Main Gives Kids Great Ideas For SLP

"The Children’s Department at Main had a hit with its 2019 six week Summer Library Program, which was dubbed, “My Space Art Adventure.”  It consisted of art projects focusing on an ever-widening view of space.

Pictured left is a sample from Week 5, featuring Slime Aliens.  Students made their own space slime in cups, then watched it ooze over their individual cups. They had fun adding googley eyes, stir sticks, hats and tails, etc. to make the slime into an extraordinary alien.

"Week Six included the making of astronaut photo props as you see the girls above wearing.  The kids were treated to an astro lunch of dehydrated foods and bagged drinks with straws. We had a very fun six weeks!" said Main Children’s Associate Marcie O’Dell and we thank her for the photos and writeup.

Main Children's SLP Closing Party

The Main Library Children’s Department hosted a Luau to celebrate SLP's last day, July 25, 2019. "FUN" was the key word: the kids made their own leis, played musical chairs, were given balloon creatures, colored their favorite Moana characters, played with Sphero bots and Rigamajigs, ate Hawaiian snacks and proudly wore their 2019 Exhibiting Artist lanyards as they pointed to their displayed artwork. The happy spirit of the day is displayed above by Main Children’s Associate Hannah Genslinger and Main Children’s L2, Joanna Nigrelli. (Photos and writeup by Main Children’s Associate, Marcie O’Dell.)

NW Celebrates 850 New JPL Users

Staff and customers at Bradham and Brooks Library recently celebrated reaching their annual goal of 850 new users.  Manager Donna Carroll said, "Mr. Timothy Roark (left) was the 850th customer on July 24th and received a complimentary JPL bag and chocolate for taking us over the finish line.  Staff celebrated our goal with an appropriately themed cake, July 29, 2019. 

"Pamela Branon (below)  received an extra gift, a copy of her favorite new game, Spot It, for registering TEN customers a day, helping us to achieve our branch goal. 

"Congratulations and thank you to all our employees at NW for working diligently this year towards our success.  What a team!" 

 

CM Michael Boylan Speaks At SLP Closing Party

Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel (standing far right) welcomed the newly elected District 6 Council Member Michael Boylan (center standing) to Mandarin Branch for its summer closing party, "Take Me to Your Reader," July 26, 2019.  Mr. Boylan spoke to a crowd of 100+ and congratulated the children for meeting their reading goals over the summer.  

Participants pinned the eye on the alien and they went home with lightsabers (skillfully made from an overstock of re-purposed cardboard.)  YS Librarian Katie Kienitz and summer volunteers helped families with photo ops, including Frances Wickes' walk-in rocket and a Star Wars droid and spaceship. Face paining was also popular. 

Ann Winfree Passes Away

Ann Tracy Winfree, 88, passed away, July 19, 2019.  A remembrance service will be held at Adele Grage Cultural Center, Atlantic Beach, 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019.  (Retiree Elslie Oishi said the parking and seating at the venue where the service is being held has very limited parking and seating capacity.)

Ann was a Children’s Librarian at the Regency Square Branch before going to the Beaches Branch as their head Children’s Librarian under then Branch Manager, Sallie Pickard. She retired from the system in 1999.

Deputy Director Julie McNeil remembers being privileged to hear Ann Winfree present storytime at JB when Julie was first hired, and anyone who knew Ann knew she stood for excellence.  For most of 20 years, JPL and its customers benefited from Ann's voracious appetite for learning.

For further information, please access Legacy.com.

Subway, UNF & UPK Partner For Healthy Eating Habits

University Park Branch  hosted a Subway Share the Color Workshop, July 9, 2019. Twenty-two people enjoyed this fun and educational program presented by Subway restaurants of Jacksonville!

Janine Dray, UNF nutrition professor and ISPP Program Coordinator, taught children & teens about nutrition and how to make a healthy plate. Then we got to make our own colorful, healthy, subway sandwiches.

Emma Phelps, Public Relations Manager at Subway, came from Salt Lake City, Utah to help with the event as did local Subway colleagues.

The children enjoyed having chef hats, coloring books, and  taking photos with the #SharetheColor frames.”

CW's SLP Closing Party: UMMM Good!

                          Sponsoring businesses' goodies load table. 

 

              Businesses' names on wall above party table.

Webb Wesconnett Library staff enjoyed seeing 150 customers (old and new) celebrate the July 24, 2019, Summer Learning Program closing party.  Staff were ready for the crowd, providing:  a photo booth, giant Jenga, a coloring station, toddler corner, parachute games, and bowling.
                                          UMMM!
 
          Peterbrooke's chocolate popcorn and other treats.

Passhunate Payams said, "We appreciate our go-getter, Nerresa Posey, who contacted numerous local businesses and they responded with an abundance of food:  WAWA, Peterbrooke, Great American Cookies, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Papa Johns, Firehouse Subs, Domino’s Pizza, Sweets by Holly, Subway, and Target.  Many thanks to our sponsors and the great team at Webb, and two teen volunteers.  Because of this team effort, we saw this huge crowd well entertained and fed.  The event could not have been more of a success." 

UPK Hosts Subway Share Color Workshop

University Park Library hosted a Subway Share the Color Workshop, July 9, 2019, for children and teens, and 22 enjoyed a fun and educational program sponsored by Subway restaurants of Jacksonville.  Janine Dray, a UNF nutrition professor and Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) Program Coordinator, taught them about the food groups, gave examples of each one, and explained how to make a balanced meal based on the "my plate" method.

UPK customers, a summer intern, and staff were invited to make their own colorful, healthy, sandwiches provided by Subway. 

YS Librarian I Nicole Gaudier-Alamay said, "Emma Phelps, Subway Public Relations Manager came from Salt Lake City, Utah, introduced Professor Dray, provided materials such as coloring books and chef's hats, and worked with her local Subway colleagues to help children make their sandwiches. The kids also enjoyed taking photos with the #SharetheColor frames.  We are very appreciative of Prof. Dray's time with us and especially Ms. Phelps, who coordinated the event, asked Prof. Dray to present the program, and pitched right in to make everything go smoothly."  

Tech Fair At Main Library Hosts 2,000

         Chewbacca and R2-D2 droid chat at Main's Circulation desk.

Where can you learn to code, use a 3-D printer, program sophisticated robots, and get your picture taken with Chewbacca and R2-D2? At Tech Fair in the Main Library, of course.

 "Approximately 2,000 people attended the Main Library's Tech Fair, July 20, 2019," brags Ryan Emmons, E-Services Supervisor and organizer of the event. "Kids’ faces lit up when they walked through the doors and saw an eight-foot Chewbacca and an R2-D2 droid rolling by. It wasn’t just the kids who had a great time. Two adults took time to come by, shake my hand, and tell me how much fun they were having and how they felt like kids again.
"This event was designed especially to inspire kids to love technology. They learned to program robots through mazes, code websites and experience the thrill of virtual reality.  Hopefully some of the kids will be inspired to be future engineers."

Bet they will, thanks to Tech Fair, Ryan Emmons, and staff who assisted with the program.

 

Retiree Lilia Simonton Honored By BOLT

The Library Board of Trustees Chair Ronnie King introduced to the board and guests, July 18, 2019, recently retired and former Manager of the San Marco Branch Lilia Simonton.  Lilia received a resounding applause from the Board members and a verbal and written letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers acknowledging her 24 years and three months of faithful service to JPL.  She was also presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

We'll miss you, Lilia Simonton.

Leadership Award Presentations At BOLT

Second quarter (January - March 2019  ) JPL Leadership Award winners were introduced to Library Board members and guests at the Board's July 18, 2019 meeting by Chair Ronnie King while Library Director Tim Rogers passed out awards and posed for pictures with the winners.  (Thanks to Brian Edmond for the good pics he took.)

Christina Pope (right) received the Challenge the Process Award and ultimately the Employee of the Quarter Award for her work on "As the Page Turns Book Club" and other work at Willowbranch and in the West Region.  Here she receives both awards from Director Tim Rogers.

L/R Assistant Director of Facilities and Planning Ray Albury and his team, Ezra Thomas--Director Tim Rogers stands in back--then Reed Hoteko, Thang Tiang, and Pataricia Ferranti (far right); Paul Krauss stands behind Thang and Becky Stagg is in front.  Brad Schwarzbauer could not attend.This hard working team won the Carolyn Williams Team Award.  HOW would we do the wonderful job we do w/o their individual contributions?

Callie Myatt (left) became a major force in Support Services' efforts to weed out and quality check damaged CDs and DVDs, even developing a system of organizing the results for the Collection Development staff.  For this, Callie received the Model the Way Award.

Corey Scott (right) caught a lot of balls for the Circulation Department, calmly, courteously, and proficiently handling situations large and small during a time when his supervisor had to focus on other urgent concerns.  So, Corey received a well-deserved Model the Way Award.

Justin Keiser (below) proved the library truly is open to all when a non-English-speaking customer had trouble communicating with staff.  Justin brought Google Translate into the picture, helped the customer find Spanish-to-English dictionaries, provided a charger, and even purchased a book from Chamblin's that the customer needed.  (Remember, for all his technical work, Justin is still a librarian.)  No wonder Justin received the Model the Way Award.

Jessica Carpenter (left) started an "Author of the Month" program at the West Branch and, working with Eve Harm, she contacted authors who were being spotlighted. Author Lori Foster responded with bookmarks and a post on our Facebook page about how proud she was to be featured by JPL.  For this, Jessica received a Model the Way Award.

All of the JPL Leadership Award winners received a
warm round of applause from the Board members and guests.

Joanna Houghton: Job Well Done



Main Library Clerical Supervisor Tricia Larrabee nominated Joanna Houghton for a Job Well Done Award, which was presented to her, July 17, 2019.  Tricia said, "Joanna is responsible for helping run Talking Books/Special Needs.  She not only answers calls patiently and kindly; she helps organize TB supplies and created a checklist of daily tasks for staff working in the Talking Books area.  Joanna helps other staff and new staff learn processes and she has increased the efficiency and effectiveness in processing these tasks.  Her diligence is also reflected in this recent email from a customer:

" 'I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful employee you have in Jo.  She has helped me with my Talking Books selections and has afforded me many hours of enjoyment.  These books mean so much to me because of my loss of sight.  They bring me many house of pleasure and enjoyment.  Every time that I call her, she is so very patient, courteous, and knowledgeable and goes out of her way for me.  I hope that Jo is recognized for her outstanding service.  Sincerely, Yolanda Cerqueira.' " 

Joanna, a relatively new employee herself, is pictured above left with a staff well wisher, Tammy Billings.



Antinette Walker Waves Goodbye

No sad goodbyes from Antoinette Walker, Circ Library Assistant at Main, as she retires after 20 years at JPL.    Her longtime fans chipped in for a going away lunch, July 17, 2019, where Antoinette received good will wishes as staff signed the Main Library drawing retirees receive at parting time get-togethers.

WE ALL WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN THIS NEW CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE, ANTOINETTE.

Karen Lewis' Father Passes

EB Manager Sara Radovic was kind enough to send this obituary with funeral service information for Karen Lewis’s father, who passed away, July 5, 2019: Mr. Morgan White, Jr.

For those who are new to JPL, Karen works as a Library Assistant at Brown Eastside Library.

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: