. Please send donations to the Main Library Jax Makerspace, Atten: Stephanie Boilard. If you aren’t able to send items through delivery, let me know and we can arrange for staff to pick things up.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Thank you!!

Stephanie Miller, Manager

Main Library Youth Services & Jax Makerspace

Upcoming Author Visits At JB & PCR

JB Library Clerk Terry Welch says, "Authors are my favorite celebrities," and sends these two special announcements and hopes to see Y O U there.  (Director Tim Rogers plans to attend the JB author event.)

September 12, 2018: Tim Dorsey - author talk and book signing at JB  (latest book: Pope Of Palm Beach).

September 20, 2018: Kristina McMorris -  author talk and book signing (latest book: Sold On A Monday) at PCR.

CM Matt Schellenberg Visits SOM

"Council Member Matt Schellenberg, center, standing, came and spoke about the importance of libraries at the South Mandarin Branch Library, July 26, 2018. closing SLP party. Library Board Chair Ronnie King, standing far right, and his daughter were there, too.  CM Schellenberg took pictures with attendees and congratulated staff on completing their Summer Learning Program goals," said Library Associate Christie Rogers.

AYL Staff Goal: Positive Comments About Each Other

"Deidra Townsend encouraged staff to post 100 positive comments about each other by the end of July.  We had one staff 'huddle' where we played 'hot potato' with a treat. We passed the treat from one employee to the next who made a positive comment. Whoever had the treat at the end of 30 seconds won the treat. Staff enjoyed reading the positive comments as the month passed. Deidra has gathered all the comments and will disperse them to the staff in August. We are looking forward to seeing what she has in store for August," reports Argyle Branch Manager Kristi Dorney.

WHAT A WONDERFUL IDEA!

Main Tracked SLP Musically

"Main Children’s 2018 SLP Tracking display consisted of six giant guitars with a new one displayed each week. The kids signed guitar picks and added them to the guitars to depict their success logging their reading minutes each week. Each guitar had a theme and the kids voted on which colored guitar would be displayed the following week. Above is a close up of the bat guitar (see the shiny silver bat on the head stock at the top of the neck). The first pic below shows all six guitars around the department.  Some added decorations allowed for the Libraries Rock program to “play” all around the department.  (Guitars were made through the creative efforts of Hannah Genslinger, Kitty Maschan, and Marcie O’Dell.)

"The last pic is a close up of signage at the children's reference desk--and WE DID ROCK!" said Marcie O'Dell.

Teens & Children Hold Luau To Close SLP

YS Librarian III Chiquita Powell gave a wrap up of the last SLP activities at the Main Library, July 26, 2018, "Sixty one teens attended the luau in the Teen Department presented by Stefa Witt, Meon Graham, Kathy Frazier, Devan Shepard, Alex Bishop, teen volunteers, and me.  Alex gave away 73 books to teens playing the Book Walk game and Stephanie Bollard (Jax Makerspace) taught 15 teens how to play the ukulele. 

"In our Children’s Department we had 70 people celebrate the end of Summer Learning at our luau. Children made leis, played coconut bowling, hula danced to musical chairs, and received a balloon twist from balloon artist Linda Brunson. Marcie O’Dell held an art show exhibition displaying art children made during her six week summer program 'Music, Movies, and Art.'

                                                                                                               

"Thank you to our wonderful interns Erionnia and Joy, teen volunteer Deyjah, and Diane Alexander for helping the Children’s Department celebrate the end of Summer Learning."

Main Library Thanks Summer Interns

The Main Library employees' appreciation of Mayor Curry's summer interns was expressed in two teen favorites:  pizza and ice cream (with an array of toppings), provided in a luncheon, July 26, 2018.  Staff hosted them in the staff lounge for lunch and individually thanked them--again--for their many contributions that made lighter workloads for employees.  All enjoyed the camaraderie and many staff agreed that this was the best group ever assigned to Main. Staff are sad to see the students' time come to a close but wish them much success in the ensuing school year.

Cow Oinks & Bubbles Fly At SOM

South Mandarin Branch Library held its 2^nd Annual Puppet Show, July 24, 2018, presented by the South Mandarin Teen Volunteers. Christie Rogers said, "The show featured the books, The Cow that Went Oink by Bernard Most, and Bark George by Jules Feiffer. The children and parents loved how the characters were making sounds differently, such as when the cow oinked like a pig. Along with the puppet show we sang Old MacDonald Had a Farm and BINGO. After the show, the 68 attendees made a paper bag dog puppet craft so they could perform their own puppet show later at home. The program wrapped up with blowing bubbles, and as you see,  the children were wide eyed."  

Extreme Weather Gets Customer Attention At KR

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, KR YS Librarian I, reports, “Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh presented a fascinating program on extreme weather and its potential danger to 56 children and their parents at Mandarin Branch, July 21, 2018.  It was a great success and afterwards the children made "tornadoes" in a bottle.  (Thanks to all those branches who responded to our SOS for bottles!)

AYL Wraps Up Teen SLP

Argyle's Library Associate and Teen Coordinator, Tonja Ferrell, said, "Pictured are some of the 28 teens who came to the last session of our six week SLP for teens, 'Musical Escape Rooms', July 20, 2018. The theme was 'Disco Fever'. The kids were diagnosed with this terminal illness and in order to get immunized and/or cured, teens had to work through clues utilizing library resources. They wore colored disco balls, designating the team they were on and showed designated staff that they were Escape Room players. (Staff wore Star name tags.) Teens were then given Q's and correct answers were rewarded with dance step clues resulting in their ability to perform the 'Hustle' deeming them cured and free to go. They performed the dance as a group and several spectator parents got 'jiggy' as well.  Some of the teens told me how much they enjoyed the sessions and several parents also relayed their kids' kudos for the series and were sorry to hear it was the last one. Throughout the programs, we have had new teen and tween participants, who had not been to AYL before, which was fantastic! We had two teen visitors yesterday from Chicago, who were visiting family in Jax. Their father told staff they had so much fun they intended to come next week. I regretted having to say this was the last one; however, I invited everyone to our closing party. We are pleased to say that all of these sessions were well received.

  

"Unfortunately the video files are too large to attach. They are both in our G-Shared folder, under Argyle group, Teens at Argyle. 

"Another great thing that occurred at yesterday’s Escape Room was that several staff participated as 'Library Resources.'  They not only gave out dance clues; each demonstrated the step or clue they had--a great example of everyone serving youth at Argyle." 

Kuodos From Customers

Argyle Branch: Tracy (Mills) was patient and very helpful. She answered all my questions and it was a pleasure to be assisted by her. I just wanted you to be aware of such a great employee you have (but I'm sure you already know).

Highlands Branch:  Oh I wish I remembered the lady that helped me. She was so friendly and helpful.  She made it easy to sign up for a card!

Main Library – Special Collections:  Today I requested a copy of a page in The Florida Times-Union from 1896. Librarian John Wilson was very helpful and fulfilled my request with great speed and quality. Great customer service!

Murray Hill Branch:  We have been to the library twice now since we received my son's card a week ago. He is six years old. The staff is amazing and beyond helpful. They have fun conversations with my son and make the experience very personable. We look forward to going. (I have not been in close to 20 years.)  My son and I have "date days"... they now include lunch and the library. Thank you to the staff…for helping me make these fun memories with my son! (Shirdellah Grouix, Margaret Esposito, Douglas Fair, Akeem Adell, Mary Fletcher, Camera Bragdon, and Albina Akramova.)

South Mandarin Branch:  My 7 y/o triplets and I participated at the Books to Bricks summer program and Mrs. Angela Richman was wonderful. She was well prepared and kept the audience engaged all the time. The room was full of children with their parents. At the end of the presentation she made a game for the children and they loved it. I also liked the way she structured her presentation to leave time for the children to build with Legos and express what they learned with their creativity... She emphasized it was a group activity and all children built together. The theme was opera, they built a theater with different stages. Now my girl, Sofia, is asking me to learn how to sing and take some classes. I think it is because Mrs. Angela made a positive impact and interest on my girl’s heart. Thank you for the program and thank you, Mrs. Angela, for your Awesome presentation!

3 Big Celebrations At Main Library

Three important events were celebrated in the Main Library Children's Department, July 19, 2018. 

Mayor Lenny Curry wanted to celebrate his birthday reading to children for a very good reason.  One year ago he met with area hospital executives to announce a COJ learning initiative: What I Can Be from A to Z, a book that has since been provided to every baby born in our area hospitals. This past year, about 13,000 of these books and related literacy materials have been distributed to parents of infants born at UF Health, Baptist, Memorial, and St. Vincent’s hospitals. 

Mayor Curry read the book to participants in Main's Stories for Toddlers program and each child received a copy later. Prior to the Mayor's reading, Library Associate Keira Maschan (left of Mayor) began the program with songs and finger plays.  At the close, Mayor Curry received a birthday card "signed" by the toddlers--and one from Main Library staff.  Then everyone sang Happy Birthday and thanked him for sharing his birthday with them.  

Happy Birthday to Mayor Lenny Curry and Main Children's Librarian III Chiquita Powell.  (Chiquita received her Happy Birthday song from staff in a meeting shortly before the children's program.)

KR Says Thanks To Summer Worker

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel and his staff took time to thank Colleen Macklin, one of the Mayor's summer workers, and present her with a bouquet of flowers, July 18, 2018.  Mark said, "We were privileged to have Colleen at Mandarin.  She helped us a lot with shifting and rearranging the adult collection this summer.  We are grateful for her assistance."  Pictured are (L/R) Librarian II Margo Crafton, Colleen, and Mark.

Ready, Aim, Read

AR's Cindy Mathieson proudly announces, "Regency Square Branch is supporting PBS’s Great American Read.  Lisa Buggs worked hard to get a grant to fund books and speakers for programs to be held at MAIN.  Dawn Brock and I have gathered 99 of the 100 titles that PBS listed.  Unfortunately,#100 is out of print."   

Alfreda Whitfield Thanks Staff Who Gave Leave Time

Hello JPL  family, I would like to give a great big Thank You to all of you who donated leave hours to me while I was out on sick leave. I really and truly appreciate it.  I am also so grateful for the cards, calls, texts, flowers and prayers you all showered me with. I am back to work, and I am doing so much better. Your thoughtfulness  during my time in need will never be forgotten. 

Much love, and many blessings to all of you,

Alfreda S Whitfield

Library Assistant

Southeast Regional Library

Renaming of Kings Road USPO

The USPO building on Kings Road, which has been the "main" post office in Jacksonville, for many years will be dedicated to Mr. Rutledge Pearson and renamed the  Rutledge Pearson U. S. Postal building, 10 am, July 20, 2018. The ceremony will be at the U.S. Postal Service building, 1100 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL.  Mr. Pearson was an activist in the NAACP and the civil rights movement--even after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964--until he passed away in an auto accident, May 1, 1967. 

Mr. Pearson’s wife, Mary Ann, was also active in these endeavors.  Mary Ann retired as the Senior Librarian in Business, Science, and Documents (BSD) at the old Main Library after 35 years with JPL.  She began with the library, October 3, 1961, and retired, July 13, 1996.  She first worked as a Library Clerk at Brown Eastside Branch and later Mary Ann was promoted to Children’s Librarian at Graham Branch, then she transferred to BSD.  Mrs. Mary Ann Pearson passed away February 21, 2017, at 85 years of age.

Amanda Gore: Job Well Done

P/T Shelver Amanda Gore received a Job Well Done Award from PCR Region Clerical Supervisor Stephanie Harley, July 10, 2018, for her great eye for detail.  Stephanie said, "Amanda exhibits great ownership of Objective: Goal #4 Providing Outstanding Experience -- when seeing misshelved books reshelve them in the right place for customers to find when they come in."  Amanda spent a week putting misshelved sections back in order after teen volunteers had misshelved items."

Gifts Of Kindness From KR

KR 's Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian I, reports, “Mandarin Library is giving back to the community through the SLP mini-series 'Kindness Rocks.' July 11, 2018, I delivered projects made by the children to two organizations. Our donations included greetings cards to the Taylor Residence Care Center and  'No sew fleece baby blankets' to the Wolfson Children Hospital.

 "Above, Betty Pender, Activities Director for Taylor Residences, receives the greeting cards and below Wolfson Children's Hospital Care Patient representative, Dana Severidt, receives the baby blankets.  Both representatives expressed their gratitude for the donations."

Way to go, Isabel!