Spring Thing 2011

Amber Holley submitted this account of the first and very successful "Spring Thing". (Pictured left is Barrett King, Deputy Director, Financial Management, and an unidentified staff member.):

It was a fantastic evening on Friday night, April 29, when about 90 JPL staff members enjoyed an evening of games, food, live entertainment, and fun at the Staff Development Committee’s First Ever Spring Thing.

Kathleen Brunner entertained us with a lovely flute solo. Kema DeSagrada amazed us all with her yoga expertise. Cathy Currier impressed us with the short horror film that she produced called The Attack. Eric Simmons’s band, Formatta (right, below), had the whole library rocking, and treated several audience members to free copies of one of their CDs.

We were treated to a terrific Tidbits picnic dinner that included some of the best potato salad ever. We enjoyed Cindy Chism's delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Amber Holley made some of her world famous homemade cookies and Mia Brack scored with some very colorful marshmallow treats. Katie Holmes, Diane Alexander, and Jamie Sanborn brought some of their favorite cookies to share with everyone. Hazzel Sutton treated everyone to fantastic chicken wings and a lovely cake.

Other notable distinctions from the evening include:
· Best Paper Airplane Design and Flight: Michael Sullivan
· Bravest Karaoke Performance: Mark Hohnadel
· Best Tabletop Flower Decorations: Laurie Mills
· Best Ping-Ponger: Barrett King
· Most Underrated Event that Was Truly Spectacular: Coffee and Cookies in the courtyard.

It was truly an evening of fun activities and good times with co-workers that we just don’t get to see enough. If you missed out on the on the fun, don’t despair. Start planning now to attend the Holiday Extravaganza Staff Party!

Hooties Award Winners!
· Most Likely to make you Feel like a Million Bucks-- Margo Crafton
· Most Likely to Charm the Grumpiest Customer-- Ron Block
· Most Likely to Talk to Puppets-- Eve Harm
· Most Likely to tell it like it is-- Gretchen Mitchell
· JPL Unsung Hero-- Cranston Burney
· Most Likely to Suffer a Breakdown if they catch a customer shelving a book-- Janet Ducat
· Most Likely to Shush You-- Pat Morrison
· Most Likely to Throw a Staff Party at the Drop of a Hat-- Stephanie Harley
· JPL #1 Fan-- Ron Block
· Most Likely to Crack Up Co-workers-- Linda Smith
· Most Likely to Forgive a Fine for a Sob Story—Howard Williams

Southeast Branch Staff Are Just Kids at Easter

The third annual Southeast Regional Library Employee Easter Egg Hunt was held April 26 and April 27 before the Library opened. Full and part time employees, as well as volunteers, made up the egg hunting horde. They warmed up their speed walking techniques in other parts of the library and then all lined up on the starting line to begin their treasure hunt. On the sound of the popular children’s song ”Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail”, they took off to search among the book stacks, toy center, puzzle collection, and stuffed animals for the hidden treasures—plastic Easter eggs stuffed with candy. One hundred eggs were hidden in the Children’s Department each day.

Winning the prize for most eggs found on the first day was Cathy Smith with 18 eggs, and Ralph Henderson on the second day with 24 eggs. The Grand Prize, a golden Easter egg, was found on the first day by Liz Kellerman, and then by Crystal Kadkhodaie during the second hunt. For this feat they were awarded the coveted prize of a PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATE BUNNY.

The traditional Easter egg hunt came to us from Germany. Finding the colored eggs is supposed to bring good fortune and cheer for the rest of the year. They hope that comes to pass!

Pictured upper right is Kathy Smith, P/T Shelver, holding up one of the blue eggs she found, helping her to achieve the title of egg finding champion of the first day. Also, pictured above left is Randy Mapano, Library Associate, and Nicole Rivera, a volunteer, counting eggs and relaxing after an exhaustive search.

Northwest's Youngest Visitor of the Day

Northwest Branch Library: 6 weeks old, Trinity Stewart,is the youngest visitor of the day. Welcome to the library, Trinity! (You're never too young to visit the library.)

Webb Wesconnett Staff and Kids Have Fun

Staff help keep enthusiasm high at Webb Wesconnett's two Easter programs. "Bunnies" are, L/R Vickie Leonard, Patricia Turner, Merkris Boado, Carol Bunker, and Marina Gnida.

The second Easter program in the afternoon entertained school age kids with a party at 3 pm, April 20, and 65 kids enjoyed a movie, candy, and Easter games.

Is this good customer service, or what!

Kids at CW Enjoy a Happy Easter Program

Eighty people attended an Easter program for 5 and under preschool children at Webb Wesconnett, 11am, April 20. Mia Brack, Librarian, held a storytime and Laurie Mills, Library Associate, led all the games and Easter Egg hunt.

No problem if anyone forgot his/her Easter basket; plenty of bunny bags were available (brown bags with two big eyes on each bag--some looking up, or down, or sideways--and long pink ears attached to the top of the bags.)

Lots of healthy food and some goodies, too, were provided for this enthusiastic crowd.

Campbell & Johnson Honored by Library Board of Trustees

As recently reported, Belinda
Campbell (38 years!) and Kathy Johnson (31 years!) planned to retire April 29, and the Library Board of Trustees honored each of them with their own personal Resolution at the Board's April 21 meeting. A copy of these Resolutions will become part of the permanent record of the Library Board of Trustees Minutes.

Each Resolution commended these two exemplary employees on their individual accomplishments during their long tenures of outstanding service.

Belinda (left) and Kathy are pictured in front of the new "Imiagination Squared" exhibt with their bouquets of flowers, which were also presented to them.

It won't be the same without you, ladies.

Edible Books at Beaches Branch

A new idea evolved into an interesting program developed by Library Associate Sharon Whitt at Beaches Branch, April 23. An Edible Books contest was held and Sharon prepared a book display and invited all library customers to participate in the judging of the sweet creations baked by entrants.

First place winner was "Where the Wild Things Are". Second place winner was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and 3rd place was "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."
Beaches Branch Manager Pat Doyle gives all the credit to Sharon Whitt, pictured here with one of the entries, for the success of this fun program, and as you can see by the pictures, some novel works of edible art were produced.

Customers enjoyed voting, chatting and nibbling refreshments and a good time was had by all.

Kudos from Customers

Main Library – Children’s: “Yesterday I attended a story time and tour of the Main Library with the kindergarten class .... (I am a parent of a student.) I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the experience and how amazing the library personnel were. Miss Laura (Minnich) did an incredible job with the story time...her book & song selections, enthusiasm and energetic personality captivated the children and provided them with a fabulous library experience. And Mr. Josh's (Jubinsky) library tour was wonderful—informative, funny, interactive, and perfect for the age group. I just want to thank the Main Library for allowing us to visit and I commend these two individuals for making this such a positive, memorable library experience for the children!! Thank you so much!!”

Main Library - Reference & Periodicals: “I am very happy with the services that I receive here. The computer classes are great. Theresa Rooney is a great person and teacher, and Karen Deas is a very sweet person and patienct person. I really enjoyed the computer classes and keyboarding classes.”

Mandarin Branch: “David Foster is an outstanding worker at the Mandarin Branch Library. If his branch doesn't have a book, he continues to search until he finds and gives suggestions.”

South Mandarin Branch: “Patricia Dowdell is a librarian in the children's section. She is always so kind and helpful. ...My son left his book report book at school and he had not finished reading it yet. He needed to take an AR test on the book the very next day. Mrs. Dowdell searched high and low to find the same book. She was a life-saver !”

Webb Wesconnett Branch:: “Sandra Lockley, an employee at the Westside library, made my experience a very enjoyable one. She was very courteous and knowledgeable. She directed me to resources I never knew a public library possessed.”

Two Employees Log 69+ Years As They Retire

Belinda Campbell, Library Assistant in Support Services, left, has 38+ years logged with JPL, having worked 30 years of that time in the former Art and Music Department at the old Main Library. She was honored as Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of FY2010 and was the subject of the January 2010 "Staff Profile". She is known for helping fellow employees with work-related information and instruction and she says, "Having a positive attitude is the key to achieving everything." (We agree, Belinda.)

Kathy Johnson, Library Assistant, has been with JPL 31+ years. She first worked for the library through the Summer Youth Employment Program at age 16--working 40 hours a week. After high school, she worked at Eugene Butler High School and Florida Community College before being hired full time at Regency Square Branch in 1980. Kathy has also served at Highlands, Eastside, Bradham Brooks Northwest and JPL's HR, Payroll, and Tech Services departments. She is pictured with the Mayor, Carolyn Williams, and Michael Sullivan (far left) when she received her 30 year service pin.

Both of these ladies will retire on April 29 and will be recognized by Library Board Chair Jim Selzer and Library Director Barbara Gubbin for their service at the Library Board meeting, April 21. They have been loyal and contributed no small amount to the success of the Jacksonville Public Library.

Thank you, Belinda and Kathy. You will be sorely missed.

Seeing Red at Southeast Regional Library

April 16 was designated as Red Shirt Day at Southeast Regional. Friday, at closing time, employees decided to wear red shirts the next day. If you visited Southeast Regional this past Saturday and happened to notice all the “red,” now you know what was up. Pictured top row (L/R) are Ananth Subramanian, Circulation Clerk; Joyce Myllykangas, Circulation Clerk; Curious George, participant; Anita Haller, Senior Children’s Librarian; Mary Smith, PT Shelver. Pictured bottom row (L/R) are Alan Clark, Adult Reference Librarian; Barbara Hughes, Library Assistant; and Marela Cajic, PT Circulation Clerk.

Cambodian New Year Celebrated at Webb Wesconnett Branch

Cambodia's New Year, called Khmer, was celebrated at Webb Wesconnett Branch, April 14, with a program featuring crafts,
dancers in native dress, ethnic food and a short film. The film was shown to about 42 attendees, who learned about Cambodia and its customs.

Jessica Serrano, Library Associate and head of the Teen department, put this entertaining and educational program together. She also prepared pork egg rolls for customers and staff to enjoy.

Director Gubbin's Town Hall Meetings, April 26, 27 & 28, 2011

Library Director Barbara A. B. Gubbin will hold three Town Hall meetings soon, which she always encourages employees to attend and be informed about current events and future plans and developments that will affect JPL and the City.

All Town Hall meetings will be held from 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm:

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - Live at Main Library, Room MP-1, Conference Level, & broadcast to Pablo Creek and West Regional Branch Libraries

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Live at Main (same room) & broadcast to South Mandarin and West Regional Branch Libraries

Thursday, April 28, 2011- Live at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch Library - No broadcasts are planned.

Jim Selzer, Board Chair, Kicks Off National Library Week

April 10-16 is National Library Week and Jim Selzer, Chair, Library Board of Trustees, pictured left, kicked off our special week in the Zimmerman Overlook at the Main Library on Monday.

He gave an eye-popping review of the value of JPL's staff and services to over 5 million visitors in one year. Some of the statistics he quoted: 68% of Duval County residents have a JPL card. (Yet the library makes up only 3% of the City's budget.)

Volunteers contributed 30,867 hours to JPL. Library customers saved $100 million+ last year borrowing JPL materials rather than buying them. Children spent over 5 1/2 million minutes on library computers, and 163,324 area children and teens attended JPL programs last year, representing nearly the entire youth population of Duval County. Last year, residents used JPL every 1.5 seconds and librarians answered 1,050,872 reference questions.

Mr. Selzer pointed out that JPL has contributed greatly to the economic welfare of Jacksonville in that its computers have allowed many to search online for jobs and email resumes--not to mention the personal service JPL staff gave when needed.

Additionally, more than 12,000 people received job training and placement services through WORKSource at JPL locations since late 2009. Almost 44% of those who received WORKSource services found employment.

Notably, combined attendance of 1,640,772 at Jaguars, FL-GA, Suns, Giants and Sharks games must bow to the fact that 3 times more people visited our libraries last year!

As Mr. Selzer closed his speech, he encouraged everyone to support the Jacksonville Public Library, contact their elected officials, and then welcomed Councilman Dick Brown (pictured right above) to the podium. CM Brown read a Resolution by the City Council in recognition of National Library Week and acknowledging JPL's many contributions to this community. The framed Resolution was presented to Mr. Selzer for JPL.

Wally Bowden's poster for JPL's celebration of National Library Week was a big hit and Mr. Selzer placed it "front and center" for this occasion. A copy of it is included here, if you would like to print a copy.

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.