Teens DO Make A Difference at Regency Square Branch

Here are two terrific temporary employees, Victoria Miller and DeSean Orduna, and they are ‘Teens Making a Difference’ at Regency Square Branch Library. They created and maintain the display shown here. Regency Square Branch employees are very pleased with these two young people. Besides creating book displays, they help customers on the computers, assist with Teen programs and with weeding and collection maintenance projects. Victoria and DeSean have also assisted with children’s craft projects, done a little shelving, and other duties. They will be missed when their tenure is completed. A great big round of applause for you, Victoria and DeSean!

Mandarin Branch Teen Librarian Don Carpenter Makes News

Teen Librarian Don Carpenter is keeping pace with teenagers' new interests at Mandarin Branch Library. You might find an idea or two you could use in this April 7 article in the Mandarin Sun section of The Florida Times-Union:

http://jacksonville.com/community/mandarin/2011-04-07/story/qa-don-carpenter-being-around-books-where-jacksonville-librarian

Changes in Civil Service and Personnel Rules & Regs

Just in case you haven't noticed, the Civil Service and Personnel Rules and Regulations have been updated for the first time in more than a decade. The effective date of the new Rules is Oct. 1, 2010, with a new advisory being added recently. Check out the links on the City's home page.

Highlands Branch Is Crafty

Eva Newton, Library Associate at the Highlands Regional Library developed a craft program for Teens and Tweens, which will run during April. T&T's can build a useful basket over the three day program. (It takes 3 1/2 - 4 hours to complete this basket made of popsicle sticks and glue.) On the left is a colorful basket under construction and on the right is a finished product. Notice the two different kinds of lids. You could paste your favorite picture on the inside of the lid or add your own creative ideas to embellish this thriftily made basket and do your own program.

Staff Profile

As you can see in Curt Beadell’s answers, he is a kaleidoscope of creative talent and that rare ability to view life from another’s “window”. You wonder why we have his baby picture? Well, we asked him to send his favorite picture of himself to include with this article and this is it. He was a beautiful baby and he is an interesting guy.

Q: As a Teen Librarian your Model the Way award was based mostly on adult programs. How did you plan and execute both teen and adult programs so successfully?

A: The Adult Book Club was probably the easiest to implement since the adults came to me asking if there was a book club. However, it did take several months to get everyone together and start the club. The attendance of each individual varies from one month to the next but each meeting has 10-12 who participate. The Chess Club stemmed from the increasing number of patrons who checked sets out at the reference desk. Attendance varies from 5-20 including a local chess club that drops in occasionally to challenge new players. The other programs that work successfully were inspired by community activities that indicated the library would be a suitable site for not only finding one more place to enjoy a cultural outlet but also to meet others with a similar interest.

Q: What previous experience has helped you most with your current responsibilities?

A: My experience as a paralegal was invaluable in working with a wide variety of clients. Multi-tasking and setting priorities helped in meeting deadlines that have at times been surprisingly challenging working in a library setting. My experience in the corps de ballet with a major ballet company gave me the opportunity to work with luminaries on the world stage. This magic translates to my daily work in the library. Within a short walk, I can find Piaget in the 100s, renew my acquaintance with Nureyev in the 700s or delve into the somber past with Elie Wiesel in the 900s.

Q: Keeping up with fast-paced teenagers is a challenge. How do you keep them interested and coming back to JPL?

A: Books. The circulation of teen books at Pablo Creek has been demanding on many levels so it is obvious that teens still go to the library for traditional purposes. Providing the reading material they seek for recreational purposes and for school requires constant attention. Teens also look to the library to complete required community service, so it behooves me to make those opportunities available to them in order to maintain their positive opinion of the library.

Q: Why is “Teen Librarian” a good fit for you?

A: My first career as a ballet dancer required me to work closely with teens even after I turned forty. I have been told it took me about 25 years to grow out of my adolescence because of the nature of that career so perhaps I still think like a teen.

Q: Have teens taught you anything special?

A: I have learned from teens that it is healthy to explore new interests in order to develop as an individual and lead a more satisfying life. When teaching ballet to teens, I watched with disappointment as talented students stopped taking classes in order to participate in sports or other artistic endeavors. Later, some returned and are now enjoying successful careers as dancers.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or movie of all time?

A: Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lady of the Lake.” The book and the silent film.

Q: What was outstanding about it?

A: Besides embroidering the history of Scotland with magical threads, the songs in this poem include “Ave Maria” and “Hail to the Chief.”

Q: What place in the world would you moist like to visit?

A: I have already been to most of the places I would like to visit. However, my wife would like to go to Australia and New Zealand so I guess that would be my priority.

South Mandarin Customers Like Book Clubs

South Mandarin Branch Manager Ed Murray reports that this fiscal year SOM has run a popular children’s book club for grades 3-5. Each club meets after school on first Wednesdays and features a movie tie-in the following Saturday morning. Titles have included The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tuck Everlasting, and Bridge to Terabithia. South Mandarin’s two adult book clubs meet monthly, with the first club specializing in fiction and some biographies, and the more recently-organized club focusing on mysteries. Both clubs have expanded to 10 members each, making the collection of reads for these expanding groups a challenge!

Northwest Library's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Northwest Branch Library celebrated it's 20th Anniversary yesterday. We thank you all for your support and generosity for making the event a success. Here are sample pictures from the event.
Click the post title for the slideshow.

Melonee Slocum Retiring After 23 Years

Melonee Slocum is well known to most JPL employees because of her wide range of service over 23 years. She worked in public service as a reference librarian, senior librarian and library supervisor, and as Manager of Murray Hill, Webb Wesconnett, and Northwest branch libraries. She also worked in Automated Systems (now ILS) as Circulation Systems Librarian and in Administrative Services as Administrative Librarian.

Over the past five years she has served as a member of the senior administrative team working as Executive Assistant to the Director and, most recently, as Manager for Strategic Initiatives. As a member of the administrative team, Mrs. Slocum was Project Manager for DESTINATION: next, the Strategic Plan, and the Capacity Plan. She chaired the Destination Leaders Team which works on strategic plan based service priorities, goals and objectives, and implemented the Balanced Scorecard. She worked closely with Barbara A. B. Gubbin and the Board of Library Trustees on policy, strategic communication, customer satisfaction, statistical trends and the budget.

Additionally, Mrs. Slocum served on various committees as a member of Beta Phi Mu International Library & Information Studies Honor Society, American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the Florida Library Association.

She has published in Library Journal, Florida Libraries, and most recently has contributed an article in a soon to be published book by Joe Matthews and Peter Hernon called Listening to the Customer.

Melonee and her husband, Phil, a retired JPL librarian, live on the Ribault River where they enjoy organic gardening, backyard birding, and thinking about fishing.

She has contributed so much to the library system that it is difficult to imagine JPL without her when she retires on April 8.

Melonee, all the happiness and contentment your heart and mind can hold are wished for you as you begin a new chapter of your rich book of life.

Northwest Library's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Come one, come all. Join the Bradham*Brooks Northwest's staff as we celebrate two decades of service to the Northside community with family programs and refreshments.

Door prize drawing for those who attend the event.

Pleases call the reference desk for more information. 904-765-5402.

We Can Do It!

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sent this picture of (L/R) LaTanza Sutton, Library Assistant, Linda Smith, Library Associate, Carolyn Woods, Library Clerical Service Supervisor, and Don Carpenter, Library Associate, celebrating Women’s History Month.

Noah and One of the Animals (not from the Ark)

Noah Thomas, Library Clerk at Argyle Branch, is commended by Librarian Chiquita Powell for her presenting her first Toddler Time program. Noah graciously stepped in and took over Toddler Time with a week's notice. She had 15 participants and all of the parents and children enjoyed storytime. Noah is a prime example of exhibiting teamwork and she is appreciated for all she does in the Children’s Department.

Pet Meals on Wheels Display at CW Is Big Success

Laurie Mills at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library reports that CW has had the largest number of participants and the most people donating to Pet Meals on Wheels of anywhere in the city. CW employees attribute their success to this display with a demure puppy that gets more response than a bark or a bite.

Kudos from Customers

BEACHES BRANCH: “I ... had EXCELLENT customer service from Terry Welch. I needed to know how to be able to read library books on my e-reader. She didn't just hand the sheet of directions and walk away. She took the time to go over it with me and explain where I would find things on the website and the reader. She made me feel confident that when I got home I could do it. ...”

MAIN – CHILDREN’S: "I wish to thank Jaime Sanborn and JPL for participating in Windy Hill's Literacy Week Parent Night … (This) enabled Windy Hill parents to attend workshops with teachers to help them prepare their children to be successful in … FCAT. To allow parents uninterrupted time with teachers, Jaime graciously presented children's stories and activities to the Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade students. Her outstanding expertise and professional demeanor reflect well on Jaime and JPL. …”

MAIN – TEEN DEPT.: “Keli Likins was extremely helpful in educating me about your e-books program and the Nook reader. She also helped me access online databases (for Consumer Reports) that I didn't know was available. She is a GREAT library employee and resource for the City!”

MANDARIN BRANCH: “I took my granddaughter to the toddler story time …The program was terrific and the librarian, David Foster, who led the event, was wonderful. David was patient, had a delightful manner, recognized the regulars and made an effort to learn the names of the newcomers and had a variety of songs, games, stories and activities for the children. What a fabulous program and a fabulous group leader.”

UNIVERSITY PARK BRANCH: “…Joanna Tuskey … is a very nice and caring person to my two grandchildren. …When she returned my call, I told her thank you and that I would call the next day on Saturday because it was going to be my granddaughter's birthday …Well, the next morning, Joanna called me to ask if I was coming in … and I told her yes. She told me she had something for my granddaughter for her birthday. When Sydeny and I arrived at the library, I asked to speak with Joanna. She came out with a balloon with the Disney princess on it and a small birthday cake of Dora; Sydeny loves Dora. My granddaughter was so happy; and I greatly appreciated her thinking of my granddaughter in such a special way. … I also would like to mention how much I appreciated Mina Figuerrez … for her professionalism and kindness …”

History, Art, & The Ramonda Flea Market

Pablo Creek Branch Manager Carol Bailey said their library is currently hosting a fascinating art display through the end of March called “The Ramona Flea Market: A Cornucopia of Culture.” Artist Tomas Vercher, pictured left, created photo collages depicting the wide variety of cultures represented at the weekend event, which is the oldest flea market in Jacksonville.

Northwest Library is Ready for Spring

Spring into the Northwest Library and grab a "bloomin" good book.

Why Is This Election Called a "Unitary" Election"?

This is a crucial time in our city government, and shortly we will vote on a new Mayor, 14 City Council and 5 City Council At Large members, as well as Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Supervisor of Elections, who will take office, July 1, 2011. Hopefully, you have registered to vote and will pursue information you need to make wise choices.

All of the March “Unitary” candidate information can be found at this website: duvalelections.com; under “Candidates and Committees”, select “Filed Candidates”.

We have listed websites for all the Mayoral candidates below to whet your appetites to explore.

Mayoral candidates who have appeared on local forums recently:
Alvin Brown—http://www.alvinformayor.com/
Warren Lee—http://winwithwarren.com/default.aspx
Mike Hogan—http://hoganformayor.com/mike-hogan-home.php
Audrey Moran—http://www.imwithaudrey.com/
Rick Mullaney—http://mullaneyformayor.com/
Steven Irvine—http://savingjax.com/

Other mayoral candidates who are qualified:
Andy Bryan--andybryan@comcast.net
David Crosby--davidformayor@bellsouth.net
Christopher Hills--mailto:Hills--cmahills@yahoo.com
James Moser--moser_james@yahoo.com

Early voting is open until March 20, 2011; sites and hours can also be found at duvalelections.com. Voting day is Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 7 am – 7 pm. This election is called “Unitary”—not primary—because it involves only our Consolidated City government (no State or federal candidates). Everyone who is registered from any party can vote for his/her choice, whether he/she is a Democrat, Republican, or has no party affiliation (NPA).

If a candidate gets 50%+1 in the final voting tabulation on March 22, 2011, that person is the outright winner and does not have to go to the general election, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, but will be named the outright winner. Otherwise, the top two from each or the same party will go to the general election. You can vote for any party candidate, March 22, and in the general election, May 17, 2011.

Your vote IS important!

Children's Chapter for Years 3-8, March 19

Early literacy is a priority with JPL, the JPL Foundation, the Duval County Public Schools, which the Foundation partnered with for this year's Children's Chapter, and Target stores, this year's presentor.

Children's Chapter is one of the most popular segments of the JPL Foundation's annual literary event, Much Ado About Books. It will be held at the Main Library, Conference level, 9 am-1 pm, Saturday, March 19, 2011, and focuses on ages 3 - 8.

Sponsor dollars will support JPL's ongoing programs, and organizations interested in sponsoring this free event, can contact Diane Brunet-Garcia at dbrunet@brunetgarcia.com or (904)346-1977.

Guest authors feature Natonal Book Award Recipient, Kimberly Willis Holt, Piper Reed Navy Brat; Catherine Burkee, Me and Green; Jane Wood, Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess, and Buried Treasure; Dr. Robet MeLosh, Swat; and Dr. Katie Monnin, Teaching Graphic Novels.

These authors, booths with crafts, educational activities and book readings at Children's Chapter promise an intriguing lineup for families.

JPL Has a History of:

The Friends of JPL are holding their Annual Spring Author Luncheon at noon, April 13, 2011. Jacksonville's own Dr. Wayne Wood will speak on "The History of the Jacksonville Public Library" at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Boulevard. Admission is $25 and you are requested to RSVP by April 11 to the BOOKtique, 630-2304, or email: sfutch@coj.net. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. Please mail checks to: BOOKtique, 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, or indicate you will pay at the door.

Good cuisine, beautiful venue, and those who have heard Dr. Wood's presentations know he is an interesting speaker and, for sure, he has a good subject to address. Hope to see you there!

Kids' Collages = Great Display at Mandarin

Children learned about the artist Romaire Bearden and created collages during the Tune In Tuesday program on February 1, presented by Shivon Rockward, Library Associate at Mandarin. Shivon also created a display using collages with information about the artist. As you see, Shivon has a good concept of color and balance, resulting in a display that drew a lot of attention.

Much Ado at Mandarin

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin is obviously proud of JPL staff and submitted this upbeat report: You could say that Start Here.Go Anywhere is the way to describe Mandarin Library Associate Linda Smith (left). She started February with a bang and away she went. Along with Library Assistant Donna Peretzman from Main, she presented Overdrive and Beyond Training for the E Collection, she organized the AARP free tax assistance, served as the Early Voting liaison for the branch, scheduled the Tai Chi Gung classes (attendance of 134 for the month), set up the JEA Energy Workshop (40+ in attendance), moved the paperback spinner collection to the regular collection, assisted with creating the new Romance and African American Fiction Collections, worked circulation, answered reference questions right and left, checked out laptops, hosted a movie presentation in conjunction with the Deadly Medicine Exhibit, created not one but two displays (African American Month display at left) for the month and covered book drop on the Presidents Day Holiday. What a month and what an employee!