Highlands' Teen Activities = Exceeding SLP Goals

DU's Beverly Mason reports on three Highlands Branch programs, "We had a teen summer celebration program, August 4, because we exceeded our goals for SLP.  We set a goal for 75 teens to sign up and another goal for teens to read 250 books.  Our final results for summer learning were 83 sign ups and over 400 books read!  The reward was a summer celebration including Wii, board games, pizza, and ice cream sandwiches.

"Jennifer Swanson presented Brain Game Olympics for Teens, July 27.  Teens enjoyed figuring out some brain teasers and special games from her Brain Games book and from the TV show.  Teens experienced a fake arm; they felt through a box while blindfolded to find some items, and the last activity was cup stacking.

 "This was our 6th week of our mini series program, July 28.  Teens

practiced their coding skills while playing Life Size Pac-man."

SOM Thanks Teen Summer Volunteers

 SOM's Christie Rogers reports, "We threw a thank you party, August 5, for the 34 summer teen volunteers at South Mandarin Branch Library. They
worked hard and we wanted to thank them with pizza, soda, and cupcakes. Not all of our teens could attend but those who did enjoyed the food and camaraderie." 

Pictured is just one of several tables and Ralph Henderson (far left) chatted with three of the teens at his table.  

Mandarin Branch Honors Summer Teen Volunteers

KR hosted a summer teen volunteer appreciation party, August 8, 2016.  Three volunteers were able to attend: L/R: Danny Kim, Rafel Sebaih, and Nick Christus.

Alison Pulley said, "All eight of our summer volunteers were a pleasure to work with. They helped to make my first summer in Teen a breeze!"

The JPL Owl Is Full of Compliments

 “How do you like the library’s new hours?” was a recent question customers were asked system wide.  The raves poured in--so many that the project originator, CR&M’s Manager, Chris Boivin, had his staff created this JPL owl comprised of customer compliments written on sticky notes.  The owl appears small here; however, it stands 8 ft. tall and is 8 1/2 ft. wide!  

We can thank the diligent work of our Library Director, Barbara Gubbin, the Admin Team, and the Library Board because they petitioned the City Council last year to restore some of the library hours previously cut. The City Council heard their voices echoing library customers' repeated requests for longer hours and voted to restore 88 service hours to our libraries. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, CITY COUNCIL FOR THE 88 LIBRARY SERVICE HOURS!

Staff Profile - August 2016

As our YS Department’s Early Childhood Specialist, Susan Mankowski doesn’t have a “9-5 job”.  She does have a passion for Early Childhood Literacy (ECL) that is apparent to even a casual observer.  Her own work, as well as her success with JPL’s

partnerships, prove she gives much of herself and makes us all proud to know Susan. 

You will see how United Way's partnering with JPL has put your contributions to excellent use and those who contribute to worthwhile causes always make a huge difference.

Q:  You’ve been involved with ECL for eight or nine years at JPL.  What progress has been made in educating parents about this critical need?

      A:  Over the past nine years, it has been a pleasure to see staff embrace early literacy and become advocates for our youngest customers.  Youth Services staff are more aware of early literacy and are now confident to speak with parents and community members about this area.  As a result, JPL is becoming a beacon in the community for people who want to know more about early literacy and early learning.  Our story times have always supported the development of literacy skills, but now we can say why we do what we do.  This also helps when developing partnerships with other early childhood agencies, which ultimately goes back to supporting our families.  So the progress I’ve seen?  Knowledge, confidence, and the ability to share information about early literacy with the community. 

Q: Recently (June 1 – 20, 2016), JPL successfully partnered with United Way in the ReadingPals program.  What other partnerships are planned to advance ECL?

A:  We have wonderful relationships within the early learning community, and I’m excited to see how the partnerships continue to evolve.  Since the successful summer book drive, we are working with ReadingPals to update and distribute the ReadingPals read-alike recommendations (check out a copy in your Children’s Department), and provide training for in-coming ReadingPals volunteers on how to read and engage young children.  Tours for pediatric residents from UF Health will continue, as literacy levels directly correlate with addiction, incarceration, and health outcomes.  The pediatricians are always amazed at how much the library offers to support their families and they speak so highly of the staff they meet.  We will continue attending Early Learning Coalition board meetings, New Town Success Zone, Read It Forward Jax, and Community Action Network partnership meetings to promote and answer questions about JPL services and resources.  Meghan Parkinson is gearing up for a second year as the Early Childhood Specialist with JPL’s LEAP program.  She is working hard with staff from the Urban Core to bring youth programs and resources into neighborhoods in Health Zone 1.  We are about to start year 2 in the Duval County Public Schools partnership!  Early childhood covers birth to 8 years, so Kindergarten field trips and Student Library Cards will play a big role in advancing early literacy opportunities for school children in Duval.  I’m sure other opportunities will present themselves as the year progresses.  

      Q:  What is your favorite part of your job?

 A:  The relationships. I love going out and being with staff.  Collaborating on projects, rearranging furniture, creating early learning spaces in the department, hearing funny stories about programs, or brainstorming challenge: I love it.  I also love going out to community events and bragging about what we do as a library system.  It’s so rewarding and fun to connect a customer with a library resource they did not know existed.  The best are the active users who love my JPL resource challenge and turn it around to try and stump me.  

Q:  You won the Sherwood Smith Children’s Champion Award in June. What is this about and what did you do that resulted in you receiving this award?

      A:  The Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Award is an annual award given by United Way of Northeast Florida.  Two awards are given, actually.  One for service and one for advocacy, and I am honored to have received the Children’s Champion Award for Advocacy: “A community advocate whose efforts have resulted in positive change in policies or conditions that impact the well-being of children and youth in Northeast Florida”.  In a nutshell, I was nominated for my role in working with staff to enrich their early childhood programs and resources, as well as creating research-based training and materials for parents, teachers, and community members. 

Q:  What personal plans are on your horizon?

   

 A:  I have a few personal goals I’d like to accomplish.  I live in an older home and enjoy learning how to do many of the fixes and improvements myself (except electrical, I don’t do electrical), and my yard needs a major overhaul.  I’d like to become Florida landscape certified and/or a Master Gardner, so I can address not just the beauty but the actual problems in a way that are eco-friendly and that I can upkeep on my own.  However, a short-term goal is to use my passport again this year.  I traveled with my church and the Jacksonville University choir on a singing tour of Italy in May, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Then I went to celebrate my friend’s birthday in Canada in July.  So I’ve got the travel bug, and want to go somewhere else by next April.  I don’t have any idea where that will be, so I am open to suggestions!  

NW Gets Into Minecraft

Gamers of all ages were attracted to this Minecraft display created by YS Library Associate Anthony Baltiero and he said, "The handcrafted life-size 'Creeper' head has been the talking point of the display. Check out some of these awesome Minecraft books and see what the craze is all about. The display will be up through August."

SE Hosts Miss International and Miss Teen International

Southeast Branch Library had two young dignitaries visit, July 30: Miss International, Elise Banks (far right, front) and Miss Teen International, Jules Fletcher.  The children enjoyed their reading during story time, and added to the fun were cookie decorating and crown making.

Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, said, "Our teen summer volunteers were instrumental in planning and producing this program and did an amazing job."

 

CM Danny Becton Vists SE for Summer Library Program

Council Member Danny Becton (District 11) joined kids enjoying Southeast Branch's Zoo program, July 28. CM Becton knows the importance of JPL's Summer Learning Program that encourages children to read while school is out and not get into "the summer slump". Before the program, he spoke with the children and families about that and the significance of libraries.  Above, CM Becton and Library Director Barbara Gubbin check out a python. (Thanks to Mia Brack for the news & photo.)

Kids Learn Summer Reading Is Important

Main Children's department enjoyed a visit last week from magician "Too Fun".  She told stories, including The Three Little Pigs, while children came on stage and acted out the characters.  She told us that reading over the summer is important and helps prevent 'summer slide'.  Above, kids hold up a secret message, READ.  In one of her comedic magic tricks, "Too Fun" took a blank coloring book, said the magic words, and suddenly color appeared.  

45 Yr. Jax Beach Police Chief, Now Author & City Council Member at JB's Book Club

Julie Rekow led an exciting Beaches Branch Flamingo Book Club, July 26, as *Perception of Power was discussed by the author, Bruce Thomason, former 45 year Chief of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department and current Jacksonville Beach City Council Member. CM Thomason's first book was a children's story starring his grandchildren, who come to Santa's aid in Santa's Super Rescue; How Beezle T. Claus Tried to Steal Christmas. Since then he has authored two other thriller novels, beside Perception of Power, in a series about a fictional detective, Clay Randall. Julie said, "Bruce told us about the true stories and real people that influenced his writing. He is currently working on his fourth novel. We hope he will make another appearance soon."
________________________________________
*Perception of Power won the author/councilor the 2016 Florida Book Awards bronze medal in the Popular Fiction category. 

Outstanding Display at SE

Kate Zakharov, Teen Library Associate/Teen Volunteer Coordinator, said, "Abby McGeathy went above and beyond to help me bring a Pinterest project to life. We made an Olympic ring collage, using inspirational quotes from Olympic athletes, to hang in the Southeast Regional Branch Teen Room. Let the games begin!"

Job Well Done: Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Smith is a P/T Associate in the Popular Department at Main and was presented with a Job Well Done Award, July 23, 2016, by Tamera Branam, Librarian III in that area. Tamera said Kimberly deserves the award for her artistic work that enhances book displays advertising "Movies at Main".  Above is a house on top of a witch designed for Wizard of Oz, and under that is a display advertising the movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Below is the display Kimberly made out of clay and paper mache for The Maltese Falcon.  Other creations to her credit thus far are a candy basket for Willie Wonka and a camera with a window for what else but Rear Window. Tamera says Kimberly's innovation, imagination and creativity make Main displays pop and has drawn the attention of both customers and staff.  Wonder what Kimberly will create next.

20 Adults Color At AR

“A great surprise happened at the Regency Square Branch July 20, 2016. Twenty people participated in an adult coloring program--the biggest group we have had. Our participants expressed their enthusiasm with the great selection of coloring pages, pencils, markers, and even crayons. When they started coloring their chosen pages, the room became a place of camaraderie. Some of the customers brought their own coloring books and supplies and shared them with the group. Each one produced a work of art by the end of the session and each of them had a story to tell when they left. The program ended with a colorful bang!”  (Thanks to AR's Shirdellah Groulx for the input.) 

PCR's "Turn It Up Thursday" Turns Down Temp

Pablo Creek Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Nearly 350 people turned out for the Pablo Creek Library 'Turn it Up Thursday', 4:00 – 7:00 pm, July 21. The fourth installment of the monthly event had the community coming together in a variety of interactive, engaging ways

to celebrate 'Winter in July.' Children and families met a real Snow Queen (at left with JB's Manager Theresa Rooney's granddaughter, Rivers Matchett). They could play four holes of Putt-Putt in the stacks, see a live 3-D printing demonstration, participate in a make a polar bear and snow flake craft, learn about downloading Zinio Magazines in the puppet theatre, adopt Humane Society kittens, and play in the 'snow' at the first Putt-Putt tee by our snow machine. Instrumental to the success of the program were the Girl Scouts of America, who created the putt-putt holes and facilitated the program, including creating the score card and tallying the scores. The Masons of NE Florida were on hand to provide a free Child I.D. service to families with approximately 60 parents receiving a free CD with each child’s information on it.  A live guitarist played music to browse new books by and there were winter crafts and ice pops for the children. If that wasn’t enough – an expert from 'Just Brew It' was on hand to show and tell how to brew your own beer during the last hour of the program. 

                                          And snow it did!

"We are grateful to all the community partners that helped make this event possible: The Masons I.D. of NE Florida, The Jacksonville Humane Society, The Girl Scouts of America, and Just Brew It.  Our Snow Queen was provided by funds raised for the Children’s Program by the Newcomer’s Club of Jacksonville. Inviting clubs and groups to participate that normally provide a service to the community makes this program valuable to our customers. The cross promotion in a public library venue is a unique way to turn up activity and interest in both organizations. The July event was enjoyed by all, including many of the library public service managers who stayed after their monthly meeting to see what all the “noise” was about. Turn it Up continues to be a program that defies standard programming provided for the community in a library setting.  

                                Dad making son a golf pro.                                              

"This programming would not be possible without the effort of every staff member--from displays, to craft ideas, to giving out Ice pops at the Circulation desk. All departments are involved and turned up for the day.  It really pulls everything together and supports a team environment.

             Kids enjoyed making snow flakes and Dad thought it a good idea.

"A walk around during the event showed people of all ages undisturbed and rather enjoying the activity.  Overheard were children saying 'I want to see the snow!' and 'Where can I get my ice pop?' Adults just wanted to know what we have planned for August!"

Friends of SOM Donate 'Frig From Their Book Sales!

SOM's Christie Rogers shares a picture of the  plaque that reads, “In gratitude from the Library Staff for the support of the Friends of the Library .”  Staff wanted to permanently show their appreciation for the refrigerator the Friends of the South Mandarin Library purchased for them with money from

the Friends' book sales.  Christie said, "The refrigerator is in our meeting room and is a great help for programs that include food and for groups using the room.  Right away, our summer worker, Raymond Anthony, stored some drinks to be served during  the movie ,The Good Dinosaur, which we showed today.  Drink refills take less steps and make happier customers.  YEA!

Italy Is On Display At NW

Check out this display created by Anthony Baltiero at the Bradham & Brooks Northwest Branch that celebrates Italy and Italian culture. There are resources showcasing Italian history, culture, art, literature, language, and most importantly the food! Brush up on Italian history, start learning the Bella Lingua, or pick up some wonderful Italian recipes. Come on out; the display will be up through August.  (Thanks to YS Library Associate Anthony  Baltiero for the input and pictures.).  

Great job, Anthony.

The Python Is Epic At GB's SLP

Graham Branch kids 5-12 years old had the opportunity to hold a python during Wild Wonders: Animal Adventures program offered on July 6^th.  As part of our EPIC! Summer Presenter Program, aside from the python, kids were taught about small mammals and (large and small) reptiles and how to handle them. (Thanks to YS Librarian Alexis Carter for the pic and blurb.)

Grants Status Reviewed In Admin Meeting

Resource Development Coordinator Pam McClellan made a presentation at the Administrative Team meeting, July 22, 2016, entitled "Resource Development Grants Look Ahead Forecast" concerning the status of JPL grant opportunities.  The report lists grant funding opportunities that have been awarded (and open, meaning we are doing the project and have received funds from the grantor), or pending (we are waiting to learn if our grant proposal will be funded.)  The Available Funding category lists grants that staff are pursuing, the potential value of the grant and the application deadline.  Resource Development is on track to meet and exceed our $600,000 FY 2015-16 funding objective.

 

       Reggie Garrett (red shirt) to right of Pam McClellan (left center).

Pam concluded, "I also had the opportunity to introduce our Resource Development Summer Jobs Intern, Reginald Garrett to the Admin Team.  “Reggie”, as he prefers to be called, is an A-B honor student at Terry Parker High School.  A rising senior, he likes math and is a wide receiver for the Braves football team.  He has been an exceptional intern this summer supporting Resource Development assisting with donor letters, donor spreadsheets, and other departmental tasks.  Thanks to some prompting from Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop, he had the opportunity to share his perspectives on the summer job experience with the Admin group."

Some Of PCR's Summer Gets to Winter (Olympics, That Is) For SLP

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "The Children’s staff at Pablo Creek Library are so dedicated and good with the kids. They handle the multitudes with a smile. The Pablo Creek community is very lucky to have such a tight knit and caring staff of professionals working with their children. (Pic at left, front L/R: Marcie O’Dell, and Kimberly Bennett; standing: Hongying Song, Diane Ressler, Erika Zeigler.)

"It’s an Epic Summer with big numbers at PCR and all things books are being promoted to prevent summer slide. Despite the summer heat, the children know that the Winter Olympics are coming and they are learning about sports and culture in Russia, Brazil, China and other countries in a fun and educational setting. Our performers have been first rate and well-attended, starting with Jennifer Swanson’s Brain Games with 114 attendees to Cotton Candy the Clown most recently.  Ronald McDonald is making plans to come out next. The fun and excitement for reading has grown with more than 10,000 books logged for the summer reading program! There are a total of 882 registrants in Epic Summer, including 145 early childhood,  448 school age, 62 teens and 227 adults. 

 "Overheard and seen:

• Children counting to ten in Romanian 
• Children walking the “balance beam” on tape like Nadia Comaneci did in the 1976                Olympics.
• Children singing synchronized action songs to mirror synchronized swimming

 

"The Teen programs have provided lots of opportunities to get your Game On and play some oversized Scrabble and glow in the dark games among other activities. On July 20, Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott presented the final teen mini-series of the Game On program: LIVE ACTION PAC-MAN with 15 attendees. She started by showing the tweens the pop culture database and a video of Pac Man gameplay.  Then the tweens teamed up and wrote a 10 step code to move around the giant game board on the floor. Pac Man had to avoid the ghosts, who were trying to catch Pac Man.  They had a blast and even some parents helped with the coding."

Life Size Scrabble At NW

Thirteen teens/tweens enjoyed playing a Life-Size Scrabble game at Bradham and Brooks Northwest Branch, July 21. This was part of the Summer Learning Program, a six-week series called Game On where teens play traditional games in a whole new way.  (Thanks to Gloria Buenavista for the input and pic.)