New Gadget on JPL Staff News Blog

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After 36 Years Deborah Daniels Retires

Deborah Daniels, Library Assistant in Cataloging, first worked in Circulation, then--among other duties and long before computers came to JPL--was charged with filing two inches in the card catalog before the doors opened to the public each day. She also worked in ILL briefly, moved to Acquisitions (now Technical Services), and later back across the room where she learned how to use the computer and where she is now cataloging juvenile books. Ms. Daniels says, "I have enjoyed every day I have worked at JPL. I have met many friendly faces and most of them have become my family. I thank God for blessing me to have worked 36 years and some months at JPL. I will miss faces, the work site, and of course, MY BABY BOOKS."

We will celebrate her many years at JPL on Wednesday, June 8, 12pm - 2:00pm, at the University Park Branch Library.

Your familiar face will be missed, Deborah Daniels. We all wish you the very best in your retirement and thank you for your 36 years of faithful service.

What's Happening at San Marco Branch

Michelle Petrin, Children's Librarian at San Marco Branch, is good at keeping kids interested and coming back to her programs. She reports that “Family Preschool Storytime” (left), May 25, had 28 in attendance.

A silk purse from a sow's ear--well, maybe--but who would have thought a purse could be made with duct tape trim? But duct tape crafts were a big hit at the “Teen Connection” program held by Eve Harm, SS's Teen Librarian, April 7, and 17 attended.

Two Graduates at WBK

A celebration was recently held by Westbrook Branch Library employees to honor Beatrice Kungu (pictured left), who received her A.S. degree in Legal Studies from Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Pamelia White, who graduated with an A.S. in Medical Assitantance from Jones Colllege.

Congratulations to Beatrice and Pamelia from all of us in JPL.

Engaged In Present & Future Success

Ms. Jaime's Preschool at the Library is a successful interactive story time program taught by Jaime Sanborn, Library Associate Senior in the Main Library's children's department. This class typically serves 10-20 children at 11 am each Wednesday and has a strong focus on early literacy and foundational life skills. Classes are designed to appeal and engage children ages 3-5, who participate in song, movement, stories and activities. Themes mirror curriculum covered in Voluntary Pre-K classrooms in Jacksonville. Ms. Jaime's programs include topics such as seasons, special events, good health, family, character, safety, animals, language concepts, etc.

This program helps acclimate students to the structure and environment of real school and gives them a preliteracy foundation. Children learn six preliteracy skills: oral language development, emergent writing and comprehension, phonological awareness, letter/sound knowledge and print concepts. Additionally, children are introduced to life skills such has problem solving, responsibility, patience, friendship and many more. Initiated three years ago, parents' and children's enthusiam and appreciation of this learning opportunity have not waned.

Jaime Sanborn is also a Certified School Library Media Specialist and holds her MLIS in Library and Information Science specializing in School Library Media.

5th Annual Star Wars at Mandarin Branch

The 5th Annual Star Wars program, planned and coordinated by David Foster, Children's Library Assistant, will be held 3-4:30, Saturday, May 28. It is a popular family event and this year's theme is "Star Wars: Light Sabers @ the Library". The participants will customize their own light sabers, create other crafts, interact with a miniature Yoda and R2-D2, and share their enthusiam and love for all things Star Wars! So, if you're not working and can join the other enthusiastic customers, come on out.

It's Been "Cool" & It'll Be "Hot" at Highlands Branch

It's "cool" this spring at Highlands Branch and summer plans are "hot". Children, Tweens, and Teens are and will be busy. Besides the growing Anime Club and the regular story and play times, Teen Associate Eva Newton has been busy working with the Teens on various projects. For Mother's Day, Eva and about a dozen teens made baskets from popsicle sticks for their moms.

For the Teen Fit Program, Petty Officer Akido Newton led eight teens in some basic physical fitness--push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises--in the bright sunshine of May 17th on their library lawn.

Anime Club is busy with WWII, movies, and projects like Tie Dye. Children's Associate Beverly Mason has been doing crafts with the kids each week, including a patriotic eagle and a springtime ladybug that would make the worst grump smile, all while planning special summer programs. The children's department will be having crafts, movies, and special guests every week this summer. Eva has a long list of special Teen programs for the summer, and Teen Tuesday will be held May 31 and host teens with Wii Dance! Do You! (Michael Jackson the Experience and Just Dance 2 for Wii, open to teens, 12-18, from 3-5 pm. )

Highlands kicks off their Summer Reading Program, 1 - 3 pm, June 10, beginning their worldly travels with international music and dance, including an informational presentation and dance performance by Laurie Johns of the Spanish Cultural Society. Donna Thomas, Branch Manager, said all teens, ages 12-18, can sign up for Summer Reading there.

Kudos from Customers

JPL, Conference Center, & CR & Marketing: “Thank you for again hosting AARP Tax-Aide sites at 9 library locations. JPL joins Tax-Aide as a partner in the United Way led Real$ense Prosperity Campaign of Northeast Florida, and each year you and I join forces to help moderate and lower income Jacksonville citizens with their federal tax returns. We're a great team. …I can’t say enough good things about the support received from Mitesh Sangani and Lisa Buggs. Each of them was extremely supportive, and I could not do my job without them. Thank you for allowing me to work with Mitesh and Lisa. Each year brings new challenges, and with your support, we'll work through whatever operating issues that come about for 2012. I really do value your support and friendship.”

JPL: “I am writing to commend a member of your staff, Denise Kirkland-Thomas, on her wonderful presentation to our Family Learning Circle parents. Family Learning Circle is a partnership between the United Way of Northeast Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Duval County. The program is in six child care centers on the Westside of Jacksonville. This program is a one year pilot; the goal is to improve and increase school readiness for the children whose parents are in the program. … Many of them for the first time heard that books should be kept where children can reach and explore them. Many of these parents expressed they did not allow their children to handle the few books they had for fear the books would be torn. Ms. Kirkland-Thomas quickly resolved that fear by providing practical solutions to obtaining affordable books and teaching children how to care for them. … Her presentation, demeanor, sense of humor and real understanding of some of the financial issues won over these parents and every single one applied for a library card. In closing, I would like to thank you for having such a well prepared, knowledgeable professional on your staff and for providing such a vital service to our most vulnerable population. This presentation was very well received by parents; they ranked Ms. Denise at the very top of all presenters. I am happy to know that our city provides such a service and wish many more parents could receive this vital information to help prepare our children for school and for life. My very special thanks, sincere appreciation and commendation for a job well done!”

Main – Children’s: “(in reference to Preschool at the Library) Great Program! Wonderful resource for our children! Ms. Jaime (Sanborn) was great with the children and has a wonderful voice. “

Mandarin Branch: “…I searched your database for a child's DVD and saw … it might be at the Mandarin branch. As it is over a 30 minute drive for me, I called to confirm that the DVD actually was there. I talked with the library assistant David Foster. What a delight! He was so cordial and helpful on the phone. When we arrived, he greeted us warmly and assisted us in locating some more materials. I remembered him from a musical teaching group for preschoolers that were held at the same branch a couple of summers ago. … He is genuine and really cares about people, especially children.”

San Marco Branch: “This is a comment in praise of one of your employees. Michelle (Petrin) at the San Marco Branch heads up the children’s department and is the lead of story time on Wednesday mornings. Since she has been the lead, the San Marco branch has come alive with children. My daughter is there every Wednesday with her grandmother. Michelle exhibits such a caring and upbeat attitude. She is a natural at getting the kids involved. She introduces new things to the kids every week and always has some sort of an art project to go along with her daily theme. She even knows all the children's names! She is such an engaging lead in the children's department of San Marco - and we, along with the many others that are there every week, love attending her story hour as she engages all the children getting them excited about participating. You have a great employee that is really adding a rich experience for kids. I hope she is always part of the San Marco branch - everyone looks forward to library time every week!”

Staff Profile

Carolyn Woods, Mandarin Branch Clerical Services Supervisor, is a familiar face to most of us. She and her staff received the Team Award for the 2nd quarter (January – March 2011), thanks to her then Library Supervisor Lynne Baldwin’s nomination. Ms. Woods has been credited with being instrumental in teaching employees how to drastically reduce cash handling errors and materials not being checked in properly, and for providing more up-to-date, efficient internal and external customer service. Circulation has also increased at KR due to their team efforts.

Q: You have been a Library Clerical Services Supervisor for 20+ years—ten of which were at the Main Library and before you transferred to Mandarin Branch a couple of years ago. You no doubt have learned some things that would benefit JPL staff. Would you share a couple of points with us?

A: I strive to always provide the best customer service. Most of our customers are pleasant. If someone gets upset, I don’t take it personally. I know that the next customer will be nice.

Q: What have you found most challenging and/or rewarding about being a Library Clerical Services Supervisor?

A: The most rewarding thing for me is being able to solve a long standing problem that a customer is having and see him/her leave with a smile.

Q: How have self-check and downloadable materials affected you and your circ staff at Mandarin Branch?

A: It lets us know that changes are coming and we should always be ready and prepared for changes by keeping up with JPL’s new Policies and Procedures. Since self-check came to the Mandarin Branch, our customers have been well pleased with the machines. They don’t have to wait in long check-out lines, and the self-check machine frees staff to take care of other customer requests in a timely manner.

Customers are very happy that we have materials that they can download to their new toys.

Q: What is special about your circ team, Latanza Sutton, Eric Cusaac, David Jones, Josh Santiago, Tammy Hilbert, Lisa Veal, Pamela Sherrer, Siu Yam, and Cheryl Gilmore?

A: They work as a team and always in one accord. If a team member is absent, another team member is always willing to fill in and complete the task. No matter how small his or her role may seem, everyone’s job is vital to providing great customer service. For example, part-time clerks put books back in their proper places on the shelves. Without them doing their job well every day, our customers would not be served in a timely manner. I could not do my job without my capable staff. Having a good team makes my job easier.

Q: What is the most memorable experience you have had dealing with staff or customers?

A: Seeing the smile on a child’s face when he/she gets their first Jacksonville Public Library card, then to see that child check out that first book at the self-check machine.

Q: Is there something most of us don’t know about you that you would share with us?

A: I have seven great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Q: Who was your favorite mentor, teacher, or professor and why?

A: My mother was my favorite mentor. She taught me how to earn the respect of others. She would always give me this advice: always greet people with a smile, take time to think and listen to what others have to say before speaking, and always be sure of your facts. This advice has served me well when I have had to deal with difficult situations.

Q: What is your favorite book and why?

A: I love mystery authors; however, my favorite book was given to me by Aquilla Stewart, one of my clerks at the Main Library. The name of the book is Oh No, Not Louise! written by Louise Holzendorf Burnam, one of my high school classmates. Louise came through a personal tragedy and survived with courage.

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.