Jax Book Fest Lines Them Up Around The Block

More than 4500 people attended Jax Book Fest featuring more than 90 local authors and R. L. Stine, author of the best-selling Fear and Goosebumps books, at the Main Library, February 22-23, 2019.  One or two pictures could not tell a portion of all the activities, interest, and fun so enjoy the collage of customers and staff Justin Keiser shares with us:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fs6YDKgC1VBjAYYHA

The day before people lined up around the block to attend either or both the dinner and later the story time hosted by the JPL Foundation.  Zoe Carr, Development Associate, said, "The dinner, An Evening with R.L. Stine, entertained 150 guests.  Mr. Stine spoke and read funny letters from his fans. There was a meet and greet and later 250 more fans joined the dinner guests in the auditorium for a story time. Mr. Stine read A Ghostly Stare, a short story from The Haunting Hour Series. The children were ecstatic to meet their favorite author and the adults were thrilled to meet the author of their childhood. We had families that traveled from Saint Augustine and Gainesville. One family was from Canada, vacationing in Florida, and made it to the event. The family of five said it was a dream come true to meet Mr. Stine, their favorite author. Overall the event went really well.”

Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Community Outreach, added, "Making Strides for Autism was on site to make the event autism-friendly and the ASL interpreter made the presentations by Stine and children's author Mike Thaler accessible to more customers.  The entire JPL staff made the event a success."

One example of the effort staff members gave to this project is shared by Main’s Librarian II Stacey Van Hoy, "Marsha Collins went above and beyond to advertise the Book Fest. She single-handedly went in and chatted with people at 30+ businesses. Our goal was to have each staff member distribute flyers to a few locations; she was unstoppable and relentlessly cheerful." 

Sally Doherty & Deborah Wainwright Celebrate 30 Years Of Service

Library Clerical Services Supervisor Deborah Wainwright and Librarian I Sally Doherty--both from Southeast Branch Library--celebrated 30 years of service to JPL, February 26, 2019.  They were joined by family and staff who came to see Deborah and Sally honored by Mayor Lenny Curry and Library Director Tim Rogers.  Mayor Curry presented them both with a 30 year gold pin and a letter of congratulations.

All of us cheer your combined 60 years of service and add our gratitude for all you have done to make JPL a top leader in libraries.  

JPL Staff Give 91 Towels For Needy

Nicolle Burton, vice chair of the JaxCares committee, said (with a huge smile on her face, "I want to thank JPL staff for their generous donation of 91 white bath towels during the JaxCares White Bath Towel Drive.  Towels are collected annually and given to the City Rescue Mission for the homeless and needy population in northeast Florida.  This year's prolific donations were collected from SST, Mandarin, Regency, Webb, Conference Center, Main Children’s Department and the Library’s Administrative Office."


Mary Johnson took this pic of the 38 towels (included in the 91 total) contributed by SST.

It makes one proud to be a JPL employee.

Color Them Neon For DU's Rock the Ages: 80's Edition

DU staff from left to right: Cassy Manning, Michelle Petrin, Tyhedra Wilson, Moriah Rose, Lisa Parisi, Maria Bridges, and Cheri Long

"Highlands staff broke out their neon clothes and Madonna accessories for Teen Associate Beverly Mason’s 'Rock the Ages: 80’s' edition, February 7, 2019.  Six teens joined in to practice dances like the Robot, Moonwalk, and Cabbage Patch and used their moves to dance off in a version of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors.' They also discussed historical events and culture with the teens who made their own 'Ghostbusters' slime and edible marshmallow 'Stay-Puff' men," reports Maria Bridges.

Job Well Done, Special Collections Staff

Six dedicated stars in Special Collection's crown received accolades from guest authors and the public alike at the Main Library program, Mapping Our Past, January 26, 2019.

(L/R above) Hannah Bedenbaugh, Catherine Currier, John Wilson, Laura Minor, and (front) Christa Snow defined the term "excellent library experience" according to attendees. (An article published in this blog, February 7, 2019, gives more details.)  Coupled with their Southern hospitality, the all day seminar was not only an eye opener for many about real Florida history, it went by smoothly--well planned, well executed.

For this, these library employees received Job Well Done awards at Special Collections' staff meeting, February 21, 2019.

Love: A Creative Work On Valentine's Day

Westbrook Branch Library supplied art materials for kids and teens, February 14, 2019, for a do- it-yourself Valentine card making event.   Westbrook's Kate Zakharov shares the joy these young people had interacting with one another, creating their Valentine’s Day cards with obvious zeal.  Kate said, "We had over 20 kids and teens making cards for someone special!"

One card (in forefront below) expresses our impression of these kids' sharing and caring, "You are my sunshine."

Mandarin Promotes Mushy & Spooky

Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel sent these pictures of KR's latest displays proving their staff does a good p.r. job promoting--through the hotline of Valentine's Day--not only KR but also programs that are proven good customer draws, such as the display below highlighting the February 23, 2019, Jax Book Fest (10 am-3 pm) at the Main Library. The event will feature R. L. Stine and Mike Thaler, who will give presentations and book signings--and attendees can mingle with some 100 local authors.  There will be sessions for kids, book lovers, and of course, writers.  The first 60 people in line outside the Hicks Auditorium at 10 am will receive a wristband to have their books signed first.

JB's Nicole Saville Goes Several Extra Miles

At Beaches Branch, Nicole Saville enlisted her family to help decorate the children's department.  (No wonder she can create all those wonderful displays.) Nicole, her sister and her mom decorated the wall seen here with the words and images created by Nicole's sister, who used  a silhouette machine at home.  The handsome job was finished February 6, 2019.  Below is the double paneled "I Spy" display/ collage created by Nichole.  Customers get an invite with her "Can you spy?" placard next to the panels.

Thanks to Hongying Song, PCR YS Librarian III, for the input and pictures, who commented, "I am deeply moved by Nicole's dedication and her family's support of the library." 

Pirate & Parrot At PCR

"Pablo Creek Branch’s YS Associate David Humphries was dressed as a pirate and used a hand puppet parrot to get kids engaged during his Young Children Read/Play and Learn program, February 8, 2019--and the kids had lots of fun treasure hunting with him later," said Hongying Song, PCR's YS Librarian III. 

 

 

Mapping Our Past - 2019

JPL's annual Mapping Our Past program at the Main Library satisfied a sweet tooth for some 130 Florida and French history buffs, January 26, 2019.  During this all day event, two speakers saturated the audience with information about this convoluted period in time.  Keynote speaker, journalist/author Miles Harvey told how French artist, mapmaker and explorer Jacques Le Moyne is credited with giving us the first European look at Native Americans who lived in what is now northeast Florida.  Lemoyne's engraved drawings, housed in Main's 4th floor gallery, were recently re-framed for the LeMoyne/De Bry Collection of engravings. 

Sheila Kloc is the wife of the honorary counsel general of France. She is immediate past president of Alliance France in Jacksonville and now represents Jacksonville's Sister Cities Program as representative to our sister city, Nantes, France. She spoke at the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated gallery on the 4th floor.  If you would like a succinct tour through this crucial period, click here to read her speech.  You will find it surprising -- for instance, did you know the real first Thanksgiving was right here in our area?  Also, Mrs. Kloc gives credit where credit is due.

Mrs. Lyn Corley, who worked for years to get Lee Adams' Ribault Landing painting hung on the 4th floor (and an expert herself on this history) said she was very pleased with both Miles Harvey and Sheila Kloc's input at the event and would not have missed it.  She enjoyed talking to Mr. Harvey and asked Mrs. Kloc for permission--at Sara Gunter's request--to use her speech in this article.  Mrs. Corley highly complimented staffs' expertise throughout the event, namely those in Special Collections   Laura Minor, John Wilson, Catherine Currier, Christa Snow, Jay Brasfield, and Hannah Bedenbaugh.  

Pictures of the event can be seen here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZnsQanDZ5jzzUmt6

2 Staff, 2 Cards, 1 STEM, 1 Book, One Fun Time

YS Part time Associate Rhanda Hardee at the Regency Square Library reports The Wild Robot by Peter Brown was the featured title at Regency's monthly book club, February 1, 2019.  These kids were "all in" with the subject matter and the results of making their individual robots--out of two index cards yet!  Rhanda and E-Specialist Luis Terron each held a session.  She helped them construct their robots and had a Q:&A with pieces of candy for right answers. For a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) encounter, Luis demonstrated two Spiero robots and held their undivided attention.

30th Black History Calendar Unveiling

Library Director Tim Rogers opened the unveiling of the pearl edition of the 2019 Jacksonville Black History calendar, January 17, 2019.  He spoke to an enthusiastic

audience of about 460 in the Main Library Hicks Auditorium.
 
 Mayor Lenny Curry honored the event, recognizing the progress of African Americans, the importance of the calendar, and the necessary resources that libraries contribute to the success of the community. 
 
 Above, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, co-creator of the Jacksonville Black History Calendar, stands with an enlarged picture of the cover of this year's calendar. 

Joy Purdy from WJXT-TV 4 served as Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced 2019 Black History Calendar adult and student honorees (pictured below.)

  Everyone received a copy of the calendar and a commemorative tote with "2019 Jacksonville Black History Calendar - 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition" with a large pearl stamped on the black and silver bag.

A special thank you goes to these staff members for making thie 30TH Anniversary of the Black History calendar a great success (L/R):  Mrs. Denise Thomas, Tamethia Billings, Corey Scott, Milicia Thomas, and Chanika Kimbrough.  Not pictured is Graham Branch's Cranston Burney who gave some input and sent the pictures above.

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.