70 Enthusiasts Open SLP At SS

San Marco Library launched SLP, June 5, 2018, hosting 70 enthusiastic customers," said Robin West-Rogers.  "Younger children made walking robots while the older kids enjoyed a library scavenger hunt.  They liked it so much we decided to keep it going all week.  (Staff enjoyed seeing the kids searching through the library to find items on the list.) A Harry Potter table was available for children to find out which wizard house they fit in.  Most of the participants were parents with school-age children.  Parents received information about all upcoming SLP events.

300 Rock At WST SLP Kick Off

Melodie Brunson said, "West Branch rocked right into our Libraries Rock, June 5, 2018, with at least 300 young to older attendees.  They enjoyed a flash mob dance led by Eve Harm, to Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ song.  Our tie-dyed selves (even adults and children wore tie-dyed), clapped and moved in our kickoff before the party-ers were sent to different fun stations around the library.  

There was a chance to dance with the Wii Dance Revolution game, or visit a music exploration table with different rhythm instruments to play with rock music, as well as an opportunity to dance in bubbles to rock music. We also had a station to get root beer floats and a place to make your own musical instruments such as rain sticks and spinning drums. 

"Of course we signed up LOTS of WST customers for SLP!"  

So Melodie Brunson & Eve Harm have a lot to smile about.

KR Hosts 186 For SLP Kick Off

Isabel Santiago-Moreno proudly reports, "Mandarin's SLP kick off was a total success, June 6, 2018. The Children’s Department welcomed 166 kids and caregivers. Ms. Kelsey  (Groth) and Mr. Robert (Moseley) had 20 in the Teen program for a total of 186.  Everyone enjoyed cake and refreshments and several games: toss the rock, rock climbing photo op, rock papers and scissors, and a shell game. The teens had a great time playing 'guitar hero.'

"Above, standing at right, is a representative for the DCPS Interim Superintendent, Ms. Vicky Schultz, addressing the crowd.  She said she had a favorite book, Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater.  It was her favorite because as a child when she read the book she saw her first name there.  That led her to a life of reading. She emphasized that reading will allow you to do anything in your life.  She asked if any students would like to express the five finger rule, and one of our regular customers (a big sister) took the challenge: 'Each time you encounter a word you don't understand, or know, you lift a finger.'  

"Ms. Schultz mentioned that if you lift 2-3 fingers when you read from a randomly chosen page of the book you are reading, it is probably ideal for your reading level.  If you raise 5 fingers, the book may be too difficult at this time.

"Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel stands behind Ms. Schultz and Children's Library Assistant David Foster stands behind her to the left."

                                Does that cake say it or what!.

45 At Murray Hill SLP Party

Murray Hill had a fantastic kick-off party with 45 customers of all ages in attendance, June 5, 2018.  They danced to Just Dance, made their own musical instruments, signed up for SLP, and had cupcakes and cookies with iced tea. YS Librarian II Camara Bragdon said, "A huge thanks go to our volunteers and the Friends of the Murray Hill Library for their help!"

72 Attend NW SLP Opening

Bradham and Brooks Northwest Library Manager Donna Carroll said, "We held our 2018 SLP Kickoff Party, June 4, with 72 library customers of all ages converging in the multipurpose room for a whirlwind of activities. There was rock and roll bean bag toss to start and running concurrently was a presentation of the feature film, Sing, and coloring. We had a wildly popular rock painting session, which given its positive response, will be repeated later this year as its own stand-alone program. Another crowd favorite was the highly competitive Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament. This lively competition saw children of all ages facing against each other and library staff to see who could remain undefeated the longest.  The record was 10 wins in a row!"

100 Attend UPK's SLP Kick-Off

"University Park Library had an early start on the 2018 Summer Library Program, beginning Saturday, June 2, with our Kickoff Party. Celebrated by 100 kids and their families, everyone learned about the SLP theme, how to register, and then they played games such as Musical Mats, Cornhole, Hula Hoops, and Sac Races. Later, we had an ice cream social to close out the day,” said YS Librarian II Alexis Carter.  Thanks to Michael Sullivan for the photo.

O'Dell Makes 2017 SLP Awards At School & Pitches 2018 SLP

Chiquita Powell, who heads up the Main Children's Department, commented on Library Associate Marcie O'Dell's recent outreach program, "S. P. Livingston Elementary School's Awards Celebration."  It was important in that JPL's Summer Learning Program (SLP) supports our Strategic Plan goals and objectives by Inspiring Lifelong Learning and Discovery and Champions Reading as the foundation for learning and discovery. At the end of  May 2018, Marcie participated in a week long awards ceremony at the school.  Here, Marcie shares her experience and how she championed reading and inspired lifelong learning through her various presentations to the faculty and students."

Marcie O’Dell recaps, "The children were awarded Certificates of Completion to move on to the next grade level. In addition, they could earn awards in: Science, Math, Art, Music, Physical Fitness, Good Citizenship, Reading, Most Improved, and Perfect Attendance. They were always beaming as they held up their prizes, which made me smile the entire week I was there.

"I had a table set up with last year's SLP leftover bags ready to hand out with this year’s SLP information. I was given time to speak to the entire assembly of staff, children, and parents and I used a different intro depending on the age group being awarded for the day.  This way, I could give examples pertinent to my time with the kids in the after school programs I attend.  I involved the kids in helping me tell about the program by shouting out 'It’s Free!' or 'Kapow!' at appropriate times. I also told stories about the children's different successes and took the mic to some of them in the audience, which went over really well, to make my point about how much they really get out of reading and being read to.

"Pictured is one of the S.P. Livingston's 2^nd grade classes presenting a song to their parents, May 25, 2018, during Awards Celebration Week.

"Each class (or awards group) gathered on the bleachers at the front of the auditorium after they received their awards and sang a song or made a presentation. 

"It was a huge success, especially the fact that parents now know what the library offers and what part they can play in their children’s success this summer in preparation for the next school year."

E-Services Presents At FLA

E-Services Librarian III Eric Soriano (L) gives us this blurb re his and SST's E-Library Specialists' experience at the Orlando FLA Annual Conference, May 23-25, 2018, where they presented on behalf of JPL. "The E-services team made a successful presentation, May 23rd, to an FLA class of about 50 people.

"Some of the feedback and interaction with participants focused on creative strategies and reaching out to the diverse communities we serve. There were some good questions on how we reach out to the Hispanic community as well as older adults (50+). We emphasized how these are two important factors across all Florida libraries given the unique demographic shifts in our state. We also shared how there is no one-size-fits-all approach in technology outreach; flexibility and genuinely connecting to the learners’ technology needs are critical in achieving success.

"More details here: http://www.flalib.org/unleashing-the-power-of-digital-literacy-through-innovative-community-outreach (minus Tara Connolly.)

"This is the 2nd FLA presentation proposal from our department accepted within that last three FLA Conferences."

Above, to the right of Eric, is Luis Terron, Donna Peretzman, and Yuri Jewitt.

What A Can-Do Attitude Can Do

CW Branch Manager Kathy Tekin has good reason to brag on her staff.  She said, "Webb Wesconnett Branch reached our goal plus, May 26, 2018:  $840.  What a fantastic team to work with."   Pictured L/R are employees who make up CW's circulation team: Helena Davenport, Eric Cusaac, Ramona Jay, Sandra Fahy, Robin Cumby and Brenda Johnson.

As you see on the right ("gadget") side of the blog, on May 19 CW was $135 short of goal and in one week the branch exceeded it.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!

Kate Holmes Is Retiring

Librarian II Kate Holmes began working for JPL, September 2, 2002, and she will be retiring, June 1, 2018--almost 18 years!  Kate currently divides her time between Main Library's Grand Reading Room and Talking Books.

Tables were laden with Mmmmm-good Southern cookin' and a variety of other goodies staff brought for her retiree luncheon, May 24, 2018.  Many employees joined Kate as she cut her retirement cake in Main's employee lounge, and as they did:  WE ALL WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR RETIREMENT, KATE.

Job Well Done: Jim Olczak

SOM Part-time Associate Jim Olczak received a Job Well Done Award, May 22, 2018, for his hard work and dedication in putting together the Health Fair at South Mandarin Library. When problems arose, James approached them with a positive attitude and worked with both his co-workers and the program’s community partners to help resolve them. He not only made a good impression on customers, he also was praised for his commitment and planning ability by the other groups involved, such as Publix and Walgreens. James has been a positive influence on co-workers and customers, and he has exhibited behavior and initiative that supports JPL and its values.  He sets a strong example of what is expected from library employees. 

Job Well Done: Danny Menendez

Danny Menendez, Main Children’s Library Associate, was presented with a Job Well Done Award from Children’s and Teen Manager Chiquita Powell, May 10, 2018.  Danny is recognized for building a successful partnership with MOSH (Museum of Science and History). Danny presents a monthly storytime for over 80 attendees at MOSH’s Little Learners early childhood program. In turn, he has set up several monthly programs  where MOSH will be presenting programming at Main. In May,  MOSH scientists presented a Star Wars science program in the Children’s Department and MOSH is also participating in Main Children’s Summer Learning Kick-Off Party. Additional programs will be held in Special Collections, Teen, and Makerspace over the next few months.  (Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli for the input and pic.)

Jessica Bayne's Readers’ Advisory Story:

This story was shared by Library Clerk Jessica Bayne at Mandarin Branch:  

While shelving in the Teen Library, I saw an older woman wandering around the shelves. I asked if she needed help, she said she was trying to find more books for her grandson, but having trouble due to his list of requirements:

• No graphic novels
• Nothing “spooky or scary”
• Nothing too “girly,” i. e. no female protagonist

I suggested the Ranger’s Apprentice series, due to its male main characters and focus on action, but she said her grandson wouldn’t be able to get past the cover (a man in a hooded cloak with only his lower face showing). She told me her grandson enjoyed the entire Rush Revere series. Then, in a low voice, she said that while her grandson was turning 12 and reading at his age level, socially his level of maturity was more like “six or seven.”

I decided that the Teen Library was probably not suited to him, and suggested we use one of the card catalog computers to find books he might like. She fetched her grandson from the children’s library, and I showed them how to use the Novelist function to find books similar to the Rush Revere series: light-hearted, involving time-travel, and with a male main character.

Her grandson immediately lit up on reading the title for The Left Behinds: The iPhone That Saved George Washington. In the Children’s Library.  We found both IPhone and its sequel, Abe Lincoln and the Selfie that Saved the Union. Both grandma and grandson were pleased by the historical aspects and the humorous covers. Before I returned to shelving, I pointed out Mr. Foster and told them he would be more than able to help them find more books. Grandma and grandson were both reading the books when I left.

Two Celebrate 30 Years of Service With Mayor Curry & Library Director

Erica Brown (above), Manager of the Main Library, and Stephanie Harley, Pablo Creek Region Library Clerical Supervisor, had the honor recently of receiving recognition and congratulations from Library Director Tim Rogers and Mayor Lenny Curry in the Mayor's office.  Erica and Stephanie received their 30 year gold pins and a letter of congratulations from the Mayor. 

Erica said, "I came to JPL in March 1988 as a Librarian in Periodicals at the old Main Library.  Prior to that, I worked in various academic and public libraries since 1978.

"I promoted to what was then called a Senior Librarian while I was in Periodicals and transferred to Mandarin.  Around 2001 while at Southeast, I was promoted again and sent back to old Main's Fine Arts and Recreation Department.  From Main, I went to San Marco, then Webb Wesconnett, back to Main and again to Southeast Branch  Now I am again at the Main Library for the fourth time."

Stephanie (above) reports, "JPL was my first job and I worked as a Library Page/Clerk (part-time).  Later, I was promoted to full-time Clerk I, then Clerk II, then Library Assistant and now my position is Library Clerical Supervisor.  The journey throughout these 30 years of my career has been GREAT!

"I’m married to a wonderful  man, Greston Padmore, and we have five children and four grand kids.  My favorite thing to do is cook and make sure everyone is all right and having a great time. I love and care about everyone."

CONGRATULATIONS, STEPHANIE AND ERICA, FROM ALL OF US and THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE!

Look Out! Here They Come!

CR&M Graphic Designer Bryan Thomas has been busy mounting a mountain (total of 60) of Summer Learning Program posters for our 21 libraries (and he can still smile!)

 

Jenna Hassell, CR&M Coordinator, said, "Reading trackers and staff sign-up posters will be on the way to your locations soon, so get ready to rock this summer!"  (Thanks to Jenna, Bryan and all the CR&M team for their indispensable contributions to make every SRP program a success.) 

Kudos From Customers

Argyle Branch:  Our experience at the Argyle Branch was fabulous.  The clerk was very kind and answered all our questions and was very knowledgeable.

Brentwood Branch:  The ladies who helped me were very friendly and the guy who showed me how to use the computer and printer was great.

Main - YS & Community Outreach:  Sherri Lepi was very nice with helping my daughter get her first library card.

San Marco Branch:  Monte Latham always goes above and beyond with every customer and he is focused on their needs.  He is pleasant and respectful and all the customers love him.

University Park Branch:  The woman who assisted me with getting my library card was so pleasant and helpful.  I can't wait to put my card to use with all of the services that JPL has to offer.

(Please Note:  If customers name a particular employee we will use that; if not, compliments without specific names will be used.)

Martial Arts At Murray Hill

Murray Hill Library hosted a demonstra-tion of the Filipino martial art, Arnis, May 19, 2018. Yesha Tae Kwon Do instructors James Benford and Kyle Scott gave a presentation of the history of the Filipino martial arts prior to demonstrating defensive techniques used in the art. The 90 minute program featured stick fighting drills, joint locks, empty hand techniques and knife fighting. Over 50 people attended the demonstration and several stayed afterward to ask questions.

SOM Does STEM Outreach

South Mandarin Library represented JPL at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School at its Annual STEM Family Night, 6-8 p.m., May 17, 2018.  This event attracted school students and parents from the surrounding areas. Attendees were treated to a variety of STEM-related hands-on activities in an effort to bolster excitement about a future in science, technology, engineering and math.

Angela Richman said, "We brought several books, HI $5 bookmarks, science and homework database flyers, library stickers, library card applications and our calendar of activities.  We promoted Libraries Rock! Summer Learning Program 2018 and had 85 people visiting our JPL table.

"We brought our Makey Makey kit and some bananas. Yes. bananas.  The kit included wires with alligator clips to connect Makey Makey to objects, and 85 people had the opportunity to observe/participate in this project. We asked questions, such as:  

·        What did you learn from this activity?

·        What else do you think would work to play the banana piano?

·        Can you pass energy to another person to play the banana piano?

"We explained what a Makey Makey is. It is a computer circuit board that helps 

transfer energy from an object that is conductive to a computer to tell it to do 

a task, such as in this program, to play a piano.

"We explained what conductivity is, energy in an object.

How we set up the piano:

§  We Laid six bananas  out in a row, spacing them out enough so they didn’t touch.

§  We connected the wire leads to the fruit by gripping the tops of the alligator clips on the wires.

§  We connected the wire leads to the Makey Makey, starting on the left and hooked them up in the order of left arrow, up arrow, right arrow, down arrow, space/left button.

§  We added the ground lead to the bottom of the Makey Makey. Next we plugged the USB cable to the board, then to a computer.

§  We went to http://makeymakey.com/piano/ to access the piano that works with the Makey Makey kit.

§  Participants were holding the wire connected to the ground section of the Makey Makey with one hand and tap the fruit to play the piano."

Job Well Done: Shukti Banerjee

Mandarin Manager Mark Hohnadel proudly presented a Job Well Done Award, May 17, 2018, to P/T Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee for the hard work she has done to get money raised for the JPL Foundation's High Five campaign.  Shukti has been the branch leader having raised hundreds of dollars thus far for High Five, which will benefit JPL's 2018 Summer Learning Program (SLP).

THANK YOU, SHUKTI, FOR HELPING A LOT OF KIDS HAVE A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER!

DU's First Comic Con Draws 700+

       State Representative Tracy Davis found DU a fun place to be.  

“Saturday, May 5, 2018,  Highlands Library hosted its very first Comic Con with a Free Comic Book Day giveaway sponsored by Coliseum of Comics. Highlands offered a costume contest, face-painting, a superhero scavenger hunt, mask making, refreshments and more. Local attorney Obi Umunna, partnered with DU to create our first Comic Con event on the Northside of Jacksonville.  The refreshments were generously provided by Councilman Reggie Gaffney.  Library staff received many inquiries about library card sign-up and library resources.  Attendance exceeded expectations with over 700 people enjoying the festivities,” reports Michelle Petrin.

Attorney 

Umunna, CM Gaffney, Region Manager Marshelle Berry and community leader Darryl Willie  high five Comic Con.

                                       Felicia Battle (R above) intrigues the children.

       All ages found more than one thing to enjoy at Highland's first Comic Con.