Jax Book Best 2020

Wanna know how to succeed?  Ask someone who excels in the face of rejection.  Brad Meltzer (above) did just that.  He pursued his writing craft despite 24 rejections of his first novel and went on to author 12 New York Times best sellers--so far. As keynote speaker at Book Fest, February 29, 2020, he shared his purpose of writing in different genres with 100+ fans listening intently.  Mr. Meltzer said his children's books, such as I Am Amelia Earhart, I Am Albert Einstein, etc., are designed to give youth real heroes to follow and his other books are written to inspire readers.

Sponsored by the JPL Foundation, Book Fest was free to the public and, prior to that, JPLF hosted a Friday evening opportunity for paying guests to meet and greet Brad Meltzer.

The 10-3 Saturday event at Main drew approximately 3,000 people of all ages who found 80+ writers (mostly local) they could visit with and get autographed copies of books on almost any genre. 

Director Tim Rogers was pleased with every phase of Book Fest and thought it was managed well.  He especially liked Mr. Meltzer's approachable nature and his ability to relate to people of different ages and interests.  He also enjoyed talking to a first time local author, Bob Longo, and said he made a new friend.

Above is children's author Becky Cummings (Gobble, Gobble, Mr. Wobble, etc.) with some of her avid readers.
 . 
Teen writer Neil Shusterman (above) inspired young writers and encouraged them to persist in their dreams to write. 

L/R Eric Slater (Epic Fails-The Race to Space, etc.), and Michael Regina, who writes graphic novels, were obviously happy to meet their fans, make sales, and autograph books.

A huge round of applause to all who made this a smooth-running success: the JPL Foundation, the Book Fest committee: Director Tim Rogers, Amber Holley, Ray Albury, Marshelle Berry, Chris Boivin, Ashley Boyd, Meme Broadfoot, Lisa Buggs, Zoe Carr, Katie Devanny, Mandie McKenzie, Rebekah Mitchell, Chet Price, , Kristen Spencer, Amanda Toman--and those who volunteered to work that day.

Frozen II Big Hit At KR

Katie Kientz, KR Librarian I said, "Our youth department welcomed 75 children and their parents to a showing of the newly-released film, Frozen II, at KR’s Booktalk and Movie program, Saturday, February 29, 2020. Our neighborhood Domino’s donated pizza for the children to enjoy. As our branch manager said, 'It was a smashing success."

Quilts & Art At SE

SE Associate Rochelle Golomb, presented a program for school age children, February 27, 2020, entitled  ARTrageous: Creating Stories in Art! in celebration of African American History Month. Participants learned about the author and artist, Faith Ringgold’s talents and contributions, and explored self-expression, creativity, and innovation by making a story quilt in Ringgold’s style. Faith used the tradition of quilt making to tell stories of her life and those in her community. Children delighted in hearing about Tar Beach, Faith’s first book based on her quilt with that title. This beautiful and award winning picture book about the power of imagination won the Caldecott Honor Book and was a winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. Rochelle said, "Come visit SE and see the children’s art on display."

 

Look What A Good Idea Can Do!

WST Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "We’re very proud of Jessica Carpenter's hard work  over the last year.  She  has made friends with authors and drawn customer interest with her displays.  Jessica has featured different writers in her 'Author of the Month' series, contacted many of her favorite authors and asked them to consider donating their books and other items she can spotlight on her display.  She has received bookmarks, magnets, hair-ties, signed copies of books and much more.  She has given some things away that were displayed or held raffles for free books.  Jessica's idea has been a huge success with customers--and consequently for West.  Well done, Jessica!

"Below is a copy of Diana Palmer’s own personal Facebook page, mentioning the wonderful display by Jessica."   (Click once on the picture to get a larger, better look at Jessica's display and what Ms. Palmer said about the display.)

PCR Basks In Customer Admiration

During the month of February, Pablo Creek children’s department asked their customers, “What do you love about your library?” Each customer was given a cardstock heart to write a personal message about PCR, resulting in 71 responses. Many of the hearts spoke about the variety of books in PCR's collection, the monthly children's scavenger hunt, and the play and learn area. Below are a few of the messages left on the “love wall”:
·         I love this library because it’s close to my home and it’s small and clean. It’s quiet and has activities for kids. It also has nice staff members. (Anonymous)
·         I love the library because of the nonfiction section. I have always wanted to learn about the world. (Sofia)
·         The library is a good place to spend family time and read. (Anonymous)
·         I love Storytime! (Anonymous)
·         I like this library because of the play area. (Daniel)

Pictured are David Humphries and Bridgette King at PCR's "love wall." 

 

Thanks to Jonathan Sandbach for the picture and article.

Great idea, PCR!

Lucinda Santino: Job Well Done

KR Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel presented Library Clerk Lucinda Santino with a Job Well Done Award, February 26, 2020, for her initiative to "go the extra mile." Mark awarded Lucinda because--in addition to her usual duties--she greets and talks with customers about library cards and services while they wait to have their taxes done. 

And who could resist such an inviting smile?

JPL Leadership Awards Made At Board Meeting

Director Tim Rogers and Library Board Chair Carlo Fassi had the pleasure of awarding JB's Terry Welch (in absentia) with an Inspiring A Shared Vision Leadership Award and Employee of the Quarter Award at the Board meeting, February 20, 2020.

Library Clerk Terry is often heard saying, "Fifteen years later and this is still my dream job!"  What promulgates that remark? She is an author aficionado who LOVES connecting authors with readers. Terry has coordinated author visits in person and via SKYPE at JB's monthly Flamingo Book Club for years and has set up programs with publishers such as Random House. 

Last November Terry coordinated the first "Beaches Reader Fest" with the help of the branch manager, Friends of JB, volunteers, and JPL staff.  Sixteen local authors set up tables in JB and gave readings from their books.  Cassandra King-Conroy (with whom Terry is pictured above), widow of author Pat Conroy, was the keynote speaker to an audience of 145 avid readers. Terry gave out "Reads Well with Others" totes, which included new books she received as donations. 

WHEW! And all of this Terry Welch accomplished in addition to her regular duties. 




Director Tim Rogers and BOLT Chair Carlo Fassi flank Main Library Assistant Paul Schaffner, who won the Modeling the Way Leadership Award.

Paul goes beyond what is expected in achieving goals set for the team in Main's Grand Reading Room. One specific goal is for the five members of the GRR staff to achieve 15 check-outs a week. Every week, Paul doubles, triples, or even quadruples that goal. In October, he finished with an astonishing 209 confirmed check-outs! In one week alone, he had an incredible 63 confirmed check-outs. Paul is not interested in just achieving high numbers; he masterfully promotes materials to customers while he gets all those check-outs. He truly makes a difference in people's lives. Customers even come in and ask for him by name. They appreciate the fact that Paul goes all over the building to grab books for them. His above-and-beyond performance has not gone unnoticed by anyone working at the Main Library. For this, he received the Modeling the Way Award. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND THREE CHEERS TO BOTH OF YOU.  We are proud to serve with you.

Lunar New Year At CW

"CW celebrated the Lunar New Year this February by 'touring' three Asian cultures: India, Japan, and China.  For each culture, participants engaged in themed adult art and craft activities, culminating with Chinese inspired painting. 

"Eight customers participated in the final program, February 24, 2020, and three regulars--Barbara, Richard, and Denise--are pictured above holding their artwork, reports William Figlietti.

 

Mitchell Makes DU Book Club Happen

Sharon Mitchell facilitates DU's New Leaf Book Club. Sharon says, "The club meets monthly and we read books related to the theme for the month.  At our meeting, February 22, 2020, we highlighted David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell for Black History Month.  For March, the book club will be reading the novel, The Woman Who Would Be King, in honor of Women's History Month. Immediately following this meeting, Karin Lemor, a local author, will present her own workshop.

"Based upon comments shared at each meeting, members have expressed their appreciation to have conversations about what they have read. Members love to read, but most importantly, they want to share their thoughts about what they have gleaned from the readings. They find comfort and solace in reading and sharing."

 

MANY THANKS To JPL White Towel Donors

COJ's JaxCares sponsors the white towel drive for the City Rescue Mission each year and JPL employees always donate a lot of towels.  Nicolle Burton, Julie McNeil's Administrative Assistant, has coordinated this drive for years and is amazed at the generosity staff show not only for this particular drive but for any other worthwhile project JPL is asked to support. 

This year, in addition to the manifold thanks Nicolle and JaxCares want to convey to JPL employees, they would like to also acknowledge and thank Highlands PT Clerk, Kennedi Ray (pictured right) and her National Honor Society group at Sandalwood High School for their very generous donation of over 90 towels during the City's white towel drive for the City Rescue Mission.  This extraordinary donation, along with all the others from JPL staff, helped exceed the 150 towel goal for this year.

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

---

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."