Webb Maximizes Use Of E-Classroom

Sharon Kirkes, Webb Wesconnett Branch Manager, is pleased that CW recently increased its usage of the E-Classroom.  Caty Devanny is using it on Tuesday mornings for  ESL classes. Greg Royce has added a series of computer classes on Thursday afternoons and the children's department has conducted three Roblox & More sessions on Saturdays.

Additionally, WorkSource was at Webb an extra day last week, Wednesday October 17, to assist customers with the rollout of the state’s new Reemployment website.

South Mandarin Branch Honored By Mandarin Toastmasters

SOM's Branch Manager, Kelli Likens, is proud of the service her employees give and noted that the Mandarin Toastmasters recognized staffs' dedication to good customer service by presenting SOM this award on October 19 for hosting so many of their meetings.  High five to you, South Mandarin Branch staff! 

Kudos From Customers

Highland Branch:  I hadn't had breakfast and I was feeling a little shaky. I went to the desk and asked Cheron Williams to help me with the copier. She asked the other person to watch the desk for her and went over to the copier.

Main – Non-Fiction: I …have taken books from your library for 20 years and never had a problem until today. Four books seemed to be lost but your employee, Revondolyn DuBois, helped me for 1 hour to find them and finally did! She is the best and friendliest lady I ever found. The library is so lucky to find people like her. Give her my thanks again.

Murray Hill Branch: I wish to give my thanks as a member of the Murray Hill Friends of the Library to Branch Manager Raymond Neal, who gave us excellent support in creating our local history programs in September of this year. He is an excellent branch manager and a wonderful representative of the library system as a whole.

Pablo Creek Branch: Please consider funding for continued story time of music and movement at Pablo. Just be there on a Tuesday to see the amazing turnout of parents and children and the fabulous job Miss Rita (Vernon) does!

Southeast Branch:  Brenda Javier did a great job helping me with a great spirit about her. She is one of the reasons I love this place.

Hats Off To Anita Haller

Community Relations Specialist Olga Bayer just wrote an excellent article for School Library Journal about the SRP brainchild of SE's Senior Children's Librarian Anita Haller. Olga's article tells how Anita's idea developed into a successful partnership between JPL and UNF's Dr. Katrina Hall.  Over eight weeks, Southeast Regional Library drew an average of 75 students to each of the literacy programs for kids K-5. The programs involved 27 undergraduates from UNF who brought their ideas and gained valuable experience and class credit.  The first public tutoring partnership for UNF benefitted their students, JPL, and certainly the children.  Click here to enjoy the article:  http://www.slj.com/2013/10/literacy/a-partnership-for-success-the-jacksonville-public-library-and-university-of-north-florida-summer-tutoring-program 

THANK YOU, ANITA HALLER, for a WIN, WIN, WIN!

Troy Ettreim Wins Awards at JPL & In Art

Above is a work of art created by Troy Ettreim, whose quick response to a customer who collapsed at Willowbranch recently, won him two awards:  Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter (4th Quarter FY 2012).     

Troy is a library clerk at WB and he is a painter and digital artist who has won several art awards. His  work was recently included in the University of North Florida Carpenter Library collection, won first place, Donnie Award 2012 (MOCA – Museum of Computer Art), and Editor’s Choice Award for Art and Beyond magazine. His work has been written about in ArtPapers Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Chattahoochee Review. He has exhibited in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York.

Troy invites his coworkers to the opening reception of his latest art exhibit at FSCJ's Kent Campus, 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard, 6-8 pm, October 29, 2013. To view some of his evocative, computer generated and colorful art, click here:

 http://troyeittreim.wordpress.com.

Troy's art will be exhibited at FSCJ through November 19.

Remembering Lucy Harris

The old adage, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" seems to describe Lucy Harris, who closed out her career as a Library Clerk at University Park Branch Library after serving at other locations.  A valued employee of JPL for 25 years, she has a special place in the hearts of many of her coworkers.

UPK's Midge Roton said,“Lucy Harris was a good friend and coworker. She was loved by many. Always kind and fun to be around. Lucy will be missed very much. I worked with Lucy at Regency and University Park for just a few months but long enough to know the type of person she is.”

Theresa Rooney,  UPK's Manager, offered this remembrance, " Lucy was assigned to UPK in late May, just a few weeks after I was transferred, so I only had a few months to get to know her.  I noticed immediately that Lucy had a great sense of style ... She was always very poised, beautifully dressed -- in an understated way -- with great shoes, great hair and a great smile.  I even overheard several customers complimenting her hair during her first weeks in the branch. In addition to looking great, Lucy was always willing to pitch in wherever needed. She helped me with delivery numerous times and never, ever complained about book drop. Lucy was simply not a complainer. In fact, her new badge was delayed for over a month, but she didn’t want to complain to me, even though she had problems getting into the building. When I figured out how long she had been waiting for the badge, I decided we would expedite the process and drive downtown immediately to get it taken care of. From our chat in the car, it was clear that she had a great sense of perspective, of what’s important and what’s not.  I had no doubt that she had broken in many branch managers prior to me and could probably run the branch without batting an eye. Lucy, it was a privilege to know you."

JPL employees extend our sincere sympathy to Lucy Harris' family and friends. 

Lucy Yvonne Walton Harris, born January 26, 1943, and home to the Lord, October 15, 2013, left good footprints in our hearts.

3rd Quarter Innovator Award Winners

Just click below and you can see the reason why David Foster, Jackie Spiritas, Stacey Van Hoy, Robert Moseley, Jessica Jones, and Kris Snider won Innovator Awards during the third quarter (July - September)  of 2013.

http://jplstaff.coj.net/archive/admin/innovator-award/index.html

Do you know someone who deserves an Innovator Award?  If you do and you are a Librarian Senior or above, you can grant the award by emailing Mary Heaney (please copy Leila Wertman and Sara Gunter).  If you are below a Librarian Senior, you can nominate a person to your Senior Librarian or staff with a higher rank, and if they concur, your nomination can be emailed with their approval to Ms. Heaney (copying Leila and Sara).  

Simple to do and encouraging to staff that deserve it.

Who's 75 & Fresh As A Daisy?

This month the Jacksonville Farmers Market celebrates 75 years of being an integral part of downtown and Northeast Florida's thriving business engine.  You could highlight your cookbooks and do a congrats poster to our successful neighbor that offers up to 25,000 visitors a week many vendors' fresh goods, such as Mayport shrimp, local ethnic, organic and specialty produce, plants and flowers.  

The Eyes Of The Pumpkin Are Upon You

Kelli Likins, SOM Branch Manager, shares this picture made of their Teen Advisory Group’s Pumpkin Painting Party, October 10, facilitated by Margo Crafton.

Buying Cheap Books at November Friends Book Sale = Support For JPL

Your favorite titles at CHEAP prices and you help support JPL.  Is that a sweet deal or what!    Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan said their volunteers have restocked the gigantic warehouse and are ready to hold another sale.

Members of the Friends of the JPL Only (You can join there.) Buy-one-Get-one free November 7 - Thursday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Open to All November 8 - Friday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 9 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm The popular $10 Bag Days All the books you can stuff into a brown grocery bag November 10 - Sunday - 12:00 pm-5:00 pm November 12 - Tuesday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 14 - Thursday -  4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 16 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Where:  University Park Library, 3435 University Boulevard North (a few blocks down from JU on the right). 

Friends of the Beaches Branch October Book Sale

Be a friend to the Friends of the Beaches Branch and promote their October 2013 Book Sale.  Dates are:

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - Members Only Preview Sale - You can join at the door

Friday, October 25 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Book Sale

Saturday, October 26 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Bag Day 

Teen Read Week Video Contest - Encourage Customers To Vote!

Laura Minor, Main Library's Senior Teen Librarian, announces:

"As part of the Teen Read Week celebration, the Jacksonville Public Library is hosting its own virtual version of the Oscars and People’s Choice Awards. The library is asking people to vote online from Oct. 13 through Oct. 19 for their favorite two-minute video. A link to the online voting site will be on the JPL Teen website page. The videos were created by teens to showcase their favorite books and were entered in the My Favorite Book video contest August 15 through September 30.

"Three winners will be announced. Popular votes online and a panel of judges each will determine a winner. Winners will enjoy a special reception. The first prize winner will receive an iPad mini. Second prize is an iPod touch. The People’s Choice award winner will receive an iTunes gift certificate. Everyone is invited to attend the Teen Video Contest Winners’ Reception on Wednesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. in the Zimmerman Overlook on the first floor of the Main Library, 303 Laura Street North."  

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".