A Christmas Carol at CW

December 1 saw the first of a series of Christmas programs at Webb Wesconnett Branch.  Here you see a picture of Hampstead Stage Co. actors keeping the avid attention of the audience of 41 during the play, A Chistmas Carol.

Mrs. Claus Visits West Regional Branch

West Regional Library had a grand style celebration, December 21, hosting a holiday party for 40+ attendees.  They were treated with a storytime from Mrs. Claus, who borrowed Santa's sleigh for the long trip from the North Pole--just in time for this event. After storytime, everyone enjoyed a sing-along accompanied by Justin Keiser on the tuba. Then, kids of all ages made edible holiday trees and cards, gingerbread ornaments and candy cane reindeer. (Who didn't appreciate tasting the fruit of their labor?)  To top it off, partiers had one lucky stocking winner and everyone loved their present from the library: books of their own to keep.  (Inside tip: that's Eve Harm in the red outfit.  WST's Chris Cavan, in lavendar below, was charmed by Mrs. Claus' storytime, too.) 

Brown Eastside Branch Customers Spread Cheer

Eastside Branch brightened up their library with decorations. Two of their young customers added their talent and bright smiles to bring Christmas cheer and took time to pose for these photos. Patricia Brown (left) and Zaryuana Williams showed off their front desk decorations and Zaryuana stands beside the Christmas tree she and Patricia decorated. How's that for (heart) your library? 

Kudos from Customers

Main - Center for Adult Learning: “We would like, through the teacher, Florinda Martinez’s bilingual ability, to thank God that gave us the strength and desire to get to this great country. To all of the Center for Adult Learning employees that have taken a part, in one way or another, in introducing us to this society and learning the English language. ... Our most special gratitude to our teachers that have tended to us as students, as people and why not say it, as family. Thank you for being patient with us and for putting all of your effort into helping us. Happy Holidays! Hoping that next year will bring to all happiness and the required health to continue being who you are: EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS. ..."

Main - Interlibrary Loan: “Over the past two years I've been the beneficiary of the most conscientious, courteous and diligent service imaginable. I'm therefore taking this opportunity to write to let you know that Carolyn Hampton in Inter-Library Loans has been simply superb. … She's so excellent at tracking down articles for me and keeping me informed as to the status of her search. … When my book gets completed I will owe her a debt of gratitude that I could never repay. …”

Main – Reference & Periodicals: “I received excellent and very speedy assistance from Greg (Royce). He went above and beyond by emailing me an obituary from an archived paper. I am most appreciative and cannot thank him enough for his wonderful assistance and devotion to his job.”

Main – Teen Dept.: "Fashion – Origami Ring facilitated by Angela Gaines.  This program was nice and worth the time. I hope to have future programs similar. I had a good time."

Southeast Regional: “Anita Haller is wonderful! I enjoyed story time and can't wait to see and hear Anita again. She filled my heart with joy! She put a huge smile on my face and heart.”

State Senator John Thrasher Speaks at Southeast

Southeast Branch's Children's Department had a sensational Holiday Storytime on Saturday, December 17. State Senator John Thrasher, pictured right of the door, was the guest storyteller.  (Anita Haller, Librarian Senior, stands right of the window, decked out in red for the occasion.)  Library Board Member Christina Stallings was present to help get the popcorn ready for the 169 parents and kids in attendance. 

Lynne Baldwin, SE Branch Manager, said they were honored to have Senator Thrasher and Ms. Stallings' support.  Everyone enjoyed the stories, doing crafts, and refreshments. 

Councilman Don Redman Reads to Kids at the Main Library

City Councilman Don Redman shared The Mitten, by Jan Brett, with children on December 10 in the Children's Department of the Main Library.  This was part of the Festival of Trees program. About 25 parents and children listened to the story and then went to the art room for a related craft. Junior League volunteers helped the children decorate their own pair of felt mittens. CM Redman is the City Council representative for District 4, which includes the Downtown area. The children and parents enjoyed his reading and we really appreciate his participation and the volunteers who helped make this a successful event. 

E-Reader Class in January for Customers and Staff

Sandra Ostroski, Senior Librarian at the Beaches Branch, and Donna Peretzman, E-Specialist, will present an E-Book Tips program, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, at JB on January 11, 2012.  JPL staff, as well as customers, can pre-register by calling (241-1141) or staff can email Ms. Ostroski.  Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.  JPL staff can receive City training credit.  Staff should not register in the Time Management System.  Staff (and customers) must pre-register and staff must sign the sign-in sheet that will be provided by Ms. Ostroski at the program.  After this program, Ms. Ostroski will fax the sign-in sheet to Sara Radovic, JPL’s Training Coordinator, and she will see that each employee who completes this 1½ hour E-Book Tips program gets training credit.

Ms. Ostroski thought E-readers would be a popular gift this Cristmas and planned this class--another good customer service idea from our creative staff.

2011 Employee Survey Results

Here is the PowerPoint presentation made by Deputy Director Carolyn Williams today at the Library Leadership meeting at West Regional Library.  Library Director and Mrs. Williams encourage you to read the results of the Employee Survey (please click on link in blue) made this year, and if you have questions, please email Mrs. Williams.

Just In From The Friends of JPL Chair Nitya Iyer

Nitya Iyer, Membership Chair, Friends of Jacksonville Public Library, Inc., stated recently, "This year, we decided to bring our book sales home to our warehouse at the University Park Branch Library. These warehouse sales, held in June, September, and December, were a first for us, and judging from the enthusiasm we saw, they will certainly not be the last. With the proceeds from the sales, as well as the efforts of BOOKtique and the Saturday Morning Bookstore, we have donated $250,000 to the library in 2011."  She added that the Friends would not have been able to do that without the interest and support of Friends members.

A new year begins soon and Ms. Iyer invites all Friends members to renew their membershps and, if you have not yet joined the Friends, please consider doing so soon. Ms. Iyer said, "We look forward to continuing to promote public interest and support for the services and special needs of the Jacksonville Public Library."

Friends membershps for a year are:  $10 for student and senior; individual, $15; family, $25.  You can also volunteer with the Friends.  Please mail your check to Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Inc., 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Staff Profile

As Argyle Branch recently faced the possible loss of children’s programming staff and reduced programming options for preschoolers, Noah Thomas, Library Clerk, according to her branch manager, Amber Holly, “…took the initiative to ensure that AYL remains an important destination for those who are seeking quality preschool programming…” How did Noah do that? She sought preschool programming training, consulted with Susan Mankowski, JPL’s Early Education Specialist, JPL children’s librarians, and attended many preschool programs around the city. Ms. Holly says Noah knows the importance of providing programs that address all six critical areas of pre-literacy development and infused her training into a successful toddler program that she produces weekly. 

No wonder she won awards for the JPL Employee of the Quarter and Inspired A Shared Vision for the fourth quarter.

Q: What inspired your interest in preschool programs?

A: I was inspired to do preschool programs because I saw with my own two daughters how the concept of teaching them things at a young age has a tremendous impact on them. Children want to learn. They are so curious and we, as parents and teachers, must be willing to give them the tools to explore and opportunities to use their imaginations.

Q: How does preschool programming help prepare kids for first grade?

A: When children go to a preschool setting—apart from everyday surroundings—it exposes them to valuable life skills, which can only be found in this kind of environment. It also prepares them academically because they will be familiar with the content that is being taught in school. As a result, they will have a “jumpstart”, which is a building block for children, their teachers, and parents.

Q: What are the six areas of pre-literacy development that you have infused in all of your programs?

A: During my program, I try to offer (1) a variety of concepts for the parents and children to learn. To me, it doesn't matter the age of the child; (2) it matters how you present the skill. (3) When I introduce letters and numbers, we go over the sound and I use it in a word to show the children how it relates to something else. With our numbers, we count with our fingers and sometimes relate that number to something they can see or touch. The children in my program are a bit young (18 months – three years and most are younger than three) to write, (4) so I will sometimes write or draw whatever I am talking about so they can see it. (5) I always wrap it up by showing the parents books and coloring pages that I have prepared in relation to the lesson so that (6) teaching and learning can continue at home.

Q: Are there additional things you have learned that would help other staff improve preschool programs?

A: One thing I have learned while doing my programs is to just have fun. You must see yourself as a child all over again and look at things through their eyes. Everyone likes a special treat or something unique that will make the storybook come alive. I try to include a lot of hands-on items. That way the children will see and understand the story a lot better.

Q: What is your favorite spare-time activity?

A: My favorite spare time thing is hanging out with my two daughters. Whether we are going to the park or making up a game at home, that is where I find my joy.

Engendering Future Adult JPL Customers w/Engaging Kids Programs Today

On November 14, Tiger Scout Group, Den No. 5, met at San Marco Branch for a prearranged library tour, tiger-themed storytime and scavenger hunt.  The den leader sent a note afterwards to Youth Services Librarian Michelle Petrin, "I can't thank you enough for the wonderful evening you gave to the Scouts and us parents.  I can see that you put a lot of time into your preparation and I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it.  We all had a great time and I learned so many things as well.  I can clearly see that you chose the right profession!..."

Forty two children attended SS's Movie and Craft Afternoons in November.  School age programs included After School Music Club meet-ups, and their ASMC program consisted of several music activities and fun outlets for creative expression.  Family preschool storytimes and preschool craft themes for November included "Mind Your Manners", which included a table setting craft/activity, as well as a special Thanksgiving and "Winter Is Almost Here" storytime.

"Principal" Eve Harm Starts Her Day w/A Bang

There's always a way to promote JPL and bring something back from the community.  Eve Harm, West Regional Branch Librarian, reports a unique day's experience, November 7:  "I participated in the 2011-2012 Principal for a Day Event with the Duval County Schools. It is a program where community members are allowed to become a "principal" for a day. I was assigned to shadow a principal, Marie Antoine, at Whitehouse Elementary.

"Our day started with a bang. Literally. There was an accident in which a school bus was rear ended and the car drove away without stopping. Everyone was fine but just like us, they had a ton of paperwork to fill out. There were also parents to call, children to get breakfast and send to class and calls to the district to be made. It made for an interesting start of the day. But that ever changing day to day situations, I found out, was what Ms. Antoine liked best about her job.

"In addition to this incident, I also had the chance to sit in an observation, meet with teachers about changes in policy and procedure, tour the school, review the principal's very busy schedule and ask all sorts of questions. She also shared with me information about Read It Forward Jax to share with library patrons.

"Our day ended very much like it started with heading out to the bus loading area to make sure students left school safely. It was a truly enlightening and educational experience. I learned that, like us, they are dealing with major cutbacks in budget and, like us, they are still striving to do their best with less."

8th Fall Teen & Adult Poetry Jam - Let's Do THAT Again

What can a dozen performers, 56 attendees, and a few hard working staff do?  Create a real hit at the Main Library.  Mia Clark reports that the 8th Fall Teen & Adult Poetry Jam, October 1, was just that. On the staff side, Mia, Lisa Buggs, Joe Gaskin, and Keli Likins contributed their fair share to this success.  Lisa was responsible for finding the show host, Lydia Stewart of The Ritz, and Lisa kicked off the event, made the official introductions, managed the front stage, etc.  The new host kept the poet performers engaged and interactive with the audience with her smooth, seasoned style.  Joe came with prior Conference Center experience and his good technical skills were utilized in the sound room and behind the camera. He also assisted with the general set-up and break down. Mitesh Sangani arranged for the Poetry Jam to be held in the Hicks Auditorium and made sure it was ready for the event.  Good participation and attendance, positive program evaluations and verbal feedback resulted in JPL considering hosting this event quarterly.

You can view one of the teen participants, Jazmine, on this video; please click here:
http://youtu.be/DF6gn0CzvaQ

New JPL Interlibrary Loan Procedures at 12/5/11

ILL's new manager, Jerry Reynolds, thought it would be a good idea to give JPL staff a heads-up on the new ILL policy and procedures that will be listed in a leaflet (copied below) that Wally Bowden is preparing for distribution.  JPL cardholders will soon be able to pick up this leaflet at all JPL locations and everyone should use the procedures listed below as of December 5, 2011.  (An abbreviated outline of the new procedures was given in Administrative Supervisor Ava Barrett's Novembaer 28, 2011 email.)  Florida Navigator can be accessed at: http://floridanav.worldcat.org/ 

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) offers Jacksonville Public Library cardholders in good standing the opportunity to request and receive materials that are not owned by the library. Through Interlibrary Loan, you have access to the circulating book collections of library systems in Florida, as well as universities and public library systems throughout the United States. Through ILL, cardholders can also request photocopies from books and periodicals that are not owned in JPL’s collections and databases. ILL services are available to anyone holding a valid JPL card. Interlibrary Loan services are not available to JPL e-Card holders. Requests for books can be placed electronically from any JPL branch via the Florida Navigator. If you are uncomfortable placing your own requests, the staff at any JPL branch can place requests for you. Please be aware that your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be changed to a default PIN in the process to allow staff to place requests for you. If you don’t have a PIN or have forgotten it, library staff can provide a new PIN either in person or by calling 630-2665. You can also request your PIN online using the form found at http://jpl.coj.net/lib/replaceform.html. You’ll use the same PIN to access your library card account, Overdrive, and Florida Navigator.

What can I request through Interlibrary Loan?  Customers may have a total of ten (10) per month.

Requests for photocopies from books or periodicals are requested using the ILL Photocopy request link on the JPL ILL Policy page and are limited to 15 pages per request.

Material Which May Not Be Requested through ILL: Items currently owned by Jacksonville Public Library
Newly published materials (materials less than one year old)
Audio-visual material (Mixed media, CD-ROMs Videos, Audio-Cassettes, 16mm Films, Microfilm, etc.)
Textbooks
Books copyrighted or dated prior to 1920
Entire issues of periodicals
Rare books or non-book materials
E-books or e-documents/articles

Important Notes: Every ILL book has a lending label on it with the due date on it. The one-time renewal of ILL material is dependent upon the restrictions set by the lending library. If you desire a renewal, you must contact Interlibrary Loan (904-630-2986) at least three working days before the material is due. Fines will be incurred for overdue materials. Overdue materials can not be renewed. There are costly replacement fees for lost or damaged materials. You are responsible for paying any fees incurred.

Customers wanting photocopies or loans from fee-charging libraries must submit a check or money order made payable to the lending library before the loan request can be submitted. If the item is not filled by the lending library, the check or money order will be returned to the customer.

Most materials acquired through ILL may be circulated. Occasionally the materials you request may be designated by the lending library as restricted. This means that this material must be used in the library and cannot be checked out. For example, any items borrowed for you from the Library of Congress must be used in the library. You can, however, use the material in the Jacksonville Public Library location of your choice. When you receive the restricted materials, you will be asked to relinquish some form of identification. This identification will be held until you return the material to the desk.

ILL Books may be returned to any JPL branch. Please do not put ILL books in the book drop. To insure that you receive credit for returning ILL books, leave the lending labels on the books.

How do I place an Interlibrary Loan request using Navigator?
Jacksonville Public Library uses the Florida Navigator to request loans from Florida libraries and other libraries throughout the United States. To use Navigator you must have a valid Jacksonville Public Library card number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). If your library account is blocked or barred due to unpaid fines or overdues, you will not have access to Navigator to request items or track your requests.

Go to the Interlibrary Loan page on the Jacksonville Public Library website: http://jpl.coj.net/ill/ill-policy.html .
Click on the Florida Navigator button.
Search for the item you wish to borrow using search box. The Florida Navigator shows the holdings of libraries throughout the Florida and the US. The item you wish to borrow must be listed in the Navigator.
When you locate the item you want to request, click on the title of the item.
Click on the Request via ILL button.
Select Jacksonville Public Library from the list of libraries in the drop down box.
If the log on screen appears, log-in by typing in your Jacksonville Public Library card number and PIN in the spaces provided.
Fill in additional information in the spaces provided. Providing a current e-mail address allows us to contact you faster. Using the drop down list provided, select the library you want to use as your Interlibrary Loan delivery location. Staff at your pick-up location will contact you when the material is available for pickup. If the item can be checked out and is not picked up within 7 days, it will be returned to the lending library.
In the space titled “More Information About My Request”, submit any additional information you think will help us locate the item and the maximum amount you are willing to pay for your loan or photocopy if there isn’t a free ILL lender available.
Submit the request. You will see a screen confirmation indicating that the request has been sent.

The My Requests link is featured on the Florida Navigator main page located under the Florida Navigator Libraries drop down box. This link allows you to view the status of your current book requests. Log-in to My Requests by selecting Jacksonville Public Library from the drop down list, then logging in using your Jacksonville Public Library card number and PIN in the spaces provided.

How can I find out more information about this service?  Please call Interlibrary Loan at 630-2986; Fax: 904-630-2734. Interlibrary Loan hours are: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 

Placing requests using Navigator is the quickest way to obrtain ILL materials.  You can also place your requests by phone.  We can accept up to 3 requests by telephone at one time.

Volunteer/Artist Lafser Adds Fall Touch at SOM

Volunteer Gayle Lafser made good use of her artistic talents to create a 'pumpkin patch" running across South Mandarin Branch's children's room doors, and soon she will paint a winter season scene for SOM. 

City Open Enrollment for Employee Benefits

The City's annual Open Enrollment period runs from November 14 to December 7. Visit http://EmpSelfService.coj.net to enroll for your 2012 benefits. Visit www.coj.net/benefits for up-to-date rate information.

View the flyer here.

Kudos From Customers

Main – Call Center: “I spoke with Tony Miller in call center – he was helpful, kind, polite and didn’t rush me. He let me take my time and I appreciate it.”

Main – E-Library: “Instructor Eric Soriano is excellent. He knows the material, speaks clearly, and responds to students' questions.”

Pablo Creek Branch: (In Counting Opinions Q: What are you most satisfied with staff? A: “Carol (Bailey) at the reference desk.”

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “…I simply wanted to find a place to praise the staff at Webb Library for the outstanding job they did today with the children…(Laurie Mills, Mia Brack, and Merikris Boado). They are always enthusiastic and go much beyond the ordinary. I wasn't a participant but I watched the delight on the children's faces."

West Regional Library: “Thanks to Justin Keiser. He is a great asset for the library; he was great in helping me with e-books.”

Fine Time At Prime Time--Again

Kathy Tekin, Youth Services Library Supervisor, gave this report today on Prime Time, "We have just completed another successful six week session at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch Library where we ran two programs two nights per week. This would not have been possible without the support of branch staff and Prime Time Team staff.

"We started on Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28, with two sets of scholars and storytellers. We had 17 families participate on Tuesdays and 10 families participate on Wednesdays.

"This was our fourth and fifth sessions of Prime Time Family Reading Time. We have worked with 59 families encouraging them to read with their children and to ask questions regarding what has been read. We also encourage the families to relate the reading to the experiences the children have.

"We will hold our next session beginning in late January 2012 at the Highlands Branch and in the spring we will hold our last program for this grant period at the Dallas Graham Branch.

"Some of the comments we received from the families include more reading in the home; turning off the television more frequently; the child is doing better in school. This last time we had several families indicate on their entry survey that they rarely use the library or read aloud with their children. On the exit survey, they indicated they will use the library more often and would like to participate in similar programs offered at the library."

Credit and three cheers for the success of this series of Prime Time go to team members: Emily Gideon, Tenesha Anderson, Diane Alexander, Mia Brack, Erica Brown, and Kathy Tekin. Storytellers and scholars were Robert Kelly and Lisa Wells on Tuesdays, and Debra Keels (pictured right above) and Dr. Elizabeth Furdell (pictured left) on Wednesdays.

Meet Beauty

November 8th was the opening night of Beauty and the Beast, presented by the Florida State CollegeArtist Series. They launched their 46th season with this performance and Family Night at the Times Union. There was a reading of fairy tales before the performance and during intermission by our own Susan Mankowski. She was dressed as Belle (the Beast was not able to attend.) There was bracelet and crown making, pin the rose on the vase, make your own paper rose, and photo opportunities. Olympic gold medalist Shannon Miller also stopped by the JPL table to promote her health and fitness programs for girls. JPL provided a selection of books that were available for check out, and provided a recommended reading list of fairy tales for elementary children and teens, which also featured future library activities on the back. By the end of the evening, everyone in attendance was given the I (heart) JPL sticker. This was an amazing event due to the tremendous effort and support of Alisha Levasseur, Julie McNeil, Ron Block, Lanette Jackson, Susan Mankowski, Wally Bowden, and Angela Vigil. We had a great time and hope to continue with the Artist Series in the future.

Comin' Up: Friends of JPL's Book Warehouse Sale

Talk it up!  The next FJPL Book Warehouse Sale for early December is almost here.  The schedule is listed below.  The Sale will be in FJPL's warehouse located at University Park Branch, 3435 University Boulevard, North, south end of the building.  Dates and times are:

Thursday, December 1: 5 pm - 8 pm (members only; you can join FJPL then)
Friday, December 2 : 5- 8 pm - come one; come all Friday-Sunday
Saturday, December 3: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, December 4: 12 pm - 5 pm ($10 bag special)

               AND:
Saturday, December 10: 9 am to 1:00 pm ($10 bag special)