Job Well Done, Alison Pulley

Teen Library  Associate Alison Pulley (right) received her "Job Well Done" award, June 15, for her Art Club programs at Mandarin Library.  The award was presented by her supervisor, Librarian II Stacey Van Hoy. 

Children's Library Assistant David Foster recommended Alison "for long-range planning for her art club. The programs have an overarching theme of art history throughout the ages and continues throughout the school year. Because students are ready for some fun after an arduous day at school, Alison keeps the history short and interesting, and because she is first an artist, Alison teaches technique that only an artist could convey."  

David added, "Alison's art club turns STEM to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math."  

KR: HERE WE GO!

The picture above shows Mandarin Branch Shelver Patty Henderson cutting cake for the 130 people who attended their Summer Learning Kick-Off Party, June 15.  The customers enjoyed cake, ice cream and a craft.

Above, Library Assistant David Foster and PT Associate Frances Wickes serve ice cream to the happy crowd.  Regional Manager Keli Likins  said, "Great job, Mandarin staff!!"

                         AND HERE KR GOES WITH SLP!

COMING TO MAIN: EPIC SUMMER READING KICKOFF!

Main's Children's department EPIC Summer Kickoff party, June 16, will find their staff ready to go. YS Librarian III Carissa Rooney's staff have an assortment of prizes displayed for children ages 0-12 to win. Each week children can visit the library and enter their names for the drawing.  

Staff have two visuals ready; the one shown here is the football field, which will track the progress of  children's reading. 

Keep encouraging children, teens, and adults to sign up for the

Summer Learning Program!

SS Kicks Off Its Epic Summer SLP

Pictured is the Epic Summer Kick-Off Party at San Marco Branch Library, June 14, 2016, where fifty attended. Director Barbara Gubbin and Library Board Member Guy Anderson shared brief remarks with the audience.  YS Librarian II Kevin Douglas is reading Green Eggs and Ham to the audience. The kids also enjoyed a scavenger hunt, a craft, and cupcakes.  (Thanks to Region Manager Keli Likins for the news and pic.)

Two Grads With Honors

Melodie Brunson, PT Youth Services Associate at West Branch, says, "My son, Benjamin Brunson, and his wife, Katie, graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine last month. They have now re-located to Ft. Collins, CO, where Ben is pursuing an internship at Colorado State University specializing in Internal Medicine.  His goal is to teach at a veterinary college and treat small animals. Katie is doctoring food animals such as cows, chickens, pigs and goats. Needless to say, my husband and I are very proud of their accomplishments and hard work!"

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN AND KATIE!

Summer Students Arrive At Main

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop sat a few minutes with 21 students assigned to Main Library departments for the Mayor's Summer Job program on their first day at work, June 14. She welcomed and encouraged them to learn all they can about how the library operates and invite other young people to become library customers. She also challenged the students to make the most of their opportunity while they are here to learn about working in a business environment. The student interns will have six weeks to do just that.

Thank You To ALL Who Gave

A Job Well Done Award was presented to Sara Gunter, June 13, for coordinating the United Way and Community Health Charities campaigns in April.  Y O U folks are the WINNERS:  Lynne Baldwin, who coordinated and remitted for Main, and these indispensable staffs, who did the same for the branches:  Robert Briley, Kathy Tekin,Tyeshia Matthews, Sharon Whitt, Susan Arthur, Padma Subramanian, Hongying Song, Betty Williams, Pamela Brooks, Marcie O'Dell, Eria Brown, Ann Fridl, Lynn Jacobson, Mildred Roton, Scptt Adams and Sharon Kirkes.

MOST OF ALL, TO ALL OF YOU WHO GAVE TO THESE CAMPAIGNS:  JOB WELL DONE! 

2nd Quarter FY 15/16 Leadership Winners

JPL Board Chair Erin Skinner (Left in pic below) and Director Barbara Gubbin (far right) were on hand at the Library Board Meeting, June 9, 2016, to present the following Leadership Awards and offer congratulations, along with all the Library Board members, to some very deserving employees.

Luis Terron, SST E-Library Specialist (above, 3rd from L), won both the Employee of the Quarter and a Challenge the Process Award for the 2nd quarter of FY 15/16. Carolyn Wiltse (2nd from L) of Vision Education &; Rehabilitation Center at FSCJ, who developed the idea for bathroom tactile maps that were 3-D printed by JPL, also cheered Luis. Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton (2nd from right) hailed Luis' creation of the 3-D model for restroom accessibility guides for visually impaired library customers and said Luis' ideas will be spread to a wider audience.  

CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny (above center) was awarded the "Inspired a Shared Vision" award for researching innovative ways to improve all adult programs so JPL remains current with national standards. Her instrumental lead in the development of Pre-GED/GED programming, a new path for CAL, opened the way for CAL to expand and include the Smart Horizons Career Online High School Scholarship program, funded through the State of Florida as a pilot program for eleven libraries.  Out of those, JPL holds the honor of saying JPL has the first high school graduate through this program.  Katie's staff boasts, "She is a wonderful guide for her team". 

Librarian II Lilia Simonton (above center)  "Encourages the Heart" of San Marco Branch staff.  She prints out recognition of the increased self-checkout (SS had two weeks of error free transactions).  Lilia prints out rewards for staff to sign so the whole branch can celebrate, has reward parties, brings in cookies for staff meetings and sends e-mails about balancing transactions to congratulate employees for a job well done.

As project manager for the JPL 50+ grant program, Librarian III Margaret Morford (above center) "Inspired a Shared Vision" as she coordinated funding, staffing, programming, outreach, and reports. She increased the number of surveys taken by promoting JPL 50+ at local events and held interviews with WJCT Stereo 90 and American Libraries magazine. The finale, March 30, featured Jeannie Blaylock, First Coast News, and CM Sam Newby as guest speakers.

Southeast's Library Associate Anjelica Bencomo (center above) "Challenges the Process" each month as she assists her Teen Advisory Board in creating the large scale decor for a themed wall display at SE.  Additionally, Anjelica's innovation is used to assist in system wide programming and initiatives.  Her creative programming has caused a surge in Teen Advisory Board and other teen program attendance.

Library Assistant Felecia Battle "Modeled the Way" at the Highlands Branch by involving other employees in issues with Oceanway lockers and, consequently, staff began to get positive results.  Felicia is credited with being patient and kind as she instructs others in the mechanics of everyday operations.  In Felecia's absence, Julie McNeil accepted for her. 

Gloria Armstrong Honored At Retirement

Brentwood Branch Library Assistant Gloria Armstrong retired June 10 and was presented with a letter of recognition from Director Barbara Gubbin (far right), June 9, 2016, in honor of her 30 years of service to the library. She also received a dozen red roses and her JPL gold card.  Pictured with Gloria are Chair of the Library Board Erin Skinner (far left) and NS/EB Manager Phenessa Gray. The big event took place at the JPL Library Board Meeting that day.

Got Lunch; Got Music

Main's Lunch in the Lounge hosted the San Marco Chamber Music Group, June 8, sponsored by Project Listen. They are a string/oboe quintet; four of them play with the JSO, and the fifth is a music professor at UNF.  Forty-five people attended the concert. (Thanks to Cranston Burney for the pic.)

WST's Prime Time Family Reading Time Is A Success

Kathy Tekin, West Branch Manager, reports, "Our Prime Time Family Reading Time program, April 5 – May 10, was a success. We had eight families complete the entire program with twelve families at the beginning. Mia Brack and Michelle Petrin did an excellent job of providing interesting and entertaining library commercials for the families with Mr. Smiley (an alligator puppet). They made weekly reminder calls to the families and prepared books for them to check out each week.

"The families were engaged and active participants each week during the book discussions.

"Our next session will be at UPK Tuesdays, September  13 to October 18, 2016, 6:30 – 8 p.m."

Staff Profile - June 2016

Katie Devanny, now Program Manger for CAL.  The pic is from one of the first ESOL classes she taught at the Main Library.

 At times one wonders why we face the daunting challenges we encounter in life. Some people address those encounters as a wake up call and rebound with a wonderful determination to make a difference in their own and others' lives.  Meet the astute Katie Devanny, who did--and does--just that.

Q: The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) does so much for our community. Tell us about your department’s various services and who helps get what done.

A: The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) has been serving the residents of Duval County for 30+ years.  We have dabbled in all aspects of literacy throughout the years but our main focus has been Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). For the past year the focus on the ABE side has been preparing students for the GED test. At this time we are more Adult Secondary Education (ASE) oriented and we are looking to expand this next year into workforce development. Our ESOL program helps over 700 immigrants coming from 90 different countries. Our staff is large compared to most departments. We are part of the LEAP team out in the community offering GED® and Conversation Essentials, and as you know, we oversee the Career Online High School (COHS) for JPL. Tammy Owens is the supervisor and she runs the daily operations and COHS.  Denise Thomas is our volunteer and outreach coordinator. Katie Bark is our GED coordinator at Main. She teaches classes, assesses students, and helps with the volunteer instructors.  Valencia Kidwell is our full time ESOL instructor at Main. Sergio Lagman is our part time ESOL coordinator for UPK and CW and he teaches at Main, UPK, and CW. Margaret Gloag is a part time ESOL instructor at Main. Kathy Zaccardi is the ESOL coordinator for PCR and SE. Kwanza Yates is the brand new GED instructor who will be working at various libraries. We have two people working on the LEAP grant: Samantha Lee and Michele Goolsby. I had to mention everyone and what they do because without them CAL would not be possible and I would not have a job.

Q: Partnerships have become invaluable to JPL. What other agencies/organizations interrelate with CAL and how does that benefit both CAL and them?

A: CAL works with Learn to Read (LTR) of Jacksonville, a non-profit adult education program working with adults reading at a comprehension level from zero to sixth grade. LTR is based here at the Main library and they share CAL’s workroom and computer lab. Through the LEAP program we have made a number of community partnerships with local agencies such as NFCCA- Northeast Florida Community Action Agency.  We work with the local refugee agencies throughout the year on small projects. The partnerships really benefit the students. Jacksonville is so large and overwhelming in its complexities of needs, so it is great to have partners to refer students to and have students referred to us.

Q: As Program Manager of CAL how do you oversee the different functions of CAL?

A: CAL has done a 180 degree turn over this past year.  When I first took over I felt like the kid in the pool with my swimmies on.  I was not able to function without the support I received from everyone in the JPL system, and I mean everyone.  At the beginning I was just another CAL employee “doing” CAL projects but with the title of manager. Now, my team is getting stronger. I have a supervisor taking on the daily running of the department and I am becoming the planner for the department not the doer.

Q: Before you came to JPL in 2007, what background did you have that helped prepare you for this position and why was JPL/CAL a good fit for you?

A: I had worked in retail most of my life. When I first graduated from college I worked for Harborplace in Baltimore as their Special Events Coordinator. After two years I foolishly wanted to get back into retail because I really like helping customers.  I worked for GAP Inc. for 16 years and then a few big box retailers.  I was usually the district trainer in some capacity or another and so teaching came easily to me. When I decided to start my own business and went looking for part time work, the ABE classes at CAL appealed to me. My sister has worked in the adult education field for years so I had been exposed to many of the methods used with teaching ABE classes. The previous manager, Sharon, took a chance and hired me on a grant and the rest is history.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: That’s hard. I’m an open book--no pun intended. I know my staff knows this but I just like being happy and having fun. When I was 24 I was in a coma for three days, and I have always felt I was healed for a reason. No, I didn’t sell all my belongings and give my life to service, but I feel I’m here for some purpose: help others, lead my team, and make someone smile.

May's Happenings At EB

Raelyn Wiirre, YS Librarian II at Eastside Branch reports, "We held a raffle during our school celebrations recently to promote the student cards. Every child that used his or her student card to check out a book received a raffle ticket. Shareef Bryant (first pic) was our winner!

     

       

May Kramer conducted a Mail Art program for children on May 27^th. Participants used  a     variety of materials in their creations, such as used stamps, colored pencils, and scrapbook paper to create the mail art. More importantly, they learned how to properly write a letter. Each child received a postage stamp to mail their art to a friend or relative. Fifteen children and teens attended.

 Linda Griffin-Foresto hosted a Taste of Asia on May 23 in observation of Asian and Pacific Heritage Month. Egg rolls, white rice, and stir-fried vegetables were served. A film was shown that demonstrated traditional Chinese dances and taught viewers some of the language.

Kimberly Smith: Job Well Done

Kimberly Smiith works as a part-time library associate in Main's Popular department and her supervisor, Libraran III Tamera Brannon related one of her many examples of her positive influences on coworkers happened in April  JB's manager Theresa Rooney noted that a customer there tried to print a copy of a song but did not want to pay for it.  JB staff sought POP's help and Kimberly couldn't find the title in the collection but searched diligently until she found it on a cart. Both managers agreed:  Job Well Done, Kimberly.

Quiet Joy In Chinese Tea Ceremony

To celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Shirdellah Groulx presented the Chinese Tea Ceremony at PCR, May 4^th, AR, May, 5^th, Beaches, May 18^th, and at UPK, May 25^th; attendance was 8 at PCR and 10 each at the other locations. Shirdellah first explained the ceremony, then served tea the Chinese traditional way with a background of relaxing Asian music. She said, "The customers and I shared a quiet joy as we conversed about tea, the Tao, etc. I received many compliments, such as the ceremony was unique, interesting, and refreshing. Three customers at UPK expressed their gratitude because they felt the true meaning of the ceremony which is peace."

KR Hosts Beauclerc Student Art

Mandarin Branch hosted Beauclerc Elementary students' art show, beginning May 16th. Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "We had over 150 people attend."  A JPL display of art related materials accompanied the students' paintings.

Brentwood Goes Hawaiian

Phenessa A. Gray, NS and EB Manager reports, "In recognition of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, Brentwood hosted A Taste of Hawaii program, May 26, 2016. Betty Williams, Library Associate, did an amazing job teaching us about the history of Hawaii, the hula dance, and she created some delectable Hawaiian delights, such as pulled pork sandwiches, pineapple-watermelon salad, and macadamia nut cookies. The final count was 23 with a mix of adults, teens, and children. We had an awesome time." 

Amber Holley: Job Well Done

SE Region Manager Keli Likins presented Amber Holley, Manager of YS & CO, with a Job Well Done Award, May 27, 2016, at the Administration Team meeting.  

Ms. Likins said, "Amber is committed to team work and excellence.  She always works hard to coordinate training of new and current YS department staff and public service staff.  Amber knows that providing quality training results in excellent service."

Abstract Art AT NS

 "Our young customers had an awesome time at Brentwood Library, May 31, learning how to paint abstract art with renowned artist, Michael G. Bush. We had 11 in attendance," said Phenessa Gray, NS & EB Manger.

Beaches Branch Celebrates 30 Years of Service

Beaches Branch Library celebrated its 30^th Anniversary on Saturday, May 21, 2016, with a Community Open House. Library customers visited with the many elected officials and representatives from local community organizations.  Kathleen Krizek from Special Collections did genealogy database demonstrations and also showed off the newly digitized portions of The Florida Times-Union indexes. CAL Manager Katie Devanny and JB staff also manned tables. E-Specialist Randy Manapoo did 3D Printer and tablet demonstrations.

JB Manager Theresa Rooney said, "We were amazed at the support for the Beaches Branch by elected officials. Library Director Barbara Gubbin provided opening remarks for the noon program. Katie Ross, Regional Director, Senator Bill Nelson’s Office, read a letter from the Senator. Jackie Smith, District Director, U.S. Representative Ander Crenshaw’s Office, also spoke enthusiastically about the many things the library offers. 

Brian Sexton, former Voice of the Jaguars, was the keynote speaker; however, the hit of the program was 94 year old Scotty Thornton, who shared some of her experiences, beginning in 1979, in mobilizing support from elected officials and community organizations to replace the 3,000 sq. ft. library in the old Jax Beach City Hall with a new branch. These experiences were documented in a timeline lovingly prepared by  FOBBL members Pam and Steve Ubl, based on primary sources contained with several early Friends scrapbooks, and installed on the Community Room wall to celebrate the anniversary. In addition to Ms. Thornton, Special guests included: Sallie Pickard and Ann Winfree, the librarians who opened the Beaches Branch in 1986, and the family of Eloise Claiborne, a Beaches resident appointed to the Board of Library Trustees in 1979, who served as President from 1983-84.

 

Mayor Harriet Pruette declared Saturday, May 21st as “Beaches Branch Library Day” by Mayoral Proclamation. Other elected officials who spoke during the program were Councilmember Bill Gulliford and State Representative Aaron Bean. Bryan Sexton was the Keynote Speaker and Tim Anderson, Secretary, Board of Library Trustees, gave closing remarks. Also attending were: State Representative Lake Ray, Kara Tucker and Scott Wiley from the Neptune Beach City Council, and Phil Vogelsang and Bruce Thomason from the City of Jacksonville Beach City Council, as well as  Mitch Reeves, Mayor of Atlantic Beach.  

The event was also well attended by JPL Administration, including Deputy Directors Jennifer Giltrop (Public Services), Mark Merritt (Administration), Assistant Director of Public Services Julie McNeil, Assistant Director of Support Services Gretchen Mitchel, Regional Supervisors Sara Roberts (PCR), and Keli Likins (SE), and Karen Walker, Manager of E-Services & Digital Access, as well as others.

Beaches Watch, Jacksonville Beach Life Guards, Sea Turtle Patrol, BEAM, Beaches Museum & History Park, Bennie Furlong Senior Center, Beaches Photography Club, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Jacksonville and  the “Seams Beachy”chapter of the American Sewing Guild were some of the local organizations represented.  

 

FOBBL raffled 18 book-themed gift baskets and the Children’s Department offered face-painting, balloon sculptures, and two “beachy” crafts. The event wrapped up around 2 p.m. and staff estimated that 500+ patrons had walked through the gate and most had participated. Everyone enjoyed Italian Ice from Rita’s, which donated 25% of their profits to the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library, and special beach-themed cookies provided by Cinnoti’s Bakery and Publix.  

                                     Barbara Sperbeck, FOBBL