The Mandarin Library offers a variety of job resources, including a good selection of resume and cover letter books, as well as job research books. At left, librarian Elizabeth Garnett is shown next to Mandarin's job resource area. This area is designed to highlight the many job resources found at this branch.Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Great Job Hunt at Mandarin Branch Library
The Mandarin Library offers a variety of job resources, including a good selection of resume and cover letter books, as well as job research books. At left, librarian Elizabeth Garnett is shown next to Mandarin's job resource area. This area is designed to highlight the many job resources found at this branch.
Southeast Regional Branch Holds Its First Annual Employee Easter Egg Hunt
The first annual Southeast Regional Library Employee Easter Egg Hunt was held before the library opened on April 8th and 9th. Participants included full-time and part-time employees as well as volunteers. Pictured to the right is the starting line for the second day hunting event. (L to R, first row: Deborah Wainwright, Josh Riffe, Tiffany Losco, Bob Silkett; back, L to R: Nelly Harnisch, Crystal Kadkhodaie, Arlene Wilson, Cathy Smith & Mike Dubnick. If you double click on the picture, you can see the frog in the back jumping for joy as they start.) One hundred eggs were hidden in the Children’s Department on each day of the two day event. First day winners were Lauren Banks and Anthony Martin. The two determined fortune hunters located a total of 21 eggs each. When he found the fabled "golden" egg, Anthony Martin also won the supreme prize, a large chocolate bunny.
Contestants and Easter Egg Hunt fanatics were eagerly on hand for the second and final day of this prestigious sporting event. The winners of the second day were Deborah Wainwright, who found the “golden” egg, and Crystal Kadkhodaie, who found the winning total of 23 eggs. Each of them won prizes commensurate with their achievements and the previous day’s prizes. Pictured around the table are contestants, L to R: Arlene Wilson, Nelly Harnisch, Crystal Kadkhodaie, and Cathy Smith, during the final egg count on the second day.Many thanks to Joyce Myllykangas and Carisia Rooney for organizing and officiating this event.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Calling All JPL Staff to Read "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London
Looking for a good read? Something that tugs at the heart perhaps or leaves you wanting more? The Call of the Wild has all that and more! This book is an exciting story about Buck, a once beloved pet that is torn from his home and comfortable lifestyle only to be thrown in the trenches of a dangerous and brutal pursuit of riches and power.
This is a short and fast read that you can enjoy on your lunch hour or at home with your family.
We invite you to take the poll over in the right column (just under "Labels" and "Subscribe to JPL Staff News"), if you have read, re-read or plan to read The Call of the Wild before The Big Read finale, May 6, 2009--and let us know your thoughts.
This is a short and fast read that you can enjoy on your lunch hour or at home with your family.
We invite you to take the poll over in the right column (just under "Labels" and "Subscribe to JPL Staff News"), if you have read, re-read or plan to read The Call of the Wild before The Big Read finale, May 6, 2009--and let us know your thoughts.
Staff Profile
Alfreda Whitfield is a Clerical Support Aide II at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library, who obviously enjoys serving library customers.
Q: As a native of Jacksonville, you lived several years in Alaska. Where in Alaska did you live, how long, and what did you find most interesting there?
A: I lived five years in the heart of Alaska, which is Fairbanks. What I found most interesting while I was there was that at any given time, you might find a moose in your yard gnawing at a tree. You could also find them walking down the street as a little family or just roaming through the neighborhoods. The caribou were so cute; you could be driving along a long stretch of mountainside road, and it seemed they would stand and actually pose for a picture. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking and I miss the snow dearly.
Q: What do you think is the most important contribution you make to good customer service?
A: I feel I serve my purpose while working at the circulation desk. When a customer comes in and says, “There’s that smile,” and some look for me as if I were that important, or just because they really appreciate my service to them, that’s my contribution, my personality, and spirit.
Q: Tell us a little about your family.
A. I am one of eleven brothers and sisters. I’m at the bottom: number nine. I’m a wife and mother. Between my husband and me, we have three girls, five granddaughters, and one grandson. I’m married to someone I’ve known since fourth grade, who has always had a crush on me. We had both been married and divorced when we ran into each other back in 1998. After my daughter and I came home on vacation in July 2001, Gartrell and I were married, and my husband followed us back to Alaska; the rest is history.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
A. I don’t really have a favorite book. I love books period--mostly inspirational books. I love that pick-me-up feeling they give me, and Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of my favorites, the stories are touching, and get right to the heart. I guess you can tell I’m one of those sentimental persons.
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
A: I’ve often heard that I don’t look my age, but something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a great grandmother of a beautiful boy and girl.
Q: As a native of Jacksonville, you lived several years in Alaska. Where in Alaska did you live, how long, and what did you find most interesting there?
A: I lived five years in the heart of Alaska, which is Fairbanks. What I found most interesting while I was there was that at any given time, you might find a moose in your yard gnawing at a tree. You could also find them walking down the street as a little family or just roaming through the neighborhoods. The caribou were so cute; you could be driving along a long stretch of mountainside road, and it seemed they would stand and actually pose for a picture. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking and I miss the snow dearly.
Q: What do you think is the most important contribution you make to good customer service?
A: I feel I serve my purpose while working at the circulation desk. When a customer comes in and says, “There’s that smile,” and some look for me as if I were that important, or just because they really appreciate my service to them, that’s my contribution, my personality, and spirit.
Q: Tell us a little about your family.
A. I am one of eleven brothers and sisters. I’m at the bottom: number nine. I’m a wife and mother. Between my husband and me, we have three girls, five granddaughters, and one grandson. I’m married to someone I’ve known since fourth grade, who has always had a crush on me. We had both been married and divorced when we ran into each other back in 1998. After my daughter and I came home on vacation in July 2001, Gartrell and I were married, and my husband followed us back to Alaska; the rest is history.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
A. I don’t really have a favorite book. I love books period--mostly inspirational books. I love that pick-me-up feeling they give me, and Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of my favorites, the stories are touching, and get right to the heart. I guess you can tell I’m one of those sentimental persons.
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
A: I’ve often heard that I don’t look my age, but something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a great grandmother of a beautiful boy and girl.
Monday, April 06, 2009
April Town Hall Meetings
What are Town Hall meetings? Town Hall meetings are scheduled periodically by the Library Director to give all staff members an opportunity to learn more about the Library, get to know senior staff and to ask questions. They also give the Director and her staff an opportunity to know about issues that are important to you!
How do I participate? Let you manager know if you are interested in attending and he/she will accomodate attendance by as many people as possible. Even if you aren't able to attend, you'll be able to read notes from the meetings on the blog. Remember, you can submit your questions ahead of time by clicking on the "comments" button below. (Comments can be anonymous.)
April Meeting Schedule:
4/21/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
4/22/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
4/23/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00
How do I participate? Let you manager know if you are interested in attending and he/she will accomodate attendance by as many people as possible. Even if you aren't able to attend, you'll be able to read notes from the meetings on the blog. Remember, you can submit your questions ahead of time by clicking on the "comments" button below. (Comments can be anonymous.)
April Meeting Schedule:
4/21/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
4/22/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
4/23/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Mandarin Branch Library Celebrates with Spring Break Programs
The Mandarin Library is the place to be for fun Spring Break programs! Tuesday and Thursday, March 31 and April 1, the Teen Department held a Video Game Gala, featuring Wii sports. Staff tried out the Wii to check for “quality assurance”. Jeff Geiger, Librarian, demonstrated his proficiency at the game of tennis while members of the staff cheered him on.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
One Millionth Customer at University Park Branch Library!
On March 30, the one millionth customer walked through the doors of the University Park Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library. Anjill Herron and her son, Kaleb Herron, were presented with a gift basket provided by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and an anonymous donor. The gifts included a membership in the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. 
Located in a remodeled K-Mart building near the intersection of University Boulevard North and Fort Caroline Road, the University Park Library opened in October 2004. During the four and a half years it took to reach the milestone of serving one million customers, this library branch has become a community hub in the Arlington area providing free meeting space for meetings and programs of nonprofit community and government organizations. Some of the groups that have provided programs include AARP income tax preparation, Greater Arlington and Beaches Vision Plan, U.S. Census employment recruitment, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission Study Circles and numerous homeowners and neighborhood associations.The library itself provides a wide variety of its own children’s and teen programming. These programs have included storytimes, summer reading programs, Hispanic heritage festivals, Native American heritage festivals, Black History, movie nights, teen art contests, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Mother and Daughter Self-Defense, Stocks to Study and many more.
Free computer access to the Internet and to word processing programs are also available. Customers can bring their laptop computers to the library to use wireless Internet access. The branch offers free checkout of not only print materials but also books on CD, CD music, DVD movies, DVD documentaries and DVD nonfiction. Reference and children’s librarians are always on hand to assist customers in finding the materials they need for recreation, education or information purposes.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Notes from Collection Development
The recent DVD additions to our collections highlighted below will allow customers to “See different parts of the world” from the comfort of home!
Synopsis: In 2008's MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA, the endearing New York City zoo animals of the original hit movie return for another zany round of CGI adventures abroad. Leaving the island of the title by way of a ramshackle penguin-designed aircraft, the quartet of Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), along with unlikely friends such as King Julien the Lemur (Sacha Baron Cohen), crash-land on the African savannah, setting in motion a whole new series of exploits, involving Alex's long-lost parents (Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd) and a stranded group of tenacious NYC human tourists. Reuniting directors Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell, as well as all the principal cast members of the first film, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA takes full advantage of its sweeping setting, making room for beautifully expansive landscapes amidst the mammal mayhem. While the leads are in fine form, they are ably assisted by series newcomers, including the late Mac, Shepherd, and Alec Baldwin, who plays a scheming rival lion. Though various plotlines get increasingly ridiculous as the movie goes on (see the return of MADAGASCAR's aggressive Grand Central Station granny), the good-natured main characters and their silly support players (particularly lemurs and penguins) keep ESCAPE 2 AFRICA entertaining no matter how far the story strays off the wildlife reserve.
Synopsis: MOULIN ROUGE's Baz Luhrman and Nicole Kidman reteam for this epic that pays homage to their homeland. In AUSTRALIA, Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) is a prim and proper Englishwoman who journeys to Australia in the years before World War II reached the country's shores. She is determined to have her estranged husband sell his cattle ranch to a monopoly-craving businessman named King Carney (Bryan Brown), but when she arrives, Lord Ashley is dead, and her plan to sell the ranch changes when she sees an employee named Fletcher (David Wenham) cheating her husband's business and mistreating a young boy named Nullah (Brandon Walters) because he is of mixed race. Urged on by both pride and a sense of justice, Lady Ashley wants to drive her herd of cattle to Darwin so she can sell them to the troops, but she'll require the help of an independent cowboy (fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman) to get them there. AUSTRALIA changes genres almost as much as Kidman's character changes from fantastic costume to fantastic costume (courtesy of Luhrman's wife and collaborator, Catherine Martin). The film begins as a fish-out-of-water comedy, then changes into a Western, then morphs into a romance, and it finishes as a World War II drama. But in this genre-bending epic, there's something for everyone, especially for fans of Jackman. The actor has rarely looked better, and there's plenty of opportunity for him to show that he can be an action star as well as a romantic lead in the mold of the Golden Age stars. The film itself harks back to classic Hollywood, at times resembling essentials such as GONE WITH THE WIND and THE AFRICAN QUEEN. And fans of THE WIZARD OF OZ will enjoy seeing how the beloved film works its way into AUSTRALIA's plot and score.
Synopsis: High school romance is difficult enough to navigate when both people are human. But for 17-year-old Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart, INTO THE WILD) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE), Edward's life as a vampire complicates things even more. At first, when Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to the rainiest corner of Washington State, she isn't sure where she fits in at her new high school. Then she meets Edward, an ethereal beauty of a boy whose unnatural speed and strength lead Bella to the conclusion that her new crush is one of the undead. Suddenly, Bella's boring life is transformed; she's surrounded by love and danger in equal parts, thanks to the hunger of Edward and others of his kind. TWILIGHT is based on the first book in the addictive series by author Stephenie Meyer. Director Catherine Hardwicke (THIRTEEN) certainly knows her audience, which is primarily the teenage girls who worship the book and its characters. There are plenty of swoonworthy shots of Pattinson's perfectly pale Edward, and his romance with Stewart's nicely acted Bella will cause many a sigh among the devoted fans. While TWILIGHT is primarily a love story in the ROMEO AND JULIET mold, there's also plenty of action and horror to be found. Blood flows (this is a vampire movie, after all), but the small amount of gore shouldn't be too much for the squeamish viewers--and it might even draw a boy or two to the screen. The film's record-breaking box office take alone is proof that the film's appeal isn't limited to screaming teen girls.
Synopsis: In 2008's MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA, the endearing New York City zoo animals of the original hit movie return for another zany round of CGI adventures abroad. Leaving the island of the title by way of a ramshackle penguin-designed aircraft, the quartet of Alex the Lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), along with unlikely friends such as King Julien the Lemur (Sacha Baron Cohen), crash-land on the African savannah, setting in motion a whole new series of exploits, involving Alex's long-lost parents (Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd) and a stranded group of tenacious NYC human tourists. Reuniting directors Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell, as well as all the principal cast members of the first film, MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA takes full advantage of its sweeping setting, making room for beautifully expansive landscapes amidst the mammal mayhem. While the leads are in fine form, they are ably assisted by series newcomers, including the late Mac, Shepherd, and Alec Baldwin, who plays a scheming rival lion. Though various plotlines get increasingly ridiculous as the movie goes on (see the return of MADAGASCAR's aggressive Grand Central Station granny), the good-natured main characters and their silly support players (particularly lemurs and penguins) keep ESCAPE 2 AFRICA entertaining no matter how far the story strays off the wildlife reserve.
Synopsis: MOULIN ROUGE's Baz Luhrman and Nicole Kidman reteam for this epic that pays homage to their homeland. In AUSTRALIA, Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) is a prim and proper Englishwoman who journeys to Australia in the years before World War II reached the country's shores. She is determined to have her estranged husband sell his cattle ranch to a monopoly-craving businessman named King Carney (Bryan Brown), but when she arrives, Lord Ashley is dead, and her plan to sell the ranch changes when she sees an employee named Fletcher (David Wenham) cheating her husband's business and mistreating a young boy named Nullah (Brandon Walters) because he is of mixed race. Urged on by both pride and a sense of justice, Lady Ashley wants to drive her herd of cattle to Darwin so she can sell them to the troops, but she'll require the help of an independent cowboy (fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman) to get them there. AUSTRALIA changes genres almost as much as Kidman's character changes from fantastic costume to fantastic costume (courtesy of Luhrman's wife and collaborator, Catherine Martin). The film begins as a fish-out-of-water comedy, then changes into a Western, then morphs into a romance, and it finishes as a World War II drama. But in this genre-bending epic, there's something for everyone, especially for fans of Jackman. The actor has rarely looked better, and there's plenty of opportunity for him to show that he can be an action star as well as a romantic lead in the mold of the Golden Age stars. The film itself harks back to classic Hollywood, at times resembling essentials such as GONE WITH THE WIND and THE AFRICAN QUEEN. And fans of THE WIZARD OF OZ will enjoy seeing how the beloved film works its way into AUSTRALIA's plot and score.
Synopsis: High school romance is difficult enough to navigate when both people are human. But for 17-year-old Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart, INTO THE WILD) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE), Edward's life as a vampire complicates things even more. At first, when Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to the rainiest corner of Washington State, she isn't sure where she fits in at her new high school. Then she meets Edward, an ethereal beauty of a boy whose unnatural speed and strength lead Bella to the conclusion that her new crush is one of the undead. Suddenly, Bella's boring life is transformed; she's surrounded by love and danger in equal parts, thanks to the hunger of Edward and others of his kind. TWILIGHT is based on the first book in the addictive series by author Stephenie Meyer. Director Catherine Hardwicke (THIRTEEN) certainly knows her audience, which is primarily the teenage girls who worship the book and its characters. There are plenty of swoonworthy shots of Pattinson's perfectly pale Edward, and his romance with Stewart's nicely acted Bella will cause many a sigh among the devoted fans. While TWILIGHT is primarily a love story in the ROMEO AND JULIET mold, there's also plenty of action and horror to be found. Blood flows (this is a vampire movie, after all), but the small amount of gore shouldn't be too much for the squeamish viewers--and it might even draw a boy or two to the screen. The film's record-breaking box office take alone is proof that the film's appeal isn't limited to screaming teen girls.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Worth An Encore - "The River Dance" Video from Class at Staff Development Day
This brief video--with Josh Jubinsky, Keli Likins and Susan Mankowski--was used in a Staff Development Day class, "Don't Roll Your Eyes at Me". It is a humorous reminder how important it is to listen intently and ask necessary questions until we have the input needed to give customers accurate information.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mandarin Branch To Promote JaxREADS -The Big Read & "The Call of the Wild"
April will be a busy month for all ages at the Mandarin Branch Library as the library promotes The Call of the Wild during JaxREADS-The Big Read. Linda Smith and Melissa Tison created the attractive disply at left to encourage customers to read and participate.The Adult Department will host two book talks and will show the movie, Alaska.
The Teen Department will show the movie, The Call of the Wild.
The Children’s Department will host numerous programs along with a month long photo display, “I Love my pet because…..” and children can bring in pictures of their pets and post them on the display board. The Children’s Department will have a mother-daughter book club featuring the book, Black Star, Bright Dawn, by Scott O’Dell, the story of the Alaskan Iditarod (their premier dog sled race). A local Mandarin veterinarian will talk to school age children about taking care of dogs and how to become a veterinarian. Pawsitive Pets will bring in reading dogs for children to practice their reading skills with the dogs. In addition, the movie, Balto, will be shown.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SDD Photos + BOBsled Video
Photos from Staff Development Day are now available on the Staff Day teamsite for your perusal. Here's the direct link: http://inside.coj.net/sites/staffDev/SDD4ALL/SDD%2009%20Photos/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
Many thanks to photographer Cranston Burney for the excellent job he did of capturing the whole day in images.
The BOBsled Relay video is also posted on the Staff Day teamsite. Find it in the Shared Docs of the Staff Day Teamsite (http://inside.coj.net/sites/staffDev/SDD4ALL/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx).
Many thanks to photographer Cranston Burney for the excellent job he did of capturing the whole day in images.
The BOBsled Relay video is also posted on the Staff Day teamsite. Find it in the Shared Docs of the Staff Day Teamsite (http://inside.coj.net/sites/staffDev/SDD4ALL/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Champions of Live Chat Reference
We celebrated some great library teams on Staff Development Day. Here's another team to commend: JPL's Ask a Librarian live chat reference agents.
We have 60 agents system-wide, representing every branch, plus Teen, Popular Library, Special Collections and Reference at the Main Library. Take a look.
For more details, check out the Ask a Librarian Day post on this blog, as well as the statewide Ask a Librarian Blog.
Thanks, all you marvelous people!
We have 60 agents system-wide, representing every branch, plus Teen, Popular Library, Special Collections and Reference at the Main Library. Take a look.
Row 1: Laura Minnich, David Fuller, Christa Snow (co-coordinator), Erik Larsen, Julie McNeil, Carol Bailey, Mike Shell (coordinator)These folks serve real-time remote customers 20 hours a week. Local customers come through the JPL website interface, but the team also handles customers who come to Ask a Librarian through any Florida library site.
Row 2: Yuri Jewitt, Sharon Kirkes, Valerie Mattair, Curt Beadell, Gloria Buenavista, Elizabeth Garnett
Row 3: Daniel Kibler (standing), Guy Adkins, Karen Hardin, Janine Stanley, Katherine Daye, Eve Harm
Row 4: Michael Rouse, Rita Vernon, Sara Radovic, Jeff Geiger, Margaret Morford
Not pictured: Susan Arthur, Jessica Bailey, Jack Betancourt, Mia Brack, Cheryl Callavini, Mia Clark, Margo Crafton, Kristi Dorney Revondolyn DuBois, Doug Fair, Kimberly Forster, Arnetta Girardeau, Trudy Hill, Amber Holley, Lanette Jackson, Radhika Kandlakunta, Justin Keiser, Alissa Leonard, Keli Likins, Laura Minor, Mary Mlady, Jay Mooney, Brian Moses, Matthew Moyer, Jodie Nehrt, Michelle Petrin, Isabelle Pierre, Michael Platzer, Anne Robert, Carisia Rooney, Theresa Rooney, Greg Royce, Maude Scott, Jacinda Stephens, Tasha Toliver, David White, Laura Young
Alumnae: Kema DeSegrada, Francesca Roccosalvo, Stacey Van Hoy, Carrie Paez
For more details, check out the Ask a Librarian Day post on this blog, as well as the statewide Ask a Librarian Blog.
Thanks, all you marvelous people!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Big Read: The Big Snowy Day
Don’t miss out on all the action at the Main Library during April’s Art Walk (April 1st--no joke) is Art Walk, Wednesday, 5 pm – 8 pm).
You will discover literary riches by joining us in the celebration of this year’s Jax Read! The Big Read selection, The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. This family program, “The Big Read: The Big Snowy Day”, will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Outside the library on Laura Street, we will have real snow perfect for making snow angels or building a snowman. You can even brave our gigantic snow slide. The fun doesn’t stop outside! We’ve transformed the library into the Yukon, just like in the book. There are lots of activities to enjoy including story time with special guest, Kathryn Peyton, panning for gold, rock climbing, and live music. Be sure to button up because it might be warm in Jacksonville but a snow storm is headed straight for the library!
If you’d like to be part of the action and are willing and able to help out, please check with your supervisor and let us know. Right now we’re looking for volunteers for the following:
Clean Up: 3; Rock Climbing: 2; Set Up: 2; Snow: 4
We’d love to have you on the team!
You will discover literary riches by joining us in the celebration of this year’s Jax Read! The Big Read selection, The Call of the Wild, by Jack London. This family program, “The Big Read: The Big Snowy Day”, will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Outside the library on Laura Street, we will have real snow perfect for making snow angels or building a snowman. You can even brave our gigantic snow slide. The fun doesn’t stop outside! We’ve transformed the library into the Yukon, just like in the book. There are lots of activities to enjoy including story time with special guest, Kathryn Peyton, panning for gold, rock climbing, and live music. Be sure to button up because it might be warm in Jacksonville but a snow storm is headed straight for the library!
If you’d like to be part of the action and are willing and able to help out, please check with your supervisor and let us know. Right now we’re looking for volunteers for the following:
Clean Up: 3; Rock Climbing: 2; Set Up: 2; Snow: 4
We’d love to have you on the team!
Kudos from Customers
Main - Popular: Karen Harden is great. She assisted me in finding the ACII needed in no time. She is awesome.
Main - Special Collections: Thanks to Ms. Kathleen Krizek. She always smiles and is always ready to be of help.
Pablo Creek Branch: Susan (Williamson) is always courteous and has a smile on her face. I appreciate her service very much and just simply want recognition for her. Thanks.
Regency Square Branch: Ms. Mary (Heaney) is doing a good job with storytime.
West Regional Branch: Antoinette Walker is very helpful. I come in here a lot and she always knows the answer to my questions. She is fast to help me find wonderful books.
Main - Special Collections: Thanks to Ms. Kathleen Krizek. She always smiles and is always ready to be of help.
Pablo Creek Branch: Susan (Williamson) is always courteous and has a smile on her face. I appreciate her service very much and just simply want recognition for her. Thanks.
Regency Square Branch: Ms. Mary (Heaney) is doing a good job with storytime.
West Regional Branch: Antoinette Walker is very helpful. I come in here a lot and she always knows the answer to my questions. She is fast to help me find wonderful books.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Banners for Staff Development Day Hail JPL Staff Champions of...
The great success of Staff Development Day was framed with 34 colorful banners, designed by staff, heralding individual branches' and departments' focus on what they are
CHAMPIONS OF...
Administration: Innovation
Argyle: Creativity
Beaches: Teamwork
Bradham Brooks Northwest: The Journey Toward Hope and Equality
Brentwood: Customer Service
Brown Eastside: Diversity
Dallas Graham: Teamwork - We Work Hard But Working As A Team Makes It Easier
Facilities: Sustainability - Leeding by Example
Highlands: Reserves
Main - Center for Adult Learning: Adult Learning -
Grammar, Spelling, Pre-GED, Workplace Skills, Computer Literacy, Phonics,
Life Skills, Math, Comprehension, & ESL
Main - Children's - Mirthful Jocosity
Main - Circulation - Circulation Desk Teamwork
Main - Interlibrary Loan: Resource Sharing - Interlibrary Loan & Books by Mail
Main - Popular: District Champs of JPL - POP - 2005-2009 - A Dynasty
Main - Reference: Reference
Main - Remote Reference:
Internet, Email, Ask A Librarian, Chat, Instant Messaging, Call Center & Phone
Main - Special Collections: Accessing Your History
Main - Talking Books: The Underserved
Main Teen: Awesomeness
Mandarin: Group Effort
Maxville: Customer Service - Happily Helping Customers - All Shapes and Sizes - Since 2005
Murray Hill: Diversity
Pablo Creek: Circulation, Customer Service, Technology, Volunteers, & Holds
Partnerships & Communiction:
Promoting Partnerships, People, Places, Communication & Events
Regency Square: Customer Satisfaction...Just Ask Us
San Marco: Customer Service
Southeast: Children's Services - art night, game night, storytime & circulation
South Mandarin: Community - Adults, Teens, and Children
Support Services Team at University Park: Materials and Access
University Park: Customer Service
Webb Wesconnett: Technology - Come And Experience The Wild Wild Webb
80% Self Check - 90% Computer Usage
West Regional: Teamwork - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Westbrook: Community
Willowbranch: The Neighborhood
Congratulations to all who worked to make these beautiful banners!
CHAMPIONS OF...
Administration: Innovation
Argyle: Creativity
Beaches: Teamwork
Bradham Brooks Northwest: The Journey Toward Hope and Equality
Brentwood: Customer Service
Brown Eastside: Diversity
Dallas Graham: Teamwork - We Work Hard But Working As A Team Makes It Easier
Facilities: Sustainability - Leeding by Example
Highlands: Reserves
Main - Center for Adult Learning: Adult Learning -
Grammar, Spelling, Pre-GED, Workplace Skills, Computer Literacy, Phonics,
Life Skills, Math, Comprehension, & ESL
Main - Children's - Mirthful Jocosity
Main - Circulation - Circulation Desk Teamwork
Main - Interlibrary Loan: Resource Sharing - Interlibrary Loan & Books by Mail
Main - Popular: District Champs of JPL - POP - 2005-2009 - A Dynasty
Main - Reference: Reference
Main - Remote Reference:
Internet, Email, Ask A Librarian, Chat, Instant Messaging, Call Center & Phone
Main - Special Collections: Accessing Your History
Main - Talking Books: The Underserved
Main Teen: Awesomeness
Mandarin: Group Effort
Maxville: Customer Service - Happily Helping Customers - All Shapes and Sizes - Since 2005
Murray Hill: Diversity
Pablo Creek: Circulation, Customer Service, Technology, Volunteers, & Holds
Partnerships & Communiction:
Promoting Partnerships, People, Places, Communication & Events
Regency Square: Customer Satisfaction...Just Ask Us
San Marco: Customer Service
Southeast: Children's Services - art night, game night, storytime & circulation
South Mandarin: Community - Adults, Teens, and Children
Support Services Team at University Park: Materials and Access
University Park: Customer Service
Webb Wesconnett: Technology - Come And Experience The Wild Wild Webb
80% Self Check - 90% Computer Usage
West Regional: Teamwork - Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Westbrook: Community
Willowbranch: The Neighborhood
Congratulations to all who worked to make these beautiful banners!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Notes from Collection Development:
Are your customers still interested in the New York Times Bestseller lists? Do they want to know a bit more about the titles on the list? Perhaps they are interested in what other readers think of the titles? Maybe you don’t have enough hours in your day to keep up with all of the latest popular titles and want a quick way to stay current…
Well there is a new mash up you may want to investigate and pass along to customers.
It’s called Reading Radar: http://readingradar.com/. The creator, John Herren, has won awards for his mash ups. Reading Radar combines the NYT bestseller lists, Amazon’s customer written reviews and Amazon’s star rating system. So if you, or a customer, want to know more than just the spot a title occupies on the bestseller list, take a look at Reading Radar.
Also keep in mind that you can find the bestseller lists with links to our catalog holdings by going to “Resources for Readers/Hot Titles at the Library” on the library’s website.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Staff Profile
Wally Bowden has been Graphic Artist for JPL nine years and his professional graphics and input help put JPL's best foot forward. At left is a picture of Wally, 2nd from right, with his bride, Jenny, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Bowden.Q: You’ve been JPL’s Graphic Artist for nine years. What part will your expertise play in the success of the new Library Card Campaign?
A: I am working with a great team on a committee to cover the social media aspect of the campaign. We will be doing a case page on Facebook promoting library card awareness, some youtube materials, blogging and shared stories via email which will allow all branches to participate.
Q: Why did you become a graphic artist?
A: I actually backed into the profession. My college major was Advertising and my minor was Political Science. It is impossible to break into the advertising field without any experience. My church had an open position for what was then called a typesetter. I was qualified for that with the few design classes I had in my days at UNF. That was 1997 and I have been doing it since.
Q: What is your favorite subject to read about and why?
A: I absolutely LOVE history and great historical figures such as Lincoln and Washington. Lately, I have also been reading a lot about how to turn good companies into great companies. I believe a lot of the same principles apply to making a good church a great church. My wife’s brother began a church in Jacksonville last month, and we are a part of the launch team for that church on the Northside. Outside of that, I just love suspense authors like Patterson and Koontz.
Q: Since design and color are big aspects in your daily work, what is the most beautiful place you have visited?
A: When I was married in June 2008, my wife and I wanted to honeymoon in Greece as my international travel only consisted of a trip to Canada, and I always thought that Greece is beautiful from the pictures/documentaries I have seen. Unfortunately, the cost of a wedding dictated us staying in the states so we went to Captiva Island, Florida, and it was gorgeous. We plan on taking that trip to Greece and celebrate the finish of her Masters in Counseling next year.
Q: What is something most people would not know about you?
A: I played two years of tennis for FCCJ on scholarship and just this February started my first tennis coaching position. I am the coach of the Varsity tennis boys and girls team for Mandarin Christian school.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Ron Block Is Runner-Up as Library Journal’s Paraprofessional of 2009
Ron Block was nominated by Gretchen Mitchell, Main Library Administrative Supervisor, for the Library Journal’s award for Paraprofessional of the Year, and he is the runner-up. You can read the article in the April 2009 Library Journal by clicking here.Among his notable accomplishments, Ron sequestered Adriana Trigiani and had his picture made with her. (Ms. Trigiani entertained a crowd with her hilarious presentation at Much Ado About Books' luncheon, Saturday, February 28.)
Ron Block has been JPL’s Circulation Services Coordinator since October 2007. Among his varied challenges, he chairs Jacksonville Public Library’s Circulation Review Unit, comprised of librarians and support staff, and CRU reviews and recommends changes to policy and procedures that have supported the Library Board of Trustees' development of JPL’s user-friendly policy. Their work has resulted in improvements in our holds, library card registration, and renewals procedures. Through this team, Ron led the cause to make it easier for homeless living in shelters to obtain library cards. In addition to this team, he chairs the Circulation Roundtable, a group of paraprofessionals from each branch. Ron is also one of 16 trainers who teaches in the JPL’s Destination Leadership program. Prior to his current position, Ron worked as Clerical Services Supervisor at Regency Square, University Park and Southeast branches.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Lincoln's Bicentennial
How can you honor this great man? Read one of these recent orders and promote them to your customers.
920.073 STAUFFER 2008
A. Lincoln : a biography / Ronald C. White, Jr
ISBN: 1400064996
Booklist (Thursday , January 01, 2009): A scholar of Lincoln’s rhetoric (Lincoln's Greatest Speech, 2002), White offers the full-bodied Lincoln biography, the most recent example of which was David Herbert Donald’s highly praised Lincoln (1995). Donald’s intent was to craft a definitive portrait of Lincoln's enigmatic personality, while White aims for a chronological narrative of Lincoln's public activity. White adheres to a factual tone rather than trying to figure Lincoln out a la Donald. This is an important need for readers seeking the arc of Lincoln’s life (rather than an interpretation of it) and is one that White ably fulfills. Recounting Lincoln's beginnings, White informs readers about the importance of Lincolns' stepmother; the rapidity with which Lincoln, once emancipated from his father, gained political standing in Sangamon County, Illinois, in the 1830s; and the rise of his reputation through descriptions of numerous election campaigns that Lincoln conducted from his power base. Capped by his account of Lincolns' Civil War presidency, White's book provides a solid informational foundation. – Gilbert Taylor (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
BIO 973.7092 LINCOLN 2009
920.073 STAUFFER 2008
Giants : the parallel lives of Frederick Douglass & Abraham Lincoln /John Stauffer.
ISBN: 0446580090
Booklist (Wednesday, October 01, 2008):Like Paul and Steven Kendrick, authors of the recent Douglass and Lincoln, Stauffer has to scale up to achieve book size, since the men’s personal relationship consisted of just three meetings. Stauffer does that partially by using the Kendrick’s method of chronicling Douglass' criticisms of Lincoln and partially by presenting a dual biography couched in the theme of the self-made man. As he hits the mile markers of the men’s rise from nothing, Stauffer, an English professor, often speculates about what each man certainly or would have thought about events in their lives (such as Lincoln's supposed homosexuality, of which Stauffer is convinced, despite acknowledging there is no explicit evidence). This casts his narrative more as historical essay than straightforward history. Stauffer also emphasizes what he regards as key features of the men’s interaction, such as a friendship, perhaps genuine, perhaps diffident, growing out of Lincoln's incremental adoption of the abolitionist position championed by Douglass. A work well worth the attention of students of emancipation. – Gilbert Taylor (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
BIO 973.7092 LINCOLN 2009
ISBN: 0446580090
Booklist (Wednesday, October 01, 2008):Like Paul and Steven Kendrick, authors of the recent Douglass and Lincoln, Stauffer has to scale up to achieve book size, since the men’s personal relationship consisted of just three meetings. Stauffer does that partially by using the Kendrick’s method of chronicling Douglass' criticisms of Lincoln and partially by presenting a dual biography couched in the theme of the self-made man. As he hits the mile markers of the men’s rise from nothing, Stauffer, an English professor, often speculates about what each man certainly or would have thought about events in their lives (such as Lincoln's supposed homosexuality, of which Stauffer is convinced, despite acknowledging there is no explicit evidence). This casts his narrative more as historical essay than straightforward history. Stauffer also emphasizes what he regards as key features of the men’s interaction, such as a friendship, perhaps genuine, perhaps diffident, growing out of Lincoln's incremental adoption of the abolitionist position championed by Douglass. A work well worth the attention of students of emancipation. – Gilbert Taylor (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
BIO 973.7092 LINCOLN 2009
A. Lincoln : a biography / Ronald C. White, Jr
ISBN: 1400064996
Booklist (Thursday , January 01, 2009): A scholar of Lincoln’s rhetoric (Lincoln's Greatest Speech, 2002), White offers the full-bodied Lincoln biography, the most recent example of which was David Herbert Donald’s highly praised Lincoln (1995). Donald’s intent was to craft a definitive portrait of Lincoln's enigmatic personality, while White aims for a chronological narrative of Lincoln's public activity. White adheres to a factual tone rather than trying to figure Lincoln out a la Donald. This is an important need for readers seeking the arc of Lincoln’s life (rather than an interpretation of it) and is one that White ably fulfills. Recounting Lincoln's beginnings, White informs readers about the importance of Lincolns' stepmother; the rapidity with which Lincoln, once emancipated from his father, gained political standing in Sangamon County, Illinois, in the 1830s; and the rise of his reputation through descriptions of numerous election campaigns that Lincoln conducted from his power base. Capped by his account of Lincolns' Civil War presidency, White's book provides a solid informational foundation. – Gilbert Taylor (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
BIO 973.7092 LINCOLN 2009
Booklist (Monday, December 1, 2008): This biography of the wife of the sixteenth president is perfectly timed: it will be published in the first month of the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. It is certainly not a rush job. Clinton's careful research and thoughtful presentation result in the best treatment of the troubled life of Mary Lincoln in recent memory. It is important to approach Mrs. Lincoln with not only respect but also balance, to not only understand her eccentricities but also sympathize with them while making no unwarranted excuses for her. This Clinton does brilliantly. Mary Lincoln’s mercurial, insecure personality and crimes, namely, overspending on clothes and White House improvements, were hot fodder for journalists during her husband's administration and even during her peripatetic widowhood. Clinton sees Mary making many wrong choices in behavior that simply fueled the smear campaign against her and gives witness to Mary’s deteriorating mental condition after the shock of her husband’s assassination played havoc with her already fragile stability. The issue of whether she went insane, her only living child, Robert, had her committed for a while to an asylum to stop her waywardness is sensitively analyzed. She was, and continues to be, controversial, but, as Clinton submits, she remains a figure of great color, worthy of continued interest. – Brad Hooper (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Town Hall Meeting Schedules
What are Town Hall meetings?
Town Hall meetings are scheduled periodically by the Library Director to give all staff members an opportunity to learn more about the Library, get to know senior staff and to ask questions. They also give the Director and her staff an opportunity to know about issues that are important to you!
How do I participate?
Let you manager know if you are interested in attending and he/she will accomodate as many people as possible. Even if you aren't able to attend, you'll be able to read notes from the meetings on the blog. And, you can submit your questions ahead of time by clicking on the "comment" button below. (Comments can be anonymous.)
Meeting Schedule
Town Hall meetings are scheduled periodically by the Library Director to give all staff members an opportunity to learn more about the Library, get to know senior staff and to ask questions. They also give the Director and her staff an opportunity to know about issues that are important to you!
How do I participate?
Let you manager know if you are interested in attending and he/she will accomodate as many people as possible. Even if you aren't able to attend, you'll be able to read notes from the meetings on the blog. And, you can submit your questions ahead of time by clicking on the "comment" button below. (Comments can be anonymous.)
Meeting Schedule
April:
- 4/21/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
- 4/22/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
- 4/23/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00
June:
- 6/15/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00
- 6/16/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
- 6/17/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
September:
- 9/1/09 - Pablo Creek, meeting room, 2:30-4:00
- 9/2/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to South Mandarin
- 9/3/09 - Main, MP1, 2:30-4:00 and, remote to West
If you have questions or need more information, please contact your supervisor.
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