SE's Teens Make Candy Sushi

SE's Anjelica Bencomo reports on their October 16 Teen program, Candy Sushi Making, "We had a sugar-filled happy time with 17 teens participating and they were eager to help and set up. "

It's Bosses' Day!

October 16 was Bosses Day--a day for staffs to thank their bosses and that they did. Some employees at the Main Library showed their appreciation to Lynne Baldwin, Main Public Services Manager, with a bouquet of flowers and Michael Sullivan, Main/Urban Region Manager, received a gift basket and balloon.  Both Lynne and Michael reflect their appreciation in these photos.

Nicolle Burton and Donna Crowther served up a scrumptidelicious luncheon to a few VIP's, too, on Bosses' Day.  The honored guests included Library Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil, Michael Sullivan, Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott, and Executive Assistant Andrew Herron.  Lynne Baldwin had to be elsewhere and was missed but certainly is appreciated for her many contributions to JPL.

THANKS, ALL YOU BOSSES, FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE JPL THE CONTINUING SUCCESS IT IS.  

NW Partners w/Rufus Payne Elemenary for Literacy Night

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch partnered with Rufus E. Payne Elementary for their Family Literacy Night. Sheenae Nelson read a story to the little kids and Michelle Petrin read to the older kids.  Gloria Buenavista prepared a library information table. There were 127 in attendance and to top it off, Batman made an appearance.  (Sorry, his pic refuses to post.) Thanks to NW Library Associate Gloria Buenavista for the input and pic.

It's Bosses Day!

Cynthia Simmons, Main's Clerical Services Supervisor, was pleasantly surprised to receive this beautiful arrangement from the Circulation Team in honor of Bosses Day, October 16!  

Author of Topgun Days At JB

The Beaches Branch hosted author Dave "Bio" Baranek, October 3, 2015.  Dave was a Navy Flight Officer who became an instructor at Topgun, the Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School, and was one of the pilots who worked on and flew in the movie Top Gun. After an interesting talk, Dave signed copies of his book Topgun Days about his experiences and we showed the movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. It was a great beginning for the month of October when the Sea and Sky Spectacular returns to Jacksonville Beach!

An interesting piece of trivia:  For those old enough to remember Ranger Hal and Skipper Ed,  Ranger Hal was Dave’s dad.  (Thanks to Terry Welch for the blurb and pic.)

Folio's Flowers Go To JPL

In its current issue of Folio Magazine's "Brickbats and Flowers" the Jacksonville Public Library was awarded this beautiful bouquet, which is displayed on the Main Library's first floor for all to admire.  In case the print is too small, the sign reads, "As a result of a $l million budget increase, the libraries will increase operational hours by 10 percent in locations where residents depend on the libraries' resources the most.  Thank you, Mayor and Council."

Friends Groups: It's Nice To Be Recognized

Above, some of the members of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library gather with their representative, Virginia Maxted, who holds the Board of Library Trustees Resolution presented to all Friends groups representatives that were present at the Board of Library Trustees meeting, October 8, 2015, in honor of National Friends of the Library Week, October 18-24, 2015  Other Friends groups representatives who attended the Board meeting and received the Resolution were: Melvin Turnage (Brenwood), Margaret Smith (Friends of JPL); Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch); Judy Klein (Murray Hill); and Celia Miller (Graham Branch).  (Also refer to the article posted on this blog, October 8, to view the content of the Resolution presented to the Friends at the Board meeting, October 8. 

If you see one of the Friends of the Library, do thank them for all their support for the JPL.

Jaguar Reads To First Graders At Main

Here are some photos from a school visit, October 13, 2015, from first grade Biscayne Elementary students. As you see, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick held them all spellbound as he read three books.  Everyone agreed: He was fantastic!  Director Barbara Gubbin was happy to have her picture made with Mr. Odrick, too.  (Thanks to Cindy Johnson, Community Relations Specialist, for the input and pics.)

Emma Pactor Becomes U.S. Citizen

Main's Kathleen Brunner, Librarian III, said, "The Main Reference/Periodicals and Call Center departments are pleased to announce that Library Associate Emma Pactor was naturalized as an American citizen on October 9, 2015. This is a picture of Emma and her congrats bouquet from her management team, led by Lynne Baldwin!  We’re proud and happy for her!" 

WE ALL ADD OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, EMMA!

Two At Main Receive Innovator Awards

Main's Libraran IV Lynne Baldwin reports, "Trevonna Miller and Sean Wallace were presented with Innovator Awards on October 13, 2015, at the monthly staff meeting in the Main Library's Special Collections department.  Sean and Trevonna were recognized for their teamwork in creating a sign showing the procedures for the new VCA machines.  Get to Yes customer service is thriving at the Main Library!"

DO YOU KNOW A DESERVING EMPLOYEE TO NOMINATE FOR AN INNOVATOR AWARD?  WE WANT TO HELP SEE THAT HAPPEN.  Just email Lelia Wertman and copy Sara Gunter to get the ball rolling.

Friends of Brentwood Branch Receive Resolution

(L/R): Florence Cunnningham, Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, Melvin Turnage  (back row, left), John Reazer (next to Mr. Turnage), Sharon Coon (with Resolution, front center), Catherine Cobb (next to Ms. Coon), and Jamila Douglas, all looking forward to Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  The Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, passed by the Board of Library Trustees, was presented to all Friends groups at the Board's regular meeting, October 9, 2015.  Everyone pictured, except Ms. Giltrop, are members of the Friends of the Brentwood Branch Library and strong advocates of NS.

Let's all be resolute in our support and promotion of Friends of Libraries Week.  Please think about doing a display, signage, etc. and thank a Friend when you see one.

Art Walk & Main Library Go Hand in Hand

Christa Snow (left) and Catherine Currier of the Special Collections Department staffed the table at ArtWalk, October 7, while Michael Sullivan reflected the Oktoberfest spirit. They answered questions about our collections and shared news of Main’s upcoming anniversary event, which will be November 7, 11 am - 3 pm. (Thanks to Kathleen Krizek, Librarian III, Special Collections for the blurb and pics.)

FJPL Book Sale, October 9-11, 2015

Tell your mama, tell you pa, friends and customers about this opportunity to supply their households with those books, DVDs, and CDs they can well afford now during The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library October Warehouse Clearance Sale:

Friday, October 9:  4-8 pm - Members Only (you can join there, if you're not a member)

      $10/BAG -  Buy one bag, get second bag is FREE!

Saturday, October 10: 9 am-5 pm -  $10/BAG DAY - 

      Buy two bags and get the third bag FREE!

Sunday, October 11:  12 - 5 pm - $10/BAG DAY - 

      Buy two bags and get the third bag FREE!

The Friends support us; let's support them.

All Friends Receive Resolution In Support Of FOL Week

(L/R: Library Director Barbara Gubbin, JPL Board of Trustees Chair Erin Skinner, Celia Miller (Graham Branch Friends); Margaret Smith (Friends of JPL); Melvin Turnage (Brentwood Friends); in back, next to Mr. Turnage is Judy Klein (Murray Hill Friends); in front and between Ms. Klein & Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop is Virginia Maxted (Beaches Friends); and far right: Roxanne Henkle (Willowbranch Friends).

                                        ____________________                          

At the JPL Board of Trustees meeting, October 8, the Friends groups' representatives were presented with a Resolution in Support of Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015. It reads,

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have served for many years as the vital link between libraries and the community, holding popular events, encouraging others to join, and promoting the library as a learning commons and an institution essential to literacy and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have devoted countless hours to the raising of funds - funds that finance programming, events, learning materials, computer technology, e-classrooms, software, staff training, digital access, leadership awards, and the preservation of historic collections, and

WHEREAS, local Friends of Library groups in Jacksonville have advocated to citizens, community leaders, and state officials the importance of the library, its potential, and its future,

The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Library Trustees, on this the eighth day of October, A.D. 2015, does hereby declare its support of

           Friends of Libraries Week, to be held October 18-24, 2015.

                                        (Signed): Erin Vance Skinner
                                                               Chair
                                         The Board of Library Trustees

                                      ________________________     

JPL employees are innovative and you will find ways of acknowledging and promoting Friends of Libraries Week, October 18-24, 2015.  If you see a Friend, please thank them for all the hard work they do for JPL and tell them how much we appreciate everything they do for us.  

And The Winners Are

Main YS Librarian III Laura Minor reports, "The winners of JPL's 2015 Teen Summer Short Story Contest were honored at a reception at the Main Library on October 7. Each year, the Library hosts a summer short story contest for teens, ages 12-18. In addition to submitting a short story based on an assigned theme, teens volunteered a minimum of 10 hours at their local library. This year, 92 teens participated in the program. A panel of judges selected four winners.

"(L/R above): Abel Thomas, Edmund Ahiahonu, Councilman Tommy Hazouri, Camila Sanchez, Vivianne Wagner

"12-14 year old

·        1st prize ($100): Vivianne Wagner, Stanton College Preparatory School

·        2nd prize ($50): Abel Thomas, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

"15-18 year old

·        1st prize ($100): Camila Sanchez, Paxon School for Advanced Studies

·        2nd prize ($50): Edmund Ahiahonu, Stanton College Preparatory School"

NS Features Brown Girl Dreaming

Brentwood Branch’s More Than a Book Club for Teen and Tween girls discussed Brown Girl Dreaming, September 25.  The discussion was followed by a Dreamy Soul food feast featuring fried chicken, potato salad, black-eyed peas, green beans, rolls and pound cake for dessert. The 13 girls and one boy sipped sweet iced tea from mason jars which they could take home as a memento.

There was a display of items from the book that some of the youth were not familiar with such as a straightening hot comb, record albums, Jacks and a Watchtower magazine. These items spurred conversation and the youth talked about their dreams and some of their family memories.

Staff Profile - October 2015

Andrew Phillip Herron has a light side that can dispel an intense moment, put one at ease, and revert back to any serious situation any day may bring. Add to that his agile mind, Andrew is never boring.  He has a keen perception and quick to "get it".  Not having been in government before, he has learned much about politics and the JPL system in his 17 months as Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin.  One of a kind and worth getting to know, that's Andrew.

Q: What positions have you held  that prepared you to be the Executive Assistant to Director Barbara Gubbin?

A: Prior to assisting Ms. Gubbin, I worked in New York City as Executive Assistant to the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, as Assistant to the Government Relations Group at MetLife, and in similar positions at JPMorgan Chase and Scholastic Publishing.

  

Q: Have you had a particular interest in another field that contributes to your current position?

A: Yes.  Avocationally, I worked for a long time as a composer of musical theatre, finding to my surprise that all 24 productions of my work occurred in cities other than New York.  Since coming to JPL, I’ve been amazed at how similar the administration of a library system is to the administration of an arts center – with programs in progress, politics in play, and a concert hall taboot.

Q: What would you encounter in a typical day as Executive Assistant to the Director?

A: The first responsibility of the Executive Assistant to Director Gubbin is to handle her calendar.  However, that involves a lot more than it sounds like:  In a typical month, I’ll set up meetings between Director Gubbin and trustees, senior staff, and city officials.  I’ll draft or procure agendas, materials, and minutes for those meetings.  I’ll also work with the Executive team, with CR&M, with the Conference Center, and with Administrative Aide Sara Gunter to help ensure that these events are smoothly executed.

  

Q: What has been the most rewarding and/or challenging aspect of your position?

A: The most rewarding phenomenon in my time at JPL has been the budding of new political support for the library.  This came in the wake of many meetings we set up for Director Gubbin and trustees to introduce the library to the incoming mayoral administration and City Council.  CR&M provided excellent materials for those meetings, and now, months later, Director Gubbin’s and our trustees’ advocacy has paid off.  We now have funds to restore 88 hours of weekly library service to the city, starting November 14th.

Q: Is there something you would share with us that most do not know?

A: Yes.  Though I’m usually an affable stuffed-suit, occasionally my whimsical side bursts forth like an out-of-control sock puppet.   If this ever happens while you’re looking, pay no heed.  It wasn’t my fault.  I was just in the arts.

JAX READS! Closes On Successful Note

Jacqueline Woodson (above) signs another copy of her book, Brown Girl Dreaming, at the JAX READS! closing event in the Main Library's Hicks Auditorium, October 4, 2015, when she spoke about her experiences that promulgated the book.  The appearance was courtesy of BANNED.  Ms. Woodson's fans at this event numbered 207, including 10 participating staffs. JAX READS! promo enticed customers to make 200 check outs of hardcover, CD, and downloadable print and audio versions per Lisa Buggs, Coordinator of Lifelong Learning and Communication.

 

90 Second Graders Tour SE

Region Manager Keli Likins is proud to announce that 90 Greenfield

Elementary School 2nd graders toured Southeast, October 5, 2016.

A Special Thanks From A VIP For NW

Antonia Bryant, Chairperson, District 8, Duval County Democratic Executive Committee, visited NW, September 25, bearing cake, cupcakes, and a card to thank Bradham Brooks Northwest employees for assisting with the town hall meeting featuring newly-elected City Council Member Katrina Brown. Erick Larsen and Gloria Buenavista took a few photos. Ms. Bryant’s handwritten message reads,

“Dear Bradham-Brooks Library Staff and Management, On behalf of District 8, Duval County Democratic Party, I wanted to thank you for the support you gave us for our Town Hall meeting with Councilwoman Katrina Brown. You went above and beyond the call and we truly appreciated your help. You are indeed a very important part of our community."