Pretty, Pretty

Main Manager Lynne Baldwin sent this beautiful picture of one of Main's trees decorated by library customer Judy Klein, who used her own creations of origami birds.   

UPK's Kids' Gifts Are "Wrapped" Between Two Covers

Ms. Eve (Harm) beautifully displayed UPK's children's Christmas/holiday/Santa book collection and she said, "Those titles have been flying off the shelves as fast as Rudolph."  

 

Tis The Season For Red Noses

These kids showed their circus spirit recently at UPK clowning around with Ms. Kim (middle). They have read the five books required to earn a kid’s ticket to the Ringling  Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, January 21-24, 2016.  

What stories do you have to share of children ages 2-12 who have read five book and earned a free ticket to the circus???

PCR Has A Treasury Of Looters

Mia Brack, YS Librarian III for the Pablo Creek Region, reports, "Library Associate Zachary Jimison designed an amazing scavenger hunt at Pablo Creek Branch, December 12. Sixteen children and parents explored the entire department to loot a treasure trove of book prizes and the treasure chest of books."  

EB Creates Yummy Houses

Brown Eastside Library's Karen Lewis stands with one of the gingerbread houses decorated by the kids at EB during their December 10 session. Karen created the houses and 14 youths stuck on the various candies and sweets.

(Nobody's telling if the gingerbread houses will last till Christmas.)

SE Teens Enjoy Hour Of Code Program

Southeast Branch's Teen Library Assistant, Anjelica Bencomo said, "I am pleased to report we had 18 participants December 11, 2015, in our Hour of Code program for teens. We paired up on the computers and some teens worked using their phones. Most averaged 7-10 per game. They started with Star Wars and migrated to the Minecraft program and one or two teens worked on the Frozen program."  Anjelia's Region Manager Keli Likins responded, "Great job." 

Lunch @ the Lounge Concert Series Begins At Main

"The new Lunch @ the Lounge concert series began December 9, 2015, at Main and was a rousing success," Kathleen Brunner (in the red outfit below) reports.  

"Sixty people came to meet and hear the trio Meridian’s music that put a tap in the feet and a smile on all the faces.  Meridian played lots of traditional songs from many countries:  Ireland, England, France, Germany and Poland.  All of the most recognized songs were played, such as Silent Night, We Three Kings, Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabelle and Away in a Manger. 
   

"Many thanks to many staff who deserve recognition for their contributions that equaled total success:  Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop and Cranston Burney took pics; CR&M made fliers, posters, and ads; Linda Ekersen put it on the website; Lynne Baldwin got the cake, water, and decorations; Erin Tuzuner served the cake; Kathleen Krizek and Katie Devanny manned the AARP table outside the door and directed people into the Lounge. Mitesh Sangani and Will Daniels are appreciated for helping get everything ready, several months in advance, the day before and day of the event.  Thanks to Ed Lein and Lisa Buggs for helping shape the idea and for everyone who supported me on the path to make it happen.

"This is such a wonderful place to work with excellent team members everywhere you look!  Thanks to all of you for caring and making this come together so well.

"I look forward to seeing you at the next concert on Wednesday, January 13, at noon in the Lounge for Jig to a Milestone!

"P.S. Don’t forget Ed Lein's Intermezzo Concert on Sunday at 3 pm in the auditorium featuring The Florida Brass Ensemble.”

Guess Who Uses The Library

Molly Curry, the Mayor’s wife, and their daughter, Brooke, using the self-check machine at San Marco Branch. Thanks to Region Manager Keli Likins for the pic.

KR's Readbox - No Rental Display

Mandarin customers are getting all their holiday books quickly and easily with Frances Wickes’ new Readbox display. It’s been a hit since it debuted last week. (Thanks to KR's Allison Pulley for the blurb and pic.) 

Main Is Getting Ready

Above, holiday trees in the Grand Reading Room, 4th Floor, Main, and Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visitors to the Grand Reading Room pictured immediately below and below that, a Florida Santa with a traditional Santa on the 4th floor: 

 Kathleen Brunner adds her cheer at Main with a smile complemented by a holiday pullover:

·         Other signs of the holidays are springing up around Main, too--What's happening at your library?

Making The JPL - DCPS Partnership Work

Beth Friederich, SE Youth Librarian II, reported in an email to Amber Holley, Rebekah Mitchell, and Jennifer Giltrop this good news, and Deputy Director Giltrop asked that Beth's email be shared with you: "This school year, I have grown to become a part of my region’s school community. Rather than going to SAC meetings and trying to convince them to let me into their school and ask how I could assist with their initiatives and events, this month, I got an invitation! Last Thursday and Friday, I judged the Science Fair at Greenfield Elementary. The field trips from our DCPS partnership have helped to solidify the bond between our communities and are beneficial to the customers that we have in common.

"Thank you for all of your hard work in organizing and making this partnership a success."

Ms. Friederich wanted to add this note FYI, "3^rd – 5^th grades participated in the Science Fair at Greenfield Elementary. Projects varied from the traditional volcano to the creative use of a laser to power an object and were assessed using a rubric. My favorite was the ANT BUFFET. The students believed the ants would prefer a sugary cookie to other foods. Unfortunately the ants that showed up at this picnic were not sugar ants but hot dog ants.

Memories of Christmases Past

Mike Shell, JPL's Training Coordinator, remembers one of his favorite things from his childhood Christmases, a chime similar to the one shown here. As the candles burn, the heat causes the chimes to ring. Mike said, "Swedish Angel Chimes go back to the nineteenth century. Here is a very good website with historical details: http://www.oldchristmastreelights.com/candle_chimes/candle_powered_chimes%20INTRODUCTION.htm.  Note that the Germans had a wooden version."

Do you have a favorite memory about this time of year?  If so, why not share it with us?

Staff Profile - December 2015

Hurry along if you want to speak with Charlene Ovshak, who is often on the run in her relatively new position as JPL's Circulation Supervisor. Charlene is an amiable sort who wastes no time getting down to the nitty gritty, as you see here, because times's ticking and there's much to do. 

1    Q: What position(s) did you hold prior to JPL?   

      A: Previous positions?? I began working with JPL in 1988 and I’ve have managed to stick around.

3    Q: When did you begin with JPL and what different positions with JPL have you held prior to becoming Circulation Supervisor? 

      A: I started as a Clerk Typist II at Webb Wesconnett Library, then transferred to the Mandarin Branch. I promoted to Children’s Library Assistant and was there for the reopening of Willowbranch (the first time). Beside WB, I have also served as a Children’s LA at Highlands and San Marco  Branches.  Later, I became a Library Clerical Supervisor for the Beaches and Pablo Creek Regional Branches. I spent a couple of years working with JPL Facilities and Support Services before becoming Circulation Services Supervisor in June 2015.   

   

      Q:  What are your duties as a Circulation Supervisor?   

  

      A: I work closely with supervisors, region managers, and administration to create and implement policies and procedures. Mostly, this means I’m in everyone’s business and still trying to figure out what our policies and procedures are supposed to be. The new position keeps me so busy I barely had time to even do this profile.  J
     
 Q: Please share with us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

  
 A: While it would be fun to say I have some crazy hobby that nobody knows about, I spend most of my spare time spoiling my three beautiful grandchildren, Austin, Ava and Amelia. 
    
    

DCPS Students Sail Thru Circ, Thanks to Cynthia & Corey

Cynthia Simmons, Main Library Clerical Supervisor, and Corey Scott, Library Assistant, received their Innovator Awards recently.  Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin said she nominated them for "redesigning the space on the first floor near the circulation desk and in the promenade to provide better access and an easier flow for our DCPS school visits. Both Cynthia and Corey have done an outstanding job ensuring that there is enough room for the students, teachers, staff and our regular customers. They worked with the children’s department and the adult services departments on the daily scheduled visits that needed assistance, as well as opening up self-check machines to better maximize the checkout time. They organized the children’s display of books in the circulation area and made sure that I love JPL stickers are available to be given out to each student."

A big step, Cynthia and Corey, towards Getting to Yes, too.

JPL Joins Holidays in Hemming Party

Thanks to photos and input from Anna Gonzalez on the City sponsored Holidays in Hemming held

Saturday, December 5, from 11-3, for the public.  The Youth Services team--Anna, Rebekah Mitchell and Kate Zakharov--took good advantage of the event to promote library services and spoke to at least 215 people! Saturday, December 5, from 11-3, for the public.  The Youth Services team--Anna, Rebekah Mitchell and Kate Zakharov--took good advantage of the event to promote library services and spoke to at least 215 people! The children gathered for a story read by Ms. Kate and they helped decorate Christmas trees.  

SS Program Includes Mayor's Wife As Reader

Keli Likins, Southeast Region Manager, reports, "The Holiday Pajama Story Time was a success at the San Marco Library, December 3. SS partnered with Spring Park Elementary School to produce the program and the Principal attended with his family. Ms. Picray, their Media Specialist, was a guest reader, as was Mrs. Curry, the Mayor’s wife. Guy Anderson,one of our Library Board members, also attended. 

After the stories and crafts,cookies and games, I spoke with Mrs. Curry about how we work closely with our local schools and that attending SAC and PTSA meetings have helped us create a relationship with Spring Park Elementary.

"Thanks to all the work of the San Marco staff, especially Emily, for making this event possible."

GB's YS Librarians Inspire & Entertain Kids

Audie Gibson was the absolute epitome of Santa as he held a little Christmas package (including white bow) during a morning stop at GB, December 2, 2015. (Rebekah Mitchell said Mr. Gibson was recommended by a Clay County librarian. What a perfect Santa! We hope Mr. Gibson continues to play Santa for a long time to come. What rosy cheeks! 

In the afternoon, Raelyn Wiirre, GB's YS Librarian, said they instructed youngsters in creating marbled paper during Art Club. Here is a more than satisfied customer with her finished art.  (Don't miss that motto on her shirt: "always be awesome".)   

Some of the awesome results of these children's art are shown below:

NBA Legend, Artis Gilmore, At GB

November 19, 2015 was a memorable day for the 33 (mostly children) who attended Dallas Graham Branch's program featuring the great NBA star, Artis Gilmore.  It was hard to tell who enjoyed who more--Artis or his fans.  
Mr. Gilmore spoke about his life and the similarities between a team sport and life. He allowed Q&A's and later autographed pictures, and was patient to take many photos with fans and staff. Annie Norris donated a basketball that was raffled off. Mr. Gilmore's fans were happy to see his two NBA championship rings that he proudly wears while everyone enjoyed enjoyed conversation and refreshments. (Thanks to  Linda A. Griffin-Foresto,  GB Library Associate, for the news and photos.) 

                               The long and the short of it.

All Things Merry & Bright

Mandarin Branch welcomes the season with a winter wonderland!  Pictured are KR’s YS Library Associate Alison Pulley, KR Library Assistant David Foster, and volunteer Holly Cleveland.

Dinosaurs Deliver Fun At AR

Dinosaurs are always a big draw with children and Regency Square Branch was no exception at Family Fun Night, November 19, 2015. Children enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones, excavating dinosaurs from blocks of ice and doing dinosaur crafts.  Meanwhile, parents visited with one another and colored in adult coloring books. YS Librarian Camara Bragdon and Library Associate Lenora Stuckey put on a fun event enjoyed by all 30 attendees. (Thanks to Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, PCR Region for the blurb and pic.)