NW Staff Toasts A New Year

Marshelle Berry took this upbeat shot of Northwest staff as they welcomed in the New Year at a recent team meeting.  A New Year full of "good health, new ideas, and continued team work," was toasted by all the staff. Pictured L/R are Alfreda Whitfield, Chanika Kimbrough, Elaine Randolph, Maria Waters, and Gloria Buenavista. (The toast consisted of apple cider.)

And may all of you have a blessed, healthy, prosperous New Year!

P.S. (Really MLIS)

Just in:  Jessica Serrano completed her MLIS at the University of South Florida in December 2012.  CONGRATULATIONS, Jessica!

Staff Profile - January 2013

Jessica Serrano, Library Associate at Webb Wesconnett, was nominated for the Challenge the Process Award by then Branch Manager Erica Brown. Jessica won that award and also was named Employee of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of FY 2012. Jessica speaks fluent Spanish and helps Spanish customers file forms, etc., and makes them feel welcome. These and other skills led Eric Soriano to ask her to assist with Spanish computer classes at Main. Erica Brown said, “Jessica encourages the heart with her patience and kindness to everyone. She has been shopped more than anyone on the staff and I believe it is because she attracts customers with her openness and enthusiasm.” (Jessica preferred not to use a photo.) 

Q: You used WorkSource laptops and taught in Spanish while WorkSource trained in English in the next room at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library. How did you proceed to develop this successful partnership with WorkSource?

A: When Eric Soriano asked me to assist with Spanish computer classes at Main, I shared the importance of having a computer class taught in Spanish with my supervisors at our branch. They agreed that Hispanic customers could learn quicker if they had an appointed time to work with a Spanish speaker. Granted their support, I spoke with Shelly at WorkSource and she agreed to let me use some of their laptops so that I could teach a Spanish version of basic computers at the same time she was teaching an English version. This used to be on Mondays, but since our library is now closed on Mondays, Shelly does her workshop across the street at a church now, and I teach my class here at CW on Fridays using the Mobile Laptop cart that JPL provides. When I go to the Main Library once a month, I use the computer lab and teach with Francisco Rosado who had a huge part in helping this program take off. Eric also comes for guidance and support.

Q: How does the partnership with WorkSource benefit JPL?

A: WorkSource has called Hispanic churches in the area to inform the community about our services and they left flyers throughout the Hispanic community. Because of WorkSource, we have more customers in general. Shelly gives me her schedule every month and I give her mine, and we advertise each other's classes.

Q: How do you work to develop even better computer classes for Hispanic library customers?

A: We have a great team. Eric Soriano (E-specialist focusing on multicultural access integration), Francisco Rosado (a wonderful retired teacher), two volunteers—Luis Terrón (computer expert) and Elizabeth Mendez (a bright student at FSCJ)—and I get together and brainstorm under Eric’s supervision. We review past classes and constructively criticize them. Using surveys and person-to-person feedback with our students, we constantly work on improving the courses we teach. We have changed things that didn’t work and are constantly trying new methods. The courses at Main and the courses at Webb Wesconnett coincide, so we are teaching the same thing on the same week.

Q: WorkSource does a lot of advertising for the Spanish computer classes; does JPL promote these classes as well?

A: Eric Soriano sends posters and flyers to be made and has them posted on our JPL website; all include the description of the classes, as well as the locations, dates and times. I also talk to ESL classes at CW and I’m sure Eric Soriano and other employees verbally advertise this class in their encounters with local Hispanics. CAL, at Main, also has a great part in this, as they also advertise the class to their ESL students. I hope all JPL employees will help promote the Spanish computer class to Hispanic customers whenever opportunities arise. Also, if there are any Spanish speakers in our system, please join our team. We are only two employees that are instructing the classes and really need help so that we will be able to extend these basic computer classes to other libraries! If you are interested, please contact Eric Soriano.

Q: What are your favorite things to do?

A: I enjoy hanging out with my family, traveling, dancing, watching Korean dramas and Indian movies.

More Re American Libraries Article

With the holidays, input came a little slow; however, POP's Librarian  Matthew Moyer adds this regarding his and SST's E-Specialist Andrew Coulon's recent article in American Libraries, "Andrew and I were approached by American Libraries to write a piece about collecting local music in libraries, and how this can lead to stronger partnerships between libraries and the local music community as well as a more diverse music collection. It was an honor to be asked to help start this conversation, and the best part was getting to shout out a few of the area artists we've worked with, either through the radio show or hosting them at the library."

Scroll down five articles and click on the link to read the article.

Downton Abbey Comes To SE

Volunteer Sharon Bensing added her own hand drawn depiction of the great house featured in Downton Abbey.  Sharon’s work appears in Southeast’s display promoting JPL's and WJCT's efforts to promote the start of the series’ third season, including the give-away of Downton Abbey’s three seasons on DVD.  The display includes books and DVDs featuring the series, and other items of interest to Anglophiles, as well as a tea service on loan from Gail Midon and Ananth Subramanian and will soon include a poster from JPL's and CR&M department.

Downton Abbey won numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries. It was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011, and became the international television series to receive the largest number of nominations in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, with twenty-seven in total.^[2] It was the most watched television series on both ITV and PBS, and subsequently became the most successful British costume drama series since the 1981 television serial of Brideshead Revisited.

                                                                                            
If you're one of the many addicted to Downton Abbey, the third series begins Sunday, January 6, at 9 pm on WJCT.  You won't find better actors, director, costumes, sets and lighting as the fabulous creator of this British-American period drama television series holds you spellbound again.

Great Minds Think Alike at WBK

The morning of December 27, 2012, was a cold day in the 40’s.  Library Assistant Antoinette Walker and Library Associate Ralph Henderson both arrived for work wearing argyle sweaters. The outdoor book drop was particularly full that morning because of the rainy weather the day before. Good sweater planning made this task especially easy by not having to wear heavy coats. Susan Williamson, Library Clerk, the third full time member of the Westbrook Branch team, was on leave, but we suspect she was wearing her argyle socks just the same.

What Is She Doing Now?

Sylvia Cornell was a long-time Assistant Management Improvment Officer/Deputy Director for JPL and retired in October 2002.  Some of you were here then and remember her no-nonsense business acumen and her wonderful sense of humor.  Now she seems to be a world traveler, amongst her other hobbies, as you will see in her update below.  Sylvia and her husband are pictured above at the Arctic Circle while on their trip to Alaska in June of last year.

"I was honored when asked to write about my retirement. 2012 was the tenth anniversary of my last working day. As I reflect on the years, it seems like a short period of time. I miss the people that I worked with at JPL, but I enjoy making my own schedule. Someone told me I would wonder when I had time to work, and I agree with that. Even though our activities are not very exciting, my husband and I keep very busy.

"I have also kept up with my hobbies of reading, quilting, knitting and golf. I still use the library, but mostly I get ebooks. I am still into technology and enjoy my ereader, etc. We do not yet have tablets, but they are probably our next technological purchases. We do have smart phones and love their flexibility. I am trying not to become a total dinosaur.

"My husband is a retired ecology teacher and has created a great bird and butterfly habit in our backyard. We have bird feeders in various locations and enjoy the variety of visitors we get at those feeders. We participate in Cornell University's project feeder watch and great backyard bird counts all through the year. I also enjoy amateur photography and take many bird pictures. I was rewarded this year when Cornell University included two of my photos in their 2012 gallery.

"My husband and I volunteered as marshals at the Disney PGA golf tournament for the past eight years. We continue to enjoy visiting Disney World often and make good use of the free golf rounds earned by our efforts.

"Five years ago my husband had triple bypass surgery. He is doing great, but at that point we decided to take some bucket list trips. Our first was a motor home trip to the Pacific Northwest with my sister and brother-in-law. We were gone for a month and visited Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Mt. Rainier National Parks. We also went to Vancouver Island and Victoria, British Columbia. Other sights included Devil's Tower, Mt. Rushmore and the South Dakota Badlands. Since we enjoyed our last trip so much, the four of us decided to go in the RV to the Northeast the next year. We again visited great places including Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. We then went to Canada where we included the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Quebec City, and Montreal as stops in our month long journey. Coming home we saw Niagara Falls.

"The major trip, however, was to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. We took guided tours of these countries and were away from home for five weeks. Fiji was a beautiful South Pacific experience. Australia was truly amazing. It is the size of this country and we saw most of the famous locations. Included were the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Brisbane, Alice Springs, Ayer's Rock (Uluru), a 1,000 mile train ride through the Outback, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Tasmania and Sydney. We rode camels at Ayer's Rock and, of course, toured the Opera House in Sydney. New Zealand had truly awe inspiring beauty. We toured where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. The sets were gone, but the forests were there and seemed alive. We met Maoris and had great visits to glow worm caves and thermal features similar to Yellowstone in Rotorua. I could go on forever since it was to me a trip of a lifetime. It was well worth adjusting to losing days and incredibly long flights.

"Our last long trip was to Alaska. We flew to Anchorage and rented an RV. We were there for a month and went most of the places the few roads led. They included Seward, Homer, Valdez, Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle. We saw glaciers calve and humpback whales in Prince William Sound. Some of my favorite animals are sea otters. We saw hundreds of them during our glacier boat tours. The highlight of the trip was five days in Denali National Park. The wild life there was amazing including moose, caribou, lynx and brown bears. We were there during the summer and experienced almost 24 hours of daylight. We wondered what they would do for July 4th fireworks. Even though it was light, the fireworks went off around 10 pm. My husband went salmon and halibut fishing. We shipped over 20 pounds of fish home. He enjoyed himself and I enjoyed the great meals we had the next year.

"The next trip we will plan is to the Southwest. I have never seen the Grand Canyon or the Utah National Parks, so they are on the agenda.

"Retirement continues to be a nice experience. I recommend it highly."

Santa's Helpers

Library Assistant Tenesha Anderson shares a momentous time of joy, "Tuesday December 18, 2012, I was fortunate to work with a great group of volunteers. We helped hand out Adopt An Angel toys and bicycles from the Salvation Army's community collection, and it was 8 hours well spent. I enjoyed working with everyone and I look forward to helping out again next year.

"The looks on the parents faces, who were not really sure if their kids would even have a Christmas, was the greatest gift of all."

Pictured at top are some of the elves (L/R):  Trish Palmer, who works for the JPL Foundation, Tenesha, Diane Alexander, Charlene Ovshak, Kathleen Brunner, Volunteer Coordinator Sandra Stonestreet, and in front, Keli Likins. 

...Quality Local Content...

Library Director Barbara Gubbin recently hailed the accomplishments of Popular Media Librarian Matthew Moyer and E-Library Specialist Andrew Coulon for their article in American Libraries.  Matthew said it finally is online and shares it with us.  Enjoy!

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/features/1211212/live-your-library

 And we have some "quality local content" in Matthew and Andrew, don't you think?

Shhhhhh! The Grinch Doesn't Like Happy

Ron Block, Circulation Services Supervisor, sent this delightful picture and recap, "Recently, Dustin, the boss clown from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, visited the Main Library Children’s department to promote the Reading with Ringling Program with kids. He took some time out to 'clown around' with our own Eve Harm, who helped teach Dustin the finer points of working with the youngest visitors to JPL!"

From The Teacher's Perspective

Earlier in the month a bio was posted about Evens Leger, an ESL student/artist from Haiti, whose art can be seen on the second floor of the Main Library through December. Mr. Leger has been in the ESL program at the Center for Adult Learning since August.  Stephanie Smith, shown with the artist, shared her interaction with her classes and the artist, who is also her student,  "Recently, three ESL classes (Intro, Level 2, and Level 4) visited the artist and his work and then met privately with Mr. Leger.  He spoke about his paintings and they had an interesting Q&A session. The students enjoyed the presentation and the change of pace. They liked hearing from another student about pursuing a creative endeavor while adjusting to life in a new country. It was a fun and educational cultural exchange."

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch: The Argyle staff (Janet Ducat, Kim Forster, Robin Cumby, Noah Thomas, Aracelis Diaz, and Don Carpenter) are knowledgeable, quick to help and friendly. No one could ask for more. They know a library is more than just the books or computers and try hard to meet the needs of each patron.

Highlands Branch: As you can see, I gave staff all 10's. I have always felt welcomed, appreciated, and satisfied with what I was looking for. I highly commend this entire staff. I do use their help occasionally and all of them, from the circulation desk staff to the youth library staff to the research staff are always cheerful and helpful. All of them seem to be happy to be there. This is a remarkable accomplishment for whoever is in charge there. (Julie Pactor, Stacey Van Hoy, Maude Scott, Felicia Battle, Larry Browdy, Tyhedra Wilson, Michelle DuBois, Dana Curry, Corey Scott, Joel Thorbs, and Thomas Darter.)

Main – Children’s: … (Letter to Marie Myers): We have enjoyed using the services of the Downtown and Regency locations. … I am very grateful that my son Roderick and his group of buddies had the opportunity to experience the programs offered such as: Mother Goose Storytime, Family Art Time; Preschool Hour, and Ms. Owl's Storytime (Margo Crafton, Josh Jubinsky, Marie Myers and Eve Harm). I truly believe that these programs were a good introduction for my son to the school setting and helped to prepare him to be a successful student. Roderick was an all honor roll student in Kindergarten last year and is proving that he will be again in 1st grade. I thank you very much for all that you have done for our son. …

Southeast Branch: …I'm a teacher and needed nonfiction ABC books. Carisia (Rooney) was very helpful.

Willowbranch: The children's librarian (Isabelle Pierre) is amazing. She is very good with the children--taking time to answer their questions and show them where to find things.

Good Service Results In Bicycles for Brentwood Kids

Denise Thomas, Outreach Literacy Specialist for the Brentwood Urban Core location, was excited to receive a phone call from Brentwood Lakes Neighborhood Networks Coordinator Felicia Johnson. Thirty children’s bicycles were donated to the Brentwood community. Of those 30 bikes she saved  four for children who were identified by Library Assistant Gloria Armstrong as regular library users. The names of Deandre Yancy, Denasia Fletcher, Destiny Bivens and Dequez Bivens were submitted. Brand new bikes along with bicycle locks were received just in time for Christmas. Collaboration and quality library service were attributed to the selection for this location to receive such a joyous opportunity!

Pictured are Gloria Armstrong and Denise Thomas with bicycle recipients: Joanne Butcher receiving for her daughter, Denasa Fletcher, and Deandre Yancy.

ReFocus Is Main Teen's & MOCA's Focus

Main Teen Department held the last of four ReFocus: 1980s programs entitled "The Great 80s Party", December 12.  The exhibit ran in conjunction with MOCA's current exhibit, "ReFocus: Art of the 1980s."  The MOCA series and the Teen's coinciding programs covered the '60s - '80s. 

In support of the programs, the Main Teen Department created a 1980s staff show display case full of iconic images and era photos from contributing JPL staff members, including Michael Shell, Stacey Van Hoy, and others.  In addition, book displays and social networking posts were created to support the theme and promote our programs and resources.  Teen customers and staff enjoyed making this collaborative experience a success for the library .

See http://www.mocajacksonville.org/current/80s for more information.

What Is Myrtle Turner Doing Now?

Myrtle Turner was a librarian at the second Main Library, 122 North Ocean Street, who retired in December 2000.  She still lives in the house where she has been for years and is still doing for others, as you see.  Myrtle is a petite lady with a huge heart.  Here is her update:

"I'm preparing to celebrate the year's best and happiest holiday...I will enjoy working with my sorority's Projects Commitee that will purchase and wrap gifts for a grandmother who now has custody of her grandchildren-- ages 1, 2, and 3--left by their father who was killed.  We will also do something nice for her although she did not want anything for herself.  Other organizations work with us on this project called 'December to Remember.'  Each group selects a family to provide Christmas for.  A dinner party and program will be presented to the families at the Clara White Mission.  After this activity, we will deliver our gifts to the home of the grandmother and her children.

"At my church I am now involved in a winderful Christmas project that we do each year for our Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, Florida.  I chose a little girl aged 12 named Emily.  She asked for two things--a shirt and a makeup set.  I bought her a Taylor Swift shirt and a school tablet to match, also some paperbacks since her favorite hobby is reading.  Tomorrow I hope to find her a pair of skinny jeans in one of her favorite colors--purple, green, or blue.

"Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all of you!

"Sincerely with love, Myrtle Turner"

CAL Student Exhibits His Art At Main

The Main Library's 2nd floor is currently displaying paintings by a Center for Adult Learning student, Leger Evens.  His art was also featured in Art Walk, December 5.  Mr. Evens is a native of Haiti (pictured left; the photographer's name at the top could not be deleted.)  As a CAL student, he takes classes at Main with Stephanie Smith.  Stephanie appreciates Mr. Evens' art and took three of CAL's ESL classes to view Leger Evens' paintings.

Mr. Evens' passion for art began as a child and it amplified as he matured. Observing art led him to express himself creatively, focusing on Haiti's cultural life. Oil paints suit his artistic expression best and he emphasises the importance of color to bring life to everything on canvas.

Mr. Evens is also fascinated by the extent and reach of words, their ability to create and enrich and their overall effect on the human mind.

Additionally, Mr. Evens enjoys computer graphics. It combines his love of nostalgia and its ability to freeze people in time. Graphics are the best way he has found to overcome frustration.

You can view Leger Evens' paintings through December.  You will appreciate his moody, distinct, powerful style.

Art Exhibit Draws Crowd At Southeast

Southeast Branch hosted an Artist Reception, December 5, for students from Keystone Academy and the public was invited. (Keystone provides services for children with autism.) About 70, including artists, children, and adults, attended.  The Keystone students displayed their art at SE during November and will conclude the exhibit the first week of December.

After a few words from Children's Sr. Librarian Anita Haller and SE Branch Manager Ed Murray, the exhibit was viewed. Refreshments of cookies, juice, and popcorn were later served. Ed Murray wanted to convey his many thanks to Anita, Library Assistant Paul Schaffner ("Mr. Paul's Painting Program" himself!), and Library Associate Carisia Rooney for their efforts on this, and the SE staff who were able to attend.

It's A Wonderful Life at Beaches Branch!

Terry Welch at JB contributes this recount of some wonderful customer interaction, "I was working circulation when a man came to check out some DVDs. His appearance was a little unconventional and he probably had seen better days. I was able to renew his card but could not let him check out items due to his fines. I tried to explain this to him several times in different ways. I kept eye contact; kept my voice calm and did not brush him off. After a few minutes a lady in line, who was holding a baby, said she would pay his fine. I told her that it was $9. 'That’s ok,' she said and paid with her credit card. The man just beamed and thanked her. I told the lady that was a wonderful gesture! When she checked out, SHE had fines. As she started to pay with her credit card, the man behind her handed her a five dollar bill to pay it!

"It was such a great moment and I was glad to be a part of it."

We agree, Terry, and thank you for sharing such an inspirational story and hope other employees will submit their special stories.

Staff Profile

Librarian Kate Holmes embraces change and challenges with vigor. After Frank, her husband of nearly 30 years, passed away a couple of years ago, there were many changes and challenges in her life: managing on a tighter budget, downsizing to a smaller apartment, and dealing with grief and loss. She had to start a new life—ready or not. Kate is a believer in finding joy where you are, not waiting for “someday” to be happy again, and she said she found joy in her work.

Q: In your work? Tell us more about that.

A: For almost seven years I was the “Evil Genius of Training,” a woman with a passion for helping my colleagues succeed in their jobs. Each day I came to work creating training projects, using amazing tools, including Articulate Presenter & Adobe Captivate, that are both challenging to learn and fun to use. When Frank passed away, I devoted myself to my work, and I found that it stretched me, making me grow. I learned something new every day. What joy!

Q: As of October 1st, you began working in Public Service at Reference and Non-Fiction at the Main Library. How’s that going?

A: Amazingly well! I must admit that my initial reaction was one of total shock and disbelief. After all, I was the “Evil Genius of Training!” How could I possibly be anything else? After a weekend full of pain and grief, I remembered that if you don’t have the desks covered, library doors close. The library needed coverage, I was trained to do that, and I needed to embrace my new role. So, instead of complaining about my new circumstance, I celebrated it, treating myself to a new hairdo & some spiffy new duds. I know that being happy is not a feeling, it’s a choice, and I made a conscious decision to be happy. I’m so glad to come to work every day, knowing that I’m working for what I consider to be the best public library system in the world, with great people who “bring it” every day.

Q: What advantage has working in Training given you for your new role in Main Reference?

A: Working in Training taught me that, as much as we wish that there could always be clear, unambiguous answers to every question, that simply isn't realistic. Flexibility and a willingness to try different solutions are key to success in all things. It also taught me that really listening to others and setting your preconceptions behind often brings unexpected, powerful results. Lastly, it taught me to always keep reaching forward, letting go of what lies behind. If you linger in the past, you'll miss today's opportunities and the promise of tomorrow.

Q: If there’s one thing you could say to your colleagues to help them through this challenging time, what would it be?

A: I’d remind them that everyone was impacted by this event, even those who were not demoted or moved. The reason I say this is because we all lost our communities, whether it was your branch, your department, or the folks you shared a desk with; they were part of your community and many of them have gone elsewhere. We all need to embrace each other, step outside of our personal grief and pain, and begin rebuilding community. It’s often been said that the best way to help yourself through a tough time is to reach out and help someone else through theirs. I encourage us all to try it.

Q: How do you keep yourself busy outside of the library?

A: I recently began exploring the local museums and galleries. I also love playing with my two cats, Artemis and Francois, who were my salvation when Frank died.

Elsie Oishi - What's She Doing Now?

We are starting a new series of articles in your JPL Staff News blog that will feature retirees from JPL.  We have Julie McNeil to thank for this suggestion and we hope you enjoy reading their recaps.

Our first article features Elsie Oishi, who was a Librarian Senior in the Literature and History Department in the second Main Library, 122 North Ocean Street.  She retired November 30, 2001, is still beautiful--as you see in this picture made during her trip to Tokyo in 2009--and is enjoying enviable adventures, some of which she shares in her December 3rd update to us:

"I used to think I would get a part-time job after I retired. I changed my mind after actually retiring and finding out that I had plenty of things to occupy my time and interests. I have enjoyed pursuing hobbies, such as bead jewelry making and working with digital photos. I have traveled to Europe (England, France and Italy) and Asia (Japan), as well as Eastern Canada and around the United States. I did volunteer at the Beaches Branch Library for a short while after retirement. Now my volunteer activities are mostly connected to my church activities.

"A big portion of my after-retirement life has been taken up for several years with doing research for a book which Louise Warren (fellow former JPL Librarian) is writing about an infamous murder that took place in Jacksonville in 1897. The murder victim was a young Cuban girl, daughter of a prominent Cuban family in the city. The story is set against the backdrop of the filibustering activities for the War of Cuban Independence, which resulted in the Spanish-American War. Research for the book for me involved reading through years of old newspaper microfilm and going through old Jacksonville City Directories. Louise and I became fixtures at the microfilm readers at both Main and UNF during that time. Research for the book also involved doing genealogical research in Ancestry.com, which I continue to use for my own personal research. With the research phase completed, Louise is currently involved in writing the book for future publication."