Travelogue: ALA Midwinter Conference, Boston, 1/8 – 1/11/16

Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott gives us an interesting recount of his trip to ALA Midwinter Conference, "Jennifer Giltrop, Lynn Jacobson, and I, along with almost 12,000 others, had the opportunity to travel to chilly Boston earlier this month for the annual American Library Association Midwinter Conference. Midwinter is smaller than ALA’s annual conference (which will be in Orlando in June this year, by the way). While Midwinter does have a number of programs and special speakers (Andre Dubus, Chelsea Clinton, Ken Burns, and Cory Booker, to name a few), most people who attend are on committees or have other library business to attend to.

"For example, there is a job placement center, a sort of job fair within the conference, at which we set up shop to talk to potential candidates for jobs at JPL. Among other meetings, Jennifer met with a deputy directors group she co-chairs and Lynn is on a committee responsible for planning programs for the annual conference. I had an all-day meeting on Monday of a task force charged with developing tools to help public libraries measure outcomes, and I had the opportunity to participate in a panel that did a presentation on the topic on Sunday.

"All three of us happened to attend a 3-hour session together on Saturday called “Change Essentials,” based on the eight principles laid out in a book called Our Iceberg is Melting.

"I had little time for sightseeing, but the weather wasn’t exactly right for walking the Freedom Trail, anyway. Even so, the highlights of my personal experience had nothing to do with the conference, I confess:

      1) Being able to put my scuffed shoes in a plastic bag outside the door of my hotel room before I went to bed and finding them in the same place the next morning, only freshly shined.

       2) Watching the Alabama - Clemson college football national championship Monday night in the hotel room with my wife (nothing to do with Boston, but it was a FANTASTIC game).

       3) Good restaurants! (I had my first ever whole lobster at this wonderful hole-in-the-wall seafood market/restaurant on the harbor four blocks from my hotel – lots of locals, order at the counter, plastic flatware. I strapped on my plastic bib while Siri helped Lisa find instructions on her phone for how to eat a lobster.)"

Kudos From Customers

Graham Branch: I am really happy with the staff...One young employee…Ms. Tyhedra Wilson had a wonderful idea…a Christmas raffle for the kids. If the kids checked out at the self -check machine or used their elementary student i.d. to check out books, they could enter the raffle. There was a weekly prize in December. I thought that was such a good idea...

Highlands Branch: Jeff Geiger was very helpful. He helped me find the author's name and address so I could write a letter of appreciation to the author. Very glad Jeff is on your staff.

Main Library/Special Collections/Genealogy: The fact that you (Catherine Currier) spent time on the phone with me...late on a near-holiday Saturday afternoon when many people would be eager to go home is an example of the ultimate professionalism and love of one's job!...

Pablo Creek Branch: ...Mr. (Greg) Pierce requested a man vacate room 140; the man in question had not signed for the room’s use. Mr. Pierce remained professional and calm the entire time he was speaking to this individual. The man in question was loud, argumentative and his comments were not related to being asked to vacate the room. …Mr. Pierce reflected a positive manner that JPL should be proud to have on their staff.

San Marco Branch: The staff manning the circ desk (Davi Harmon, Selena Mann, Marilyn Maron, Amber Pierce, and Juanita Searls) are professionals and pleasant in dealing with the customers. Thank You!

Get Involved: BOOK IT JAX 5K

Our new JPL Foundation Development Director, Jamie Self, has a heads-up for JPL staff, "Hello, everyone! The Book It Jax 5K is the next fundraising event for the Summer Learning program. We would love to have a crowd of employees at the event representing the Library in style.

"Several JPL employees are already registered, so don’t hesitate! Click here (or type https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-it-jax-5k-registration-18180625741 in your internet browser) to register.

"The Book It Jax 5K will be held on Sunday, January 31, 8:30 AM at the Avenues Mall. You may run or walk the course (it’s 2 laps around the Avenues Mall parking lot). There is also a fun run for children. All participants of either the 5K or the Fun Run get a t-shirt from the event organizers. For complete details on the event, go to http://fun4firstcoastkids.com/Blog/book-it-jax-5k-and-family-fun-run.

"Fun 4 First Coast Kids and the JPL Foundation are partnering with the JPL for this event. Thank you so much for your support and participation! Look forward to seeing you all at the 5K!"

Chris Cavan Retires

 Chris Cavan looks pretty happy at the retirement party given to her by fellow employees, January 13, 2016.  Chris retires as a Librarian III and Branch Manager of Brentwood and Brown Eastside Branches. We wish you well, Chris, in all those fun years and hope once in a while you will stop by and give us a heads-up on how sweet retirement can be. 

Revondolyn Dubois Retires After 35 Years With JPL

Revondolyn DuBois ended her 35+ year tenure with JPL on a high note, January 14, 2016, when she was honored by the Library Board of Trustees at their regular meeting. Board Chair Erin Skinner gratefully acknowledged her many years of faithful service. Additionally, Director Barbara Gubbin presented her with a letter commending her service, a JPL gold card, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Revondolyn tracks her decades at JPL, "I have enjoyed 35 plus years with JPL in a variety of positions and at different branches. For instance, From March 2003 - February 2008, I was an Account Clerk and Account Technician at Old Main (Business Office) and at New Main (Human Resources).

"I started with JPL at the Northside (now Brentwood) Branch in August 1980 as a temporary part-time Clerk, then at Old Main (Art and Music Department) and again at Northside Branch (and was a part-time student); then as a full-time Clerk at Graham and Northside Branches.

"In January 1985, I became a Civil Service Clerk I at Old Main (Technical Services Department). In September 1985 - March 2003, I served as a Library Assistant at Northside Branch, Old Main (Circulation), Webb Wesconnett Branch (Children’s), Mandarin Branch (Circulation), and Highlands Branch (Circulation).

"After my promotion to Library Associate in November 2007,  I worked at Murray Hill and the New Main (Reference) until my retirement, January 8, 2016.

"When I started with JPL, this was just a job, and then it became a career.  As I said in my retirement message, I would like to thank two special people with whom I shared this time: Mrs. Cora Mullen, retired branch manager, for giving me a chance back in 1980 at Northside Branch and my best friend, the late Mr. E. Vaughn Williams, for encouraging me, and stressing the importance of education and family.

"I am most proud of my two daughters, Revondolyn Michelle DuBois and Monica Jocelyn DuBois-Campbell, and my granddaughter, Caleb Lee DuBois-Brinson.  In my 35 year career with JPL, my daughters grew up in the library system and have worked at the library. Michelle is still employed by JPL.

"I have fantastic memories of my years with JPL that I will cherish always.  It has been a pleasure to work with some of the best peoples ever."

Revondolyn, your presence will be sorely missed and we hope you will visit and tell us of your exciting years in retirement.  We all wish you the very best in life.

New Officers for Beaches Branch Friends

The Beaches Branch Friends gathered to discuss business and elect new officers in JB's Community Room, January 12, 2016.  Their new officers are: President: Josh Messinger; Vice President: Barbara Sperbeck; Secretary: Wendy Warner; and Treasurer: Richard Keene. 

Pictured above, left to right: Andrea Patton, Pat Taylor, Premysl Pech, Wendy Warner, Josh Messinger  (Pam Ubl is standing in front of Josh) Barbara Sperbeck, Barbara Davis. Behind Barbara is Ingrid McCauley and on the far right is Marianna Kane.

Another important topic discussed was the landscaping project for JB, and the Beaches Friends are coordinating with JPL and working closely with Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop to get the required City permits and approvals. The improved landscaping will complement the renovations in process at the Beaches Branch.   

It was noted in the meeting that *Mrs. Bonnie Booth, a long-time member of the Beaches Friends and also a former chairman of the Board of Library Trustees, passed away over the holidays.  Members discussed an appropriate tribute to Mrs. Booth. 
_________________________________________________________
Mrs. Booth was a Trustee on the Library Board of Trustees from 1990 –1999, and she  served as Chair of the Library Board of Trustees from 1994 – 1996.

Remembering Mrs. Mary Cardell

                                        Mary and Dick Cardell

Mrs. Mary Cardell, a former JPL librarian, who worked at the old Main Library in the Fine Arts Department,1968-1998, is remembered by fellow employees who knew her as a kind, soft spoken lady who did her job well. 

Here are combined statements from Carole Schwartz and Carol Smith, two of her long-time supervisors, "Mary Cardell was a librarian par excellence with her many years of experience in Fine Arts and Media (FAR) on the 2nd floor of Haydon Burns. She was kind and patient with customers, and a dutiful worker among our team. She and husband, Dick, were loyal patrons of the musical scene in Jacksonville and attended performances of the symphony and other organizations regularly."   

Raymond Neal remembers Mary as a frequent customer of JPL's genealogy department.

Mary's husband, Dick, set Mary's memorial service for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the Arlington Congregational Church, 431 University Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. Mary passed away January 6, 2016.

Mr. Cardell's address, if you would like to send a card to him, is: 1528 Cornell Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207. 

Deputy Director Giltrop Chats With Chelsea Clinton

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop attended midwinter ALA in Boston and had an opportunity to chat with Chelsea Clinton as she signed a copy of her book, It's Your World, Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

Learn more about her book at, http://www.itsyourworld.com/about-the-book/

Staff Profile - January 2016

Repeatedly one hears how librarians and libraries made an indelible impression in people's lives in childhood and actually helped set the course of their adult lives. So it was with Paul Schaffner. "Mr. Paul's Painting Programs" are among the many ways he contributes to the enhancement of children's education and development. And like Paul, others remember the importance of librarians and libraries, such as the kudo for Paul copied below this article.

Q: You have been a Library Associate at Southeast Branch since 2006. When and where did you begin with JPL?

A: I started my library career at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch, January 21, 2003, as a Library Clerk. Then I transferred to Main and from there I moved to South Mandarin Branch, which was preparing to open ten years ago. We all had the task of getting the library open for the public and we prepared materials for checkout. We shelved everything from boxes. Later, I received my Associate’s degree, which enabled me to be promoted to Library Assistant at the Southeast Branch, December 10, 2006. I have done a lot of different tasks at Southeast, including art programs, story times, and school tours.

Q: Why were you interested in working with children?

A: When I was going through school, I utilized the library to help me with my school projects and assignments. The librarians were always there to help me, if I could not find the information I needed. When I would present my homework and projects to my teachers, I felt more confident that the information I had was correct and I got good grades, thanks to those librarians. In my current role, I am able to help the youth of today with their questions and find the materials they need, just as those librarians assisted me years ago.

Q: How does a Library Associate contribute to the development of children?

A: The way I feel I contribute to the development of children is by doing my music and movement storytime and by answering questions at the reference desk. In my storytime, children learn letters of the alphabet as well as numbers. We also work on rhythms and musical beats.

Q: How do you capture children’s respect and attention?

A: I believe I attain the children's respect and attention by answering their questions, helping them find materials, and teaching them our computer system. When a child realizes how the library system works, they feel empowered.

Q: Are there a couple of things that changed your life forever?

A: The most important and best thing that has ever happened to me was meeting and marrying my wife. That has changed my life forever. She is the most caring, helpful, wonderful person I have ever met in my entire life. Another important milestone in my life was completing my college degree. With that degree, I was able to get the promotion to the position of library assistant. 

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Customer's Kudo:  "I wanted to give some positive feedback on a librarian that I have seen from my elementary days to the present time being my high school career…Mr. Paul (Schaffner).  After seeing him at my local library for the past 10 years, I felt it was about time that someone appreciates him. I feel he deserves recognition for the many children he has helped to find books, displaying his tireless dedication. I think he has acted as a 'librarian father figure,' displaying qualities that portray a willingness to help blossom the minds of our future. If anyone is to truly understand how we can have a good future, it would be to first look at the youngsters of today, those who nurture their learning and educational growth, such as our teachers and librarians; they are true heroes. For these reasons, I would like to congratulate Mr. Paul of the Southeast Branch on being a true hero."

Circus Storytime At SE

YS Librarian II Beth Friederich said, "Circus Storytime at Southeast, December 30, was part of our Winter Reading Program. We had 64 “clowns” in the audience but perhaps the goofiest one was reading the stories. In addition to reading circus stories, we wore our clown noses to sing 'I’m a Little Clown' and crawl through the Ring of Fire!"

LOVE Those Prizes

Dallas Graham Branch's Tyhedra Wilson boasts their success story, "We held a weekly Christmas raffle for children and teens, which I hosted during December. The last gift of the week was considered as a Big Gift. To enter children had to check out books either from the self check machine or use their K-5 student ID number. Prizes ranged from books to toys.  Here we have four of the six winners. Elijah Lattimore (last down on right) was our Big Gift winner.  The children were eager to enter the raffle and now the enthusiasm has spread and children from K-5 want to check out more materials.  The motto for the month was READING + WINNING = SUCCESS.

Great success story, Tyhedra!

Customers And Staffs Enjoy THE Guy At WST

West Regional Branch's Santa visit and Storytime on December 23^rd made for many happy faces.  Want attention?  Just invite Santa, as you see.  (Thanks to Melodie Brunson, YS Part-time Associate, for the blurb and pics.)

Elise Fare, WST Library Associate, and the Season's No. 1 in popularity.

It Takes A Little Imagination

Main's Katie Guarino said, "We have a magnetic poetry board in our teen department (in the style of the once-popular magnetic poetry kits for refrigerators) that stays up year-round as a sort of passive program. Usually teens will pick out a few words that inspire them to create a short “poetic” phrase. One teen named Quint filled up almost the whole board with his free-form poem, using just the given magnetic words and some extra magnetic letters. If you read it closely, you can find a load of meaning and rhythm!

she shine when she sing with the most love your crush could only dream about music over lust but will

never chant man made men under the sea the wind blow love like mist near the lake water above her

head did she bare sun from light his life soar away fast a rose a boy and girl shot to live and play

with their gift of milk n honey to show that black hair is cool ..."

SOM's Staffs & Customers Enjoy, Enjoy

SOM's Library Associate Christie Rogers reports, "South Mandarin Library held dual programs December 22, 2015.  One hundred fifteen attended the Gingerbread program where staffs read the Gingerbread Man story (above L/R are Angela Richman, Christie Rogers, Leslie Patterson, Salvatore Migliaro, Gayle Lafser, Margo Crafton, and Sarah Miller.) After the story, children chose decorations for their gingerbread man cookie and decorated it.

In another room, Santa was available to greet children and have pictures taken and many lined up for a pic with Santa. They had color coded tickets and were allowed in the room 10 at a time. A huge thank you to Cheryl Callavini and Rebekah Mitchell for handling the crowd control (185 attendees!) for Santa.

Jessica Jones Receives Innovator Award

Jessica Jones (seated left) holds her Innovator Award recently granted to her by Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin. Jessica is a Part-Time Clerk at KR and volunteered, along with Library Clerk Sara Peretzman, to create a display for Main's 10th anniversary. They used customer compliments from Main's opening in 2005, complemented by the library's symbol of the reading owl. Sara and Robert Moseley set it up on the ground floor for all to see. A good pic of the display can be seen in the article posted November 19, 2015, "Main's 10th Anniversary Photo Contest & a Kiosk Full of Kudos". 

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "The part-time staff were also honored at a party just for them at the Mandarin Library on December 9.  (Pictured L/R standing: Mr. Hohnadel, Patty Henderson, Stacey Van Hoy, and Shukti Banerjee; seated L/R: Jessica Jones and Tammy Hilbert.)

State Rep. Fullwood & FOBL Make 30 Kids' Christmas Bright

NS Library Associate Sr. Betty Williams writes, "On December 18^th the Friends Of Brentwood Library sponsored their 2^nd annual toy giveaway.  Jolly ole St. Nick (State  Representative Reggie Fullwood of the 13^th district) read to 30 children who are regular attendees of our Storytime and those  young children received a wonderful Christmas  surprise.  

"Branch Manager Christine Cavan started the program with Christmas songs and showed the children how to make it ”snow”. She then introduced St. Nick who was followed by his reindeer pushing two tables loaded with gifts.  The looks on the children’s faces were priceless.

"After Santa read a story each child received two gifts, a Leap Frog “laptop” and a box of smart blocks.  Mrs. Coon, FOBL founder, also gave the children snacks of fresh fruit and popcorn balls.  The FOBL left  several small gifts which included a stuffed animal and a book for the staff to give to other community children who frequent the library.  They also gave the staff a fruit basket.  Another FOBL member, Miss Pearl, who owns a bakery in the neighborhood loaned decorations to make the library festive for the children.

"Our Friends exemplify the spirit of Christmas all year long, but this is always very heartwarming and the community appreciates it."

Poinsettias For EB

Brown Eastside's Manager, Chris Cavan, sent this picture of May Kramer, their new part-time Associate. May is standing next to some Christmas poinsettias planted outside the library.

Looks like they brought a literal ray of sunshine.

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  I wanted to thank the library and Ms. Gail (Blumberg) for having the beading class…It was my first experience with Native American beading.  I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting more folks in my community with like interests. It’s great that you offer classes such as this for adults.  Look forward to similar offerings in the future.  Thank you!

Main Library and Pablo Creek Branch: (Re: Amber Holley and Jackie Spiritas) I'm the Asst. Director of IT for the North Central Regional Library - I attended the YALSA conference in Portland and am writing to request a copy of the presentation on "Teaching Urban Teens Valuable Skills". This was presented by two of your library staff members I believe. We are interested in holding a job fair and would love to have a copy of the presentation for future reference and planning. This was a great presentation and an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing!

Mandarin Branch:  A grandmother wrote a thank you letter as it was dictated by her two 3 year old grandchildren, thanking friends for chocolate popcorn, etc. Later, the grandmother attached a copy of the letter to her comment card left at KR.  The comment card reads, “Attached is a copy of the thank you letter my not-quite 4 year old grandchildren wrote to some friends.  Miss Allison (Pulley) and Mr. David (Foster) have made a wonderful impression on them as you see in the letter!  You will notice that these librarians received more attention than even the chocolate popcorn my friends gave them. I would like my Sophie’s and Evren’s comments included in these employees’ next performance review.  Good work—especially with lasting impact as theirs has—should be rewarded.”

Murray Hill Branch:  Re: Cheyla Scantling: …I came...needing help. …There is a girl there, who…was so very nice to me…I asked her to help me with my computer work; she said, “No problem” and showed me how to print. I told her I was not good at computers and she said not to worry because we all have something that we're not so good at. She made me feel so much better about being there. I told her I was a veteran and new to Jacksonville because my wife just died and I was now living with my daughter. She told me, “Welcome to Jacksonville and welcome to the library.” I had my daughter set up this email address for me so I could write…and let you know what a nice girl she was. She gave me a booklet of the computer classes the library has and told me there are classes for the elderly. I'm glad that she was there to help me. My daughter is going to help me go to some of the computer classes. Sheila [sic] told me we all have something that we are not so good at, but thanks to her, computers might not be one of them. Please tell her for me what a good job she did helping this old veteran and I thank her very much.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  I would like to acknowledge the excellent service Ms. Michelle Petrin provides in the Children's department. I am a grandparent of two beautiful grandchildren and we have used the library throughout the summer and during the holiday season. Ms. Petrin has always assisted me in finding materials, books, and videos and has given excellent suggestions for my grandchildren. Also, Michelle has provided schedules for my grandson for I-Ready. I will continue to bring my grandchildren to this library because of her. She is always pleasant, smiling, and helpful to anyone I’ve seen in Children's. She is an asset to the library. Thank you for her service to the community…

Study Buddy Goes To Cheyla Scantling

Julie McNeil, Assistant Director for Public Services, noticed a detailed compliment for one of Murray Hill Branch's library clerks, Cheyla Scantling, and presented the Jaguar Study Buddy to her in recognition of  her outstanding customer service. What did the customer say? You can read the kudo  (and others) in December's Kudos from Customers, posted December 18, 2015, on this blog.

Santa Visits NW

The ever popular Santa’s visit to Bradham - Brooks Northwest Branch drew 36 kids and caregivers, December 15, 2015. Councilwoman Katrina Brown’s assistant, Dana Lewis, was there and read Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, by Steven Kellogg, and Santa read What Santa Can’t Do, by Douglas Wood.  *Presents were given to the children, which they plunged into quickly.

The Library Board's Liaison to the JPL Foundation, Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, PhD., pictured left in the middle picture, boosted NW's Phenessa Gray's (she sent the input and pics) and Ms. Lewis' (right in the center pic) spirits.

*The gifts of books, decorative bags and wrapping  were given by Marshelle Berry, Highlands Wesconnett Region Manager, for the children.  APPLAUSE!