Wanna Make Kids & Dogs Happy?

This Labrador retriever named Jasper is one happy dog.  One reason is he enjoys his monthly visits with his owner, Miss Linda (both pictured above) to Pablo Creek Branch Library.  This is where Jasper has the pleasure of hearing  kids read to him. Children choose a picture book and take turns reading to Jasper for about an hour. Youth Services Librarian II Jonathan Sandbach says, "We essentially provide space for him to visit with kids and call it 'Come Read with Jasper'. The picture here is one used on flyers advertising his popular visits.
 
"All children ages 5-12 are welcome to join the fun; the next date with Jasper is February 16, 2019."

Still Pursuing Life, Liberty & Happiness

Above Duval County students hold some famous words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among which are the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The Main Library hosted its annual Colonial Dames Historic Actor program, January 22 and 23, 2019, in the Hicks Auditorium. Thomas Jefferson (played by American Historical Theater actor Steve Edenbo) shared with students the circumstances promulgating the writing of the Declaration of Independence.  Mr. Edenbo (standing in aisle) told of the unfinished work that our nation’s forefathers began and charged this generation to continue the work and leave the world a little better for generations to come. Librarian IV Stephanie Miller said, "Between the two programs in the Makerspace, January 22, and the programs in the Hicks Auditorium the next day, we hosted 1,148 students + teachers + chaperones. A special thanks to the Conference Center, Jax Makerspace, and Main’s Youth Services staff for making this event wildly successful!"

Job Well Done: Jason Enoex

Erik Larsen nominated Jason Enoex, who works at the Pablo Creek Library, for a Job Well Done Award, which was presented to him, January 16, 2019.  Erik said, "Jason is very proactive and conscientious in disseminating information he receives from the regional Adult Programming Committee. He conducts a monthly programming meeting at the branch to insure that we’re all well informed and that each program has a staff presenter assigned. He takes initiative in locating presenters and making all necessary arrangements.  He insures that we often have new and unique programs available. Should any problems arise, he solves them quickly and efficiently, making sure to update Evanced (the library's online public meeting room schedule) so the most current information is available to the public.

"Adult programming is Jason’s largest single assigned duty. He takes this role very seriously.  He keeps this large responsibility running very smoothly with minimal supervision.  He richly deserves this award."

 

Win Win For Ms. Wyatt

Traveling Tales Curator Christina Wyatt has a lot to celebrate lately!  She graduated with her Master of Science in Information degree from FSU in December AND Deputy Director Julie McNeil (R) presented Christina with her 5 year service pin and a congratulatory letter from Library Director Tim Rogers, January 14, 2019.  (Thanks to Susan Mankowski for input and pic.)  

Three cheers to Christina! 

Appreciation Goes A Long Way

This letter was received by Main's  Mandie McKenzie, Conference Center Manager, and we all add our dittos to these kudos for Mandie, Rebecca, and Ashley:

December 6, 2018

 Good afternoon, Mandie,

 I have wanted to send this letter for quite some time now, but have been extremely busy. Since my first bride that I catered for is celebrating her 50^th anniversary on April 19^th 2019, you can imagine how many venues and coordinators I have worked with throughout the years. Of course I knew what to expect from you, having had the pleasure of working with you at Friday Musicale, but we didn’t know what to expect with other new people at the library. What a pleasant surprise and refreshing change! Like you, Ashley and Rebecca are extremely professional, easily accessible, and focused on our clients. Moreover, they both are very easy to work with, showing their willingness to make our clients happy, and always having such positive and cheerful attitudes. I have had many compliments from my brides and their parents about Ashley (Boyd) and Rebecca (Cooper).  Even my staff and my bar service company have complimented their efforts.

I personally, am a bit of a neurotic when it comes to my clients, especially my brides, as you know, so their attitudes and work ethic are extremely important to me. I hope that you will share this letter with anyone in the city, so they know that they have some great talent at their beautiful library downtown.

 Sincerely,

Fred D Davoli

President/Owner
Davoli's Catering, Inc.

3,203 Go365 Points For Matthew Taylor

Matthew Taylor is a Librarian I who works in Main's Adult Fiction/Popular Library. Here is his Go365 update, "As of January 7, 2019, I have logged 3,203 points, a little under 1800 points to silver status.  This is a shot of my niece and I after we got our numbers as part of the group doing the health walk she and her school were doing this past  weekend in Clay County.

 

"I walk a lot since my epilepsy keeps me from driving, thus my high score, although I did walk 26 miles in one day to see if I could do it.  When I trade my points in for Amazon gift cards, I spend a large portion of that to get things for my displays here at Main.  The amount of walking I do is out of necessity as much as for my health."

Santa Stop With Photo Ops At SOM

Region Manager Keli Likins shares a happy visit, "Close to 100 people came to see Santa at South Mandarin Library, December 21, 2018.  The children enjoyed story time as well as crafts and cookie decorating.  Best of all, they had their pictures made while visiting Santa.  Council Member Tommy Hazouri (pictured) kicked off the event and talked to the crowd about the importance of libraries in our community.  As you see, Isabel Moreno-Santiago enjoyed the little boy's encounter with CM Hazouri and Santa."

Santa Stops The Show At SS

"Our Santa Stop, December 5, 2018, was a happy time for some 75 children and adults who came and most had pictures taken with Santa.  We wish everyone could have taken pictures with the guy in red, but as always we had some tears but they were quickly stopped with a candy cane from the San Marco Branch staff.  Cookies and gummy bears topped off the fun.  In the holiday spirt, the staff at SS also had pictures made with Santa," said Robin Wes-Rogers. 

All Is Merry & Bright Out West

"We hope this anthology of a happy little girl, Tina shown with her mom, holding her  gingerbread house and Christmas tree would bring a smile to all of you.  Tina's little treasure is a product of attending Melodie Brunson’s (and the West Branch Children’s Department) annual Gingerbread House Decorating event, December 14, 2018," said West Branch's Manager Kathleen Brunner.

THANKS FOR SHARING THE JOY! 

Murray Hill Branch Celebrates Its 50th & A NEW NAME

Legislation was introduced October 9, 2018, by Council Members John Crescimbeni and Jim Love (both pictured below with CM Crescimbeni speaking), and it was co-sponsored by CMs Tommy Hazouri and Joyce Morgan, to change the name of the Murrary Hill Branch Library to honor the late library activist and local attorney Bill Brinton (photos of Mr. Brinton are at left.)

Subsequently Murray Hill Library not only celebrated its 50^th anniversary, Saturday, December 15, 2018; it also celebrated a new name: the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch Library.

Over 300 people attended the event, some dressed in their favorite 1960's outfits. Guest speakers for the event included JPL Director Tim Rogers, COJ Director of Community Affairs Dr. Charles Moreland, Friends of the Murray Hill Library President Jay Stuckey, Library Board Chair Ronnie King, and Council Members John Crescimbeni, Jim Love, and Tommy Hazouri. Following the morning dedication ceremony that included a video tribute to the library compiled by FML member and former Branch Manager Daniel Kibler, guests were ushered outside for the unveiling of the new sign dedicating the branch as the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch. All in attendance were then welcomed back inside for a celebratory feast donated by Maple Street Biscuit Company, Moon River Pizza, Publix and Walmart.

Other events that day consisted of a car show sponsored by Pugh’s Auto Sales and Service, games and other activities for children and teens, including a balloon maker and 3D printing pens. The Friends of the Murray Hill Library also hosted several raffle drawings for an assortment of prizes donated by local businesses.

 

Enjoy the plethora of pictures of the 50th celebration/dedication here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dFvrgKmwbSruiHiG6

Thanks to MH Library Associate Douglas Fair for the article.

 

Rock the 60's Decade

Highlands Library staff added their “flower power”, December 13, 2018, dressing in vintage 1960's style for Teen Associate Beverly Mason’s “Rock the Decades Teen Program: 60’s Edition”.  Eleven teens learned about historical events of the decade, played trivia games, and identified books and music written in the 60’s.  They made tie-dye bandanas and enjoyed snacks such as Easy Cheese and 100 Grand candy bars which were popular then.  Pictured staff L/R are:  Beverly Mason, Maria Bridges, Cheri Long, Lorna Reid, Michelle Petrin, who shares the pic and blurb, and Cassy Manning. 

 

Your outfits put an exclamation point on your program - WAY TO GO!

Hurrahs For WST Staff

Region Manager Lynne Baldwin shares this grateful customer's letter:

December 11, 2018
Dear Mr. /Mrs. Supervisor,

I wanted the Supervisors in charge at the main library to know about the dedicated, wonderful, and caring personnel working at the West Regional Library.

I am in direct contact on a weekly basis with Ms. Shannon, Ms. Latisha, Ms. Jessica, at the check in counter, and Ms. Amy, Mr. Earl, and Mr. John at the Ask Me Desk.  They go above and beyond their employment duties to assist me with everything I have requested of them over the ten (10) plus years since I have utilized the facilities.  I think very highly of the individuals listed above, and all of the other library personnel that I have not yet met.

At the risk of sounding redundant, I Just wanted you to know that you have an excellent staff of people working at the West Regional Library and I appreciate them very much.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Stewart

Highlands Branch: Sharing & Caring

"DU Library staff brought donations including toiletries, puzzles, large print books, and warm socks to give to senior citizens at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Dunn Ave. ‘Santa for Seniors’ was Barbara Fritz's (right) and Michelle Petrin's (left) great idea and they organized it and we enjoyed sharing with the seniors," said Maria Bridges, who gave us input and pic, December 15, 2018.

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.)