AYL Mini Series Is Max W/Teens

Percy Jackson Week (July 1-6, 2019) was celebrated by Argyle Branch Teens' “Written In The Stars” Summer Mini Series. Tonja Ferrell said, "We had 14 participants and the feedback was great. One teen was quoted as saying the week was 'Epic!' when asked if he would return next week for the series and another replied, ' Most Def Ms. Tonja!' We are glad teens continue to enjoy the activities--even more than having their pictures taken.

The Teens were asked to divide into teams by choosing a constellation rock upon entering the room, then participated in a mini scavenger hunt where they solved clues derived from constellation/ mythological information which can be found in the Percy Jackson novels. The grand prize was a treasure which made them rich--and who could pass up a chest filled with 100 grand! (Bars that is.) Next, the teens  created their own battle shields, just like Percy’s!

Noah, Passhumate, Kim & Kerresa: Job Well Done

 L/R with their JWD Awards are Noah Thomas, Passhunate Payams, Nerresa Posey, and Kim Bennett.

Webb Wesconnett’s children’s department team received their Job Well Done Awards from Kara Chenoweth, July 11, 2019, who nominated them and noted, "These employees exemplified teamwork by combining their talents to make our Firefighter Storytime, May 4, 2019, a success. Noah Thomas planned an awesome Young Children Read, Play & Learn program, including a craft, using the theme of firefighters & fire trucks for all to enjoy before a visit from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.  Kim Kirkland created flyers to post around the branch and passed them out to customers to help us promote the event. Passhunate Payams ensured that parents signed the photo waiver and took pictures of the children wearing their firefighter hats, climbing through the fire truck and spraying water from the truck hose.  Nerresa Posey prepared a basket of goodies to present to the firefighters to show our gratitude and in honor of International Firefighter Appreciation Day.  Approximately 70 children and parents attended.  However, the success of the event is not measured solely by numbers. This was a positive community event and rewarding to customers and staff alike.  It was good to see so many happy, excited youth being educated about the critical role of firefighters and fire safety."  

Ralph Henderson: Job Well Done

"During the transition from the software, Evanced to Communico, Ralph Henderson made sure all the data migration was done the right way.  He kept communication with the IT department, tested and used the software to see that all events, reports, and schedules were correct. Ralph Henderson went far beyond his responsibilities and for that reason he was awarded a Job Well Done, July 9, 2019," said his nominator/supervisor, South Mandarin Branch YS Librarian II Isabel Santiago, pictured here with Ralph.  CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US, RALPH!

Sad News

Elsie Oishi, who is a retired JPL employee, and shared this news with us:

"I have been informed by Arden Brugger that Judy Bullock's aunt, Willie Lee J. Smith, recently passed. For those of you who didn't know or work with Judy Bullock, she was the Department Head of General Services, later Literature and History in the old Main Library. 

 
"Judy's aunt's service is on July 12, 2019 (11:00 am) at Dayspring Baptist Church, 5654 Dunn Avenue, 32218. If you would like to send Judy a card her address is: 3830 Millpoint Dr., Jacksonville, 32257."

Shukti's Son Graduates Summa Cum Laude!

Dipayan Banerjee, son of part-time Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee, graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, June 21, 2019.  Dipayan earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.  In August, he will begin pursuing his Doctoral degree at Georgia Tech.  Pictured here is Dipayan with his proud family (L/R), Shukti, sister Dayita, Dipayan, and his father Debashis Banerjee.  

Congratulations to Dipayan from all of us at JPL! 
 

New Spin For Aspiring Artists

 

Children at the Pablo Creek Library learned a new way to celebrate the July 4^th holiday with our YS Librarian II Jonathan Sandbach (center above) at the Little Artists programs, July 2, 2019.  Jonathan used a salad spinner to spin the paint and glitters on a black sheet of paper. Can you guess what came out? Colorful and sparkling fireworks. How creative can you be? (Thanks to Hongying Song, YS Librarian III, East Region for the input.) 

Something From Little

Argyle Branch Library's Teen Coordinator/Library Associate Tonja Ferrell said, "Shanna Carter, the teen presenter for our program, June 27, 2019, challenged the 12 teens who attended to stretch their creative skills and see what they could invent.  The real test was they could only make things using odds and ends she gave them, such as, a pool noodle, chop sticks, electrical tape, cotton balls, bolts, and plastic lotion bottles!  They accepted the challenge and even made up slogans and jingles to market their inventions to each other at the close of the program.  Shanna proved to be an excellent presenter, providing encouragement and ideas for places the inventions could be of use.

"Some of the items created were a Super Shield (phone protector), Sun Panel (energy saving device), and a water carrier/washing machine (for third world countries): The Washeroo!  The plastic lotion bottles became an organizer.  The imaginations displayed were impressive."

Friends of JPL July Book Sale

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library (FJPL)
Announces their July Book Sale!
With the exception of Special Books
        which are 20% off
        EVERYTHING else is 

        Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 AM - 12 PM and
Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Friends of Jacksonville Public Library Book Store is located at
3435 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32277

(About 12 blocks north of JU, on right.)

(CLOSED THURDAY, JULY 4, 2019.)

Team Work Puts UPK WAY Over The Top!

Illesha Massaline brags on UPK's new total in JPL's Hi$5 branch donations received, "Another $10 donation from one of our regular UPK customers put us over $700 received at June 27, 2019; our goal was $400--Woo Hoo! 

"It was really a collaborative effort.  Everyone pitched in and worked hard collecting donations and getting the word out."

PCR Turn It Up For Fire & Rescue

Pablo Creek offered a variety of activities in June including the popular Turn It Up program, Thursday, June 20, 2019. Customers of all ages enjoyed an interactive experience with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. The ladder truck was on display and everyone took turns (under supervision) with the fire hose. Music, crafts and tech games are also part of this event which occurs quarterly. PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event continues to build relationships with local organizations that support the programming by taking part in some way. Florida Blue hosts Pablo Creek’s bingo games and The Northeast Florida Music Conservatory provides music to name a few local businesses that are regulars at the event.

Here We Are!

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of her weekly session, adding, "It was complete with 4^th quarter brainstorming and great pizza, June 18, 2019.  The North Region Leadership Team met at Mellow Mushroom--and we had a special guest, Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives. Pictured front left (and proceeding left down the table) are Eric Soriano, Tyhedra Wilson, Scott Adams, Kathleen Krizek, Richard Mott, Marshelle Berry, Sara Radovic, Donna Carrol, and Sharon Kirkes."

North Region Staff At Farmers' Market

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry shared this photo of (L/R) GB Manager Sharon Kirkes, Vanessa Garnica, Marshelle, and Tyhedra Wilson, who visited the Farmers' Market here in Jacksonville, June 22, 2019, to do a JPL Outreach.  Great choice of venues--plenty of cover from the sun AND a popular site on Saturdays for those who work M-F and like fresh food.  They coupled their terrific smiles with plenty of library experience to do their usual bang-up job promoting JPL's many services.

Carol Bunker: Job Well Done!

YS Librarian III Mia Brack nominated SE YS Librarian II Carol Bunker (R) for a Job Well Done award recently.  SE Manager Rooney presented the award, June 17, 2019. 

Mia noted, "Carol, along with her team, did an excellent job in collection development and weeding.  She successfully delegated tasks and the team had youth series materials interfiled and the fiction section shifted in short order-- beating the deadline set by Collection Development.  Additionally, Carol planned to completely revitalize SE's biography section and projected weeding assignments for her staff, and had materials ordered quickly.  Carol also did an amazing job with SE's new Collection HQ procedures and after being trained, she explored the system further to understand how it works. Using her department's 55 page list, she developed an action plan, recruited her team members, and oversaw the completion of the list.  They finished their first Grubby List in less than a week!" 

WOW!

Moon Bunny Steals The Show

Maxville Library entertained kids with magician James Songster's Magic and Mayhem program, June 19, 2019.  Mr. Songster used several books of different cultures that spoke of a moon bunny and how people sought it.  He used a balloon as a dragon and slayed the dragon to bring the Moon Bunny to earth. The kids were exuberant to see Moon Bunny's "arrival" and the bunny seemed a bit surprised at the warm welcome.  (Thanks to Elise Fare, Library Associate Sr., for input.)

SE Adds Early Learning Panels

Southeast recently received new activity panels for their play and learn center.  Paul Krause, JPL's maintenance man, installed them, June 12, 2019.  Carol Bunker said, "We had a small peanut gallery watching our work zone barrier and as soon as the panels were installed, children were eager to come and play.  Each of the six panels moves and makes noise; they are designed to help fine tune childrens' motor skills up to five years of age.  The panels can be changed out as needed.  Now the entire area has been turned into our early literacy play area.

"Partially seen above the new panels is a mural created in 2007 by the late Nancy Floyd, a former JPL employee."

NW Honors Volunteer John McNeil

"Bradham and Brooks Northwest staff held a get together, June 6, 2019, to honor our longest running volunteer, John McNeil," reports Manager Donna Carroll.

"Last week John graduated high school with a full ride to EWC. While John has volunteered since he turned 16, most staff have known him much longer. We presented him with a gift and we all enjoyed sharing memories, a cake, and giving John good natured, honest advice on how to take the next steps into adulthood. We hope that as John goes off to college and eventually makes his way in the world that he remembers, if nothing else, that he is a member of our NW family."

All of us appreciate the volunteers who are critical to the efficiency with which we serve our JPL customers.

WHO Is The Guy In Green?

YS Librarian II Carol Bunker reports, "Southeast Branch held its Summer Learning opening party, June 4, 2019, hosting 145 people, babes to adults-- to 'space aliens' (L). We had a star sorter (R), a space balance walk, cosmic bowling, a scavenger hunt, a rocket and robot craft, constellations and moon snacks for everyone who attended; they had a whole lot of fun!"

 

 

 

 

Way To Go, Layda!

Illesha Massaline shares, "Here is a photo of Layda, our 'First Summer Reading Challenge Book Prize Winner' at University Park Library, June 7, 2019.  Layda brought in her bookmark and redeemed her tickets for 5 days of reading 15 minutes each day.  She selected the book, It's My Year Passbook, as her prize.

 

 

 

HI$5 Doing Well At UPK

UPK's YS Library Assistant, Kimberly Hamilton, daily reminds customers about Summer Learning and the special programs JPL offers during the summer.  Kim received a $50 donation, June 7, 2019, for UPK's Hi$5 drive. Illesha Massaline, who sent in this article, said, "This is the largest single donation we have received at UPK thus far.  Great job, Mrs. Kim!

"Our goal was $400 and UPK is currently at $550."

Author & Centenarian Share Bit Of History

Laura Minor, Librarian III in Special Collections at the Main Library, reports, "The Special Collections Department hosted author Lu Vickers for a fascinating talk about her book, Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs.  Her presentation, June 1, 2019, was well-received by the 24 customers who attended. We were fortunate to have Sollie Mitchell join us for the program. Mr. Mitchell (green jacket) is 100 years old, rich in years and experience.  His history includes a career as a Pullman Car Porter, WWII veteran, and a participant in the 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Mitchell visited Paradise Park in its heyday and shared his experiences with Ms. Vickers and the audience. He also shared these two photos with the library."

 

 

A closer look at Paradise Park signage:

Job Well Done: Margaret Esposito

"I presented Margaret Esposito with a Job Well Done Award at our Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library staff meeting, May 30, 2019" said Shawn Norton, Branch Manager.

 

"Margaret created reusable bookmark style signs to place in staff picks throughout the branch.  These selections have generated more customer interest than our usual endcap displays.  In fact, Margaret picked enough favorites to have an entire list to herself, 'Margaret's Favorite Non-Fiction' (click here:  https://jpl.overdrive.com/collection/1006927.)"

AR Is Hot On Hi $5 For Reading - Where Does Your Library Stand?

Guy Adkins has a well earned brag for AR staff, "At May 29, 2019, Regency Square Library has passed our $600 goal for 'Give a Hi $5 for Reading' with $624 and counting.  Individual donors' names are posted on the front of the counter adjacent to the 'thermometer ' branch goal sign."

Let us hear from you about contributions at your library for
                        Hi $5 for Reading!

Special Day For Special Graduate

Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Services Supervisor. shares her good news, "My daughter Kezia Weston's graduation day, May 23, 2019, was a special event for us.  Kezia is pictured here with her father, Kevin Weston, and me.

 "Kezia graduated from Bishop Snyder High School here in Jacksonville.  She will be working for the Mayor's Summer Youth Program and will be starting school at FSCJ in the fall."



Thanks for sharing, Tyhedra, and congratulations to Kezia from all of us. 

 

York Sees Need & Fills It

University Park Library offered a Work Readiness Workshop presented by CareerSource Northeast Florida, May 22,2019. Library Associate Lisa York said, "I organized the event after recognizing that some adults visiting our branch were working to complete resumes and job applications. After creating a resource display to assist with their job searches, I arranged for CareerSource NEFL to conduct a complimentary workshop--the first one held at UPK since 2016.  One of the subjects broached was the importance of being a good self manager, that is: control feelings at work, refrain from angry outbursts, exhibit a good attitude, don't give up, have a workplace mentor, continue to learn and improve, and show initiative and motivation. 

Seven job seekers (of whom six are shown here) considered the workshop to be invaluable.  We appreciate the excellent presentation by Shelly Ray and Dwaye Sweet of CareerSourceNEFL."



 

SOM Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Assistant JSO Chief Lakesha Burton and Lead Teacher Robert Graver proudly flank the signature art piece displayed at South Mandarin Library's art reception for the Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center, May 14, 2019.  The exhibit included about 30 pieces for customers to enjoy through most of the month.

Palm Ave partners, along with the Police Athletic League, and Assistant Chief Greg Burton, pictured below with two other guests, joined teachers and students for the kickoff.  (Thanks to Ann Fridl, SOM Manager, for the input.)

Friends of Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library Win Award

Above left is pictured long time advocate of the recently renamed Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch Library and Secretary of this Friends group, Judy Klein.  She sent this picture of the “Outstanding Program” award given to President of the BBMH Friends Jay Stuckey (above) and her at FLA. Mrs. Klein said, "It was presented, May 15, 2019, at the opening program of the annual Florida Library Association conference in Orlando."

As CRM Manager Chris Boivin aptly put it in his nomination to FLA for the award, "The Friends, comprised of six board and more than 50 regular members, takes great pride in their small neighborhood library and works diligently to support programming, enhance the campus and landscaping, create awareness, and hold various fundraisers throughout the year. I have never seen a more dedicated team effort than what the Friends put forth for the 50th Anniversary Celebration." 

The blog article covering the 50th Anniversary Celebration, December 15, 2018, can be viewed by clicking on the MH Friends "label" below this article.

JPL staff appreciate Mrs. Klein and Mr. Stuckey for sharing their achievement with us.  It is an award well deserved and we congratulate you!

A Proud Day

Hongying Song, East Region YS Librarian III, shares a monumental achievement, "My daughter, Selina Wang, graduated May 17 as the 2019 valedictorian of the McDonough School of Business from Georgetown University. We are very proud of her and hope she will do well for herself and the world."

 

Congratulations to Selina and her parents from all of us. 

                  (To get a better view, click on the picture.)

West Branch Treats Mother's Day With Finesse

West Branch's Mother’s Day Photoshoot and Tea Party was celebrated with 55 customers attending, May 9, 2019.   Melodie Brunson said, "West has been doing this for three years so word has spread in the community. This year we made it even more special with a tea party to honor our Moms and Grandmothers.  They enjoyed a brief story time then participated in a photo shoot with lots of dress-up options like feathered boas, hats, gloves and cute headbands.  They took the photos (made with a Polaroid camera) home with them. Then we had the pleasure of serving them hot tea, apple juice, petit fours, and cheese and crackers.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!  (The child pictured with me is Vincent.)"


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(L) Eve Harm, Y Librarian, and Melodie Brunson, Y Associate Librarian. Jessica Carpenter, Library Clerk, and a much appreciated volunteer, Wes, helped make this a total success. 

 

 

Joe Gaskin: Job Well Done!

Congratulations to Joe Gaskin, YS Library Associate at Willowbranch Library.  May 15, 2019, Joe was presented a Job Well Done Award by Beth Friederich, YS Librarian III, (R) for his outstanding job of creating and recording all of the music for the Summer Learning Program.   WB Manager Margaret Morford (L) said, "We are so proud of Joe and his use of his many talents and accomplishments helping JPL be the great library it is."

712 Attend SOM's Comic Con

                                                                   The Ghostbusters cool car

"South Mandarin Library held their 2^nd Annual Comic Con and 712 people enjoyed the kickoff, May 11, 2019.  An author panel comprised of six local authors gave book talks, advice to aspiring authors, and had their books available for purchase.  Four local vendors shared their art, comic book store Mythical Mountain, 501^st Legion (Star Wars characters), and representatives from Universal Films shared promotional items for the upcoming movies, Godzilla and John Wick 3.

 

"Storytime with Mia Brack held kids' rapt attention at the top of each hour, 11 am till 3 pm, and crafts, such as making masks (shown below), were available in the Children’s and Teen areas.

 "The biggest hit of the event was the Ghostbusters of Middleburg.  They arrived in their cool car, ran a slime lab in the teen room, and brought their marshmallow man.

 

"The Comic Con ended with a costume parade through the library with superhero music blasting, candy stations throughout the branch--and the Ghostbusters driving off with their siren sounding as music to the children's ears as they waved goodbye," brags Christie Rogers.

How About That!

CW Associate Noah Thomas shares a happy milestone, "My daughter Kayla graduated, May 9, 2019, from Florida State College at Jacksonville with her Associates in Arts degree and with High Honors. She is 19 years old and doing some great things with her life. Kayla will be heading to FAMU in the fall and moving forward with her studies in Veterinary Science. God has truly blessed this amazing daughter of mine and I am so proud to share this good news."

 

We are all smiling with you, Noah and Kayla! 

Another Step On Road To Success

The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) hosted its third GED graduation celebration, May 7, 2019, in the Hicks Auditorium. "This year 20 students completed the GED test and obtained their high school diplomas, making all of us proud.  Although only four students could attend the celebration, there was no shortage of praise for all of the students," said Katie Devanny, Adult Learning Manager.

"The keynote speaker, James Cook, Supervisor, Duval Soil and Water, encouraged the graduates to continue their perseverance towards their goals.  Mr. Cook had failed ninth grade twice and his first year at Edward Waters College (EWC) he had a GPA of 0.25.  He shared his determination to persevere and how, with support of family, friends, and instructors one can achieve his/her goals. He graduated from EWC with a 3.1 GPA and still speaks with his instructor, Selah Bishop, a GED instructor for CAL.  Pictured is Lianying Ye, the student speaker for the evening, said it best, 'Our classmates come from different countries, different industries, and different ages. It is the Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) that brings us together. We have established friendships and become friends in our studies.  JPL makes us feel like family.'”

Fun Day At Main's Comic Con

Saturday's Comic Con was a hit at the Main Library, May 4, 2019.   Pictured above  is Lorna Reid, Teen Librarian II, with her daughter and a friend making use of the Superhero Photo Wall and prop in the Children's area.  Pictured right you see a minuscule portion of the

fun everyone had.  This family of four is a mainstay in Main's Wednesday afternoon Art Creations class.  Their creativity is contagious!   Below is Children’s Associate Marcie O’Dell, sporting a new hair style.  Where did you get that ‘do, Marcie? 

Children’s also offered face painting, balloon twisting, a Star Wars texture table, a Disney Frozen Eye Spy Game for little ones and a Star Wars Eye Spy Game for the bigger kids. We also had a Space themed storytime that morning where the kids entered the theatre through a rocket (created by Children's Associate Hannah Genslinger,) and hung over the doorway.  There were many photo opps with stand-up and hand-held props in front of our photo wall.  (Thanks, Marcie, for the blurb and pics.)

 Librian IV Stephanie Miller added some fantastic facts, "Around 600 participated in the event (gate count overall for Saturday was 2,882).  About 55 people participated in the costume contest.  We had about 100 seats available for people to view it– almost all of those seats were filled and people were standing around the edges to attend the costume contest portion.

"We promoted on 3 news TV shows, Shortbox Podcast, and we had a Florida Times Union article.

"We had 18 vendors take part in the vendor market, which was scheduled to run from 10 am – 2 pm. No vendors left early AND there were a couple of vendors that weren’t able to pack up until about 3:30 pm because people were still visiting their tables past the end of the event!

"Some folks posted pics to the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/769042040134450/?active_tab=discussion

"Also, check out Christopher Harold Newman’s photos – he’s awesome and attends all of the cons and posts pictures.

"ILS says we made 6 new cards and renewed 7 – so not a lot there but a few. We might have checked out 766 items (includes renewals); that number is at least 100 above 3 of the previous 4 Saturdays checkout totals."

WB Puts A Twist on the 4th

Willowbranch Library clerks, Christina Pope and Troy Eittreim, had fun working together to create a May 4th Star Wars Day display in the main Reading Room.

 

Their theme is “The Force Has Awakened a New Hope for Literacy. May the Fourth be with you as you read these books…”  Customers are enjoying stopping by to look at the display and grabbing a good book to check out and read. (Thanks to WB Manager Margaret Morford for the input.)

MAX Red Hot On Educating Kids About Fire Safety

In honor of International Firefighters’ Day, May 4, 2019, Maxville had a Firefighter storytime during their May 1^st Young Children Read, Play and Learn program followed by a visit to the nearby Maxville Fire Station. Although it was a small group, it was fun.  Kara Chenoweth (with the fire hose) sent pics of the event and the basket of goodies they presented to the firefighters to thank them for their service.