KR Manager Baldwin & Ms. Pulley Make Presentation to Library Board

The Mandarin Branch Library hosted the monthly meeting of the Board of Library Trustees on Thursday, January 8.  It was really special to have SE Region Clerical Supervisor Deborah Wainwright and SE Region Librarian III for Youth Services Anita Haller attend the meeting to show their support during the presentation to the Board by Library Associate Alison Pulley and Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin. 
 
Pictured are Anita Haller, Deborah Wainwright, Stacey Van Hoy and Sara Peretzman.

Staff Profile - January 2015

Amber Crystal Holley has some positive methods that she applies to everyday life and her career.  So far, these SOP's (standard operating procedures) in her career and elsewhere seem to be working well for her and she has some principles we could all adopt.

Q: What responsibilities do you have as the new Youth Services Manager?

A: As the Manager for Youth Services I have the privilege to act as the head of the Youth Services Leadership Team, which includes the eight YS Librarian IIIs, as well as our Early Childhood Specialist, Susan Mankowski. We all work to ensure that all 21 of our locations are offering library services that support the educational success of our youth. I also coordinate system wide initiatives that support this goal, including offering professional development and coordinating programming around the system.

I’m also looking forward to refocusing our youth services programming to encourage the educational success of our youth. Youth programs that focus on educational success were noted as one of JPL’s strategic goals because our youth are falling behind in all academic areas. We, as a public institution, are uniquely placed to not only support academic initiatives, but to help provide a model for life-long learning and an enjoyment of the pursuit of knowledge. We are not just the “keepers of books” and I’m excited by all the opportunities available to youth services staff to explore what the library can mean for the youth of today and adults of tomorrow.

Q: Starting with JPL in 2004, you managed AYL, then served as CW Region’s Senior Youth Services Librarian and later moved into the position of Librarian III in the Youth Services Department with Laura Minnich. Your experience in these areas will no doubt promulgate some innovative ideas for JPL’s Youth Services. Would you share some of the plans you have for YS?

A: I’ve moved around JPL even more than that! Sometimes I like to joke that if I’ve gotten too settled wherever I am, it must be time to move! But it has been an awesome experience. I think I’ve really gotten a feel for the different neighborhoods that JPL serves and all of our many and varied customers. It has really taught me a higher level of flexibility and given me an understanding that each library, although part of a larger organization, has individual needs to serve its local population.

Since I’ve been in a lot of different areas of the JPL system I’ve seen a lot of duplication of efforts and areas where Youth Services staff could be helping each other. We should be sharing ideas, information, and supplies more than we do currently, so I will be looking for ways to improve this sharing whenever possible.

Q: Did you have a career prior to coming to JPL, and if so, how does that experience contribute to your current position as Youth Services Manager?

 A: My career prior to JPL was Professional College Student. I jumped directly from my undergrad experience at New College of Florida to graduate school at USF to my first job as a librarian at the Beaches Branch of JPL.  But I can tell you that my part-time jobs during those years were formative. For a while, I cold called people across the United States to ask them about their media habits. I quickly learned how to make a personal connection rapidly over the phone with people from all walks of life. I also learned to let go of the bad conversations and enjoy the good ones when they came along. My times at the Post Office taught me to be an efficient cog in the wheel and gave me a love of audiobooks. My time as a librarian for the youth prison system gave me an exposure to a certain group of children and my first good library customer stories.
 

Q: You have excellent organizational skills—does that come natural to you, or is it a skill you developed in your career, and why do you consider it to be essential to success?

 
A: I have always been fairly organized because I like to get things done. If I can be organized about whatever it is that I am doing, it gets done quickly, neatly and with a minimum of fuss. And if I’m organized, I can get more done.

My favorite part about being organized is that it allows me to avoid thinking about what I have to do next because I have that all written down. Instead, I can spend more time thinking about better ways to do things and new things to try.

Also, since I’m organized, I’ve learned that I can do some pretty big and pretty amazing things. All I need to do is outline my plan and figure out the small, achievable steps. Then I set a bunch of mini-deadlines and before I know it, I’m done.

 
I can’t say that the ability to be organized is something that I was born with. It’s something that I work at and I’m constantly improving upon and trying new tricks.
 

Q: What would you say was the happiest day in your life?

A: I’ve had some happy days, but honestly I try to live my life happy. Life is a journey and if you can’t enjoy the ride, what’s the point? A few years ago I watched this really amazing TED talk by Shawn Achor. He talks about why happy people are happy and gives some simple ways that everyone can make their daily lives happier. So I do things and arrange what I can of my life to make myself happier. Did you know that happier people are about 30% more efficient and productive?

 http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work/transcript?language=en

Happy New Year From KR's Children's Staff

Happy New Year 2015 from the Children’s Department at the Mandarin Branch Library!   The display board was designed by Mandarin’s very own design team of Frances & Alison.  Pictured are David Foster, Anita Haller, Alison Pulley and Frances Wickes. 

Oh, To Be A Child Again

Beverly Mason, Library Associate at Highlands Branch said, "We only had five in storytime this morning, but it was awesome.  I used the 'Winter Traveling Tales' and we read Oh, by Kevin Henkes and 10 on a Sled, by Kim Norman.

 After we finished reading our stories and singing our songs, we had a snowball fight and did the 'Writing in the Snow' art activity.  Two children were writing letters and numbers.  One was exploring the feeling and taste of frosting." (Now we know why you like these programs.)

How To Make Florida Snowflakes

As we began the holiday break the kids enjoyed creating their own snowflake (since Florida hasn’t seen snow since 1989) holiday cards and placemats. Mrs. Antoinette Walker helped them color and create a placemat to complement their holiday dinner while Mrs. McTeer created snow, I mean snowflakes. (Thanks, Kim McTeer at Westbrook, for the blurb).

To Jump Start Your HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From an 8-year old recently

 Dear library,

Thank you….For all the books you have to share with us, and the computers so we can find the books we want.  And most of all the kindness you have for us!

Sheraton

One of your library Friends

Happy Kids At WBK

There were 23 kids jumping for joy to have the Balloon program at Westbrook Branch Library again this year. They twisted a New Year’s Eve hat to bring in the New Year. Not sure who did the most popping, the kids or the adults. Mrs. Brunson is always fun to have around and sure knows how to draw a crowd.  (Thanks to  Kimberly McTeer at WBK for the blurb and picture.) 

EB's Winter Activities Are Popular

Sharon Whitt reports, "Brown Eastside’s Winter Activities are a hit with the kids.  Karen Lewis, EB’s Library Assistant (below), hosted the Candy Cane Craft program with 45 in attendance. The kids had fun listening to carols, making their own candy cane sleighs and, of course, eating candy. Our own Library Clerk, Michelle Dubois, attended the program with her daughter (above).

"There were also 25 in attendance at the Let It Snow Puppet Show hosted by Eve Harm (below, standing, left). The kids had fun watching the show and making their own snowflakes. Each held their snowflake up to make it seem like it was snowing."
 

Love Those Smiles!

Season Greetings and Happy New Year from the staff at the Mandarin Branch Library.

Kudos From Customers

Main – Children’s Dept.: Today I called in with a problem. I needed to know how to download the e-book onto my computer and do a search for a book in particular. I have never done this before and had quite a few questions and steps to go through. I got Marie (Myers) on the line from the Main Library and she took the time and was very courteous and patiently and professionally helped me to solve my problems. Job well done to you, Marie, and those who hired you. You shine in what you do!

Main – Conference Center:  We can't thank Will Daniels enough for all of his wisdom, talents, experience and classy Ideas during the planning of our wedding! Will patiently answered all of our crazy questions with nothing but expert responses and then backed them up by making sure nothing went wrong during the entire evening! He also made my 8 year old niece and 80 year old aunt feel as if they were the only ones in the room and equally comfortable. HE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING! Thanks for making my wedding day as beautiful as the library itself. I still can't believe how amazing it looked for both the ceremony and reception. Thanks to Will Daniels, my family 'as a whole' has been treated to a great event in the Downtown Area no less!

Murray Hill Branch:  …She's great. I've never heard her be rude or down talk anyone. Talks in the same tone all the time. Margaret (Esposito) is her name. …

Pablo Creek Branch: Beverly Brown is "Employee of Month“ for exceeding her duties!

South Mandarin: Ms. (Margo) Crafton's sweet spirit and her genuine love for children. I feel we have a fun, safe place to come and learn and play. The crafts are neat and easy for small children to do. My son leaves with a sense of accomplishment.

Plus one special one for Christmas, addressed at Mandarin Branch with a picture of Santa, but I think this would apply to all:  "Dear library: Thank you….For all the books you have to share with us, and the computers so we can find the books we want. And most of all the kindness you have for us!"

Even If You Haven't Got A Dime To Give

Most everyone would probably agree that Gratitudue and (good) Attitude are about the best gifts we can give each other--and ourselves.

KR Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Mandarin Branch Library was the site of an Art Show celebrating  the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center Art Program and artists during the month of November.  Library Clerk Sara Peretzman coordinated the event as well as the reception that the branch hosted for faculty, students and parents on Wednesday, November 19.  Fifty-seven people attended the reception including School Board Member Ashley Smith Juarez.  Sara is pictured holding a large thank you card created and signed by the Alden Road artists.  Sara is also pictured with School Member Smith Juarez and Library Clerk Jessica Jones.

Drum Roll, Please, for Susan & Antoinette

Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor, proudly reports, "Susan Williamson received an anniversary pin for 10 years of service with the City of Jacksonville.  Susan began her career with JPL in October 2004.  Pictured with Susan is Antoinette Walker, Library Assistant at Westbrook Branch.  Both ladies received an Innovator Award for two projects they initiated at the branch. Using Traveling Tales, Susan provides pop-up story times for young customers at the branch.  Antoinette sponsored a Customer Appreciation Day where, on a frosty morning, more than 20 customers received a cup, a candy cane and a packet of hot chocolate.  Kudos to both ladies for their service and their thoughtful ideas that add value and support the goals of Outstanding Customer Service and Educational Success ."

All Things Bright And Beautiful

Beautiful Happy Hanukkah Greeting at Mandarin Branch - Mandarin Library Clerk Sara Peretzman created a Hanukkah Wall to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

  

And Lynne Baldwin loaned her Nutcracker collection to add to the joy at Mandarin:

Very Merry At Southeast Branch

Wow!

Would you believe Southeast likes the Season?

They must; they sport TWO beautiful renditions of THE tree.

How The World Celebrates

Part of the “Winter Happenings” at NS was “Celebrations Around The World" and billed as a fun, educational, and tasty program to teach youth how other cultures and countries celebrate. The children learned some history, geography, fun facts, played games and sampled food.  Requests were made to the JPL family asking for volunteers to represent various countries and cultures.  Everyone eagerly agreed.

Lilia Simonton (M) and Emma Pancho (M), dressed in traditional clothing, represented the Philippines.   They presented a slide show and later taught the children to play Sipa, kicking bundled rubber bands, and Tinikling, a dance with Bamboo poles.  Eva Newton, Urban Core Teen Librarian, represented Iceland.  She presented the folklore of the mischievous Yule Lads.   Jackie Spiritas (GB) represented Israel and the Jewish traditions. She lit a Menorah and later taught the children to play the dreidel game. Angela Richman (SOM) represented the Hispanic cultures of Colombia, Mexico and Spain. She brought a full display board as well as treats for tasting and other items and icons. Everyone smiled when she told of the custom of fresh yellow underwear to bring in the New Year and her daughter, Amy, ran around rolling an empty suitcase to represent greeting a new year full of travel.  Presenter Nancy Quinones of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represented Puerto Rico.  Besides leading the children in an impromptu percussion band, she brought coconut treats as well.

 

The Friends of Brentwood Library prepared and served two tables full of fruit and tasty treats with an international flair.  There were approximately 70 participants and everyone learned something and enjoyed it.  Betty Williams, Library Associate, Sr. at Brentwood Branch, who contributed this articles, says, "Thank you Family!"

CAL Shares Christmas Story

  Merry Christmas from the Center for Adult Learning and Learn to Read!  The staff of CAL and LTR decorated the Christmas tree in CAL with a theme of The Learning Tree.  The decorations (all handmade) were designed to include all areas of studies, i.e.: Math, ESL, and ABE.   Books were wrapped as gifts and placed under the tree.  A family of four stopped by and asked if they could get closer to the tree.  As they walked closer to the tree one of the kids asked his parents why there was writing on the decorations. The father said to the child, “I’m sure it’s related to the books under the tree because books are given as Christmas gifts.”  Denise was manning the desk and took the opportunity to provide the family with information concerning CAL and Learn to Read and what the decorations represented.   The parents thanked Denise, and the response from the kids was “COOL”. So, as you plan for your days off at Christmas don’t forget to READ!

Cookie Mouse Shares His Cookies

Graham hosted a Cookie Mouse Storytime on December 17. There were 15 children and adults in attendance and they were amazed that they could meet the famous mouse “in person”. Each got some chocolate chip cookies as a treat to add to the Cookie Mouse experience.

Some wanted their picture taken with the famous mouse – others chose to be polite observers. GB Manger Jackie Spiritas would like to thank the mystery staff person that agreed to take on the role as Cookie Mouse. You know who you are….!

Navy Band Performs At KR

Lynne Baldwin, KR Manager, reports "The Navy Band Southeast’s Brass Quintet, Windward Brass, performed holiday music on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 pm in the Community Room at the Mandarin Branch Library.  Council Member Matt Schellenberg(left) introduced the members of the Quintet before an audience of over 91 community members and library supporters.  Veterans and active duty personnel in the audience were recognized by CM Schellenberg. 

 

"Big thanks to Sara Peretzman, Eric Cusaac, Stacey Van Hoy, Don Carpenter, David Foster Robert Moseley and Jessica Jones,who coordinated the event, and Frances Wickes and Diane Lewis who organized the refreshments including the Navy cake. Great job!"

 

We appreciate the Navy Band; they perform often at the Main Library in the Music at Main series.  If you have not attended the performances, try it--you'll like it.

Happy Holidays from Support Services!