UPK Tested Positive For Morale Boosting; Booster Shots As Needed

UPK Manager Theresa Rooney reviewed the following submission by Library Clerk Rosalin Smalls and said, "This is an experiment and can be tweaked as needed.  These ideas were processed through Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives." 

                         UPK Is Boosting Their Morale

Here at UPK we have always had good morale because we believe in celebrating us.  There have been times when it got kind of crazy, but we have pulled together and made it through.  We have “just because” parties. 

Starting in January 2015, UPK will take “celebrating us” to another level.  We are starting an “Employee of the Month” recognition celebration.  This is not going to be a competition.  Staff can put one of their co-worker's names on a slip of paper and write why he/see feels that person should be the Employee of the Month.  (Ex: he/she helped you while you were at Circ when the line was long, or wore your favorite color and looked really good in it.)  Nothing complicated.

We will pull a name at the beginning of each month.  The winner can choose which “special privilege” he/she would like (ex: in-house luncheon with his/her favorite food; no book drop for a week; or something apprpved by our Manager.)  Winners will also receive an Employee of the Month certificate along with their picture (optional) and profile in the JPL News.  We want all of our people to have a chance, so no one person can win twice in a quarter.  Management cannot participate.  If there is a tie we will ask Theresa Rooney to be the tie breaker.

Nothing Says "Thanks" Like Yellow Roses

Mandarin’s Stacey Van Hoy and Lynne Baldwin helped a customer Get to Yes by helping with her Carnival Cruise Line reservations.  A customer was so pleased with their service that she gave them a dozen yellow roses with the following note attached:  "Thank you, so very much for helping us with our cruise papers.  You are so sweet. Frances Conrad "

You Go, Girls!

Thanks to JB's Therese Welch for sending this in,  "Random House recently held a contest 'Read To Red Carpet', inviting libraries to create a display of movies inspired by books. Their free poster was to be included in the display. The Beaches Branch submitted this picture and was named as one of the 5 winning libraries!  You can view the announcement of winners by clicking on the link: http://randomhouselibrary.com/2014/10/20/lights-camera-oscar-worthy-read-to-red-carpet-displays/

  

Above are staff members Julie Rekow and Terry Welch, who created the display, holding their prize pack.

SE Region Gives Overflowing Thanksgiving Baskets

KR Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Congratulations to everyone in the SE Region (SOM, SE, and KR) for their generous donations for theThanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by Jax Cares.  They went over and beyond the call of duty!!

"The photos here were taken at Mandarin Branch before I picked up the baskets from South Mandarin and San Marco Branches. (Front to back: Eric Cusaac, Sara Peritzman, and Jessicas Jones, appear to be happy with the results.)

"The SE Region Branches donated a total of 6 large (overflowing) laundry baskets and 9 small (overflowing) baskets, plus 4 plastic bags of food that we couldn’t fit in the baskets. Such generosity makes me proud to be a member of the SE Region Branch Libraries.  Congratulations again on a job well done!

"Please thank all the employees who shared and I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!"

Felecia Battle Gets Innovator Award

Felecia Battle, a Highlands Branch Children's Library Assistant, was nominated for an Innovator Award by YS Librarian II Hongying Song, and Branch Manager Ann Fridl granted the award, which Felecia received, November 7, 2014, for creating an eye-catching Thanksgiving display of a turkey that that would draw any young eye to the book display.  No turkey that Felecia! 

 

Janine Stanley Receives 15 Year Pin

Librarian I Janine Stanley and other SST staff celebrate Janine’s 15 years with JPL.  Janine works in SST's ILS and Cataloguing.
She has been at SST three years and the other 12 years she spent in Reference and Periodicals at the old and new Main Library.

Congratulations from all of us, Janine!

Staff Profile - November 2014

Library Assistant Cranston Burney is really a savvy guy, mastering any task or obstacle that comes his way at the Main Library, he has been much appreciated by his supervisors and peers over the years. Never one to "blow the trumpet" before he's on the scene, we thought you would like to know more about this loyal, capable, and very popular employee.

Q: You have been with JPL since 1981, beginning, supposedly, on a temporary basis.  What caused you to stay?
A: I enjoyed the work and the people I worked with and for--the overwhelming majority of the time, and pretty much in that order. Best temporary job I ever had.

Q: How did you become involved in the transition to the computer technology component of library service?

A: JPL created a position in the late ‘90s that was pretty much what we’d call an E-Specialist today. The position was scrapped for budgetary reasons but the digitization initiative was gearing up and I was steered in that direction. Been hooked ever since.

Q: What are some of the most unusual tasks and people you have encountered?
A: There’s the guy who thinks that all the people on the computers in the Grand Reading Room are generating “head electrical energy” that interferes with his thought processes. He wanted us to report it to the government to “save the women and children.” I remember thinking, “Right, ‘cause it’s obviously too late for you.” One time I was asked to cover up a wire in the old Main building with decorative rocks. Never knew what the wire did. Cleaning up after people “who should know better” (used diapers, fried chicken, and stuff too gross to mention).
 

Q: What do you like best and least about your job?

 A: The best thing is that one customer (and it’s often just one) who says we did a good job. The worst thing is saying goodbye to coworkers. And answering really dumb questions. I know they say the only dumb question is the one not asked, but whoever said that didn’t work in the Call Center.

Q: What are your favorite things to do when you are not working at JPL?

A:Reading (duh!), music (have a reasonably large CD collection), movies, *beer and occasionally I take pictures.

__________________
*The strikeout is purposeful and Cranston requested it to be printed as is.

A Day In The Life Of A Recruit

Stacey N. Humphrey, P/T Administrative Assistant in Community Relations and Marketing, responded to our request for stories of JPL veterans' memories, and her participation is appreciated. She also sent along this quote from Pres. Ronald Reagan (1983):  "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference to this world. The Marines don't have that problem."

 

"September 8, 1991, Parris Island, SC and I stood on yellow footprints thinking about my new life while this man in what seemed to be a dark green toilet bowl seat hat, yelled, screamed, sweating, Marine put me in my place.  'Oh my word, did he just spit on me?'
I thought.  All I could think was 'Man, he’s so handsome with that chiseled jawline and tight belt around that fit torso.'  But what I didn’t realize was that I was laughing and smiling while I was thinking it!  That Marine drill instructor yelled so loud at me it scared the smile, smirk, grin, and joy off of my face in that same instant.  'Welcome to Parris Island. Your name is now recruit, and your parents don’t exist; only my drill instructors who will train you to be a lean, mean, fighting machine!!'  Unfortunately, I continued to get in trouble for the next three months for laughing and smiling. 

"November 8, 2014, is the United States Marine Corps' 239th birthday and I am proud to have served with the best and finest.  OoRah and Semper Fidelis!!!" 

United Way Giving Closes November 17, 2014

If you give to United Way, please return your completed donation form to your branch or department UW rep by November 17, 2014, so they can get all their area's forms checked and totaled and turned in to Sara Gunter on November 18. (Remember: payroll deductions don't start until the first pay period in 2015.)

 

United Way donors can put your name on the slip of paper attached to your form, fold it once, and return it with your donation for a drawing to win two club seat tickets to the December 7, 2014 Jaguars vs. Texans game!  (Sara Gunter won the tickets and is offering them in a drawing to be held November 24 or 25 and the JPL/UW donor/winner will be contacted immediately to pick up the tickets.)

WHY GIVE TO UW? Three areas are the focus of UW's  2014 Campaign:  Education, Income, and Health. We know the literacy rate in Duval County is high (Per CAL, 128,000 adults read at the most basic reading level, which is 5th grade, right now.)  UW supports Success By 6 and ReadingPals in learning efforts to prevent another generation perpetuating this tragic figure. Early education is supremely important to all of us.

United Way's RealSense initiative works to strengthen families' financial stability by teaching them how to stay out of debt and fiscally secure. Additionally, many of you probably had your taxes prepared using UW RealSense free tax prep service.

UW connects people of all ages to resources they need for long-term physical and mental health.  Full Service Schools help students and families to overcome non-academic barriers to succeed by providing free mental and behavioral therapy.  Elder Care Advocates work with health care systems throughout this community to ease the transition from hospital to home for senior citizens.  Learn more in your UW pamphlet provided with your UW form and ask yourself :

                        Why give to United Way?  Why not.

Halloween at SOM

For Halloween, South Mandarin Branch's Bryan Thomas read The Ghost-Eye Tree by Bill Martin, which, Bryan explained, "is a spooky story about a brother and sister having to pass by a haunted (by an owl) tree at night, and The Monster Show by Charise Mericle Harper, about a monster variety show where we learned that monsters are not all scary; some are quirky and funny."  Pictured are staff members Lily Waller and Sarah Miller. The 'pirate' was reading a joke; there was a joke box that the kids were picking from.

Friends Book Sale Begins November 6, 2014

Here's a quote from the Friends of JPL newsletter just received.  You and your customers can find some real bargains--but then you already know that.

Here’s the complete schedule for the Friends of JPL sale: Thursday, November 6 - 4:00 to 7:00 (FJPL members only sale – 25% discount) (Become a member at the door for $10; good until 12/31/2015) Friday, November 7 - 2:00 to 8:00 Saturday, November 8 (Sat.) 10:00 to 4:00     $10 for a bag of books sales days: Sunday, November 9 - 12:00 to 5:00 Tuesday, November 11 - 10:00 to 4:00 (Veterans Day) Saturday, November 15 - 10:00 to 4:00     Proceeds from the sale benefit our public libraries. It is OK to shop more than once because FJPL volunteers      are constantly restocking the shelves. Our best form of advertising is word of mouth      --you telling folks about our sale.

 

Halloween Linup At Webb

Graham Branch Manager Sharon Kirkes sent this delightful linup of her and her crew.  Pictured L/R: Munchkin (Sara Radovic), Wicked Witch (Sandra Fahy), Flying Monkey Sharon Kirkes), Mayor of Munchkinland (Patricia Turner), Glinda (Martina Fluitt), Cowardly Lion (Alexis Brown), Scarecrow (Dana Curry), Tin Woodsman (Christie Rogers), Dorothy (Noah Thomas) and the Yellow Brick Road.

Tangarine Pumpkins? Yep.

Johnnie Mitchell (pictured left with kids) and other Dallas Graham Branch Library staff celebrated Halloween by treating customers to Michael Jackson’s song, “Thriller”, and a zombie dance. Just before closing, October 31, Manager Jackie Spiritas made an announcement that customers were in for a treat and what better way to set the mood for the evening than with a spooky dance. The chilling music that filled the library, as staff backed up the famous musical icon, was drowned out by staff cheers. One seasoned customer got in on the act and began her own zombie groove alongside Manager Jackie Spiritas, Library Assistant Tyhedra Wilson, Library Clerk Joshua Wise, and the Security Guard. Prior to the festivities, children were invited by Peggy Crawford, Tyhedra,  Joshua and Johnnie to draw Jack-O-Lantern faces on tangerines as a craft and they were very proud of their edible and original “pumpkin” treats. All in all – a very festive Friday at the Graham Branch Library.

Monster Mash Brings Out Kids' Best

       Has the mummy come to claim the Eyyptian princess?


                        The pumpkins never looked better.

                         Everybody loves a winning ghost.

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sends her congratulations to staff members Alison, David and Frances for a successful Monster Mash program, October 29.  She also recognizes and thanks Robert and Eric for judging the costume contest and Patty, Sara, Jessica and for serving refreshments. Jessica and Sara also took some fabulous photos.

Halloween AT SE

Southeast had a Halloween parade and staff and children enjoyed a mutual admiration event with their costumes.  Staff oohed and ahhed and passed out goodies.

Jiu-Jitsu Program at Main, 11/22/14

L/R are Professor Juan Mott, leader of the ChokeFight Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Academy, and Sean Wallace, Circulation staff member at the Main Library.  Both will be in a program demonstrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Main Library's Zimmerman Overlook, 3:00-4:00 p.m., November 22, 2014.  Invite customers and y'all come!

Willysa Jones Wins Honor At Edward Waters College

JPL’s own Willysa Jones was crowned “Miss Choir 2014 - 2015” during homecoming celebrations at historic Edward Waters College last week.  She is a senior at Edward Waters College majoring in Elementary Education.

 

Willysa was chosen for this honor because she is a member of C-Phi, a leadership organization, and because she routinely exhibits the five principles of the choir:  Profound scholarship,  Unwavering commitment, Astute musicianship,  Rigorous Practice, and Firm Discipline.  Willysa brings some of these same principles to work. 

 

Willysa has worked as a part-time clerk in the circulation department at the Main library for nearly five years.  She says she loves working with the people in her department and her experience at JPL has taught her life skills and all about teamwork.  Congratulations, Willysa.

 

Willysa is pictured riding in the EWC Homecoming Parade last Saturday, October 25.  Check out that regal wave.

TIME TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!

Don't forget to move your clocks back (remember: fall back, spring forward) Saturday night before you go beddy-bye.  Time changes at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 2, 2014.

 
You get to sleep an extra hour thanks to Daylight Savings Time.

Some People Never Forget You

If you ever need a pick-me-up or wonder if customers really appreciate your good service, or "swallow" it quickly and that's that, well, just remember this:  A note arrived this morning dated 10/24/14, from a long-ago customer (the envelope is stamped CA; can't read the city because it is over a dark part of the postage stamp):

"To Jax Library, I frequented your beautiful library back in winter 2006-2007.  I just wanted to say thank you! (heart) Megan Jones"

We had to share her beautiful flower (watercolor) and her note.

Mark Merritt's 20 Years In The Navy

I’m a Navy veteran of 20 years.  I served from 1977-1997.  In that time I was on 4 different submarines (USS Robert E. Lee SSBN 601, USS Ulysses S. Grant SSBN 631, USS Henry L. Stimson SSBN 655 and USS West Virginia SSBN 736).  I served in Norfolk Virginia, Kings Bay Georgia, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and New London, Connecticut.  We forward deployed from Holy Loch Scotland on the Grant and Guam on the Robert E. Lee.  I made 15 patrols and several other non-noteworthy trips.  My longest one time stint underwater was about 85 days, most of it north of the Arctic Circle (this was in 1988 I think.) 

 These were all strategic nuclear missile submarines meaning we were on “alert” status underway and part of the strategic deterrent to any party desiring to use nuclear weapons against the United States.  My role was to ensure that the missile systems performed satisfactorily and to execute any launch order if received.  Of course, we never have launched; you would surely know it if we did.  We didn’t go to many foreign ports as most countries didn’t want us around much.  No one much likes nuclear armed submarines in their back yard! 

 

I’m proud of the time I spent in the Navy.  I met many fine people and we kept the peace, which was our goal.  It’s not really humorous, just a lot of work keeping the ship clean and in working order.  Certainly some days were better than others, but we stuck together and got the job done.  We always made sure that each submergence was followed at some point by a surfacing action. 

 

The first picture below is of the Grant (SSBN 631).  They all look about like this; I could spell out details but that isn’t important. 

 

This picture below shows the business end of our role, the missiles.  The one pictured here, a Trident C-4 Backfit was about 64,000 pounds in weight, 3 stage solid propellant and could go more than 4,000 miles to it’s target and deliver several warheads at different locations.  A truly fearsome weapon.  Each boat could carry 16 missiles like this except the West Virginia, a newer Trident boat that could carry 24 missiles.  Getting these missiles loaded, tested, ready for flight and executing the launch order were my prime jobs. 

  

 We applaud your many contributions to this country, Mark Merritt; not to mention your untold hours of searching for ways to keep JPL's head above water for several years as JPL's Deputy Director/Administrative Servicies.  It's hard to beat a faithful man to his duties.