Kudos from Customers

Bradham Brooks Northwest: “Ms. (Maude) Scott was fun. The children enjoyed her, as well as the teacher, Davi Harmon.”

Main Library - Genealogy: “… As I began my search of ancestry, I had no clue what to do or where to start. Mr. (David) Fuller was most helpful to me. He had such a pleasant attitude while assisting me. I felt embarrassed asking some of the questions but Mr. Fuller acted as if I asked all the right questions. He is a great asset to this department. I am sure that you know this. As a patron of the library I just want to give accolades where due. I really appreciate all of the assistance that I received from him. I felt like he went over and beyond to get me started with my genealogy studies. Please tell Mr. Fuller that he's a jewel in that department and thanks so much for his assistance.”

Main Library – Reference & Periodicals: “…I was pleasantly surprised at the level of customer service I received from one of your employees, Mr. (Jason) Enoex. Despite being deluged by phone calls and other customer requests, he personally directed me towards the legal aid section…. Mr. Enoex also took the time to inform me of other possible legal resources I had not considered to that point including LegalZoom, the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Office, and the Law Library next to the Duval County Courthouse. His thoroughness and professionalism were outstanding and second to none. … ‘

Mandarin Branch: “I loved the Overdrive class @ Mandarin. Presenter (Donna Peretzman) was very good.

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “Big props to Ms. Mia (Brack), the best children's librarian ever!!! I am off to story time with my 3 excited grandsons. This is one of the highlights of their week. I have not been able to read enough books to this week to satisfy them as they prepare to show her their summer reading lists. You are lucky to have such an accomplished employee on your staff.”

History in the Making in Talking Books Dept.

All JPL staff is not aware of changes in one of our critical departments, Talking Books, so this update and encouragement for JPL staff to talk up TB services to our customers.

Jerry Reynolds, Librarian Senior, Talking Books (TB), pictured left, reports that TB’s conversion to digital service is progressing well. Braille and Audio Reading Downloads (BARD) are being added daily. JPL’s customers have enjoyed this upgrade over the last few months and appreciate features of the digital TB machine with few reported problems. Still there are customers who have not received digital Talking Books and via TB’s newsletter, "The Insight", they are being encouraged to contact TB for this service. (Production of new books on recorded cassette ceased late last year, and all new titles are now only available on digital cartridge or BARD download.)

Customers can still receive TB on cassette during the digital transition period because the majority of the collection is only available on cassette. Customers can’t buy or keep existing TB on cassette because they are the property of the Library of Congress and need to be returned when customers are finished with them.

In the past few months TB services have been extended to institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools and others that request this service. If not currently registered, the individual responsible for TB service at the institution can call JPL’s Talking Book Department, 630-1999, to request TB service.

Spread the word when you get the chance. You may just help someone live a fuller, richer life.

Reading & Peace Central to South Mandarin's Summer Programs

South Mandarin Branch's Summer Reading Program (SRP) is proving to be a whopping success. Ed Murray, SOM's Branch Manager, reports that 478 registered for this program and 3,462 books were checked out, June 1-July 15.

To celebrate the "One World, Many Stories" theme, they are displaying how much has been read by having readers place a bead strand in their "globe" for every book read. The globe is almost full! Kids love to see how full the globe is getting each week when they visit the library.

South Mandarin's School Age Program series has been successful as well. Every Tuesday afternoon, a variety of presenters and activities are enjoyed by school age children. Their first program on June 14 kicked off the summer. One hundred kids and adults participated in their "Peace Banner" art craft by writing or drawing what peace means to them. A list of the word "peace" in different languages was provided, and some of those words made it to the banner! The peace banner is now displayed in the children's room. (Click on any of the pictures to get a larger view.)

Ice Cream Social Draws VIP's for Beaches Branch 25th Anniversary Celebration

Pat Doyle, Beaches Branch Manager, gives this report of their 25th Anniversary celebration, Saturday, June 9:

"Virginia Maxted, President of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library, pictured center right below, really enjoyed the Ice Cream Social . She brought and displayed several scrapbooks of photos and articles focusing on the library from when it was just a twinkle in the hearts and minds of the beaches citizens and on to more current times. Everyone enjoyed looking at them.

"In attendance were a number of people who were instrumental in having this library built. Margaret Smith, retired Administrative Supervisor, was on hand to emcee the program and give us a sense of the history. Children loved the balloon sculptures and the Italian ice from Rita’s was delicious and refreshing.

"Neptune Beach Mayor Harriet Pruette (photo on left above) presented and read a proclamation honoring the branch. Former CM Dick Brown presented and read a framed resolution in honor of the Beaches Branch. Current CM Bill Gulliford attended and spoke favorably about the branch. Library Director Barbara Gubbin spoke about the current state of JPL and hopes of where we may be headed. Deputy Director Carolyn Williams and Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel attended as well, as did Donna’s charming grandson, Paul, who was dressed in his Boy Scout uniform.

"It was wonderful having a room full of people (real people, not Facebook people) socializing and sharing comments and stories about the library."

Murray Hill Branch's Young Authors

Some of Jacksonville’s youngest authors visited the Murray Hill Branch and signed copies of their book, The Writing Express, which is a collection of these individual authors' stories, Saturday, July 9. The soon to be fifth graders from Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary and St. Clair Evans Academy were all smiles when reading their stories aloud. They proudly signed copies of their work at the end of the program. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Prindle House Publishing Young Writers Program.

This program was part of Murray Hill Branch's Summer Library Program and in keeping with the 2011 SLP theme, "One World, Many Stories."

Oceanway Express Officially Opens, July 9

On Saturday, July 9, the book lockers at Oceanway Community Center were officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony by Councilman Ray Holt, Library Director Barbara Gubbin, and others. Also attending from JPL were: Carolyn Williams, Deputy Director, Kathy Lussier, Assistant Director for Community Relations and Marketing, Donna Thomas, Highlands Library Supervisor, and Felecia Battle, Highlands Library Assistant. The Oceanway Express has been operating since June 15 and has already had over 150 books reserved. The Highlands Branch Library has been handling the day to day operations of the locker.

The event was covered by First Coast News, which can be seen here:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/210479/483/First-Automated-Library-System-In-Southeast-Opens-In-Oceanway

Friends of JPL Special Sale, July 9, at UPK

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of the JPL, reports their first Book Warehouse Sale, June 25, was a big success.

There is leftover inventory and a special sale will be held 9:00 am. - noon, Saturday, July 9, in the south end of University Park Branch Library where the Friends' warehouse is located. (Their warehouse is air-conditioned so people can enjoy every moment of shopping.)

Mr. Reagan said you can stuff a big grocery bag with audio/video (VHS tapes, books on tapes and records) for ONLY TEN BUCKS, $10, TEN DOLLARS!

Do come, if you can, and tell your customers, friends, and neighbors about this great opportunity.

Staff Profile

Ken McEnery began volunteering at San Marco Branch Library in 2007 and his wife, Linda, followed suit in 2008. When they retired, the McEnerys were interested in "giving back", and so they have in a commendable way. (For a larger view, click on this photo taken at Krka Falls in Croatia last December.)

The McEnerys are well known for their commitment to service. Once when they were coming back from vacation, their flight was delayed and they were scheduled to volunteer that day. Rather than cancel or excuse themselves, their then Volunteer Coordinator, Eric Soriano, reported that they came straight from the airport (luggage in hand) to the library and met their obligations. Their current supervisor, Lenora Stuckey, reports their outstanding service--for which we are most grateful--continues.

Q: : Why did you choose to volunteer at the Jacksonville Public Library?

A: We wanted to stay active in retirement and volunteer with a number of organizations. As longtime library users, volunteering at our local branch seemed an attractive way to give back to the community.

Q: What do you find rewarding about volunteering at San Marco Branch?

A: Even though some of the staff has come and gone since we began, we have always been treated as part of the San Marco Library "family". We have been challenged to do more than shelve materials and for the last few years we have processed reserves on the days we work.

Q: You train junior volunteers to fill in for you when you are away from San Marco Branch. Lenora Stuckey says you two have done an excellent job training them. How did you achieve this?

A: We explain what has to be done, let them observe us, and then let them actually do it themselves under our supervision until they are comfortable with the process.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Ken - no one favorite book but anything by James Patterson, Lee Child, David Baldacci and Nelson DeMille. Linda - no one favorite either, but all types of mysteries with selected sci-fi.

Q: We understand you like to travel. Tell us about the most intriguing place(s) you have visited and why we might enjoy it.

A: Last December we did a combination land tour and small ship coastal cruise that covered four of the six Balkan countries that at one time made up Yugoslavia. It was interesting to learn how each country handled independence and the civil war that followed the breakup and see the progress (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro) or lack of (Bosnia) each has made since then. The people are friendly, most speak English, and the area is both beautiful and varied--from the Alps of Slovenia to the breathtaking Adriatic coastline of Croatia and Montenegro containing the old walled cities of Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor.

Talking Books Presents

Talking Books has two movies planned for July in the Main Library Hicks Auditorium that you will want to promote with your customers:

• Thursday, July 7th - 10:30 a.m.: "Bedtime Stories" - movie with Closed Caption (for all customers - especially hearing impaired



• Friday, July 15 - 10:00 a.m.: "Despicable Me" - animated movie in described format (for visually impaired)

Music Club at the Main Library

Music Club is a JPL program series geared towards ages 8-12 (ages 6-14 are most welcome, too.) Tropic of Cancer, a group of musicians with a diversified sound, will be featured at the Main Library Auditorium, 4 pm, July 12. This group's name was inspired by the warm latitudes of Jamaica, West Africa, India, the Middle East and Latin America, which their instruments and much of their music reflect.

Kids are invited to come meet these musicians, learn about the band's "New World Lounge" sound of drums, percussion, vibraphone, saxophone, guitar and fretless bass, and play along on instruments the musicians will provide.

Read more about the program and preview some of the film shorts at jplmainchildrens.blogspot.com or call the Main Library Children's Department, 630-2417, for more information.

The Music Club program is held in the Main Library Auditorium the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 4pm. Spread the word!

6th Time for Bands Battle

Kaity Barrand, Library Associate Senior in the Main Library's Teen Department, has this to report on her first participation in the Teen Battle of the Bands! program, Saturday, June 25:

The Main Library got loud this past Saturday as 7 local teen bands rocked out and competed in our 6th annual Teen Battle of the Bands! Each band had a distinct sound, ranging from modern punk and electronica to heavy metal and classic rock-fusion. A lot of time-consuming planning paid off very well with the inclusion of a few new sponsors, highly enjoyable performances, and a new location- the multipurpose room versus the previously used auditorium. This space was more informal and really let our customers know about and enjoy the concert, as evidenced by that 360 attendance count!

As a relatively new member of the JPL team, I enjoyed collaborating with Keli Likins and Kathy Tekin on this project, and was honored to be responsible for so many details considering it was my first Battle of the Bands. I couldn't be more pleased with how it all turned out! Ultimately, this type of program emphasizes that JPL is a modern popular library with a large music collection, and which values and supports its local youth.

From a stafff perspective, it really goes to show how incredible JPL teamwork is! Without departmental collaboration, from Teen to CR&M to the Conference Center staff (and more, including Branches!), these Battles simply could not happen! Thanks to all who made this "Battle" a great victory for JPL. Rock on, everyone!

Mandarin Regional Branch Celebrates 25 Years

Over 500 people attended Mandarin Regional Branch Library's 25th Anniversary, June 15.

Barbara Gubbin, Library Director, spoke on this library's special relationship with the Mandarin community. Council President Jack Webb read aloud a Resolution recognizing and honoring the Mandarin Regional Branch Library. Margaret Smith, the Branch’s first manager. spoke about the library's rich history. Rabbi Joseph Hirsch spoke on the Jewish community’s appreciation of the branch library, and former Mayor Tommy Hazouri spoke on the importance of libraries to the community and for people of all ages.

Face painting and animal balloons were part of the celebration, and a big thank you goes to Eve Cowart Harm, San Marco Librarian, and Laurie Mills, Library Associate at Webb Wesconnet Branch, for providing activities in the children’s room.

Four gorgeous flower arrangements were sent by Lynne Baldwin, past manager of the branch, which everyone enjoyed.

Cake, popcorn, and punch were served while entertainment of folk songs was provided by Al Poindexter.

Kudos from Customers

Main Library – Children’s – Volunteer & Former Employee: Mrs. (Elaine) Kitchens did an excellent job in keeping or capturing the children's attention. Very interesting.

Main Library – Conference Center: “Will (Daniels), I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you what a pleasure you were to work with last Saturday night. Your team was very helpful. Thanks for all your great suggestions on the layout of the ceremony and reception areas. You were terrific. The bride was overall very happy with the evening.”

Main Library – Reference/Periodicals: “I would like to compliment Ms. Julie McNeil, Library Supervisor, who has been very warm and helpful with fairly technical problems involving research on several different occasions the last 2 years.”

Southeast Regional: “Anita (Haller) & Carisia (Rooney) exceeded my expectations. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for excellent use of our tax dollars.”

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “…I would like to say Ash and I enjoy the 2-5 and under programs ... We have been coming for almost 2 years now. Miss Laurie (Mills) has complete control and patience for all of her wonderful children.”

Summer Reading Kick-Off at Northwest

We had a good start here at the Northwest Library. We had 27 participants at the First Game Day Program. Zoofari program was well received with 87 attendees. In total, We have 71 registrations in just one day.

Go, Northwest!

Invitation to Mandarin Branch's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Cheryl Callavini, Mandarin Branch Manager, said that in addition to the public invitation, she wanted any past employees of Mandarin Branch, who can attend, schedule/supervisor permitting, to feel welcome to attend Mandarin Regional Library's 25th Anniversary Celebration, beginning at 11:00 am, June 15, 2l011.

Brentwood Enjoys Saturday Explosion

Success is spelled "Saturday Explosion" at Brentwood Branch Library. Denise Kirkland, Literacy Program Specialist, hosted a partnership of nonprofits and volunteers at Brentwood Branch, May 21, to benefit its community members. Brentwood Branch staff shared their lunch hour with participating nonprofit representatives, and they sent hot dogs to another branch library as an act of good will.

Community agency tables were set up in Brentwood Library’s parking lot where hot dogs, chips, lemonade and snow cones were served, and all enjoyed the DJ, Grill Master, who performed an impressive dance, including back flips and hand stands. Some enjoyed dancing in the streets. Lea's Place and The Well provided stations for crafts and children's games.

Most of Brentwood’s second floor became "Share Shop" where collected clothing—infant to adult sizes—was available for attendees. Several families left with a bag full of items for each family member. Melodie Dove with United Way sorted all the donations and was in charge of display. A grandmother and grand-daughter volunteered to pass out clothes. The day before the event, Kathy Suber used Lea's Place membership in Dignity U Wear to acquire brand new clothing and underwear. The underwear was packaged in sets and tied with a curly ribbon.

The Share Shop also gave people an opportunity to escape the heat and hear of coming events, including the Father-Daughter Dance (August 6), character building classes (July 23), etiquette and ball room dancing classes (July 30), as well as a slumber party for girls in the neighborhood, ages 4-16 (June 23).

Every child who attended was given a book and a "matching" stuffed animal. They were also encouraged to take a video or game (Lea's Place donations) to enjoy.

There were drawings for several door prizes; they were so popular, other "vendors" (ELC, Magnolia Project, The Well, United Way, Lea's Place and others) wanted to be included!

The total cost of this event was $30 for the DJ. All food, giveaways, prizes, supplies and equipment were donated, and over 100 community residents were served.

JPL and its "partners" solicited community engagement for upcoming events. Thus far, they have secured at least two new sponsors for outfitting girls for the Father-Daughter Dance and several girls have signed up to attend.

While most of the planning and organizing was done by JPL’s Denise Thomas, Kathy Suber (Lea’s Place), Melodie Dove (United Way), Nancy Dreicer (Florida Department of Children & Families), and the Brentwood community members were very involved.

Ms. Thomas also visited apartment complexes and community organizations to seek participation in this very successful community event.

All of you deserve a standing ovation.

Southeast Branch Kicks Off Its Summer Library Program

Lynne Baldwin, Manager of Southeast Branch Library, reports their Summer Library Program kicked off June 1. Besides Teen Anime Club, Pelin Hangul, their Teen Assoociate, reports that Southeast offers a Chibi drawing class for tweens as an introduction to Manga. Wednesdays are tween nights; Scrapbooking Club and Chibi Drawing Club rotate. Thursday is teen night and Southeast hosts the Anime Club and Movie nights every other week. Except for the Movie nights, all the programs are held 6:30pm-7:30pm. Movie schedules can be found at South East Branch Library Teens page on Facebook.

Staff Profile

Donna Peretzman, Library Assistant in the Main Library Popular/Fiction department, was presented two awards for the 2nd quarter (January – March 2011): Employee of the Quarter and Inspired a Shared Vision at the Library Board of Trustees meeting, May 12. These awards are based on her outstanding contributions towards educating customers and employees about using downloadable media.

Anticipating customer and staff needs, she requested and received JPL Administration approval for a program on downloadable (DLM) media.

She learned about “eBooks and more” technology, researched other libraries’ methods, and subsequently wrote instructions on how to download media. Then, due to growing popularity but scarcity of information, Mrs. Peretzman developed an educational program on DLM that has helped the public and JPL employees learn how to use it. Later, a committee was formed that will stay abreast of changes in downloadable media. (A clue to her drive might be found in the quote beneath her email signature, “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings” by Salvador Dali.)

Mrs. Peretzman has been interviewed by TV and press because her efforts have proven to be so successful in teaching people how to use DLM—from A to Z, in simple to follow steps.

Q: Anyone who has tried “interpreting” instructions tucked inside any equipment purchased today can appreciate the genius of clear instructions. You accomplished this for customers and staff regarding downloadable media. How did you go about developing instructions and a program on this new technology?

A: I usually “fly by the seat of my pants”, meaning I don’t read directions. I just jump in and push buttons. But, in planning a class on downloadable media (DLM) for the public, I took it step by step as if I had never used DLM, taking screenshots every time I did anything. This way I could show staff and customers all the steps needed to be taken from start to finish. This also showed everyone where problems happen and why they might happen. And, when JPL employees can see how/where problems might occur, they can help customers.

Q: What impact in use of DLM do you see at JPL as a result of your outreach programs, including interviews by press and TV?

A: I have seen more customers coming in or calling, asking about downloadable
media. Many customers have new “gadgets” but also love the library, so to be able to assist them with what the library has to offer has been very rewarding. I have also noticed more of my coworkers trying their hand at answering customers' questions. I will get emails from them saying, “I did it!” Then they tell me about the customers’ problems that they helped resolve – all without asking me!!

Q: You are recognized as the “go to” person to answer questions about DLM. Teachers usually learn more than those they teach. What valuable lesson(s) have you learned from all of this?

A: Keep your mind open and your ear to the ground. Changes in DLM are happening very fast right now. Some parts of the PowerPoint presentation I made earlier on are now outdated. Customers who have problems usually have tried till they want to scream; then they call for help. I suggest a deep breath, close everything down, and then start at the beginning. It’s OK to say “I don’t know” but add, “I will find the answer.”

Q: In your 20+ years with JPL, what is the most rewarding experience you have had working in the library?

A: I must say it's working in the Popular department. I am encouraged and supported to be creative with displays and programs. We are a great team; we all pull together. If someone needs more time off the desk for a program or project, we cover him/her, knowing that they will do the same for us when we need it.

Q: Tell us something you would like to share that most people would not know about you.

A: My mother was known for making afghans for the babies as they joined our family. When she died a few years ago, I took all of her yarn and now make the afghans. I use Mom’s yarn, even if only to add a heart or initials. This way her love is still passed on to future generations. In this “disposable” world, I like the idea of something being passed down through the generations, or L’Dor V’Dor (from generation to generation).

Above Donna is pictured with a blanket she just finished for her daughter. Sara.

New Gadget on JPL Staff News Blog

Scroll down and on the right you will see a new gadget that can be used to see Jacksonville area weather, The Florida Times-Union, Financial News and Daily Record, area gas prices, airport information, white page telephone directory, area maps by Google, traffic conditions, area Craigslist, urban Spoon, and Facebook. Enjoy!

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.