NW Celebrates Black History Month

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch staff created their own colorful Black History Hall of Fame (left)  and a display in the Children's Department.

 

The Friends of Bradham Brooks Branch Library held a Brotherhood Month program entitled: Sharing Cultural Expressions, February 19; 47 participants and guests enjoyed sharing dance, poetry, songs, stories and costumes.

Shevonica Howell, a local author (right) shared an excerpt from her book: Girl, they aint ready! Life can be all you want it to be; trust me! Gloria Buenavista said, "NW has a copy of her book and every time she comes in to the branch, the book is always checked out."

 

Kathy Cooley, another local author, read from one of her books; she has authored two, Married to the Confused, Selfish and Heartless Guy and The Love That Seeped From My Heart. 

Thanks to Gloria Buenavista for this article.

Fitness Fridays At GB

Per Sharon Whitt, GB Library Associate, "Fitness Fridays were held at Graham Branch on Friday afternoons in January and February. I invited fitness experts to give an introduction on their specialty of fitness, along with demonstrations for attendees so they could actively participate.  

"Examples of a few of the programs were Self Defense with Officer Rodriguez; Kickboxing with Erica from the YMCA; Nutrition and Weight Loss with specialist and personal trainer Shannon Dixon; Exercising without the Gym with personal trainer and author Linton Mcclain; Tai Chi,

with Joel Timmons, and Yoga with our very own Kema-Parker Desagrada. I personally conducted a class of Line Dancing. All of the classes were very informative and fun. The patrons were able to leave with the satisfaction of a good workout and an opportunity to take an interest in pursuing their choice of fitness.   Fitness Friday will continue at Graham later during the year."

Staff Profile - March 2014

Michael Soto was recently awarded the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of FY2014.  Newly appointed Assistant Director of Facilities and Planning, Eric Lawrence, praises Michael’s and Library Assistant Charlene Ovshak’s exceptional “filling in the gaps” efforts between Luis Flores’, Robbie Tiedeman’s, and Gene Bragg’s departures for Public Works and Eric’s welcome arrival at JPL in late November 2013--and since--while he learns the ropes.

Pictured here with proud papa, Michael, and wife, Jessica, are their 15 year old daughter, Jaylin, and their 7 year old son, Jeremiah.

Q: You have been JPL’S Contract Administration Coordinator since December, 2010 and worked for Luis Flores prior to his promotion with the City.  Please tell us the areas of responsibility your position includes and something about them.

A: I am the JPL Contract Administration Coordinator for the Security, Custodial, and Distribution contracts.  As such, I provide contract oversight, staff education, and coordinate and evaluate contract specific deliverables.  I also serve as JPL’s Safety Officer, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and I am the library system’s point of contact for all law enforcement and safety related incidents/responses across the board.     

Q: What past experience do you believe made you a good fit for JPL? 

A: I believe we are the sum of all past experiences and to try to list all would be impossible.  I am surprised how well I fit with JPL.  My most pronounced, ongoing experience that I believe greatly contributes to any success is my reliance on my faith in dealing with my inabilities and strengthening my abilities.  I am not a perfect man but I know of One. Another past experience that I believe greatly contributes to mission success is my service with the United States Marine Corps. When dealing with JPL’s ever changing and sometimes chaotic work environment, these experiences helped me learn how to manage conflict, challenges, and to make a difference. Specifically, within my service with the State Department and the diplomatic consular community abroad, I had the opportunity to see many different cultures and work alongside a broad spectrum of professionals within various tiers of the U.S. and host nation agencies in a demanding and life threatening workplace environment, requiring an extremely high sense of teamwork to ensure success.  Most recently, my experience within healthcare solidified my abilities in interpreting and focusing attention on regulatory compliance.  Specifically, as the Manager of the Department of Safety and Security and the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at St. Luke’s Hospital, I had the opportunity to transition ownership/operation from Mayo Clinic to St. Vincent’s Healthcare (Southside).  As a department leader for a 313 bed, 900,000 square foot facility, I was directly responsible for the leadership and maintenance of all safety and security programs insuring compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), American Health Care Agency (ACHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with healthcare system regulatory requirements and hospital policies. 

Q: In the time span between the departures of three of your six member Facilities staff and the arrival of Eric Lawrence as the new Assistant Director of Facilities, you and Library Assistant Charlene Ovshak faced some additional challenges.  Tell us about that. 
A: With the departures of Luis Flores, Robert Tiedeman, and Gene Bragg, the vacuum created was overwhelming.  There was absolutely no way that we could perform or satisfy all departmental responsibilities.  During these times, Charlene, Brad, and I managed departmental responsibilities the very best we could, communicated known capabilities to senior and adjacent leadership, and continued to try to provide and upkeep safety and aesthetics at JPL locations.  Upon Eric’s and Gary’s arrival, we invested countless hours in historical info sharing, along with future tactical and strategic conceptual planning.       

Q: What are some of your goals for 2014? 

 A: To make it to 2015.  

Q: Sports, hobbies, travel—what are the things you like to do best in your leisure time? 

A: My leisure time is dedicated to the ongoing development and maintenance of my family, as a husband and as a father. 

Mardi Gras At Murray Hill

Murray Hill Library held its first Mardi Gras celebration for kids, March 4.  MH's Children's Librarian Chiquita Powell reports they began with a fun Mardi Gras trivia game.  Parents and kids learned the history of Mardi Gras and when a child answered a question correctly,  he/she received a bead necklace.  After trivia, the kids played Mardi Gras bingo, listened to Mardi Gras music and made a Mardi Gras mask and crown.  The program closed with the history of the King Cake and everyone enjoying the delicious treat!

New Branch Manager At Southeast

Mark Hohnadel's coworkers/fans at the Main Library threw a going away party for him on February 20.  Here he cuts his special cake.  A Librarian Senior in Main's Reference/Periodicals/Nonfiction, Mark transferred to Southeast as their new Branch Manager.  He is missed here at Main and wished the very best in his new position. 

Way To Go, Aquilla!

Pat Morrison, ULC Library Supervisor, reports, "Mrs. Aquilla Stewart, Library Clerk at Brentwood Branch, received the ‘Get To Yes’ award for 'Providing good customer service.'  The award was sent to her by Chanika Kimbrough (GB).  Chanika has worked with Aquilla in the past, but most recently worked with her while subbing at the Brentwood Branch, at Graham Branch and during numerous telephone conversations.  Chanika was impressed by the level of professional and polite service Aquilla gives to customers and JPL staff members.  She is open, honest, and uses her knowledge of library policies and procedures to help her customers." 

March 9, 2014 - Daylight Saving Time Begins

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, March 9, 2014, so set your clock forward one hour before you go to bed the Saturday night before.  Remember:  Spring Forward; Fall Back.  We lose an hour until we change again in November.  Yuk! 

Spring is near (begins March 20), though, and it is time for a change!  Nice to see the red bud trees blooming and green leaves popping out on some of the other trees, isn't it?

Brentwood's Black History Program

 

Our appreciation to ULC Supervisor Pat Morrison for this article:  "A multigenerational group of 57 customers attended a Black History Program at Brentwood Library,  February 27.  The event was planned and hosted by the Friends of Brentwood Library under the leadership of Mrs. Sharon Coon and Mrs. Florence Rush-White.

"Library administrators Barbara Gubbin, Carolyn Williams and Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins spoke at the event.  Board member Ronnie King was also present.  Mr. King has become a 'regular' at Urban Library Center events.
 

"The audience was soothed by the 'Celestial Strings' of Harpist Rev. William Reister who played spirituals and inspirational music.  The children from the All About Kids VPK Music Academy orchestra inspired and entertained the audience with 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' and the national anthem. The group, ages 4 to middle school, is directed by Richard Cuff."

Graham Branch's Big Day For 3 Icons

 

Pictured above (L/R) are GB Manager Jackie Spiritas watching the unveilings of newly framed pictures of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by CM E. Denise Lee; Rev. Dallas James Graham by Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins; and Mrs. Mary White Blocker by Director Barbara Gubbin at GB's special program this past Monday.

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas shares this recap of the event:  "Dallas Graham Branch Library customers, staff, and honored guests enjoyed an inspiring afternoon at the 'Three Local Icons You Should Know' Portrait Unveiling Ceremony, February 24.  Three past community leaders, Dr. Mary Bethune, Rev. Dallas James Graham, and Mrs. Mary White Blocker were honored when their newly reframed portraits, first displayed under black cloths, were revealed at the end of the program. Two library young adults gave opening remarks about the reason for the presentation and highlighted some of the individual contributions made by the icons.
 
"A crowd of 50+ attendees enjoyed the Honorable E. Denise Lee, Councilwoman for District 8, share her memories of the library and what it means to the community. Library Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins added her memories of visits to Dallas Graham Library as a youth and her remembrances of the three icons.

"Director Gubbin gave a brief history of Dallas Graham Library and noted the library opened as the Myrtle Avenue Branch Library in 1965, replacing the Wilder Park Branch on Lee Street.  It was renamed Dallas James Graham Branch Library in 1977 in honor of Rev. Graham. She described the three icons' contributions to education and civil and human rights.  Closing the program, Councilwoman Lee, Dr. Simmons-Hutchins, and Director Gubbin each stood behind one of the easels and unveiled the portraits.

"Among the special guests, were Mrs. Blocker’s grandson, Andrew Daigeau, members of the Alpha Gamma chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Mr. Lloyd Washington with the Durkeeville Historical Society, and Mrs. Camilla Thompson, a local historian, and Board Trustee Ronnie King. Photographers snapped pictures and newspaper journalists scribbled notes for their columns (hopefully!) 

"It was thrilling to see the excitement build while Ms. Lee and Dr. Simmons-Hutchins set the mood and recalled their personal memories of the three icons and what this library means to the community.

"The three portraits had been mounted on the library wall for years with no name plates or bio provided so few people knew of their contributions to the community. With the help of Pat Morrison, Urban Library Supervisor, and CRM’s Kathy Lussier, the project took wings. 

"Attendees enjoyed delicious refreshments provided by the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. The afternoon was perfect and went off without a hitch!"

Somebody's Watching You

West Regional Branch's Pauline Jones wrote this note to Westbrook's Antoinette Walker when she presented her with the Study Buddy, "You are one of the most Hard Working and competent employees that JPL has. Please enjoy Jackson!"

Pauline also added some of the helpful things Antoinette has done to help her excel, "When I was first promoted as a Library Assistant, it was Ms. Antoinette who introduce me to the fundamentals of the job.  When I served on the R&R Committee for two years I would give her some of my drafts to read and edit for improvement and clarification. In addition, when I assumed responsibility for all the magazines at the Maxville Library she showed me the different procedures in processing y department children's magazines. This has helped me immensely with performing my job duties."

Antoinette  commented, "I’d like to add that it warms my heart to receive this from a co-worker.  It lets me know that my work is appreciated beyond our management!"

MH Celebrates 86th Oscars

Murray Hill's Erin Tuzuner highlights some of JPL's quality films, some of which are unknown gems--documentaries, foreign films, and independently produced films.  Erin said she  wanted to generate some interest in the upcoming Oscar Awards,  March 2, by utilizing some of the award winning films at MH and top them off with novels that inspired great films or biographies of famous directors and actors.  At right is a collage Erin made with back issues of People magazine that feature those nominated for this year’s award.  Erin also found a craft online to make an Oscar statuette and Amy Davis helped her with the construction. The statuette is made of foam board and sparkles with glitter glue. 

 

Erin said, "I enjoy customers asking about it and being able to suggest some films that have been nominated or have won Oscars over the years. It sparks conversation with our customers and merges film and literature in the library."

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Nonfiction: I really appreciate the courteous response to my telephone calls to your library. Thank you very much for your kind assistance, Mr. Jim Burns, and Catherine (Currier) in the Special Collections Department.  

Main Library – Reference and Periodicals:   I was so impressed with the online services at your library. I was in contact with Ed (Lein) by phone and online requesting a specific article from the March 14, 1976 edition of The Florida Times-Union. He sent me the requested info in less than 24 hours. Kudos to Ed and the Jacksonville Public Library.

Southeast Branch:  Anita Haller, Children's Librarian at the SE, came to our school yesterday to share books, stories, and book talks with our students from grades K-5 as part of our Celebrate Literacy Week.  She was delightful and the students enjoyed her presentation immensely.  Anita has always been so willing to work with us at our school, truly bridging the connection between public and school libraries.  She exemplifies the spirit of igniting the fire of reading and learning in children.  Anita serves on our SAC Board, and she has been instrumental in organizing an event we're all looking forward to.  In March, our school is going to participate in the SE Regional JokeFEST, hosted by our own Greenfield Elementary School.  We hope to have a large number of students participate by choosing, preparing, practicing, and delivering jokes and riddles at the JokeFEST.  What a wonderful way to encourage reluctant readers and speakers to get up in front of a group and use their reading and presentation skills they have acquired!  Humor is truly a motivational tool to encourage and engage reluctant readers.  I just want to thank you for allowing Ms. Haller to come to our school.  She is a treasure to us, and, I'm sure, to you, too. The public sector benefits from her expertise and dedication both in the public library and the public elementary school.

Murray Hill:  Raymond Neal is the best.

University Park Branch:  Hazzel (Sutton) is very good in answering the questions. It was a pleasure!

DU Has Popular Teen Valentine Program

Highlands Branch Library Associate Beverly Mason was happy to report DU's February 13 Valentine Program for teens, featuring Speed Booking and Loom Bracelets, was a success with 15 teens in attendance.

Speed Booking consisted of seven  rounds with teens having five books from which to choose.  They had 30 seconds to choose a book, three minutes to skim it, and  finally rated the book from 1-5.

Loom Bracelets was just that.  Five looms and hooks were borrowed and a small bag of bands and clips were donated so teens could make their bracelets, which they enjoyed and want to do again.

Beverly said, "Refreshments were served and we had a prize bag consisting of a prize book and donated hair products for a drawing contest to close the program."  

Outside The (Lunch) Box For CW Region

Webb Wesconnett Region Manager Marshelle Berry moved their managers and supervisors meeting "outside the box", Febraury 14,  to Okinawa Japanese Restaurant. Business was finished and Kathleen Brunner demonstrated the use of chopsticks so lunch could be finished, too.  Pictured L/R in top picture are Stephanie Harley, Sharon Kirkes, Stephanie Miller, Marshelle, Kathleen and Elaine Randolph. Kneeling in front--but standing tall--is our Februrary Staff Profile gentleman himself, Raymond Neal.

BOLT Chair Dr. Simmons-Hutchins Gives JPL Awards To Staffs

It is always a mutual treat for the Library Board of Trustees and JPL employees when awards are given to acknowledge staffs' outstanding service.  At the Library Board's February 13 meeting, first quarter FY2014 JPL Awards were received with smiles--and a thumbs up by Michael Soto, who won the Employee of the Quarter.  Here he receives his award from Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins as proud Deputy Director Carolyn Williams looks on.  

Charlene Ovshak (2nd pic down) , Stacey Van Hoy (3rd pic down), and Michael won the Model the Way Award. Challenge the Process Award winners were Raymond Neal (4th pic) and Diane Alexander (5th pic).  Enable Others to Act Award winner Sharon Kirkes could not attend; Region Manager Marshelle Berry accepted for her. 

"When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'" term must have been coined for JPL employees. 

Visit To KR By CM Schellenberg

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin gets those Council Member visits at her branch on a regular basis.  

Here 4 year old Luke Kemper welcomes City Council Member Matt Schellenberg to story time at KR on February 13.  CM Schellenberg read stories at not one but two Stories for Young Children Programs.  CM Schellenberg is a longtime supporter of the Mandarin Branch Library.

Region Manager Michael Sullivan, Lynne, and Anita Haller gave a warm welcome to CM Schellenberg and expressed their appreciation for his time and support for JPL.  Way to go, KR!

Another Win At Brentwood Branch

NS Children’s Librarian Margaret Crawford tells a story next to the “story time” tree, February 7. Staff decorated the tree for the story’s theme. Stories for Young Children, only in its third week at Brentwood Branch, drew a crowd of 30 who sang and clapped their hands along with Miss Peggy.

 

Thanks to Betty Williams, Library Associate Sr. at Brentwood Branch, for the blurb.

50 JPL Retirees Gather At Southeast Branch

JPL retirees held a get-together, 2 pm - 4 pm, February 7, in Southeast Branch Library's Community Room. Elsie Oishi and Carole (Schwartz) Moore planned the affair.  The room was abuzz with shared experiences from their library years and no one seemed to want to end their reunion. Everyone enjoyed renewing acquaintances and the delicious refreshments served--most especially those of the homemade kind!  Two former Library Directors attended, Judy Williams and Ken Sivulich, along with his wife, Sandy.  Elsie Oishi reports that a total of 50 former JPL employees attended the welcome event.  

Thanks to Elsie Oishi for identifying those in the picture by number:
1.  Sheri (Davis) Brown

 2.  Myrtle Turner

 3.  Gloria Zittrauer

 4.  Margaret Smith

 5.  Carole (Schwartz) Moore

 6.  Carol Strohecker

 7.  Katherine Daye

 8.  Theresa Barmer

 9.  Mary Cardell

10. Mary Mlady

11. Ann Winfree

12. Christie Hill

13. Donna Long

14. Ken Sivulich

15. Nora Freedman

16. Heather Campbell

17. Judy Bullock

18. Rita Vernon

19. Laura Kline

20. Nancy Devereux

21. Pat Doyle

22. Arden Brugger

23. Laurie Ludwig

24. Stephen Ludwig

25. Joan Dismore

26. Jane Ambler

27. Belinda Campbell

28. Barbara Davis

29. Marie Boyer

30. Gloria Tusing

31. Jean Madray

Others attending but not pictured:
Alma Brown                                                               

Carolyn Cooper

Susan Derrick

Nancy Duncan

Peggy Glasnapp

Carla Leach

Greg Lohman

Gail Marion

David Morgan

Tura Morgan

Cora Mullen

Elsie Oishi

Melissa Reynolds

Carl Sanders

Carol Smith

Louise Warren

Judy Williams

Gloria Wood

Laura Young

Carol Smith will keep and update the JPL retiree list and Elsie says Carol has more photos on her Facebook account.  All were grateful to Elsie and Carole for their hard work to make this event possible, and a big thank you to Carol Smith for volunteering to keep the retiree list.

Westbrook Celebrates Black History Month

WBK Branch Library Associate Kimberly McTeer reports, "The project for our art club this month at Westbrook Branch Library was a Black History mural. Each child received a square and designed it in their own way. With the help of Peggy Crawford, Susan Williamson, Brooklyn Parkins, Antoinette Walker, and me, we believe the final product is amazing. The kids were so excited and the mural now hangs in the branch for all to see.  

And The Winners Are

Laura Minor, Sr. Librarian for Main Library's Teen Services, announced the winners of this year's Teen Art Contest, which was concluded February 5.  Pictured: (L to R) Robert (Bob) Arleigh White, contest judge and former Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville; 1st Place winner: Winston Christopher; 2nd Place winner: Samantha Cristol, 17, Atlantic Coast High School; 3rd Place winner: Madeline Gamel, 15, home schooled; Honorable Mention: Clare Kwon Davis, 17, Mandarin High School; Dr. Annmarie Kent-Willette, Duval County Education Commissioner, who spoke at the event.

Congrats to Laura and her team for another job well done--and to all those talented teenagers who participated  in the contest.  Thanks to Mr. White for judging the contest and our appreciation to Dr. Kent-Willette, who spoke at the awards ceremony.