CW Elves Work To Welcome All Cheerfully

Sandra Fahy shares these pics of Webb Wescon-nett Library's two beautiful Christmas trees (among other decora-tions around the library not shown.)  She adds, "Here are some of the results of our Christmas elves' hard work."

 

Director Rogers Visits NW

Region Manager Marshelle  Berry said, "Our staff at NW were excited to have a visit from Library Director Tim Rogers."   

And The Stockings Were Hung By The Fire With Care...

Twas the Night Before Highlands’ Holiday Fare,

When the stockings were stuffed with oh so much care.

The staff was instructed to start on the first,

And fill every stocking until it would burst;

With coins and candies and do-dads a-plenty,

No one would be left out and not get any.

Just pick one day from the first to the twelfth,

And prove to Santa you’re a generous elf.

Stuff every stocking so no one can see,

Or be the wiser about your special treat.

The joy that you bring to your coworkers and friends,

Will return to you ten-fold, even after the season ends.

 

Happy Holidays to our JPL family!

 The Highlands Regional Library Staff

Pat Morrison & Elves

It's Nice To Be Appreciated

Sally Doherty sent this picture of milk chocolates and a thank you note from a Southeast Branch Book Club member:

Author Fan Welch Adds Steve Berry to JB Book Club Guests

JB’s Flamingo Book Club discussed The Bishop’s Pawn by Steve Berry, November 27, 2018.  Library Clerk Terry Welch (left with Mr. Berry) said, "This was a special event because the author also attended and talked for an hour!  Fifty people, many of them long time Steve Berry fans, attended. Steve’s wife, Elizabeth, told me that he is only able to attend book clubs every three or four years, so this was especially exciting for us.

 

"Interesting tidbit: Steve names some characters after people he knows. He informed us the murder victim in an upcoming book will be named Richard Keene, former board member of Friends of the Beaches Branch Library!"

"To the right is a pic of my signed copy of The Bishop’s Pawn (not gonna lie, I shouted when I saw it!)"

 

Go 365 Bet Won By JPL

Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott has a lot to brag about concerning Go365 participation he has encouraged JPL staff to accomplish and proudly shares this photo saying, "The person in the skunk mascot costume ("Stripe") is the Neighborhoods Department Director Stephanie Burch.  She wore Stripe to the Neighborhoods Annual Staff Day, December 3, 2018, to make good on the bet between her and Director Tim Rogers and congratulated JPL on having more staff receive more biometric screenings this year for Go365 than Neighborhoods."

 

CONGRATS TO ALL JPL PARTICIPANTS!  As you see, Director Rogers was well pleased with your Go365 goal having been met.

Friends Of JPL Give Special Sales

'Tis the season for...

Buy one get TWO free:  FJPL December In-Store Specials include ALL Christmas books, DVDs, CDs, Craft, etc. -- and ALL Fiction Popular authors' books are BOGO! (These books will be on special tables in the back of the store.)  Get your membership for the first Big Bag Sale of 2019!   January 17,18,19 will be the dates of FJPL's first Big Bag Sale of 2019, AND Members get the best deals! Members night only is 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Thursday, January 17, 2019.                         To get your membership for the next year, sign up online at www.fjpl.org/membership  or head into our store during open hours to sign-up.    HOLIDAY STORE        HOURS:  Please remember that the Bookstore  will be CLOSED starting  December 24, 2018- January 1, 2019. Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Inc. 3435 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32277 Phone: (904) 630-2304 Email: FJPLPresident@Gmail.com    This email was distributed in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. All comments and concerns should be directed to the FJPL using the contact information above.

Giving Is Living Big At Argyle

"Argyle Branch’s Teen Advisory Board Thanksgiving Food Drive during November brought in so many non-perishable food items that we had to ask for assistance from the area church in picking up the food.  The TAB has been committed to doing community 'Acts Of Kindness.' Donations were received from Argyle's staff, customers, and even from the Spanish class one of our TAB members attends. (I need to shout out to this member, Lorrainne R., who took our TAB food drive flyer to school, resulting in enthusiastic support by her Spanish class.)  

"All donated food was given to a local church for their food pantry and Thanksgiving baskets which they provided to families in need this Thanksgiving! I thank the TAB and everyone who gave this Thanksgiving.  I know the people who were helped will be eternally thankful for the generosity," reports Tonja Ferrell, AYL Library Associate/Teen Coordinator.

DU Continues To Rock

Lorna Reid, YS Librarian II, shares, "Teen Associate Beverly Mason hosted a Rock the Ages: 1950’s Edition program, November 29, 2018.  The program was originally created for 2018 SLT. In the spirit of the program, some staff members decided to have fun and dress up in their best sock hop attire, which brightened everyone’s day -- staff and customers alike."

FUN At Main On Time Off - Why Not Y O U?

Main Children’s Joanna Nigrelli and her son, James, enjoyed “Cats on a Fence” Makerspace Watercolor Class, November 17, 2018, in the Main Library Makerspace area. 

The public, as well as staff (hint, hint J) are welcome to attend. Marcie O’Dell, who taught the class said, "Way to go, Joanna and James, for making use of our wonderful Makerspace area/classes."

Chef Cooks Up Fun At Beaches Branch

Chef James from the Publix Apron Cooking School, gave a step by step and often humorous demonstration of recipes using holiday leftovers at the Beaches Branch, November 14, 2018. He offered tips on techniques, preparation, cooking and storage of unique dishes from traditional Thanksgiving fare. His rapport with the  audience was engaging and informative. Wonderful aromas lured staff and other customers, who joined us in sampling dishes such as Gingered Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing Toast Points.  Chef James is eager to return to the Beaches Branch and all of us are looking forward to his next visit," said Library Associate Gail Blumberg.

Mr. Donnie Horner III Joins Library Board of Trustees

Mr. Donnie Horner III attended his first Library Board meeting as the Library Board's latest Trustee and received a warm welcome, November 15, 2018.  Mr. Horner is a national sales representative at Beaver Street Fisheries with a focus on retail grocery partnerships.  His accounts include Fortune 500 companies, small family owned businesses, and sole proprietorships.  He serves as Vice Chairman of the River Club and was president of the Naval Academy's Class of 2008.

Library Leadership Awards Given At Board Meeting

Director Tim Rogers (L) and Board Chair Ronnie King proudly introduced last quarter's Leadership Award winners at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, November 15, 2018, at the Main Library. 

Tricia Larrabee, (above left), Main's Clerical Supervisor, accepted the challenge to take over Interlibrary Loan and volunteered to take on daily activities in Talking Books, leading staff through a boatload of streamlining work.  All this--in addition to managing Main's Circulation department! Tricia won a Model the Way Award AND she is JPL's Employee of the Quarter.

Deborah Wainwright (above right)  of the Southeast Regional Library has been so diligent in creating and maintaining the location’s exhaustive property notebook that it’s become a model for how to keep such records system-wide.  For this and many other accomplishments, Deborah received the Model the Way Award.

Marcie O’Dell, above, Library Associate in Main’s Children’s department, created a sensory-focused program for DCPS students from Mount Herman Exceptional School.  These students have mobility challenges, so Marcie turned the usual tour of murals into an “I Spy” game, making large magnifying glasses out of laminated card stock so each student could find everything from Curious George to Harry Potter’s owl to reading mice.  For this, Marcie received the Challenge the Process Award.

Sara Radovic, (above), has led the Jax Makerspace Team to present over 450 programs with 3500+ in attendance and 1600+ activities with over 3800 in attendance.  Her research was exhaustive, and she leads the team in coming up with creative ways to get folks making things at the Library.  For this, Sara received the Challenge the Process Award.

Yvonne Jones, (left), Library Clerk at the Bradham-Brooks Branch Library, dressed up for each decade represented in the Teen "Rock the Ages" program.  By the end of the summer, teens did not need any encouragement to join in the dancing.  For this, Yvonne received the Model the Way Award.

William Thiers (below), part-time Aide in JPL's Finnace Department did a lot of legwork to figure out why Staples wasn't getting our online supply orders, ultimately fixing the problem.  William also made significant improvements in expenditure tracking, general fund, and Foundation spreadsheet accounting.  For this, he received the Challenge the Process Award.

JPL Staff Share The Bounty

Above are pictured the five Thanksgiving baskets Mandarin Branch Library donated this year for the COJ drive.  At conclusion, November 15, 2018, our library employees collectively donated 39 food baskets.  And this is a good time to THANK YOU for the many times you give throughout the year.  It would be difficult to find a more caring, sharing staff than we have at the Jacksonville Public Library.  Year after year, it is amazing to see the participation of employees in every charitable drive COJ has offered us:  Hubbard House (for Mother's Day), eye glasses, towels, United Way, Gift for Health, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas gifts for children.  Add to that the untold hours of your valuable time you give to worthy causes all year. 

With all the bad news constantly bleated abroad, it is a pleasure to see much good still happens.

NW Visits The Polls

                        L/R: Gloria Buenavista, Library Associate, and Yvonne Jones, Library Clerk

Donna Carroll, Manager of Bradham and Brooks Library, said, "In early November, our staff showed up at the polls, for a library card drive that is! At various times, staff members would set up a table to hold a mini library card drive outside of a polling place, greeting customers as they entered and thanking voters for practicing their civil rights. In doing this, employees engaged with prospective customers that might not usually visit the library. We used these opportunities to promote upcoming programs for adults and youth and to develop a personal connection with our community--to put a face to the public library. We talked to residents about our many services, including educator cards, outside of the brick and mortar library, and we made a few new friends along the way.  

Double Whammy JPL Promo In Baldwin

L/R are Jessica Serrano, Karen North (President of the Friends of Maxwell Library), Helena Davenport, Darla (Karen North's roommate), and Elise Fare.

The Baldwin Middle-High School Homecoming parade, November 2, 2018, was a wonderful and fun p.r. project for Maxville staff. The parade proceeded down the street in front of Baldwin MHS, then behind the school, through a neighborhood to Mamie Agnes Jones Elementary School and through their parking lot. It ended just past the elementary school. Regional Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "What a great way to promote library cards and our resources.  Giving out candy with library brochures was brilliant.  Jessica really rocked the library card sandwich board.  Helena and Marilyn were everywhere waving, handing out candy – never stopping.  Kudos to Elise for the Harry Potter movie theme, decorations and the HP neckties.  Many, many, many thanks to Kim North for leading the way with her golf cart (pictured above behind staff and left ) and her support. She is simply amazing."

Pictured L/R are Elise Fare and Karen North getting everyone's attention as they drove around in the golf cart unabashedly promoting the value of getting a Jacksonville Public Library card.

AR Doubles Baskets For Daniel Families

Region Manager Mike Sullivan and AR Manager Greg Pierce are proud of Regency Square Branch employees for doubling the number of baskets collected over last year for the Daniel Families food drive.  They have collected 14 baskets in all for  2018.  (All baskets are not included in the photo.).  L/R are:  Ann Ludke, Lauren Lazar, Sandra Lockley, Amy King, Dawn Brock, Jessica Marzulla and Guy Adkins.  Not pictured is AR's Library Clerk Sabrina Whitfield, who shared this photo.

Friends Of JPL November Specials

Friends of JPL have a FANTASTIC sale for November 2018:

  ENTIRE STORE:  BUY ONE; GET ONE FREE
                            
(Only exception:  Special Books which are 25% off price on book.)

                       Please spread the word.

Main Teens Spooktacular

During the two hour Spooktacular Halloween party at Main, approximately 50 teens participated in a variety of activities:  slime making, a table where teens could decorate their own jack-o-lantern cuties and take with them, and in one of the study rooms they told scary stories in the dark.  Throughout the month of October teens could write down a guess of how many candy corns were in a jar and the winner who guessed the closest to the actual amount won a special prize at the party.  There was also a costume contest for the scariest, funniest and group.  Each winner received a prize bag that was put together by our wonderful volunteers.  Lastly the teens enjoyed pizza, and sipping Goosebump punch!  (Thanks to Chiquita Powell for the news and pic.)

CW's Minecraft Display Results In Book Check Outs

Bobbie Knight in Webb Wesconnett’s Children’s department transformed one of JPL’s three-tiered shelves into an awesome Minecraft display. Bobbie relays, "The bottom tier represents stone blocks with redstone ore and diamond ore and the middle tier is a grass block. These are materials used to build within the Minecraft game. The top tier is the crafting table where players put materials together to build other items. Her motivation for designing this was to showcase the new Minecraft fiction series. The children have enjoyed seeing her creation, and CW's books have been flying off the blocks!"

PCR's Fun Halloween Crafts

"For an hour in October, the children’s area at Pablo Creek library (PCR) became a pumpkin patch. A total of 43 participants of all ages got a chance to choose a pumpkin from our “patch” and decorate them using all kinds of materials; paint and glitter were the most popular. We even had a pumpkin mummy. Some of our regulars brought in their own pumpkins. Some folks chose to use cardboard to make and paint pumpkins from scratch. Books about Halloween and crafts were available for inspiration and checkout. One parent commented that they are new to Jacksonville and this was most fun library program they have ever experienced! Holiday music filled the air of the festive atmosphere while kids and their caregivers joined in making some fabulous pumpkins, some of which now decorate our children’s library at PCR," said Manager Jackie Spiritas.

Main's Children's Area Gets Cool Fall Art

Main's Children’s department celebrates autumn--and the cooler temperatures--with a poster reminding customers to check out books. Kids are also encouraged to color a pumpkin and add it to the department's Pumpkin Patch. Marcie says, "And, let’s not forget the creepy parts of fall fun with Halloween displays made by Kate Martin (sample shown below), who is an absolute whiz at resurrecting Styrofoam into wonderful pieces of art!"  

Thanks so much for all your creativity-- Marcie O’Dell sign above and Kate's art below. 

New Berlin Elementary Hosted By DU

Lorna Reid reports, "Highlands Regional Library proudly hosted about 57 parents and students at our New Berlin Elementary's annual Family Reading Night, October 22, 2018. For this year's camping theme, staff dressed outdoorsy and treated the kids to a fun
campfire storytime (with a faux firepit), scavenger hunt, and e-resources display.  Kids made their own 'binoulars' as a craft and it was a memorable experience for all of us."

 

Fun Fall Fest At Brentwood

Two hundred forty people came to the Friends of Brentwood Library and NS library staff's 5^th annual Fall Fest, October 20, 2018.  The afteronoon event included a costume contest and “trunk or treat” bags.  They played Connect 4, fished for prizes, colored monsters and snacked on popcorn and pizza.  (Thanks to NS Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek for the article and pics.)

SOM Friends, Staff, & Customers Benefit Each Other

Christie Rogers shares, "SOM's Fall Festival combined with the Friends of the South Mandarin Library book sale, October 20, 2018, gave book lovers a thrill and 63 attendees painted pumpkins, which were purchased by the FOSOM.  Other crafts included face painting and glitter tattoos. Finally, we had a costume parade through the library and three candy stations were set up for the children's treats (instead of tricks.)  During the festivities attendees could purchase books from the book sale to benefit the library."

Kudos From Customers

Brown Eastside Branch:  Per Susan Mankowski: I was listening to First Coast Connect this morning (10/8/18), and there was a segment on the first annual We Rise Festival that is this Saturday at Brotherhood Eastside. Nick Thompson was talking about the neighborhood and the revitalization efforts that led to the We Rise Festival and said something about (and I’m paraphrasing slightly) people need to visit the Eastside Library to see the energy in the neighborhood. Mr. Thompson even mentions Shawn Norton by name as a direct influence on the neighborhood and the kids who visit the library! Way to go, Shawn! I love when the library has unsolicited positive response from the communities we serve. And this is much deserved. A major shout out to Shawn and the rest of the EB team!

Main - Center for Adult Learning:  Today in CAL, Yancy McQueen told me (Tammy Owens) and Katie Devanny that he couldn't believe he had written a formal paper for his instructor, Katie Bark, and that he was spending so much time editing and tweaking it to make it better. He told us that a few months ago, he was too afraid to write anything because he didn't have confidence in himself to do so.  He wanted us to know how much he appreciates what we all do down here.

Main – Special Collections:  Catherine (Currier) on the 4th floor at the Main Library was exceptional in helping me access the information I was seeking!

Murray Hill Branch: I was surprised by the size of the branch and the staff was extremely kind and the facilities were excellent. I’m so grateful for all that the library does.

Southeast Branch:  Linda (Bryan) was really great and helped me out tremendously and was extremely patient with me.

SLP Superstars Receive Awards

For their supercharged performance during the 2018 Summer Learning Program (SLP) these employees (double click on pic for larger view) were presented with Summer Superstar Awards, which read, "In recognition of your creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm.  Libraries rock because YOU rock."  (They also received a Starbucks gift card.) The awards were made October 28, 2018, by the  Board of Library Trustees Chair Ronnie King (far right) and Director Tim Rogers.  Amber Holley, Assistant Director for Learning Services, was on hand to to affirm her appreciation of their contributions towards this SLP being the biggest and best. Awards were presented to:

Susan Mankowski
Rebekah Mitchell
Kimberly Bennett
Mia Brack
Kevin Douglas
Tonja Ferrell
Eve Harm
Beverly Mason
Allison Mason
Elizabeth McConney
Joanna Nigrelli
Shawn Norton
Marcie O'Dell
Alison Pulley
Lorna Reid
Julie Rekow
Christie Rogers
Luis Terron
Christina Wyatt
Kate Zakharov

There were 14,620 SLP registrations this summer, a 46% increase over 2017 with 53,763+ hours of reading logged at 21 library locations.  WOW!

All Smiley Faces At Main's Jax Makes

Jax Makes (formerly Maker Con) took over the Main Library with a deluge of people, explosions of color, and creativity, Saturday, October 13, 2018.  From 10 to 2, the floors were packed with customers excited to run the gamut of vendors selling cake for breakfast, jams and preserves, art in various mediums, including photography, pottery, framing, pretty bows, dresses, hats and tams, etc.  AND the JPL Foundation had Makerspace canvas totes for $5. Abetting the customer draw downtown, Hemming Plaza held a Fall Family Day.

So you can share a bit of the fun and excitement--and whet your appetite to attend next year--here are the photos from Jax Makes:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157696644295970

Strides for Go365 and Beating Big C

JPL Training's Library Assistant Diane Alexander finished the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Saturday October 13, 2018, at Moosehaven Lodge in Orange Park. Diane said, "With this 5k walk I earned an extra 250 Go365 points."  WAY TO GO, DIANE!

SS Hosts Spring Park Elementary

A crowd of 125+ children and parents attended the Spring Park Elementary School Literacy Night at San Marco Branch Library, October 11, 2018.  Principal Parker read a book on bullying, You Can Be a Friend, and YS Associate Librarian Robin West-Rogers read the book Whoops.  Robin reports, "More than half of families in attendance checked out books after the program and refreshments were served.  Craft tables were set up and the children enjoyed making book marks and paper pumpkins.  The children’s library was packed so next year we may hold this event next door at the Bails Center."

Snow Awarded 15 Year Service Pin

A congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and a 15 year pin was presented to Christa Snow, October 11, 2018, by Deputy Director Julie McNeil. There to applaud Christa (right front) are (L/R): Catherine Currier, Jay Brasfield, Laura Minor, and John Wilson.  All of us add our hurrahs for you, Christa.

AR Promotes Awareness

Regency Square Branch Library has made awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence the themes for AR's October displays.  Cindy Mathieson said, "Sandra Lockley and Dawn Brock collected AR books and related materials for the displays.  Informational materials from various agencies relating to these two topics are also available for pick-up by customers.  

"Sandra and Dawn also created a large 'Honor Wall' (left) where customers could place the names of survivors of cancer or domestic violence, as well as those who have lost the battle with either one."

"Yelpers" Party At Main

Monday night from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., October 8, 2018, the JPL Foundation and JPL volunteer staff welcomed about 500 “Yelpers” to the Main Library.  Zoe Carr, Development Associate with the Foundation, said, "Yelpers were able to explore the library and had fun refreshing themselves at 30+ food, drink, and entertainment stations!  The Foundation raised $6,872 in donations. On behalf of the Foundation Board and myself, I would like to thank all of the library staff who volunteered their time and efforts to make this night so successful. I would not have been able to do it without them! 

"The Banquet band played during the evening and band members said they would 'like to come again and play in the beautiful courtyard'. (Rain prevented their playing there for this event.)  All said, Yelpers enjoyed themselves and liked the Main Library." 

Take in more scenes from the Yelp Storybook Soiree:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157702500437855