GB's Whitt Gets Innovator Award

Sharon Whitt, Library Associate at Graham Branch, was presented an Innovator Award certificate and button, March 14, 2014, by her Branch Manager, Jackie Spiritas.  Sharon is credited with creating Fitness Fridays at GB during February and March.  An earlier blurb appears on this blog about these classes.

Author Daniel Schafer Is Big Draw At UPK

Award-winning author and historian Daniel Schafer spoke about his newest book, Zephaniah Kingsley Jr. and the Atlantic World: Slave Trader, Plantation Owner, Emancipator, at the February 18th meeting of Old Arlington, Inc., a non-profit community group, held at the University Park Branch. Branch Manager Theresa Rooney coordinated with Old Arlington members on pre-event publicity and the event attracted 78 people.  Ms. Rooney said, “I had heard Dr. Schafer speak before so I knew we could bring in a good crowd with some coordinated effort, particularly word-of-mouth advertising. Old Arlington President Steve Matchett made the poster and flyer we used. Kathy Lussier and Olga Bayer were particularly helpful in helping me to get an item about the event posted in the JPL e-newsletter and in putting out a press release on Friday before the event. I had shared with the Old Arlington members that my vision was to fill the room and amazingly, we did, although even I was surprised by the huge turn-out. I had 83 chairs in the Community Room, but in the last few minutes before the event began, my staff and I started rolling in 10 chairs from the Computer Classroom just to make sure we had enough seating. Dr. Schafer’s talk was fascinating and the Arlington Women’s Club supplied awesome refreshments. The leftover refreshments – particularly the best lemon bars I’ve ever tasted – were much appreciated by my staff.”

KR's Robert Moseley Finds A Better Way

Robert Moseley, KR Library Assistant, received his Innovator Award on Saturday, March 15, 2014, for creating instructions on how to format the audit report.  Robert used Stacey Van Hoy as a guinea pig to work out any kinks before finalizing the instructions and Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin reports Robert's instructions have made formatting the Workflows audit much easier to understand and complete.  Go, Robert!

Little Change = Big Results & Smiles At UPK

Library Clerks Roz Smalls and Linda Griffin Foresto recently took the initiative to complete a small project at University Park Branch that pays big dividends for staff assigned to drops. UPK's two drive-up drop chutes were not previously labeled, one for media and one for books. Now they are and it is much easier to sort materials. Nice job, Linda and Roz!

UPK Hosts CM Crescimbeni

Council Member John Crescimbeni is pictured with Michelle Myers, Community Education Specialist at the Jacksonville Zoo & Community Gardens, and Mary Calcagni, Children’s Librarian at UPK.  CM and Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Vice-President Crescimbeni was rewarded for his tireless and effective efforts on behalf of JPL by an invitation to Zoo Story Time at University Park Branch Library, March 13. The program was conducted by Ms. Myers and CM Crescimbeni was amazed that 83 children and parents turned out to visit with a rainbow boa snake, a rabbit, a baby alligator, a bearded dragon lizard and a baby possum. After the event, Branch Manager Theresa Rooney gave CM Crescimbeni a tour of the branch and building, including the Computer Classroom, which fortuitously had a computer class being conducted by e-Specialist Randy Mapanoo, the BOB area and SST offices where he met some of the staff who work behind the scenes.

 

Pictured right in her pink jacket is Ms. Rooney's granddaughter, Rivers Matchett, who was fascinated by the array of wild life at Zoo Story Time; to her right is her mother, Emily Matchett.

Main Library Gets Much Needed Overhaul

As you may have heard on local news, the City is in litigation with the original contractor for the new Main Library.  The law suit is for approximately $1.4 million in damages to the Main Library due to construction shortfalls when Main was constructed, 2003-2005. 

In the fall of 2013, City Of Jacksonville Public Works (COJ/PW) began an invasive assessment to determine the cause and pin-point the source of damages within the Main Library believed to be due to faulty construction.  During this assessment, it was found that there was delamination of stucco (separation of exterior stucco from the wall of the building), H20 intrusion linked to installation shortfalls of exterior windows and skylights, along with H2O intrusion identified within the courtyard.   

Long story short, ACON Construction was contracted by COJ/PW to conduct this activity on/about October 2013.  Work is still in process to rectify the damages and it is anticipated to be completed by October 2015. 

Kudos to employees who have been patient with the necessary noise and open areas on cold days while windows were removed and reinstalled. 

Thanks to CR&M’s Marsha Blasco for the photo of the installation of new windows at the Main Library.

News From San Marco Branch

Pam Thompson, SS's Branch Manager, shares their latest good news:

·       2/14/2014 – A schoolage program featuring homemade playdough was the most well received program for the age group so far this year. Thirteen middle schoolers spent an hour crafting various food items, castles, and even a Gandalf figurine. Several of the youth have personally requested another round.

 ·       2/19/2014 –A guest reader was very well received during a farm themed Stories for Young Children. Harvard Blake McCorvey (Mr. Blake to the kids), a theater major from FSCJ, read “Moo!” by David LaRochelle. The laughter generated could be heard throughout the library.

The Library Is The Place To Bee

Spring is slowly but surely making its approach and Graham Branch's Chanika Kimbrough knew just how to celebrate it.  For the months of March, April, and May, Chanika decided to have the theme, The Library Is the Place to Bee, and made a display board with the title in spring colors. Then she involved GB youth by asking them to jot down reasons why they frequent the library. The blurbs are being used to decorate the colorful board in the form of bees.  It is a great feeling to know that the library is greatly appreciated by community youth.  Here are some of the responses Chanika was given:

  

·        “To help me stay focused”
·        “To see kind workers”
·        “Youth Programs”
·        “I like to read”
·        “To socialize/hang with my friends”
·        “For crafts”
·        “Always something to do”
 

Dallas Graham Branch Manager, Jackie Spiritas, said, "Chanika is always finding new ways to engage the youth at Graham and bring out the best in them. She holds them all to a high standard and  the branch is a better place to bring young people together with her on staff."

As Far As U Could See: Pots Of Gold At The End Of Each Rainbow

Janice Best , a part-time Library Associate at Bradham Brooks Northwest held a St. Patrick’s Day story time, March 11. It was attended by 57 kids. As you see, there really is a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow--even if you have to paint it.

Thanks to Gloria Buenavista for letting us know.

Congrats to KR Innoator Award Winners

Sara Peretzman and Jessica Jones with their Innovator Award certificates and buttons received from Lynne Baldwin, Mandarin Branch Manager,  Saturday, March 8, 2014.  

Special Women's History Month Display At Murray Hill

Chiquita Powell, Children's Librarian at Murray Hill Branch, lauds their  History Fair project currently displayed in the children’s section, "Our part-timer, Amy Davis, has a talented 6^thgrade daughter, 11 year old Hannah, who did this board for her History Fair project.  The title is 'Women in World War 1: Paving the Way to Equality.'  This display comes at a perfect time as March is Women’s History Month."

 

Don't you know that Mom is proud!

18 Families at Mandarin's Primetime!

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin is pleased with KR's Primetime success, "Eighteen Mandarin area families have been participating in Primetime, the six week family reading program which began, February 26.   Children ages 6-10 and their parents and guardians have enjoyed sharing a healthy meal,  listening to storytellers and reading together.  The program wraps up, April 9, with a visit from CM Matt Schellenberg.  Congratulations to Laura , Emily and Pam for their outstanding work on this program.

"Library Associate Alison Pulley is pictured sharing story time with the younger siblings of Primetime participants at the Mandarin Branch Library." 

UPK: Calling All Aspiring Young Artists!

Calling all ages 10 - 18:  Poets, Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Rappers (clean), Storytellers, Jugglers, and Fashionistas!  They all are invited to come share their work or just come and listen.  Where and What:
 
University Park Branch, 3435 University Boulevard North (a few blocks north of JU, on the right) for a Spring Break Extravaganza, “Open Mic Night and Teen Fashion Show”, 6:00 – 8:00pm., Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

 
Rosalin Smalls will again MC the event and staff will be taking and sharing pictures with us on the blog after.

Lynne Baldwin Gets Well Deserved Studdy Buddy

The Jackson de Ville “Study Buddy” was given to Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin by South Mandarin Librarian Margo Crafton for always going "above and beyond" in external and internal customer service and for her ever present “I care” attitude.

KR Innovators Receive Awards

Mandarin Branch Library Associate Don Carpenter, left, and Children's Library Assistant David Foster each received an Innovator Award and button, March 7, from KR Manager Lynne Baldwin. 

 

David and Don were recognized for their innovative and creative youth services programming.

KR Goes Green Early For St. Patty's Day

Library Clerk Eric Cusaac wishes customers a Happy St. Patrick’s Day as the Mandarin Branch Library celebrates the heritage of Ireland with an abundance of four-leaf clover cutouts and balloons and informative displays.

 

It's good to see green again!

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!