Happy Halloween, Charlie Brown

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin and her staff are celebrating The Great Pumpkin and Halloween. To set the mood, KR has turned into a pumpkin patch.  Robert Moseley and David Foster are pictured with one of the smiley face pumpkins.

Retiree Sallie Pickard - What Is She Doing Now?

Sallie Pickard: personable, smart, and as radiantly beautiful as ever! Sallie's coworkers will welcome this update from her.  This is a picture of her made when she visited France in 2012.

"I’ve been retired from JPL a long time now, since 1999. Things have really changed in the library system but I still have fond memories of the people I worked with and the services provided by the library, especially at the Beaches Branch where I spent 13 years. I was very lucky to work there.

"Since retirement, I have held two part-time jobs, one as librarian for one year with Education America, a private college concentrating in math and computer science, and another with FSCJ as an adjunct librarian at the South Campus for about six years. These were both good experiences for the most part and helped me stay somewhat current. Now I am just happily out of date!

"Travel has been most rewarding, with trips to Egypt, England, France, Italy, Canada and several visits to see our children living in Oregon and Pennsylvania.  Last year I was so fortunate to be able to travel for 12 days in northeastern France and Paris with my daughter Sarah.  I still hope to visit the Greek Islands.

"Most of my spare time these days is spent with my husband Buck and granddaughter Parker, a six year old who attends Alimicani Elementary, trying to stay fit with walking and “senior” exercise, volunteering at the Beaches Branch Library and my church, reading and doing crossword puzzles. I also enjoy attending the coffee series with the Jax Symphony.  Not too exciting, but quite pleasant!"

Downtown Art Walk's Ten Years

Downtown Vision's online news reports it is estimated that First Wednesday Art Walk doubled in participation at their Wednesday, October 2 Oktoberfest. They hope to top that at Art Walk's 5 pm - 9 pm, November 6  venue (yet to be selcted) when Art Walk will celebrate ten years and 120 free monthly events.  The Main Library has regularly participated in and is part of Art Walk's growth and success in drawing people back downtown, highlighting downtown's businesses and promoting local art.. 

Staff Profile

Lynn Jacobson is quiet, accomplished in music, flexible, civic minded and—as our budget allows—advocates for technological advances for JPL that give our customers the latest and best.

When asked for an action shot for this article, Lynn shared this picture of herself with her alma mater's band: the University of Southern Mississippi.

You began with JPL more than a decade ago.  What were your title and responsibilities then? 

I began working at JPL in October 2001 as the Music and Non-Print Cataloger in Technical Services. Soon after, the library started working on The Better Jacksonville Plan and I was responsible for selecting and cataloging the CD collection for six additional libraries, including the new Main Library. 

How has your previous experience helped prepare you for the position of Bibliographic Systems Access Manager?

My experience as a cataloger gave me a great deal of practical knowledge and experience working with part of the library's database.  Cataloging rules probably seem arcane and overly complicated but sometimes the goal is to provide a structure that will allow users to discover library material online and on the shelf.  I was able to use my cataloging skills to learn how to manage the entire integrated library system.

What are the responsibilities of your position now?

I manage the Cataloging and Integrated Library Systems (ILS) departments. I love problem solving and figuring things out. I love when staff sends us questions about why the system did or didn't do something. I consider it "challenge accepted!"

What do you see as the best improvements your departments have contributed to JPL?

In Cataloging we've been listening to staff about how the collection is used. We've consolidated "mix" items, worked to reclassify the biography collection and the teen and children's series collections. In ILS, we've been staying current with all of the changes and updates in our ILS. It's put us in a position to offer the best possible options for our staff and customers. I hope that we are also giving staff more opportunities to become more comfortable with technology we use and we'll continue to do that over the coming year.  

What is your favorite pastime?

I'm a clarinetist so I love music and play in several community groups in town.  The First Coast Pops Orchestra has nine concerts scheduled between now and mid-December.  Most of the concerts will be at retirement and assisted-living facilities where we have the opportunity to meet the residents and share our fun in making music. The orchestra will also be participating in a community music festival at The Tree Hill Nature Center in Arlington.

October Is Fire Prevention Month

Fire Prevention Month offers a great opportunity to make a display or have a program about fire prevention, checking fire alarms, having a family fire drill, and what to do in case of a fire.  Did you know that crawling and keeping your head close to the floor helps you breathe better when a room is smoke filled because that's where the most oxygen is stored?  Have you thought about timing how long it takes for you and your family to get to an exit?  Do you have a fire ladder for each room upstairs, if you have multiple floors in your home? 

Do you have enough insurance to cover your home just in case? And you probably can think of more precautions that can be made to assure you know what to do before or during a fire.

Share your good ideas and JPL materials with library customers.

Italian-American Month Display, Program Ideas

October is Italian-American Month and we all know a long list of famous Italians who have had tremendous impact in world history, whether in architecture, painting, poetry, politics, opera, religion, etc. Never boring, those Italians.  

Who was Constantino Brumidi?  Considered the Michelangelo of the United States Capitol,

Brumidi (1805-1880) painted murals in the Capitol over a 25-year span, including The Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda eye of the Capitol Dome. Born in Rome, he painted for popes and princes before coming to America in 1852 (and that period of his life is worth knowing).  Once here, he quickly applied for citizenship and later proudly signed one of his U.S. Capitol works, "C. Brumidi, Artist, Citizen of the U.S."  You could highlight that he was honored by Congress in 2008 with a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal.  In recent years, Congress funded a 25-year period of restoration of his murals. Here are links to learn more 1) about Brumidi, and 2) his art:

http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Assets/uploads/files/brochures/pdfconstantino_brumidi_sm.pdf

https://www.google.com/search?q=photo+to+copy+of+Brumidi&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=PitMUv7tFor89gS6wIHIDQ&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=984&bih=611&dpr=1

Do most people know Christopher Columbus (born in Genoa, Italy) was known as Cristobal Colon to the Spanish, and completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic monarchs of Spain that led to general European awareness of the American continents? 

You could highlight the lives of other great Italians who left tremendous imprints in history with their unique talents--Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas (oh! what voices!)--and who are the present gorgeous tenors? 

Then there's Dean "Dino" Martin, member of "the Rat Pack", who stands as one of the most popular and beloved entertainers in American history.  Dino "roasted" some of the most famous people in America in "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" from 1974-1985, and people still enjoy his roasts.  He made over 51 movies and how many songs?  Your older customers would love to see a display about him.
  
Pastrami, ziti, lasagne most know.  For the many cooks and chefs that crave that wonderful Italian food, why not feature some cook books and print out a few recipes--rigatoni con la Pajata or linguini with clam sauce.  Here's a link to Italian dishes. UMMM!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Italian_dishes#Meat_dishes_and_cured_meats

"Italian" conjures up rich colors of fabulous cities, too.  Got any books or travel logs on those?  Italiano can be a source of charismatic displays and inspiring programs.   Dig out your JPL materials and draw your customers to explore these exciting people's lives and works. 

Thank JPL's Many Friends

October 20-26 is the eighth annual celebration of National Friends of the Libraries Week.  Jacksonville Public Library boasts of many Friends and maybe you know someone in one or more of these groups you can say "Thank You" to anytime you get the chance.  Have they stood up for us in these difficult budget times?  You bet they have--and it would take a lot of space to list the many other things they do and have done over the years that help keep our JPL strong.  

A big HURRAH! and much gratitude to all of our 

Friends of the...

                       ...Jacksonville Public Library

                       ...Beaches Public Library

                       ...Murray Hill Library

                       ...Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks Branch Library

                       ...South Mandarin Branch Library

                       ...Willowbranch Library     

A Taste Of India At Beaches Branch

          



                                                             

Padma Subramanian, Library Assistant at the Beaches Library, is hosting "Experience India", an afternoon full of programs to acquaint you with India, Saturday, October 12, 2013, at JB. Padma is certainly knowledgeable about the mysterious country of India because she was born and grew up there. Something is bound to capture your and your customers' interest:

1 pm: Sample Indian cuisine
1:30-1:45 pm: *Bollywood dance performance
2:00-2:30 pm:  Henna body painting
2:30-3:00 pm: Dress up in traditional saris
3-5:00 pm: Movie showing, English Vinglish
____________________________
*Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, India.  The movie to be shown at JB is considered "Bollywood".

Local African American History Recounted By Author Mary F. M. Jameson

Thanks to NW Branch Manager Elaine Randolph (pictured below with Author Jameson) for this article:

"On September 18, a  Bradham-Brooks Branch audience was awed with the presentation Author Mary F. Mungen Jameson gave on her book Remembering Neighborhoods of Jacksonville, Florida: Oakland, Campbell’s Addition, East Jacksonville and Fairfield, the African-American Influence.  

"Graduate students from the University of North Florida, their instructor, Dr. Chris Jansen, and Assistant Professor Dr. Sophie Maxis, as well as other members of the audience asked many questions about the book, including how Ms. Jameson got started in collecting her information, and why it is important to record history. The presentation was interesting, informative, and a good recount of local African-American history during the 1900’s." 

Argyle Branch Celebrates Hispanic Month

Thanks to Argyle Branch Manager Janet Ducat for photos of their
bright displays for Hispanic Month celebrated September 15 - October 15. Jacksonville has a varied representation of Hispanic peoples and JPL has materials to whet their curiosity--and AYL staff got that message out in living color, as you see.

Argyle Branch Hosts Database Class For Teens

Kimberly Kirkland reports that Argyle Branch Library’s Teen Scene held a Pizza and E-Resources program in the Teen computer area, September 17. Gale’s Testing and Education Reference Center database was highlighted. Teens were very interested in learning about the different practice tests, such as SAT, ACT, AP, ASVAB and courses offered by this e-resource. Also, the teens were fascinated with the resume builder and career assessment tools.   Later on that week, teens were still talking about the Testing and Education Reference Center.

Meet The JPL Foundation's "Trish" Palmer

Patricia Palmer is affable and smart.  She recently became the full-time JPL Foundation Office Manager.  She has been here for a while and we asked Trish, as we call her, to share some news about herself:

“I’ve been with the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation now for three years.  I was blown away by the massiveness of the Main Library when I arrived here to help out on a temporary basis.  I have had the great privilege of meeting so many wonderful people here at the Main Library and through the Foundation. 

“My husband and I came here from the Chicago area in 2004 to begin our search for property and finally decided on a place to build our new home.  We have one son, who decided to stay in the Midwest, but within two years he and his family moved down to Florida, also; they now reside in Orlando.

“I like Jacksonville weather most of the time.  It is a far cry from the experience of the Windy City, which we visited often to ride our tandem bike along the lake front and Navy pier.  I don’t ride much here because most of the time it is just too hot.

“I have a background in meeting/event planning, executive administration and office management/bookkeeping, along with many other attributes acquired in my many years in the workforce.  I enjoy golf, racket ball, long walks on the beach and I do play basketball with our two grandsons—ages 10 and 4—on occasion.

“I’m looking forward to a new dimension in how our JPL Foundation will move forward in its fundraising efforts now that we have a fully staffed JPL Foundation Board of Directors and Suzanne Hudson-Smith on board as our new Executive Director.” 

CM Dr. Johnny Gaffney Pledges Support of JPL

   

Patricia A. Morrison, Library Supervisor, Urban Library Centers, is proud to announce that Council Member, District 7, Dr. Johnny Gaffney visited the Brentwood Branch Library and shared words of encouragement with the staff following a meeting with the newly formed Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library that was held Friday morning, September 20, 2013 in front of the building.  CM Dr. Gaffney talked about the importance of the library in the community and pledged his support.

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Special Collections:  Andy Barmer is outstanding; he went out of his way again and again to help with our research.

San Marco Branch:  Presenter's (Donna Peretzman) knowledge & ability to explain & patience: Excellent.

Southeast Branch:  ...JEMIMA DIGGS, offered to help me; showed me how to proceed; and anticipated and described the "do’s" and don'ts". She is intelligent, quick to assist, pleasant and a valuable employee for the library. She is a jewel who performed over and above her job description. …

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  I am currently in computer training with Yuri Jewett, Library Specialist. She is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is an asset to the Jacksonville Public Library.

Westbrook Branch: The staffs at Westbrook are awesome. They really help a person when they need it on books, computers and other things. Kim McTeer, Antoinette Walker, and Susan Williamson are the best!

Prevent Re-Paint, Rust & Spiff Up Your Beach Buggy

Art Smart In The ULCs

Urban Library Centers Supervisor Pat Morrison contributed these photos and input: "On September 11. Brentwood Branch Library hosted the first installment of Art Club, a program created by Marie Myers, Main Children’s department.  Marie is sharing her skills and her passion for art with children, ages 6 - 12, in the ULCs by presenting a program at one of the units and training Peggy Crawford to take the program on the road to the other ULCs.  The first program involved creating a Diorama Pop-up Picture.  The children were introduced to 3-D artwork.  The theme was the galaxy and outer space.  Fourteen children let their imaginations soar and created some wonderful pieces of 3-D art.  They had a blast.

"A big thank you to Marie Myers for sharing her skills with us, thereby adding a new dimension to the valuable services we provide to our youth.  Art Club is scheduled every Wednesday in one of the Urban Library Centers."  

JB's Teen Zombies

Random House held a “Zombies Take The Library” contest. The Beaches Branch submitted this entry and won a zombie survival kit.

For the Beaches Branch Teen Summer Reading Program--manned by what JB calls their "Teen Titans”, Julie Rekow, Eva Newton, and Terry Welch-- each teenager that signed up receivied a zombie with their name on it. All zombies were posted in JB's atrium for all to see. JB had over 125 teens signed up. This is a picture of the zombie board.

Personal Congrats To Conference Center From Gov. Rick Scott

Conference Center Manager Mitesh Sangani and his team--Will Daniels, Nathan Fuller and Sheldon Wright--enjoyed a letter from Governor Rick Scott recently and we share their (and the taxpayers that voted to pay for the new Main Library) well-deserved "brag":

"Congratulations on the Conference Center at the Main Library recently being included in the Jacksonville Business Journal's list of top meeting facilities.  You are to be commended for building a company that has become recognizable within your community over the past 8 years.  Because entrepreneurship is the foundation of Florida's success, I am focused on making the Sunshine State the best place for businesses to grow so that entrepreneurs like you can succeed and continue adding private-sector jobs to Florida's economy. ...Your efforts, along with the Sunshine State's economic turnaround, are making Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.  You have my best wishes for your company's continued success." 

Meet The New Executive Director Of The JPL Foundation

Suzanne Hudson-Smith, as you know from a recent News from the Director's Desk email from Director Gubbin, is the JPL Foundation's new Executive Director.  She has been more than busy but took a few minutes to send us a blurb about herself and the experience she brings to her new position, and yes, she's as nice as she looks.

"First order of business:  GET MY LIBRARY CARD!  I have it and I’m ready to use it.  As the new Executive Director of the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation, the card will be my passport to finding out more about this area, have some adventures through reading (fiction is a favorite) and when the guests start arriving I might need some recipe ideas!  It was my goal to return to Florida – previously I lived in Sarasota working in non-profit management for theatres, county fairs and senior care.  My fundraising in the Midwest took me to St. Louis, Missouri then Evansville, Indiana as part of the PBS development system.  I worked nationally with both PBS and NPR to create initiatives that would engage communities. I moved into downtown Jacksonville from Indianapolis (and some cold winters) where I worked with the Symphony Orchestra and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.  I’ve raised funds for arts, education, and social services. Working with a Library, whose mission is to serve the community with information and resources that will enrich each patron’s life, aligns with my own passion to connect people with those services through private support.  I love what the Library offers the Jacksonville community!  And I love what the community has offered me: a chance to do great work for the Library through the Foundation … beaches, kayaking, warmth and water everywhere I look.  I look forward to working with the Library staff and the community."

We look forward to working with Suzanne, too, and seeing what new adventures the Foundation will create, raising funds for JPL in a great way. 

Penny Wise

Willowbranch Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "We had a very successful teen program at WB, hosted by Isabelle Pierre, Grace Fletcher, and Tyler Spillman!  It was all about the wonderful finds at local thrift stores and how to make the most of your spending money!  Who would have thought that most of the attendees would be boys?!