Writers, Writers Everywhere

The all day Jax By Jax Literary Arts Festival at the Main Library and MOCA, November 16, 2019, drew 796 literary enthusiasts. Jax By Jax featured writers living in and writing about
Jacksonville.  This year, 31 selected writers including poets, novelists, short-story writers, and memoirists read their work every 30 minutes in JPL's and MOCA’s auditoriums.

The event kicked off with a Student Showcase featuring young writers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, and the University of North Florida.  And Women Writing for a Change kicked off their morning program with the release of their new anthology, (a) river rising, and led an interactive workshop.  (Below attendees are holding up their copies of (a) river rising.) 
 
Both readers and attendees took home information regarding Jax Book Fest 2020.

(Thanks to Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, and Gabby LoSchiavo, P/T Community Relations Specialist, for their input.)

Beautiful Morning; Beautiful Day

Friends of the Beaches Branch Library celebrated their 40th anniversary, November 16, 2019, at JB in a special way.  They gave the community a literary day and 683 fans reaped the benefits over a four hour period.

Starting at 10:30 am, 100 fans enjoyed coffee with Cassandra Conroy, the keynote speaker.  They gave their rapt attention as Ms. Conroy, shared some of her special memories of her and her late famous author/husband's relationship--more detailed in her newest book, Tell Me a Story.  She told how Pat Conroy never actually proposed.  He took her shopping for wedding bands and when they got back in the car Cassandra asked him if there was something he wanted to ask her.   

Later a panel of authors gave readings from their books and shared experiences with their devotees. Below Shannon Greenland said the inspiration for her book, The Scouts, was the 1980's movie, The Goonies. Katie Devanny (left) joined other customers for Ms. Greenlands recounts. 

Below President of the Beaches Friends Marianna Kane greets Ms. Conroy upon her arrival at the library Saturday morning.  Terry Welch was impressed with Ms. Conroy's social graces.  Ms. Conroy asked Jo Ann Mattingly, one of the committee members for the FOJB anniversary event, if she had read Susan Cushman's book about the Friends of the Library. 

Another memorable takeaway for Terry, "One of our local authors, David Weiskircher, gave Cassandra a copy of his book, A Thin Place.  She graciously accepted it and asked him to sign it.  As others agreed, It was a wonderful day capped by several outstanding moments."

The Frozen Globe

How cool can it be to paint an ice globe? At Regency Square Library, kids painted ice globes as an art project prepared by YS Librarian Alison Pulley, just out of their Young Children Read Play and Learn program presented by YS Associate Lauren Lazar, November 19, 2019.  Hongying Song said, "Some children were still painting ice globes after 20 minutes."  (The ice globes ere made by freezing water in a balloon.)  

Old McDonald Had A Farm

Pablo Creek Regional Library is booked almost all Mondays and Thursdays from September to mid-April by 11 elementary schools for DCPS field trips. Hongying Song says, "YS staff is dedicated to making memories for our young customers and their teachers.  Here you see YS Associate David Humphries and Casey Cassese putting on a puppet show using the reference desk as a stage where elephants stomped and dragons roared on the 'Old McDonald’s Farm,' November 18, 2019."  (Old McD. expanded  his range of creatures, I see, and much to the children's delight.)

 

WBK Youth Agree: Stop Bullying!

Westbrook Branch Library's Shaunda Jenkins and Portia Price created a book display and poster contest in observance of Bullying Awareness Month.  Victoria Quante-Dulaney reports, "Our young customers spent the month diligently working on their posters, which were displayed on and around our bulletin board, along with a selection of books on bullying.  We were especially happy to see that many youth invited their parents to view their posters on display.  On November 1, 2019,  we announced our winners: Melody, Krystal, and Siradus. They received gift cards and bags of candy in recognition of their stellar work and all participants received a bag of candy.

"Thanks to our panel of volunteer judges for helping select our winners: Amanda Heaton, Donna Carroll, Marshelle Berry, Ryan Merkel, Maria Griffith, Jackie Perry, and Kathleen Frazier. An even bigger thanks to Shaunda and Portia for leading the charge on this project. We enjoyed seeing the youth engaged in this noble effort and the community coming together to recognize the important issue of bulling prevention."

Veterans & Homelessness

In the midst of the Main Library's art exhibit on homelessness and perceptions of poverty, JPL's Arts & Culture department--partnering with Changing Homelessness--hosted an event in Jax Makerspace for Built for Zero the evening of November 13, 2019.
 

Built for Zero is a national organization committed to helping local communities fight chronic homelessness amongst veterans. The Northeast Florida chapter’s goal is to reach “functional zero” (reducing the number of veterans experiencing homelessness to an amount that is less than or equal to the monthly housing replacement) by January 2020.  (We understand they are close to meeting that goal at this juncture.)

A panel of local and national leaders including Dawn Gillman, Executive Director of Changing Homelessness; Ju’Coby Pittman, Executive Director of Clara White Mission and City Councilman for District 8; Cody Spencer, Sulzbacher Center; and K.O. Campbell, Large City Strategy Lead Built for Zero Community Solutions; spoke to attendees about how functional zero is achieved and answered questions from the community.

Thanks, Jeremy Hall, Jax Makerspace Manager, for providing the article and pictures.

Dreamcatching At SE

SE children’s department celebrated Native American Heritage Month, November 6, 2019, when 19 school age participants attended their ARTrageous: Dreamcatchers program. YS Library Associate Rochelle Golomb showed participants how to use recycled CDs, pipe cleaners, feathers, and beads to create unique dreamcatchers by weaving, stringing and twisting assorted materials.

They learned about the Native American custom and symbolism of placing colorful dreamcatchers over their beds to protect them from bad dreams.  Rochelle said, "One quote from the participant pictured here delighted us, ' I loved being able to make my dreamcatcher any way I wanted.'”

Lan Nguyen: Job Well Done

LAS Lan Nguyen earned a Job Well Done Award, October 7, 2019, presented to her by KR Manager Mark Hohnadel for her hard work each month on the Mandarin Library Activities Calendar, which, he said, "goes through many edits before the final version is ready.  Lan does a great job and always manages to get this done on time.  She also does great displays each month that highlight library materials".

 

Lucinda Santino: Job Well Done

Lucinda Santino, a Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch,    received a Job Well Done Award, October 7, 2019, from KR Manager Mark Hohnadel.  He said, "Lucinda has unique and energetic ways of marketing books to our customers.  Lucinda keeps books stocked at the circulation desk with check-me-out slips in them to spark interest.  The books are really moving and getting checked out by customers. Additionally, she has created library displays which have been very popular."

Robert Moseley: Job Well Done

Mandarin Library Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "Library Assistant Robert Moseley received a Job Well Done Award for his extra assistance and guidance during JPL's Sirsi Migration when cash reports were not available.  Robert made sure all the money was accurate and accounted for during this time.  In addition Robert volunteered to come in on his day off for half a day to assist with processing the daily money."

A, You're Adorable

Beaches Branch hosted its annual preschool Halloween party, October 30, 2019, with 56 customers who enjoyed many fun activities, including fishing for pumpkins, the spider web walk game, the eyeball relay, trick or treating and spinning a prize wheel for lots of Halloween goodies.  (Thanks to Nicole Saville for pic and blurb--great job!.)

Pumpkin Fun At PCR

Hongying Song shares, "PCR hosted Jonathan Sandbach’s second annual Pumpkin Decoration program, October 30, 2019, and 60 participants decorated pumpkins and took them home after the event. On October 31, PCR’s Treat-or-Trick Spooktacular attracted 181 participants. YS staff decorated a world-class haunted house, set up a scary sensory table in addition to the pumpkin and mummy crafts.  Both customers and staff had a fun Halloween. Here is a nice compliment from one of the participants who brought her kids to both programs.  (Thanks to YS staff who created the props and presented the October 31st program: Casey Cassese, David Humphries, Bridgette King, and Mandy Elliot.)"

Carissa Charest: Job Well Done!

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian II, said, “Our part time Library Associate, Carissa Charest, received a Job Well Done Award, October 29, 2019. Ms. Carissa is part of South Mandarin Branch's children staff. She helps with the young read, play, and learn story time programs.  Last week I shared with Carissa an idea of organizing the craft cabinets--a big challenge due to the accumulation of materials over the years.  Ms. Carissa took the challenge and organized the craft cabinets by category in less than two weeks. She went beyond her daily responsibilities and her efforts are much appreciated."  Pictured are Carissa  (R) with Isabel.
 

Mandarin's Interesting Programs

Mandarin Manager Mark Hohnadel and his staff, including David Foster (seen below right) and Margo Crafton, were beaming when, as he said, \"94 people attended a not-too- spooky Early Dismissal afternoon of fun at KR, October 30, 2019.  Some of the activities included Boo-Bowling, face painting, crafts, and a parade along with treats and tricks.  The tricks and treats?  Participants had to answer trivia questions to get candy."

Mark added, "On October 26, KR hosted 17 people who came to our Antique Treasures program to have their valuables informally evaluated by representatives form B. Langston's Antiques.

"Here is a picture of Diane Lewis, a former staff member, having a ring evaluated by staff from B. Langston’s:

"I also brought an antique pocket watch and it was worth $150-$200."

Landscape/Garden OR Grow Your Own Groceries

Growing a garden is new all over again with city dwellers and suburbanites, whether they own homes, condos or rent apartments . "Grow Your Own Groceries" is a program held at the Main Library and the latest was held in the Main courtyard, October 26, 2019.  Kids and adults found the idea of growing things fascinating.  The program, led by Nathan, the Man in Overalls, has been food gardening since he was eight years old.  Nathan's  talk covered how to pick a good garden spot, how much space different plants need, and what to plant when.  Main staff also gave attendees a couple of good handouts to reinforce the talk.  Nathan answered questions and those who wanted to came up and filled a small pot with some of Nathan's special gardening soil mix and they planted lettuce seeds in pots as seen above.

If your library is interested in hosting this program, one can be assured he is knowledgeable in gardening.  He owns his own business and he comes out for personal consults and helps folks start/maintain their own gardens. He has started coming to the library for a spring and a fall program which he does for us free of charge to help people in the community.  He has credentials. (His website: http://maninoveralls.blogspot.com/

"Nathan, Man in Overalls, began planting fruit trees in high school. Throughout his studies in community organizing and social movements at Warren Wilson College (class of '08), Nathan managed a Permaculture edible landscape complete with vegetables, fruit trees, herbs and medicinals as part of his school's student work requirement. While at Warren Wilson, Man in Overalls studied widely on different methods of small scale agriculture, including organic, biointensive, permaculture, and SPIN Farming.  He has won several important awards, too" said Main's LAS Amanda Whaley . 

1,000+ Attend NS Friends Trunk or Treat & Homage Is Paid To Mrs. Turnage

Friends of the Brentwood Library's "Trunk or Treat", October 26, 2019, in partnership with NS staff, attracted over a thousand customers. Thirty Youth Ambassador volunteers helped with 19 activities, crafts, and games--and a dance and costume contest topped off with refreshments.  Another contest had eight cars competing for originality and creativity.  Local artist Terry "Doc" Handy and his jazz ensemble were a hit. The two hour event also hosted Pumpkin Golf with VIP guests Jack Aschenbach and Susan Waite from PGA of America.  

JFRD had a Big Red Engine there for attendees to explore and JSO had a trunk full of treats for the kids. 

Another celebrity Amber Krycka (below) from Action News read to children.

In the opening ceremony, Library Director Tim Rogers, founder of Brentwood Friends Sharon Coon, and others gave their condolences to Mrs. Cynthia Turnage (front center below), widow of Melvin Turnage, President Emeritus of the Brentwood Friends.  Mr. Turnage passed away, October 19.  Councilman Samuel Newby (L) presented a plaque from the City Council to Mrs. Turnage.  The plaque pays honor to Mr. Turnage's life and legacy.

 

All of us at the Jacksonville Public Library offer our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Turnage.

Thank you, Cranston Burney, for the excellent pictures.

KR's Fantastic Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Mandarin Branch Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, October 19, 2019, with a program featuring dancing and lively music from Perú Dance, a local dance group dedicated to spreading the culture of Perú.  

The event brought together not only many different Hispanic cultures, but also various non-Hispanic people eager to learn about other traditions. Thirty seven people enjoyed the participants celebrating their Hispanic heritage, including the beautiful dancers, the materials on display, and the room decorated with Hispanic flags from each country.

After the celebration, many of the participants gathered for a photo shoot with the dance group, and some children played a Colombian game called the toad.

Events like these at the library help our community to realize the many contributions that are made by Hispanic and Latino Americans--locally and internationally.

 

Wish we all could have been in on the fun. (Thanks to Angela Richman for sharing their good news and pics.)



GO365: A Piece Of Cake!

What's your goal?  Trim a few pounds, lose that sluggish mid-afternoon low, look and feel better?  Well all you have to do is:

Join us for the Go365 COJ November step challenge!  We have about 20 people on our JPL team right now and we could add Y O U to the list of employees who are going GO365.

Holidays are a almost here and it's a great time to fit in some more exercise and start a few new habits that make you stronger and feel and look better (and who doesn't want to do that!)  If this is your first time taking the challenge and  you aren't sure where to find information, just click here:  www.go365.com , or email Matthewt@coj.net for information.

Don't just make your goal -- BEAT YOUR GOAL!

Four New Members Join BOLT

Four new Library Board of Trustees were introduced and welcomed at the Board's October 24, 2010 meeting:

Virginia Haworth is Director of Government Relations and Community Engagement for Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

Steve Eagerton is Vice President of Investor Relations, Sales Operations and Strategic Initiatives of Black Knight Inc., headquartered here in Jacksonville.

 

Dr. Matt Swanson is Associate Vice President of Financial Management at Jacksonville University.

Fernando Meza opened the Wreck Tiki Lounge in Jacksonville Beach in 2015 where he serves as the establishment's operating partner. 

 

If you happen to see any of these new JPL Board members, please give them a warm welcome.

SOM Celebrates Fall

"South Mandarin Branch celebrated its Fall Festival, October 26, 2019, with 77 customers participating in a costume parade, crafts, pumpkin painting, and lots of candy was provided. 

Kids and caregivers enjoyed the celebration and I wore my Dr. Seuss hat, cat whiskers, and T-shirt, " said Isabel Moreno-Santiago, SOM's YS Librarian II.

 

BOLT Honors Friends Groups

The Board of Library Trustees passed a Resolution to honor each of JPL's Friends groups at their meeting, October 14, 2019.  Director Tim Rogers (L) and Community Resource Manager Zoe Carr (2nd from left) joined Chair Ronnie King (R) to acknowledge all of the Friends groups.  Representatives who were able to attend are pictured L/R: Mike Steve (FJPL), Ted Hornoi-Centerwall (Mandarin Friends), Judy Klein (Murray Hill Friends), Anthony Williams (Brentwood Friends), Ferlandis Green (Brentwood Friends), and Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch Friends).

 Chair King read the Resolution, which declares October 20-26, 2019, National Friends of the Library Week and lists the many accomplishments benefiting JPL that these groups have achieved:  countless hours raising funds to finance programs, events, learning materials, computer technology, e-classrooms, software, staff training, digital access, leadership awards, preservation of historic collections, advocating for JPL with local and state officials, and much more.  Our Friends groups were instrumental in securing vital funding for JPL: $200K from COJ during FY 2020 for security for four libraries; $500K for maintenance and improvements and an additional $200K for materials and $1M in capital allocated for the design of JPL's 22nd location, the Oceanway Branch Library! 

Representatives of these Friends of the Library could not attend; however, we want to gratefully acknowledge them:

Beaches Branch
Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks (Northwest)
Dallas Graham
South Mandarin
Maxville
 
Those accomplishments deserve several exclamation marks!!!!  The next time you see a Friends representative, please thank them for all they do for us. 
 

Honor Paid To 3 Departing Board Members

Three Library Board of Trustees members who are retiring from the Board were honored at the Board meeting, October 24, 2019: Jackie Perry (below) served as a member since 2010.  Mrs. Perry was profoundly thanked for her dedication for serving two extra years beyond her 2nd term and offering new ideas as to how JPL can better serve the community. 

Sybil Ansbacher, with a record of 92% attendance at Board meetings has served since July 2013.  Mrs. Ansbacher was involved with the building of the new Main Library from the planning stage.  She has served as a liaison to the Foundation and has been a tireless advocate to City Hall and Tallahassee. (Her husband Lukie's map collection hangs in the Ansbacher Map Room on Main's fourth floor.)  

Tim Anderson could not attend; however, Chair Ronnie King pointed out he has served since September 2014, commuting form Ponte Vedra for board meetings while juggling other demands of his company. "He also gave much needed advice to the Finance Committee and broached important issues.  His advocacy to community leaders will be greatly missed," Chair King said. 

A book in honor of each departing Board member will be placed in the JPL Collection.

Supporting No Domestic Violence

Mayor Curry's recent COJ Proclamation declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Subsequently, Mayor Curry requested COJ staff wear purple, October 24, 2019, in support of no domestic violence and to recognize Hubbard House's efforts to help families of domestic violence. Director Rogers added his support and many library employees wore purple on October 24, including these three region supervisors--Kelli Likins, Lynne Baldwin & Marshelle Berry--wearing various shades of purple. (They are pictured at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, which happened to occur on October 24.) 

AYL Teens Make A Difference Mentoring

Library Associate and Teen Coordinator for Argyle Branch Library shares, “Argyle Reading Buddies is a recurring reading/mentoring program for school aged children and teens (12-18). Though not a tutoring program, it has helped many children gain reasoning skills, confidence, and motivation by giving them 1:1 reading practice with a teen or tween. Teens volunteer their time to be mentors, coaches, and friends to younger children. A main goal is to develop a love of reading by building children's reading skills. Many children have been coming to Argyle's Reading Buddies since its inception three years ago. Parents have given positive feedback regarding Reading Buddies, emphasizing improvement in their children’s grades and abilities.

 
"Reading Buddies is also a fun event.  Here you see breakfasts our neighborhood Wawa, a wonderful community partner, brought for the children, adding fuel and inspiration to get up early on Saturday mornings.”

An additional result of this program: teens can see the value of sharing their skills and know they make a difference, and kids can see the importance of the teens reaching out to them and, hopefully, this inspires children to do the same as they grow.