Kudos From Customers

Brentwood Branch: Their help, friendly and caring personalities, and their professionalism. I am extremely pleased with Ms. Betty Williams, Ms. Gloria Armstrong and Security Ms. Janet Demery, who maintain such astounding order and allow you to enjoy a quiet atmosphere. My laptop broke and I came to Brentwood and as a result of using the computer, I have checked out so many fascinating books and videos and now know...I will continue to use my neighborhood library. …

Main Library – Conference Center: I just wanted to take a moment to tell you what a wonderful staff you have and how everything came together almost like there was a grand-plan... Ha!! Mr. (Will) Daniels helped us think of everything. Your venue is beautiful and your staff is professional and efficient in so many areas. But there are no words to tell you what a splendid job Mr. Daniels did for our family's wedding reception on March 2nd. Everyone who meets or has the pleasure of working with Mr. Daniels comments on his enthusiasm and professionalism. His attention to detail made the night work like magic and was a huge success in many ways. His positive attitude and keen sensitivity to others is a valuable asset to the Jacksonville Main Library. I would definitely recommend this venue to others. Thank you for making the day so special for our children's wedding.

Main Library – Reference & Periodicals: I would very much like to thank Theresa Rooney, Reference Librarian, for her outstanding service. I requested an obituary late in the day on Thursday and received my request the next day! … Ms. Rooney's quick response was so helpful and I was absolutely delighted with the added information. …

Webb Wesconnett Branch: The instructor (Greg Royce) was clear and very understandable. He took the time with each student to make sure they understood each step.

Willowbranch Library: A card of appreciation to  Sally Doherty, Valerie Evans, Isabelle Pierre, Jason Brown, Janice Adams, and Troy Eittreim: Some people don’t wait to be asked. They just pitch in and help. I’m so grateful for your kindness. Thank you. …

Meet JPL's 2012 Volunteer Of The Year: Joan Mattmuller

Pictured above, L/R, are Library Director Barbara Gubbin, JPL's 2012 Volunteer of the Year, Joan Mattmuller, Part-time/Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Dwyer, and South Mandarin Branch Manager, Keli Likins.  Ms. Gubbin spoke about Mrs. Mattmuller's exemplary volunteer work and presented her with the award at an event to honor her on March 5th at South Mandarin Branch Library.  Ms. Dwyer contributed these "golden" bullets about Mrs. Mattmuller's many attributes:

• Mrs. Mattmuller was the first volunteer at SOM, beginning in 2005.
• She has contributed 839 hours since SOM opened.
•  Mrs. Mattmuller has processed thousands of holds since SOM opened and enjoys shelving in any area.
• She is a former school librarian. 
• Mrs. Mattmuller was involved in the first initial Homework Hotline in Florida.
• Her other volunteer activities include: Service Chairman for the Friendship Quilters Guild.  She is involved in the Linus project; makes handmade quilts and delivers them to Florida military veterans and nursing homes.
• Mrs. Mattmuller loves to travel with her husband and has visited the highest library in the world, which is located in China.

All of us at the Jacksonville Public Library salute you, Joan Mattmuller, not only for being the 2012 JPL Volunteer of the Year but also for all of your other accomplishments that enhance the lives of many people.  THANK YOU!

Two At Mandarin Branch Receive Innovator Award

Lynne Baldwin, Mandarin Branch Manager is proud of her employees' accomplishments and shares these pictures and blurb. 
"SE Region Manager Michael Sullivan presented Innovator Awards to two deserving employees at the Mandarin Branch Library, March 7.

"Library Associate Hongying Song (top picture) received her award for creating a flyer describing SE Region Youth Services Programming and Activities. The much needed flyer is now being distributed during outreach events, at the youth services information desk and to local community groups.

"Library Assistant Midge Roton (lower picture) received her award for taking charge of the Big Read display and programming at the branch in February."

Why don't Y O U recommend someone for an Innovator Award? 

Library Staff Service Matters

Southeast Children's Librarian Senior Anita Haller shares this note of appreciation from one of their recent customers, "One of our parents came to the Y Reference desk asking for help for their child who was a third grader developing a 'Diorama' on Jackie Robinson.  This parent had not received her education in the states so the diorama concept was new to her and she is a very concerned parent who wanted her child to do well.  Over the period of two weeks, we helped find books, bio’s from our databases, pictures etc.  At the end the child needed something to make his project outstanding and the teacher suggested street maps and photographic memorabilia from Pascenda, CA of the 1940’s.  I checked for ASK A Librarian service from Pasadena.  The librarian answered, was extremely helpful and arranged for the mother to get an online card for PPL which allowed her access to their Pasadena History collection and their considerable collection on Jackie Robinson.  The child got an A.  The mom is a faithful user of the Public Library and stated to me that the Public Library is one of the experiences she has loved the most about the USA.   'I love the public libraries in America.  They are wonderful and do so much for the children.'”

UPK Honors Kiwanis Members For Volunteering

Ann Fridl, UPK's Branch Manager, said their branch held a volunteer appreciation lunch, February 20,  and one year pins were presented to Kiwanis members who come every Saturday to do a story hour for children.

Other volunteers were also in attendance, including JPL's 2011 Volunteer of the Year, Lorraine Wilson.   Ms. Wilson had logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours in less than two years at that time.  Ann Fridl added that Ms. Wilson has completed 41 volunteer hours thus far this fiscal year.   (Scroll back to January 2012 to see the article acknowledging her volunteer contributions.)

Not a Friends Member? U Can Be & Get Good Buys

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of JPL just emailed all Friends of JPL members this note and we're sharing it with those who are (a reminder to get there, of course) and those who are not members (so they can join the Friends and get those two for one buys): 

"Our Book Warehouse Sale is over, but we now have another sale--with a special for FJPL members.

"Starting this week, FJPL members can take advantage of a Buy-one/Get-one-free deal. And the BoGo applies to everything, including Better Books and DVDs and CDs.

"For those who are not FJPL members, memberships are $10 a year.

"Our hours are 9:00 to 12:00 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at University Park Library, 3435 University Blvd. N.

"The sale continues through March 16.

"Hope to see you there."

Staff Profile

Pam McClellan brought 20 years of valuable business experience with her when she was employed by JPL back in 2002. She has progressed from a part-timer to Resource Development (RD) Coordinator, reporting to CR &M's Assistant Director, Kathy Lussier. Pam plays a critical role in JPL's search for, receiving, and processing external funds, as well as other responsibilities. One of her assets is she realizes "the devil is in the details". Pam handles every situation with a quiet confidence that can derail stress and does it with the charm of a lovely Southern lady.

What duties does your title, Resource Development (RD) Coordinator, include?

As RD Coordinator I am responsible for the library’s efforts to identify and acquire external funding, in-kind resources, equipment, materials, etc. via local, state, federal or private sources. I am a resource for other JPL departments—Youth Services and Outreach, Facilities, Support Services, Public Services and Administration. This involves grants, donors, and sponsorships. I track and report on the status of our funding efforts by providing monthly reports to JPL Finance, CR&M, Collection Development, the Board of Library Trustees and Mayor’s Office Gift Disclosures. I also work with program staff to identify opportunities, write proposals, and ensure grant compliance for each grant-funded program awarded to JPL. I represent the library as the “grants person” when coordinating the required documentation and approvals with the City’s Grants Compliance Office and Grants Administrator. All of JPL’s LSTA and State Aid grants must be approved through a defined, time-sensitive process, including inclusion in the City’s annual budgeting process. Each grant-funded program has a schedule of interim and final reports that must be adhered to as part of the grant agreement. I work with individual JPL program managers to get the reports completed on time and in the proper formats and address the evaluation criteria set up by the grantor. One of the joys of the funding process is establishing great partnerships with funders and the community. Our ongoing relationships with the Florida Humanities Council (Prime Time Family Reading Time Program), Poets House (Poetry in the Branches, Language of Conservation, and Poetic Voices of the Muslim World), and ALA Public Programs (Bookshelf grants, traveling exhibits, Smart Investing, etc.) are among our most successful and long-standing. Beside grants, the RD Office ensures that all in-kind and cash donations are properly documented and donors acknowledged. Donors are now acknowledged in JPL’s Annual Report and significant donations are highlighted in other library publications. I also volunteered for the annual United Way Campaign for three years and enjoyed working with administration and staffs to raise funds.

What did you do professionally for JPL before becoming the Resource Development (RD) Coordinator?

Before becoming the RD Coordinator in July 2005, I worked in a variety of public service positions at Regency Square and Northwest (now Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks) branches. I began my career at JPL in 2002 working part-time in the evenings at Regency. I lived in the Regency service area and saw Pam Thompson, one of my former high school teachers. (I had not seen her in years and she looked fantastic!) Pam told me what a great career she had as a librarian after she left teaching, and I credit her for my serious consideration of JPL when I changed careers in 2002. I have worked for JPL as a library page, clerk, librarian trainee, Sunday-only staff, and Human Services Planner I, prior to my current position as Human Services Planner II.

What prior experience did you garner that has held you in good stead at JPL?

I came to JPL from the world of sales and marketing. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Journalism & Communications degree and landed a Management Trainee position with Atlantic National Bank (now Wells Fargo). After a year of writing/editing for the Atlantic Banker employee magazine, etc., I began my 20 year career with Southern Bell Marketing, including their various divisions—BellSouth, AT&T Communications, American Transtech, Matrixx Marketing and Convergys Corporation. I managed business client accounts throughout Northeast Florida and once served as the local AT&T account executive for Prudential Insurance Company and Johnson & Johnson national account teams. I started as a Southern Bell Service Consultant and retired as a Convergys Director for Service Implementation. I had excellent training and many experiences working with customers, teams, administrators and marketing folks in Jacksonville, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and New Jersey that more than prepared me for my Resource Development duties. I have authored many sales proposals, marketing plans, expense reports and account management presentations. I have also held Florida realtor and Florida insurance agent licenses and was a certified Department of Children and Families foster care counselor.

Working in JPL’s Community Relations & Marketing Department, how does your job relate to the rest of CR&M?

The current CR&M Department evolved from the Partnerships & Communications Department established by Director Gubbin in 2005. Now, as then, my role was to research, identify and write compelling grant proposals to obtain external funding and resources for JPL. By year-end 2005, the job expanded to include writing acknowledgement letters to library donors. At that time, donations were handled by the Library Foundation and JPL Finance. Over the years, Resource Development has included revising and managing the JPL Gifts and Contributions process, and several times I have acted as the Adult Programs Manager when vacancies and hiring freezes occurred. I have always worked closely with Youth Services and Adult Programs staffs as many of the grant-funded programs fall into these areas. Now CR&M’s focus is more on communications and promotions as programs and outreach have moved entirely to public service. My journalism education, background in marketing, and public service experience enable me to support the CR&M team by contributing to e-News and the Annual Report, proofing and editing releases, reports and other JPL publications, and sharing status updates on grant-funded programs and donor activity.

Tell us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

I was born in Jacksonville and was one of the last babies born at historic Brewster’s Hospital. I am the oldest of three children and we grew up on military bases around the U.S. I have lived in Miami, Seattle, New Jersey, Chicago, Colorado and Munich, Germany where I started kindergarten. After military service, my dad, Eric Edwards, Sr., worked for the City as an aide to Mayor Tanzler. By Executive Order #49 he was appointed and confirmed by City Council as the City’s first Affirmative Action Officer for the general government in 1973.

This is not my first City job. At age 16, I worked for the Supervisor of Elections Office as a summer student file clerk downtown at the Duval County Courthouse; a little boring, but I did get paid. I’m basically a country girl at heart and an amateur genealogist. When I retire (for the second time), I plan to garden, quilt, trace family trees and spend time with my husband, Jerry, the kids, and our adorable grandsons, Eliot, 3, and Aiden, 7 months.

Hooray for Dr. Seuss at Main

The day was funny but not so very sunny, March 2, 2013, in Main's Children's Department.  People big and small gathered to do crafts and celebrate Dr. Seuss.  Eve Harm (The Cat in the Hat) and Anne Draper (Thing One) hosted a number of Dr. Seuss crafts including a Lorax moustache, a Cat in the Hat hat, a Where’s the Who cup game and a Cat in the Hat Whiskers.  They listened to selections from the Horton Hears a Who audiobook, as well as Seussical the Musical and Child’s Celebration of Silliest Songs CDs.  Attendees left with smiles and stickers and a take home edible Cat in the Hat craft made of lifesavers, Oreos, and vanilla icing.  It was a “Great Day for Up”--over 45 people attended this special Saturday Dr. Seuss Birthday craft program. 

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10, 2013

Above are two outflow water clocks from the Ancient Agora Museum in Athens.  At the top is an original from the late 5th century BC.  The one below it is a reconstruction of a clay original.  Would you say the water clock would be difficult to adjust to Daylight Saving Time?  But, whatever you have--alarm clock, digital, quartz, analog, cuckoo clock --every one of them should change at midnight this Sunday, March 10, 2013, when Dayloght Saving Time begins.  So, set your clocks, watches, etc. forward one hour this coming Saturday night before you turn in.  (Lose an hour is placatingly called "Spring Forward", which also equates to spring out of bed an hour earlier, if you don't want to be late.

What Is She Doing Now?

Alma T. Brown, retired from JPL in January 2003 having served as a Librarian Senior for Children's Services and Circulation Departments and Head Reference Librarian in General Services and Art & Music Departments.  She also served a short stint at Eastside and Southside Branches. Mrs. Brown said, "I started my fantastic career at JPL as a provisional clerk, October 6, 1971, in the Main Library's Art & Music Department with Jeff Driggers as my supervisor.

"Since my retirement, January 2003, I have remained active in volunteer work.  Once a week, I read to preschoolers at Community Connections on Duval Street.  I service Avon representatives and customers at the Avon Training Center on Normandy Boulevard two days a week and have maintained my involvement with church work on a regular basis. Hence, I call myself a “retired librarian,” rather than a “former librarian.” For me, the difference is that I am still involved, yet on my own flexible terms, and that adds “spice” in my life that I didn’t have time for during my working years.

"My husband, James, and I still find time for travel.  We attend church conferences and conventions several times a year and visit family and friends along the way. I enjoyed my first cruise, February 2012, to the beautiful Bahamian Islands.

"Our daughter, Courtney and her husband, Reginald, still live in New Jersey; the younger two daughters, Garnetta and H. Maria, live in Delaware, while our oldest, Faith, and youngest, James, II, live in Orange Park, Florida. We “claim” other children as well, so these are the source of our grandchildren.  There are six now and we expect the seventh, a granddaughter, in a few days. As our family has grown, so have the celebrations.

"James and I celebrated 55 years of marriage May 20, 2011, at the beautiful Community Club of Mandarin (the Old Freedom School set on the former Harriet Beecher Stowe property). It was indeed a fabulous affair orchestrated by our children with guests from various places, including our neighborhood. We have been blessed with good health as we grow older and better!"

Alma and James, your picture reflects the joy in your marriage and now you're a couple of months away from celebrating 57 years together.  Congratulations in advance and may you enjoy many more years together.  What a lovely example you are to all who have the honor of knowing you.

Proposals To Present At 2014 PLA Are Due THIS March 2013

Circulation Services Manager Ron Block advises that the submission date for proposals to present a PLA 2014 Conference session is 3/29/13, so if anyone is thinking about presenting at a national level, visit www.pla.org for details. Ron said he is happy to assist if needed.

Great Input From Ron Block on Recent ALA In Seatle

Ron Block, Circulation Services Manager, has this to share about his experience at the January 25-29 ALA Midwinter Conference in Seatle, Washington:

"I was able to attend a series of talks led by Rich Harwood of the Harwood Institute about a partnership he is forming with ALA to highlight the need for libraries to become more civically engaged in transforming communities. The sessions were inspirational and created a lot of buzz! Some of the best phrases I heard were “move libraries from nice to necessary”, “people are looking toward trusted organizations, like libraries”, and “re-learn how to fail, to celebrate, and to re-forge meaningful relationships”. We’ll be hearing a lot more about this in the upcoming year!

"I also was thrilled to listen to Caroline Kennedy speak about how reading and libraries have played a huge role in her life, how it was interwoven into her family both at home and through their philanthropic work. It was so exciting to hear her talk of her family’s love of poetry! You can see her talk at http://www.eventscribe.com/2013/ALA-Midwinter/assets/videoPlayer/player.asp?PresentationID=34408"

Scroll down to see Sharon Kirkes' insight on this conference.

NW Friends' Black History Program Popular

The Bradham Brooks NW Branch Friends of the Library held a “Celebration of Love, An African-American Experience,” on February 20, 2013, in the community room. The room was decorated with hearts, lighted candles atop red and pink tablecloths. The program involved poetry readings by various Friends members and Branch Manager Elaine Randolph (pictured below), dances by the “Sassy Seniors & Steppers”, all dressed out in black and red, and storytelling by former JPL employee Elaine Kitchens and Friends member Mary Webster. One of Bradham Brooks NW Branch partners, Well Care, set up a table exhibiting information for seniors on Medicare. Approximately 45 attended and enjoyed the refreshments and prizes were awarded to happy faces.

Thanks to NW's Library Associate Senior, Gloria Buenavista, for this article.

Sharon Kirkes' Recap on ALA's Midwinter Meerting

Sharon Kirkes, Webb Wesconnett Regional Branch Manager, had this to share about her recent trip to ALA's midwinter meeting in Seattle, January 25-29:  "The conference had fewer presentations than committee meetings, but two of the sessions I attended were really informative—the one on the PLA Digital Learning project, and the session on Common Core, which I knew very little about.

"I visited Seattle Public’s Central Library—interesting architecture (very Bauhaus), but not as beautiful as ours.  There were some service differences, like their coin-operated printing service, limited guest pass policy, and teen desk hours.

"Seattle appears to be a thriving, very active city, but the weather is depressing. I was so glad to get back to Florida."

I asked Mrs. Kirkes to explain a little about what she learned about "Common Core" and this is her input:  "It is a new set of education requirements that is being implemented in schools.  Florida seems to be moving right along with this approach.  It includes style and emphasis changes--students reading from a variety of sources and being able to evaluate a case based on evidence.  Common Core involves a different approach to teaching/learning and content.  Reading lists will not include so much fiction; they will include more nonfiction; I don't know the ratio. 

"As I undersand it, FCAT will evaluate students' performance in a particular course, so it will be broken down more--science, reading skills, etc. and will involve independent, critical thinking, and evaluating materials--a change in approach and content."

Kudos from Customers

Highlands Branch: "Corey Scott notifies me when my ILL's are at the branch."

Mandarin Branch & Main-ILL: "I would like to commend the following people who work at the Mandarin Library. They are all excellent professionals and give patrons like me superb service. This includes: Lynne Baldwin, Steve Egbert, Jackie Spiritas, Hongying Song, David Foster, Frances Wickes, Mildred Roton, Eric Cusaac, Diane Lewis, Sara Peretzman, Shuktibanerjee, Tammy Hilbert, Lisa Veal, Katie Currier, Brittany Gonzales, and Jessica Jones. Also, with regard to Interlibrary Loan, Carolyn Hampton gives me excellent service."

San Marco Branch: "I had the pleasure of working with your employee, Donna Peretzman, at the San Marco Library. She helped me with my E-reader. She was so very helpful, professional, and kind. Kudos for hiring and lending such a wonderful teacher. This is a great program!"

Southeast Branch: "Dear Anita (Haller) and Carisia (Rooney), Thank you so very much for all that you did to help make "Greenfield Day at the Library" such a resounding success! The students and their families all enjoyed learning more about the public library, as well as enjoyed the story time featuring "Two of Everything" and "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." Greenfield Day at the Library is an event we'd like to participate in every year, especially as a way to top off Celebrate Literacy Week. Thank you again for all your hard work, and please know how much it means to us and our school to have such a great relationship with the public library and their amazing librarians!"

Big Read Lookin' Good At Mandarin

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sent in this photo of Library Assistant Midge Roton, who helped KR celebrate Big Read activities by creating a large display and organizing, as well as facilitating, the book club discussion of A Lesson Before Dying.

What A Success Story!

Children's staffs at the Beaches Branch have high praise from one of their regular customers.  She is an 89 year old lady who reads to a Duval County first grade class and visits Beaches Branch to check out books that correspond to the teacher's lesson plans.  Dianne Byrd reports that JB employees have all helped this eldery lady find appropriate books on a monthly basis and the lady claims she would not be able to do such a good job with her reading, if were not for JB's staffs regularly giving "over the top good customer service".

Eric Cusaac Celebrates Ten Years Of Service

Library Clerk extraordinaire Eric Cusaac was honored with a party at the Mandarin Branch Library, February 15.  Eric actually celebrated ten years of service with the City/JPL last September but service pens for last quarter were just recently sent out.  It looks like everyone wanted Eric to know they appreciate him.  Note those FOUR heart baloons! 

Check out the other employees in JPL who have contributed many years of service in January and February 2013; look to the right for "Years of Service".

You've Gotta Have Heart!

Maxville Branch Library enjoyed a Valentine’s Day Extravaganza, February 14, including Valentine munchies in the auditorium (finger sandwiches, homemade cupcakes, heart-shaped red velvet brownies with cream cheese icing and punch (red-of course!)

Four tables were set up for children’s Valentine crafts, as well as a teen craft table for all-day fun, and the highlight of the day was a drawing for a four-pack of family tickets to MOSH!

Who's that behind those "Foster Grants"?  Two West Regional Branch employees:  Melodie Brunson (left), WST Library Clerk, who sent in this blurb and picture, and Chris Cavan, WST Librarian Senior.

WBK Celebrates Black History Month

Westbrook Branch makes the most of their one display. Last month, their display specialist, Library Assistant Antoinette Walker, built a display for the BIG READ. WBK had just one copy of Ernest J. Gaines book, A Lesson before Dying, so this was quite an accomplishment.

For February, Antoinette designed a Black History Month display. She not only used books from WBK's collection, but also borrowed books from other libraries that can be checked out.  Pictured are Antoinette and her display for Black History Month.