Staff Profile - December 2016

Pablo Creek Manager Jackie Spiritas won the Challenge the Process Award and, subsequently, the Employee of the 4^th Quarter (July-September 2016).  Why?  Read on:

Q:  PCR is now a popular gathering place for not only customers but also businesses, City departments, and other organizations—particularly once a month.  What do you attribute this to?

A: Pablo Creek has a very large inviting space and can accommodate the needs of a wide variety of groups. We have enjoyed hosting programs for our customers that demonstrate our willingness to adapt. For instance, this past month we had a Goodwill Fashion Show in the middle of the library. This is something that we normally would have tucked in a meeting room. We don’t see our walls as barriers and this attitude toward programming creates more opportunity to help bring people and groups together. I am always looking for community groups and organizations that share similar goals; then the ideas and possibilities gain momentum more quickly and have more of a lasting impact. I have found that to be a very productive way to increase our visibility and create new and deeper partnerships and collaborations.

    

Q:  When and how did Turn It UP begin? 

A:  The idea originally was introduced by Region Manager Sara Roberts who continues to bring a unique perspective to the programming table. She recognizes the niche for innovative programming like Turn it Up and has witnessed the success of such programs in other library systems. She coached Greg Pierce and me through the process in stages and we began learning how to adapt it to our community. We held our first Turn It Up in April 2016 and we began by focusing on adult programs and demonstrations, hoping that would attract and inspire our customers. What we discovered in the process was that Pablo Creek is a family-centric library. Most adults are either accompanied by children or are using Pablo Creek in different ways than by attending programs. We turned our attention to the Children’s department and used that information to bring in programs that focused on families and children. Once we had a captive audience of adults, we learned how to promote our adult services during those moments where the children’s program transitions in to the adult area. For instance, while the children are playing games like Library Bowling or Putt Putt in the Stacks, staff can demonstrate Tumblebooks to the parents. We have found a way to tie in an online database demonstration to each program. For November, the theme was Gratitude so we focused on Transparent Language Online – how to say Thank You in different languages. Not to leave out the adults that are working on computers during Turn It Up – they get to enjoy live music, food demonstrations in the lobby, and are drawn to the activity generated by the other programs.

Q:  How did you get staff on board with this new challenge? 

A:  Honestly, the staff has been so invested in the success of Pablo Creek programming that all we have to do is describe what we are trying to accomplish and ask for help. We have a committee whose members rotate which allows everyone the chance to contribute. Staff from every department, including our volunteers and part-time staff, is given a job to do.  We meet every week to discuss and inspire each other. Every person’s idea is considered and no one is in it alone. We carve out time on the schedule to pair people up to discuss and create their ideas, whether it’s a display or just to figure out the best way to move people. I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside people who understand what we are trying to do for the community and then help to do it. I give the staff a wide berth to explain their ideas, create them, and own the success when they bring it all to life.

 Q:  How many turn out for Turn It UP now and what have been the benefits to all concerned? 

A:  We have averaged around 150 with some coming for just the Children’s program and realizing we also have live music, crafts and games. Others who are on the computer or just passing through to get a book wind up getting a free cupcake and enjoying a four-piece woodwind quartet performing by the Ask Here desk. The impact of the programming is more than the number – it gives people a story to tell when they are advocating for the library. The benefits are threefold – the staff gets to be a part of something bigger than their individual duties or responsibilities. This is a quality of life issue that I feel improves staff morale and is an incentive to continue doing excellent work for the library system. The outside groups that participate have an opportunity for extra exposure and to push the message they want out to a captive audience with no sales pressure. The library gets to live its own mission by bringing people, ideas, and information together.

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

A:  I am an enigma. There is stuff even I don’t know about myself. How about this? If you see me wearing tiger eye – ask me anything. I am at my most open and confident. It’s my secret weapon. Oops – not any more!

First Santa Visit At WBK

Chiquita Powell said, "Santa's visit, December 1, was a first for WBK, and I am pleased to say we had a total of 18 participants.  Some were customers I had never seen before.  One parent told me she was given a flyer from her daughter’s daycare center.  This made me happy that the daycare centers I visited did indeed pass out the flyers I gave them.  After Santa read two stories and the kids discussed the various ways Santa is able to get into your home, if you do not have a chimney, the kids enjoyed making a snowman face craft.  The kids and parents had a great time and after the craft was completed, everyone stayed in the room and continued talking to Santa and each other.

Amber Pierce: Job Well Done!

San Marco Branch Manager Lilia Simonton says, "Library Clerk Amber Pierce never had any cash handling errors while assisting customers at the circulation desk for FY 2015-2016. She is very focused and diligent when handling money matters."  So Amber deserves and received a Job Well Done Award.

Chris Tabur: Job Well Done

Chris Tabur, Library Associate, received a Job Well Done award, November 22, 2016.  After Main's children's and the teen departments merged, there were additional desk coverage scheduling needs. Beth Friederich, who nominated Chris, said, "With the many programs, field trips and outreaches that our department conducts, the schedules are very busy and complicated. To avoid missed desk coverage, Chris programmed our Excel schedule template to verify desk staffing each hour.  This significantly reduced time needed for double checking our daily schedule."

Luis Terron Wins Spirit Award

Luis Terron won the Spirit of the ADA 2016 Jack Gilrup Award at the Spirit of the ADA event on October 30, 2016, at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The event was sponsored by the COJ Disabled Services Division and the Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida. Luis received the award from Mr. Kevin McDaniel who is the new manager of the COJ Disabled Services Division. Chris Eaton received it last year, so JPL has had two winners.

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Circulation:  I love this branch...always have what i need...the worker that's always there is very nice…Corey (Scott) is his name......I thank him for his kindness.

Main – Popular:  All too often businesses are the recipients of letters of complaints and few letters of compliments. You deserve to hear about 2 of your wonderful employees Mia Clark and Ryan Fix. I had the pleasure of working with them this past Monday and Tuesday as they hung my photographic exhibit titled “The Beauty of Nature in Jacksonville”. They were so careful and precise with the loading, transporting and hanging of my 15 3X4 framed images on the 2nd and 3rd floors. They both deserve gold stars and recognition for their care and hard work

South Mandarin Branch:  I take my daughter every Tuesday to "Bilingual Stories for Young Children" and I would like to say thanks to the teacher Angela (Richman).  She does a really great job; my daughter is very happy to go. And thanks to the library for opening the doors for my daughter to learn and attend to this brilliant program.

San Marco Branch:  We LOVE coming to the San Marco library storytime. My son acts like Ms Emily (Gideon) all week long and loves to come. We have been coming since he was 3 months old and now I have a little daughter who loves it too. Emily keeps the programs fresh and lively. The songs and books are perfect.

Thankful Is Theme For Turn It Up At PCR

              Mandy Elliott (L) and Kim Bennett served as puppeteers.

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas brags, "Pablo Creek Library hosted a Gratitude-themed Turn it Up Thursday, November 17 with several simultaneous programs and community partners including Goodwill and Sweet by Holly. The event continues to draw interest; PCR was pleased to see 150 customers of all ages enjoying a variety of events.

"The afternoon began with puppet shows where the children learned about the Little Red Hen, as well as the Country Mouse and Town Mouse. The puppets reminded the children to be thankful for family, home, friends and food. Library Associate Mandy Elliott and Children’s Associate Kimberly Bennett entertained the children with their creative props and interpretation of the stories.

"Next up was an inspirational and interactive program from Tracy 'Dot Com' Collins with Goodwill Industries. She 'emceed' the event parading five adorable models down the length of the Fiction aisles and prompting customers to guess the total cost for the outfits. Tracy reported on the Goodwill Facebook page that all six outfits (including hers) cost a total of $81.32. The winner received a $25 gift card to Goodwill which goes a long way – and helps many individuals in need gain the help they need. Tracy is an ardent supporter of the library and wrote about Turn it Up in her weekly Times Union column about what there is to do in Jacksonville.

"Big stars of the evening included The Teen Advisory Board, which held an Open Mic Night in the middle of the library with 15 Teens from Douglas Anderson and other local drama groups participating. I reported that the Teens were poised and confident, reading excerpts from original works and dramatic monologues from known classics. It was one of the best examples of how Turn It Up benefits the community. The Teens were able to practice their skills, the customers were entertained, and the Teen Advisory Board showed leadership skills organizing and running the event.  I also reported that Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott has worked very hard to launch the club and it is becoming a strong addition to Pablo Creek's programming offerings."

"There were crafts, Library Bowling, Giant Jenga, and free cupcakes from Sweet by Holly. Library Clerk Hunter Alley demonstrated the Transparent Language online database by showing customers they could say “Thank You” in hundreds of different languages. Customers decorated the large Turkey with Post-it-Notes expressing what they are grateful for. Library Associates Nikki Denton and Kimberly Bennett created the large bird which provided a colorful backdrop all week and helped build momentum and interest for the event.

"The staff at Pablo Creek is so critical to the success of the event. Jackie Spiritas reports that on that day staff hosted DCPS Field Trips, 3 Puppet Shows, and a Teen Open Mike Night all while keeping three departments running with regular library service. It is incredible the amount of energy and creativity they bring to their jobs every day."

Looking Great At 60!

Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin reports, "The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library celebrated their 60^th Anniversary, November 9, 2016, at the Main Library and at City Hall.  The evening started with a resolution from the City Council presented by CM and library supporter John Crescimbeni, 5th from left above at City Hall with the Friends and Director Gubbin (far right), followed by an Author Talk and book signing with local writer Mark Woods. Mr. Woods discussed his new book LASSOING THE SUN: A Year in America's National Parks.  A reception hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library rounded out the evening."  

JPL Leadership Award Winners Honored

The Library new Board Chair (right) and Director Gubbin congratulated winners of the JPL Leadership Awards at the Board's November 9, 2016 meeting. PCR  Manager Jackie Spiritas, center below, won the Challenge the Process Award and subsequently the Employee of the Quarter Award.  Jackie won her awards for her successful Turn It UP Thursday programs that bring together not only customers but also different organizations, businesses and other City departments. PCR started with about 40 in attendance and now about 200 attend this popular third Thursday monthly program.

Other winners who received JPL Leadership Awards were:

Challenge the Process: Charlene Ovshak, Katie Bark, and as mentioned, Jackie Spiritas.
Inspire a Shared Vision:  Lynne Baldwin, Greg Royce, James "Jay" Brasfield, and Ryan Fix.
Enable Others to Act: Justin Keiser.
Model the Way: Linda Eckerson.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US!

Friends Novembr Book Sale

Our Friends of JPL will hold their next sale, November 18, 19, and 20, 2016.  (And don't forget they are open every Tuesday and Thursday, 9-noon;  and on Saturday, 9-3.)

Membership is only $10/year and entitles you to 25% on every purchase.

Come out yourselves and promote the Friends Book Sale to your customers.  Their sales benefit the Jacksonville Public Library.

BOOK SALE:

Friday, November 18: 4-8 pm - FJPL members only - you can join at the door! - Buy 1 bag & get 2nd FREE

Saturday, November 19: 9-4:  $15/bag - Buy 2 bags; get 3rd FREE

Sunday, November 20: Noon - 5 pm - $15/bag - Buy 2 bags - get 3rd Free

The Friends of JPL are located in the warehouse adjacent to the University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard; phone 630-2304.

Egg Drop At PCR Is A Win For 20 "Scientists"

Pablo Creek holds a fun and educational STEAM program every other week starring Library Associate Kimberly Bennett. This week Kim created the Egg Drop experiment with 20 participants in attendance. The “scientists” in attendance explored the force of falling objects, including eggs. For this experiment, they had to think about how to create a parachute, where to put an egg, and how to cushion it to stay whole for the Egg Drop experiment. Only 3 eggs out of 10 survived the drops from a ladder. But everyone got a prize! This program is great fun and an adventure in science every week. 

What will they do next time? 

DU Region Manager Marshelle Berry Gets 30 Year Pin From Mayor

November 1, 2016 was a big day for Highlands Region Manager Marshelle Berry.  She received her 30 year pin and congratulatory letter from Mayor Lenny Curry personally, and of course, Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil was there to honor her. Please click on the link below for a good view of the occasion:  https://flic.kr/p/NEDt8t

Marshelle had this to say about her years with JPL, "I started at JPL in 1986 as a Clerk, and then promoted to Library Assistant.  While still employed, I went back to school and obtained my BA Degree and then an MLIS degree.  I promoted to Youth Services Librarian at the Highlands Branch and then to Senior Librarian where I supervised the Brentwood Branch.  Next, I promoted to Library Supervisor and managed the Regency Square Branch. Later, I supervised the four urban core branches.  I was appointed to my current position as Region Manger in 2013.

Staff Profile - November 2016

Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel is one who goes much more than the "extra mile" for customers, as you have read recently on this blog, should you not know him personally. Trying to get him to elaborate on his accomplishments at JPL was a task--he just isn't a self-promoter. 

Q:  You have been with JPL a long time; could you give us an overview of your professional progress?

A:  I started with JPL in 1999 at Northwest Library which is now known as the Bradham Brooks Library.  Since then I have had the great pleasure of working in many different locations where I have met some wonderful people.  My time at NW was short lived as I moved to the newly renovated Regency Library in the fall of 1999 where I first met Carolyn Williams (former deputy director) who was then AR's manager.  While at Regency I had the opportunity to take a test and was promoted to the position of what was called Librarian Senior at the time and I moved to the Beaches Library in 2001.  This was a great experience and I was even the acting manager for a while when Susan Shami, the manager, was out on maternity leave.  My next stop took me to Southeast Library where I stayed for several years.  This was fun because I was there before the branch was renovated and I was one of a few who remained there working while the branch was closed for expansion and renovations.  Shortly after this, I was transferred to Murray Hill as manager.  Next came Main where I worked in the Periodicals department under Julie McNeil, I also had the chance to work in the Popular Department as well.   I was then asked by Carolyn Williams (who was promoted to deputy director) to return to Southeast as manager, which was something I really enjoyed.  In 2015 I was relocated to Mandarin where I am currently the manager. 

Q:  As KR manager, what has been your greatest challenge?

A:  One of the biggest challenges for me now is keeping up with all the demands of being a manager.  You have to accept change and keep going; so I just take it one day at a time and give it 100%.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

A:  My great accomplishment is being able to work with so many great people while also helping people at the same time. I am very proud of the work I have done in my years working here.

Q:  What changes have been made at KR that have produced a positive effect for customers and/or staff?

A:  I have been able to make Mandarin Library a very nice, attractive, pleasant place for all to enjoy.

Q:  What is your favorite pastime?

A:  When I am not working I enjoy travelling to different places.  I especially enjoy art museums and historical sites.  One item on my bucket list is to visit every state at least once.  One highlight was visiting Wyoming this year.  I am well on my way but still have quite a few adventures to look forward to.

THANK YOU For Food Baskets For Thanksgiving

The Main Library: 4 baskets from Lynne Baldwin herself; Children's: a huge basket; Adim (4 baskets); Mandie McKenzie in the Conference Center (one basket); SST & UPK (4 baskets); JB (2 baskets); and a huge basket from CW were collected for the Daniel Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive.  Nicolle Burton and Diane Alexander pushed carts full over to the City's central collection site November 3rd and 4th.

Nicolle says, "THANK YOU ALL!" 

Stephanie Harley: Job Well Done!

Stephanie Harley, Main Clerical Supervisor, received a Job Well Done Award from Tammy Crotts, Novembr 3, 2016, and Alisha LeVasseur had the pleasure of photoing the occasion. 

Main Staff Really GETS Halloween

Michael Sullivan (green jacket, front left) had to show off some of Main's employees in their Halloween regalia.

Oh, What Fun Things Are Seen

Mandarin Branch Library celebrated the “Halloween Pumpkin Bash”, October 26, 2016. The children’s department entertained kids and parents from 2-4 p.m.  They enjoyed activities, including stories from the grandson of “Darth Vader” (David Foster), pumpkin painting, mask and pumpkin coloring contest, “pin the boo”, toss the bag to feed the pumpkin and light refreshments.  

KR closed with a costume parade led by the “grandson of Darth Vader”. The activity was a big success with a total attendance of 174.  (Thank you, Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian I, for input and pic.)

What's In YOUR Thanksgiving Basket?

Mark Hohnadel and Diane Lewis are happy TO see the generous donations from Mandarin Branch staff, which they loaded in Keli Likins trunk to take to Nicolle Burton at Main for the JAX CARES Thanksgiving drive.  

If you can and want to donate, all donations are due to Nicolle by Friday, November 4, 2016, for needy families.  Nicolle says THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

Job Well Done: Emily Gideon & SS's 1st DCPS Visit

Children’s Associate Emily Gideon received her JPL Job Well Done Award, October 27, 2016 for the wonderful programs she puts on at San Marco.   Kevin Douglas, YS Librarian II, nominated Emily and his is the smiley face peeking out to the left.

Below is a picture of San Marco Branch's first DCPS visit, September 13, 2016, and the Hendricks Elementary Kindergarten students were intent on the presentation, as you see.

Gone Fishin'

Terry Welch at JB shares some good news, "October 27^th, JB participated in  the 11^th anniversary of Read For The Record.  Over 35 children listened as Nicole Saville read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich; they went “fishing” and created bear claws and a bear hat.  Nicole was assisted by special guest Rover who played along. A good time was had by all!