2020 Retiree Confab At SE

Elsie Oishi schedules get-togethers for JPL retirees and February 21, 2020, those who could come gathered from 2-4 pm at SE. Elsie wrote, "Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to those who voluntarily brought refreshments. So glad it didn't rain on top of the weather turning cold and breezy!
 

"There were 39 retirees who came and enjoyed seeing old colleagues and catching up on old times. To those who didn't come, we are sorry to have missed you! There are 38 pictured L/R below, bottom row to top; one person (Mark Ely) is not pictured.

"Row 1--Glenda (Atkinson) Lewis, Elaine Randolph, Elaine Kitchings, Elsie Oishi, Flo (Cate) Clark, Jerry Brantley, Margaret Smith, Gloria Zittrauer, Nantana Simpson, Revondolyn DuBois, and Theresa Barmer

"Row 2--Vivian Porter, Barbara Gubbin, Arden Brugger, Katherine Daye, Carol (Brown) Tipton, Laurie Ludwig, Marie-Therese Boyer, Carole (Schwartz) Moore, Lilia Simonton, Sharon Shannon, Nancy Devereux, Donna Long, Mary Zeigler Gibbons, and Margaret Morford.

"Row 3--Mabel Carnahan, Jean (Stewart) Madray, Sally Litton, Padma Subramanian, Carla Leach, Carol Smith, Heather Campbell, Belinda Campbell, Laura Kline, Ila Fann, Stephen Ludwig, Patricia Morrison, and Valerie Evans." 

THANK YOU, ELSIE, FOR ALL YOU DO FOR JPL RETIREES!

(Double click on the picture and you can see a little larger pic than this blog allows.)

 

4 DX Training Gets In Gear

Sixty-one JPL leaders attended training on the 4 Disciplines of Execution, February 18-19, 2020, at the Main Library. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of each of the disciplines and tools to create and evaluate team WIGs (wildly important goals), lead measures and weekly commitments.  (Thanks to Tracy Pigott, Training and Development Manager, for the news and pic.) 

In the foreground of the picture below is Rich Litt, the trainer from Franklin Covey, with the JPL leaders.

Kids At SE Learn About Mt. Rushmore

SE LAS Caitlin Ruvolo shares, “Southeast held a school-age program 'Make Your Own Mount Rushmore', February 19, 2020, to honor Presidents' Day. We talked about whose faces are on the monument, what they did for our country as President, and where Mount Rushmore is located. We also played Presidential Bingo before participants made their own sculptures depicting important people in their own lives. Here is an example of the monuments the children made.”

Historian Doane Robinson conceived the idea for Mount Rushmore in 1923 to promote tourism in South Dakota.  In 1924 Robinson persuaded sculptor/painter Gutzon Borglum to travel to the Black Hills (nearest city is Keystone, SD.) The momument was completed in 1941 at a cost of $989,992.32.  Mount Rusmore was chosen because it faces southeast and enjoys maximum exposure to the sun. The Presidents sculpted there are (L/R) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Linconln.  About 3 million people visit annually.

Remembering Mayor Jake Godbold

A memorial program celebrating former Mayor Jake Godbold was held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, February 20, 2020, and Webb Wesconnett Library honored this gentleman who dedicated much of his adult life--as Mayor and before and after that--to seeing how much good he could do for Jacksonville.  CW's Brenda Johnson, pictured R below, created a montage of pictures in honor of Jake Godbold. CW displays this memorial at the front of the library so customers can reflect on the many things Mayor Godbold was instrumental in bringing to Jacksonville.  (Thanks to Marilyn Jordan for sending this news for all of us to also pause and honor a great man.)

Alden James Born January 30, 2020

Mr. and Mrs. James Ringstaff are obviously delighted to give us a peek at their first child, Aiden James, who was born January 30, 2020.  He weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz., and measured 20 inches long. Proud mama Hannah Ringstaff is an SST Librarian II.  She added in her news, "He is the sweetest baby!"  (Your son looks like he thinks you two are pretty neat, too.)

Congratulations from all of us at JPL, James and Hannah!

Emery Gomez, Born January 4, 2020

Mr. and Mrs. Byron Gomez proudly announce the birth of their son, Emery Gomez, who arrived January 4, 2020, weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz.  Nicole Gomez is a Library Clerk at Southeast Library, and all of us at JPL send our congratulations to you, Byron and Nicole! 
  

Jacxson de Ville Plays Cupid

Jaxson de Ville played Cupid at a special early morning Valentine’s Day appearance at the Westbrook Branch Library, February 14. 2020.  On hand to give him a special welcome were L to R: , Tori Quante-Dulaney, Scott Adams, Susan Williamson, and Shaunda Jenkins.

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE.

CW Partners W/DCPS' Literacy Week

 
In support of DCPS' Literacy Week, CW hosted Literacy Night, January 29, 2020, as 258 customers celebrated with staff.  Several literacy-based stations were located throughout the library.  In the teen and adult sections, there were various literacy games and activities.  Two reading therapy dogs, Jule and Zoe, came by and enjoyed customers reading to them. 

In the children's department there were puppet shows, story times, and book related crafts.  After they participated at the various stations and acquired the required stamps,  customers' scavenger hunt tickets were stamped and prizes and treats were given out.

A fab event for customers and staff alike and staff enjoyed connecting with customers while promoting JPL's programs and resources.

(Thanks to CW Youth Associate Passhunate Payams for the blurb and pictures.)

 

Margaret Morford Retires W/Crowd Of Well Wishers

 Below is a link with some delightful photos of Margaret Morford's retirement party, January 30, 2020, at Willowbranch Library.  Margaret retired from JPL after 15 years of service to the community on February 1 and City Councilwoman Randy DeFoor presented Margaret with a certificate of service and appreciation.   

Pictured left are Margaret and her husband, Dr. Don Morford (R), as CW Manager Kathy Tekin (L) cuts the cake and Main retiree/now volunteer Theresa Barmer (center) waits for a slice. Main Library retiree, Main Manager Erica Brown and Christa Snow (most recently) along with other retirees, Executive team, colleagues, and friends wanted to honor Margaret and wish her well.  Prior to WB, Margaret worked at Main for several years. 

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H83q6LVCFgCj66oU9

 

(L/R) South Region Manager Keli Likins, Director Tim Rogers, and long-time Main Library Assistant Arthur Finley join Margaret in all the fun.

West Region Manager Lynne Baldwin contributed the blurb, link with pics, and snapped this shot of the four who did an excellent set-up for Margaret's retirement party, L/R: Marilyn Jordan, Beth Friederich, Christina Pope, and Kathleen Brunner. (What she doesn't say is Lynne donates retirement, anniversary, and birthday cakes for her area's celebrations.) 

We're never met a nicer lady, Margaret, and we will certainly miss you at JPL. 

Friends In-Store Sales For February

FEBRUARY 2020 - FRIENDS OF JPL IN-STORE SALES

 

All African American materials are BOGO! 

All DVDs are buy one get two free.

CHILDREN'S SECTION BOGO DEALS:

Picture books

Books about animals 

Books about crafts

Books about cooking

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FJPL store hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from
9:00 A.M to 12:00 PM and
Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M

Jenkins Presents Black History Month Fabulously

Westbrook Branch’s P/T Library Clerk, Shaunda Jenkins, was assigned the task of creating a book display and bulletin board for Black History Month. What evolved from her vision was a full-fledged celebration of Jacksonville’s rich African American history. She created an interactive bulletin board with a historical map of the City of Jacksonville as the background and pop-out information cards on sites of historical significance for African Americans. She spent hours researching local historical sites, including the Kingsley Plantation, The Ritz Theatre and Museum, the Norman Film Studio, and the Clara White Mission and Museum. Shaunda worked closely with Main Special Collections, identifying, digitizing, and obtaining the rights to reprint a historical map depicting Jacksonville in 1921. She requested that CRM print the map once the rights were secured.

 

Shaunda converted her display into a power point presentation, which turned into a local African-American history program for neighborhood children on January 29th. Shaunda delivered her presentation to an enraptured audience of 40 children as they enjoyed locally donated refreshments. During the presentation, she included an excerpt of Rodney L. Hurst’s interview on Completely Booked, JPL’s podcast. Several individuals requested her power point be sent to them after the presentation. Other activities included a raffle, coloring inspirational quotes by black historical figures, and reading works of literature by black authors and illustrators.

 

Seniors Learn How To Tell Traveling Tales

Christina Wyatt, Learning Services Librarian at the Main Library reports, “Darian Azar and I trained seniors, January 23, 2020 for the Tale Tellers*, a wonderful group who volunteers to read to children in pre-K, K, and 1^st grades*. It was great showcasing our Traveling Tales resources and sharing techniques for encouraging phonological awareness as part of their story sessions.  They also created and shared story time plans using JPL’s Traveling Tales and we brought in additional Tales for check out on the spot.

 

        Christina and Darian enjoying their presentation to an eager crowd.

 

"It was exciting to work with this energetic and book loving group; their gratitude and eagerness to share and use the information was amazing.

 "*Tale Tellers are seniors age 55 and up who read to students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, part of Jacksonville’s Senior Services RSVP Program. RSVP also provides senior volunteers for disaster services and short-term projects all year long. They are part of the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation division."

Great Job, Trevion!



Main Children's department may inspire your displays for Valentine's Day.  Marcie O'Dell brags, "These awesome reference desk decorations are courtesy of the new Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership Program intern, Trevion Cottledge, who is proving to be thorough and creative with the tasks he’s been given.  Great job, Trevion!"

Marcie O'Dell adds, "Children’s Main wishes everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day." 

Sad News

We received this notice from Elsie Oishi, a former JPL manager, who keeps a list of JPL retirees and sends out notices when one of JPL's former employees or his/her spouse passes away.  She informs us, "I am saddened to pass along this information regarding the death of Victor Lee Carnahan on January 16, 2020.The memorial service will be held at the Isle of Faith United Methodist Church, 1821 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, 32224, on Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 am. You may view the obituary online, arrangements by Integrity Funeral Home and Cremations.

"As a reminder, Mabel Carnahan was the branch manager at the Regency Square Branch and ended her career as the branch manager of the Southeast Regional Library. For anyone who may want to send Mabel a sympathy card, her Jacksonville address is: 316-1 Girvin Rd., 32225."

STEM Is In At SOM

Isabel Moreno-Santiago shares her latest. "Today at South Mandarin Library 11 kids and their caregivers enjoyed the STEM program about “Bugs” and they were introduced to our JPL databases: Kids Infobits and Science In Context.  At the end of our session, the children enjoyed doing their own 'Buggles.'” 
 

Wedding Bells For Alison & Jake

Southeast YS Librarian II Alison Halkovic (née Pulley) married Jake Halkovic, December 21, 2019.  Alison said, "We had such a fun time celebrating our union during this festive time of year! (DIY projects included cinnamon ornaments and Christmas crackers.)"

"Thank you to our JPL family for all of the warm well-wishes."

 

May all your days together be as beautiful as you were on your wedding day, Alison.

 

Sad News

Geraldine Atkinson, former Children's Department employee in the old Main Library, passed away, January 5, 2020, at age 96. Many of you may not have known "Gerrie" since she retired many years ago. Those of us who knew her back in the1970s and 1980s at the old Haydon Burns Library remember her fondly. Gerrie Atkinson's memorial service will be held at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Boulevard North, Jacksonville, FL, Saturday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m.

Rodney Hurst''s Writers Workshop At DU

DU's Alisha Lockley gives this review of Rodney Hurst's writers workshop at Highlands, January 4, 2020: 

"Highlands Regional Library had the honor of hosting a non-fiction writing workshop with local author, activist, and civil rights icon Rodney Hurst.    The It was Never about a Hot Dog and a Coke! : a personal account of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations in Jacksonville, Florida and Ax Handle Saturday author gave tips, valuable advice, and historical highlights from his experience to 12 aspiring authors of the genre. Mr. Hurst also discussed what incited his writing journey.  He recalled attending a panel discussion, which he says he rarely attends due to the superfluous nature of varying opinions. He recalled that when recounting the events of Ax-Handle Saturday many of the commentators gave inaccurate historical information.  As a historian, and someone who witnessed the events first hand,  (https://www.visitjacksonville.com/blog/jacksonvilles-civil-rights-movement-ax-handle-saturday/), this angered him.  Mr. Hurst said that when writing a non-fiction book it is important to recognize the motivation behind the project.  It Was Never About a Hotdog and a Coke initially was a project of passion that came from a desire to correct previous inaccuracies but later transformed into a mission to inform others about the civil rights movement demonstrations that occurred in our city.  His frustration inspired him to lend his own voice to the literary world in a way that was fierce, impactful, and necessary.

"Mr. Hurst’s second work is Unless WE tell it... it never gets told!.  Both books are available at JPL."

Friends of JPL Big Bag Sale: Go, Invite, Promote

JANUARY 2020 FRIENDS OFJPL

BIG BAG SALE

Friends of JPL Has Lots of Books, DVDs and CDs:

 

COME EARLY FOR BEST SELECTIONS

 

Thursday, Jan. 16: 4 - 8 pm:

     FJPL Members Only - *You can join at door: $10

     After member discount:  $15 per bag

          Buy one bag; get second for FREE

 

Friday, Jan. 17: 4 - 8 pm:  $20 per bag

     Buy one bag; get second for FREE

 

Saturday, Jan 18:  9 am - 4 pm:  $20 per bag

     Buy one bag; get second for FREE

 

7% sales tax included in all purchases.

*Proceeds help support the Jacksonville Public Library.

Invite To Free Health Screenings

 

If you have any questions regarding the notice below, you can email your JPL Go365 go-to person, Matthew Taylor,  The message below is from Bob Blanco, COJ's Business Partner, Employee Services:

"On 1/1/2020 everyone will start fresh at blue status and 10% of 2019 points will roll over to kick you off for 2020.

"Earning points in Go365 is easy when you get a biometric screening.

"Make an appointment for an on-site screening.  Based on your results, you'll unlock recommended activities that are just for you that help you reach your health and wellness goals even faster.

"You can earn up to 4,000 points for completing your biometric screening.  Points help you add up Bucks (one point = one Buck), which you can redeem for things such as gift cards, movie tickets and much more.

"Date:  January 28, 29, & 30 & February 18, 19 & 20, 2020

Time:  8:30 am - 11:30 am - Be sure you are fasting but take morning medicines with water.

Place:  January 28 & February 18:  City Hall

January 29 & February 19:  Ed Ball Building

January 30:  JSO

February 20:  Yates Building

"For more information:  Schedule a time/date via the Employee Portal; click Go365 on the left.  Additional dates will be scheduled for coming months so check the COJ-Go365 Portal page."

     

En Pointe & Twirl At WST

For the first Little Movers and Shakers program at West Branch, December 4, 2019, 17 potential dancers met  a real ballerina.  Eve Harm said, "We partnered with Dynamic Dance, a local dance school on 103rd Street to bring in Cecelia Despres, a ballerina and teacher (shown with Ms. Melodie on left.)  She taught the dancers in training the five basic ballet positions, how to go up to en pointe and twirl or pirouette.  They twirled to the 'Waltz of the Snowflakes' from The Nutcracker.  I demonstrated how a real nutcracker works with peanuts.  Ms. Melodie shared how the nutcracker came to life as a solider in the story/ballet, The Nutcracker."

Get A Load Of This

SST participants in the 2019 ugly sweater contest L/R: Hannah Ringstaff, Stacey McClain, Alisha Levasseur, and Lynn Jacobson.  (Thanks to Hannah Ringstaff, SS Librarian II in Acquisitions, for sharing the results of their creative talent.)

P.S.  Alisha won the contest.

Games, Games, & More Games

DU's Beverly Mason inundated two teens with games, December 19, 2019.  Though there were only two in tow, Beverly and P/T shelver Joshua Long made sure the teens' time was entertaining and a little challenging during the program, Game On:  Minute to Win It Holiday Edition.  Beverly said, "Joshua and I served as human Christmas trees and the teens decorated us.  They competed to see who could use all their supplies first; it turned out about a tie and they enjoyed bedecking us in less than splendor.  You may want to use some of the games we played so I'm sharing those:

"White Elephant - Book Style! – Teens introduced themselves and familiarized themselves with different teen fiction books.  They took a few minutes to preview the books involved and shared a brief summary of a few of the books.

"House of Cards – We discussed Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen.  Then the teens had to see how tall of a shelter they could build with a deck of cards in one minute.

"Progressive Snowball Balance Relay – Teens ran a relay race while balancing paper snowballs.  They started with a snowball between their knees.  Then they added a snowball under their chin.  Then they held a last snowball between their elbows.

"That’s a Wrap! – Teens competed to see who could unwrap the most Hershey kisses with one hand in a minute.

"Present Time – Teens competed to see who could unwrap their gift first while wearing a pair of ski gloves.

"Snowball Stack  - Teens competed to see who could build the tallest tower with their marshmallows(snowballs).

"Christmas Pictionary –  Teens used their drawing skills to see if they could draw a picture well enough for other teens to guess the word or phrase.

"Then the teens enjoyed Gingerbread Cookies."

Santa Stop & Photo Op At Argyle Branch

Council Member Randy DeFoor (District 14) and Library Board Trustee Jill Dame came to Argyle Library to spread cheer at the Santa Stop and Photo Op, December 13, 2019.  CM DeFoor (L center) read T’was the Night Before Christmas by Daniel Kirk. Afterwards, Janelle Pornovetz read 10 Trim-the-Tree’ers by Janet Schulman while Branch Manager Carol Bunker decorated a tree to match the book.  CM DeFoor also helped the children count each thing put on the tree all the way up to 10. Carol said, "We sang 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' and then CM DeFoor read Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? by Jerry Pallotta, followed by our singing 'Jingle Bells'. Justina Lockley then escorted in Santa and 90 little and big children came to visit and some took part in the photo op, as you see in the pictures.  CM Defoor and Trustee Dame were treated to a tour of our library"  (Pictured top right are L/R Trustee Jill Dame, CM DeFoor, Carol Bunker, and Brooks Dame, Mrs. Dame's daughter and CM DeFoor's assistant.)

Mr. Stork Beats Santa In Delivery

For P/T E-Specialist Larry and Becky Cahill, the Stork beat Santa in delivery this year! Mr. and Mrs. Cahill welcomed the best Christmas gift of all:  their first grandchild, beautiful Stella Primrose McKnight!   Stella was born December 8, 2019, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz., and 19 1/4 inches tall!

Congratulations to the parents and grandparents from all of us!  

SOM Santa Stop

Seventy-six customers came to SOM's Santa Stop, December 12, 2019.  District 6 CM Michael Boylan and his wife and grandchildren joined other kids and caregivers to enjoy a family program with Librarian II Isabel Moreno-Santiago reading The Gingerbread Boy.  Topped off with crafts, cookie decorating, hand painting and pics with Santa, it was a joyful time for all.

(Whip cream on the Christmas cupcake for Isabel was a hug from Santa.)

Go365 Discounts for COJ/JPL Staff

Matthew Taylor, JPL's spokesperson for Go365, asked for these discounts for Camp Gladiator and First Coast YMCA programs to be shared with you:

Camp Gladiator https://campgladiator.com/cg-fit-challenge
Use discount code CGCOJ2020

YMCA:  https://fcymca.org/
You’ll receive:
• 20% savings on a Branch Specific or the Florida’s First Coast (FFC) Membership. (FFC allows access to all locations of the YMCA of Florida's First Coast.)
• No Joining Fee for COJ Employees
• No Annual Contracts and No Annual Fees
• Membership includes: Group Ex Classes (Zumba, Body Pump, Cycle, Yoga, ETC.), Pool, State-of-the-Art Exercise Equipment, Kid Zone, and Fast Forward Fitness.
• Savings up to 50% for sports programs, summer camp, swim lessons, and more!

Should you have questions, Matthew's contact information is: 

O: (904) 630-2445

E: matthewt@coj.net

Yes, Kids Like Old Maps

Jay Brasfield (standing at front) gave a tour of the Special Collections department, December 12, 2019, with an emphasis on the Ansbacher map room to 28 5th graders from San Jose Episcopal Day School.  John Wilson (standing left) took pictures along the tour and noticed how Jay interacted with the kids, "The students were here for nearly two hours and they were very engaged.  Jay presented information in a way that was fun, age appropriate, and easily assimilated.  The students listened attentively and kudos to them!  Afterward, they had time to explore on their own, chat, and compare observations with their peers, then move on to a new portion of the collection."

Here's Looking At You, Kids--With Cheer!

Hongying Song, East Region YS Manager, shares, "Pablo Creek Library staff and 105 customers enjoyed holiday cheer spread by Santa when he slid down the chimney for PCR's Santa Stops program, December 11, 2019. 

"And before he left, Santa shared candy canes and joy with staff in the work room.

 

"Pablo Creek took a group photo with Santa in our Winter Wonderland so all of us could share a smile and cheer with all of you in JPL."

Welcome Baby Winter

Isabel Moreno-Santiago, Library II at South Mandarin Branch shares, "We celebrated our Children 's Library Associate, SeBria Milton, with a beautiful baby girl shower complete with gifts and great food, December 10, 2019.  All of us at South Mandarin wish SeBria great joy, blessings and health, both for her and baby Winter.”

And the rest of us say "ditto", SeBria!

FOBL & NS Staff Entertain 200 Kids

The  Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library sponsored a Children's Christmas program at NS, December 6, 2019.   NS Friends Founder Sharon Coon (above) happily introduces Santa Claus to an excited bunch of about 200

youngsters, plus caretakers, who gathered at the Brentwood Branch and heard Tenikka Hughes (below), anchor for TV 30/47, read I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison.  Each child received a Christmas gift bag stuffed with a book and a toy from FOBL.

These effervescent JPL elves assisted Mrs. Coon and Santa Claus in making everything merry and bright:

L/R Aquilla Stewart, Pam Beaton, Victoria Price, and NS Manager Kimberly Kirkland.

FOJPL BOOK SALE - DECEMBER 2019

Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library

December In-Store Sales! 

All DVDs are buy one get two free,
All teen books: Buy one get 2 free (including books on CD)
And all holiday themed books are buy one get two free!
Gift certificates are available for purchase!   

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Our store hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from
9:00 A.M to 12:00 PM and
Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Please note: The Bookstore will be CLOSED on the following dates for the holidays, December 24, 26 and 28, 2019, and January 2, 2020.