Carolyn Hampton Retires With 30 Years Of Service

Carolyn Hampton left us after 30 years of faithful service in TB/ILL as a Library Clerk, March 6, 2018.  Many employees came to the farewell luncheon the week before.  Beautiful decorations and abundant food, retirement cake, two dozen roses, another bouquet brought by a region manager, and hugs all attested to the admiration everyone has for her. 

Carolyn is a quiet, unassuming person who, over the years, earned the highest respect from colleagues and customers.  One rabbi who customarily visited KR and often complimented staff there never failed to mention Carolyn Hampton's efficient service in ILL. 

Heather Campbell, who managed ILL for years, came to the party, as did several other retired staff.  Chris Eaton, who manages TB/ILL now, added his appreciation of Carolyn's dedication to doing an excellent job. I think we'll miss her.     

Observe Success At Observation Station

Carol Bunker, YS Librarian II at SE created an Observation Station that highlights a rotating collection of insects, amphibians, fish, etc. in the children’s department.  The station includes featured animals in their habitat, magnifying glasses, and materials on the subject for check out.  Carol also designed a sign with lift-the-flap Q&A's (see pic below) and jokes about the animal on display.  Sometimes you cannot see the station because so many children and families are around it.  It has become a must see when visiting the department.  Additionally, the book display has to be replenished often as children are curious and want to read about Observation Station animals.

Carol said, "Currently, we are going through the life cycle of a ladybug at Southeast. The children can observe ladybug larva for the next two to three weeks until the next bug flutters into the branch. 

This month we added an interactive board for the children to play with and learn a little about ladybugs. They learn how long it takes for a ladybug to go from an egg to a ladybug which is about two to three weeks. We have plastic replicas of each stage for the children to see along with our ladybug habitat. A few fun facts that are fascinating for the kids are: ladybugs smell with their feet and antenna and ladybugs can beat their wings 85 times per second and can fly up to 15 miles an hour!

Jax Book Fest - 2018

JPL's second Jax Book Fest at the Main Library, February 3, 2018, saw a growing crowd of educators, young parents pushing strollers, participating in crafts with their kids or waiting in line for them to get balloon animal creations, buying children's books, and they did not miss the Children's department collection.  Then there were teens and on up the age ladder at this free literary event enjoying the 100+ writers, getting autographs and buying books. Richard Mott reports, "We have an official gate count of 3,825. Last year we had 3,604. Pretty excellent considering the competing events in Jax!"

Additionally, there were volunteers and former staff (former Deputy Director Carolyn Williams and Branch Manager Cheryl CallavIni to name two) helping everywhere you looked on all four floors of Main. JPL staff had plenty to do, as you see L/R Tracy Pigott, Diane Alexander, Donna Crowther, and Nicolle Burton "lifting that tow and towing that bale"--well, pushing book carts with their workloads to put it in a library perspective.

Hope you made it, too.

Noah Thomas: Job Well Done & Happy Birthday!

Noah Thomas had a double dip of recognition, February 6, 2018: Beth Friederich presented her with a Job Well Done Award and Webb Wesconnett staff celebrated Noah's birthday with her.  

Beth said, "If 'encourage the heart' could be found in Noah Webster's dictionary, Noah Thomas' picture would be there, along with a notation of how Noah inspires happiness and community among branch staff at CW. When an employee is transferred or leaves, she plans a party for them. Recently, she started a monthly celebration of staff birthdays and coordinates the party herself. Celebrations include a cake, snacks, a card that all staff sign, special décor (tablecloth, confetti, etc.), and a small gift. Noah is not assigned this task but she presented the idea to Branch Manager Kathy Tekin, who agrees: celebrating CW successes and its team are important --and aren't we glad." 

Look Who Made Feb. City Employee News

Marilyn Jordan and Library Director made the February 2018 City Employee News. Look on the list of news on the City portal, click on the 7th item down, then see 3rd article down.

Friends Of JPL Warehouse March Specials

Our very supportive Friends of JPL have a March Special Warehouse Sale you, your customers, family, and friends will really appreciate:

BUY ONE GET ONE ON ALL ADULT, TEENS, AND CHILDREN'S CHAPTER BOOKS AND MUSIC CD's.

Put the word out and get out and get those books and CD's you've always wanted.

The Friends Warehouse is located at the south end of University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard North (about eight blocks north of JU on the right hand side of the road.)

Bookstore hours
Tuesdays – 9:00 to 12:00
Thursdays – 9:00 to 12:00
Saturdays – 9:00 to 3:00

CM Aaron Bowman Serves Up Safety & Fun At PCR

Pablo Creek Branch had a special guest for Storytime, February 27, 2018, when District 3 City Councilman Aaron Bowman visited as a guest reader.  Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said, "He read a book about bicycle safety and even brought his helmet. He explained to the young audience that the helmet saved his life when he was in an accident a few years ago. The letter B,  the Stop Sign symbol (octagon shaped), the number 8 (for 8 sides of the octagon), and colors were all taught and reinforced through books and song. The children decorated paper helmets after the program. There were approximately 45 children and caregivers in attendance.

"CM Bowman experienced firsthand how more hours would translate to more Storytimes such as this one. I drove home the point.  I believe he had a good time shaking his sillies out before Council day started!"

Erin Tuzuner: Job Well Done!

UPK Branch Manager Tamera Branam (L) presented a Job Well Done Award, February 27, 2018, to Erin Tuzuner, Library Clerk at UPK.  Erin was recognized for her contributions to the new  Readers’ Advisory training.  

Kim Kirkland: Job Well Done AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"Kim Kirkland (L), CW YS Librarian II, is a Reader Advisory Training All Star and was  presented a Job Well Done Award, February 26, 2018. Prior to her transfer to Webb, she conducted staff training at Westbrook. Upon her arrival at Webb, she assisted in completing the training. Then, when Graham needed assistance, she volunteered to conduct training for GB staff. In just a month, Kim presented the Reader Advisory training four times at three branches in the system," said nominator Beth Friederich (R).

On February 27, Webb Regional Library staff surprised Kim with a birthday celebration featuring a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday and a table full of party goodies, including a cupcake birthday cake.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin says, "Big thanks to Noah Thomas for organizing the party." It seems you are much appreciated as well as celebrated, Kim. 

CW Staff: L/R (front) – Bobbi Knight, Helena Davenport, Elise Fare, & Robin Cumby.

L/R (back) – Noah Thomas, Kim Kirkland, Marilyn Jordan, Eric Cusaac, Sandra Fahy, & Brenda Johnson.

Richard Mott Reports On ALA Midwinter Conference

Manager of Strategic Initiatives Richard Mott was one of the two members of JPL's staff to travel to Denver for the American Library Association’s annual midwinter meeting, which was held the weekend of February 10, 2018. He was there to attend the final meeting of the Public Library Association’s Performance Measures Task Force, of which Richard has been a member since its inception three years ago.

Richard said the goal of the task force was to lay a foundation for outcome-based performance measurement to permeate the library field. By looking at outcomes, libraries are able to demonstrate, not only how many people attend their programs, but how many benefited from them. The instrument the task force created was a series of simple surveys to be completed by customers who attended programs. JPL is currently using these surveys for some of its programs and classes. They include questions such as, “After participating in this program, I am more confident about helping my children learn.” [Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree]

Diffusion of Project Outcome throughout the library field far exceeded expectations; 21% of all US libraries and the majority of large libraries have registered to use the surveys. Being on the task force was “a satisfying experience,” Richard said. “I had the opportunity to work with and build relationships with some of the brightest and most dedicated librarians I have met outside of Jacksonville.”

Julie Rekow & Terry Welch: Job Well Done!

Beaches Branch Library Clerk Terry Welch (L) and Librarian Julie Rekow (R) each received a Job Well Done Award, February 16, 2018. Branch Manager Theresa Rooney recognized Julie for her extraordinary effort on last year’s Deck the Chair, especially in working with the teens from the Fletcher High School Honors Art class to construct the chair, which won an Honorable Mention award. 

Webb Regional Supervisor Lynne Baldwin recognized Terry’s work with the Readers Advisory Committee over the past year, especially in connection with their contribution to the Readers Advisory training.

New Exhibits At Main Open

More than 150 people attended the February 14, 2018 opening of Banksy’s Haight Street Rat and Writing on the Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Exhibits.

 

The Haight Street Rat was created by Banksy in 2010 on the side of a San Francisco bed and breakfast. The 2017 film "Saving Banksy" focused on the piece and the collector and street art curator, Brian Greif.  Greif worked diligently to conserve the piece, preventing it from being appropriated for commercial gain or vandalized by other street artists. We were honored that Grief joined us at the opening.

Our Jax Makerspace gallery features a coordinating exhibit, Writing On The Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Culture, with street art from local artists.  These exhibits will be up through April 14, 2018.  (Thanks to Raelyn Wiirre, JPL's Arts & Culture Curator, for the article and photo credit credit goes to Iryna Kanishcheva.)

Main Children's Colors Their World

The variety of events in February 2018 color the world of the Main Children’s Department:

Marcie O'Dell says, "We have an Olympics Tracking Wall Interactive made by Kelli Heath. There was a great Emoji Lantern’s Program presented by Hannah Genslinger.

"We had kids add hearts to our Kindness Tree to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

"And, to celebrate Black History Month, Marcie O’Dell’s Art Creations class made African Masks!  Be careful if you stop on by because WE’RE  ALWAYS  HAVING  FUN! "

Kudos From Customers

Brentwood Branch:  I changed libraries when my regular library of many years was undergoing repairs. … The staffs at this library (Kathleen Krizek, LaKendra Hicks, Milicia Thomas, Aquilla Stewart, Jackie Perry, David Stevenson, & Christina Garmon) are so friendly, knowledgeable and can either answer any question I have or will find the answer. It is a great place and of historical significance to me as this is the library I came to as a kid after the Springfield library closed and this library replaced the old Brentwood Theater.

Main - Makerspace:  Re: Guitar lessons: I have attended beginning classes now with Jay Brasfield for a year and have enjoyed every moment. I feel I have learned a lot, so much that I would like to learn more. If it is possible I would love for Jay to teach an intermediate class so that I can continue the learning process. I've spoken to Jay about it and he seems to be open to the idea. I hope that this can become a reality. Thank you in advance.

South Mandarin Branch: I would like to compliment two of the employees there. Ralph Henderson and Angela Richman are just without a doubt two of the most professional and helpful folks I’ve ever encountered. They have both gone above and beyond to help me several times and are always ready with a friendly smile. It is wonderful that they represent this library with such helpful attitudes and professionalism. They both deserve a huge pat on the back.  

Southeast Branch:  Wanted to thank/commend the tech expert (Nicholas Beardsley) with whom I had a 1-on-1 Tech Tutoring session at SE Branch…. He was exceptionally helpful and a delight to work with. Please keep this program going and recognize how professional this individual is.  Thank you.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  Ms. Noah Thomas is THE ONLY reason we come to this library!! She is the light of the library and my son loves her. She brings the love of reading in general to story time. We have a library literally three minutes from our house, but we drive 20 minutes every Saturday to "Ms. Noah's" library because my son loves spending Saturday with her! She has a genuine love for her job and the children she interacts with. She learns about her kids, their families, their likes and dislikes and brings a true familial spirit to all she does. She has seen my son grow up and has truly helped me to cultivate his love of books and learning. There have been so many good people that have passed through the children's area of this library, and we miss them, but I can honestly say that if Ms. Noah left, we would have no reason to continue coming here as it would be a true loss to so many children!

Towels For City Rescue Mission

Regency Square Library staff collected 25 towels to donate to the City Rescue Mission for their annual white towel drive.  Sabrina Whitfield plans to deliver them to Nicolle Burton at the Main Library before the deadline. (Pictured above, L/R are Sabrina Whitfield, Ann Ludke, Dawn Brock, Becky Hatfield, and Tim Marcus.)

PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATIONS OF WHITE TOWELS BY FEBRUARY 23, 2018, AND PLEASE BRING THEM TO NICOLLE BURTON, 3rd FLOOR ADMINISTRATION AT THE MAIN LIBRARY.  (Should she be out, the towels can be delivered to Andrew Herron or Sara Gunter who also work in Admin.)

Regency Square Branch Hosts Navy Combo & Swings Into Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month,  AR hosted the U. S. Navy Band Jazz Combo, February 15, 2018.  All ages tapped their feet to jazz, rhythm and blues, as well as popular music by African-American artists.  Library Associate Cindy Mathieson says, "Among others, we

were happy to see a van full of our neighbors from Brookdale Atrium Way there and all of us appreciated the jazz combo playing for us."

KR Highlights Booker T. Washington

Mandarin Branch celebrated Black History Month, February 14, 2018,with a program “With Books and Bricks,” during which children and caregivers learned about Booker T. Washington and his efforts to build a school for black students. At the end of the program 15 students and caregivers built a school using Legos.  (Thanks to Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian I for the input.)

To Murray Hill With Love

The Murray Hill staff had a surprise Valentine’s gift for its customers, February 14, 2018. Dr. Timothy Groulx serenaded everyone playing his trumpet rendition of the Everly Brothers’ Let It Be Me.  (To borrow a phrase, it was the pause that refreshed.)

Dr. Groulx is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of North Florida School of Music. He earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida in 2010 where he was a recipient of the Presidential Fellowship, and earned his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance and Master of Music in Teaching from Oberlin Conservatory in 1999.

This was Dr. Groulx’s Valentine’s Day gift to MH and most of all to his wife, Shirdellah.

AYL's Outstanding Black History Month Display

Library Associate Tracey Mills (above) is a champion of reading.  Tracey is helping to promote reading at the Argyle Branch Library with a display celebrating Black History Month.  You can’t miss the display  - it takes up almost an entire wall.   From books to biographical posters of notable African Americans, this display has something for everyone.  Region Manager Lynne Baldwin says, "Kudos to Tracey.  This is another example of creative marketing geared to increase circulation of reading materials as part of Strategic Plan Objective 1.1.1B  (tracking the circulation of reading materials). Let’s work together and help JPL build a community of readers.  Start Here. Read Anywhere." 

Harry Potter Hogwarts Valentine Ball 2018

Tonja Ferrell sent this pic of AYL's Valentine’s Day activity named (as you see in the title of this blurb), developed and hosted by their Teen Advisory Board, February 10, 2018.  Tonja says, "It was well received by the teens and children. One youth even came dressed in her Harry Potter finest. They enjoyed making love potions, Butter Beer, Wands, and assorted Valentine crafts."