SE Puts Kindness Into Action

"Southeast Branch had week two of Kindness Rocks for our school aged children and 23 people attended, June 15, 2018.  Kate Zakharov read a book about a service dog and how loved he is and then explained some dogs do not have homes and do not get a lot of love. Then we made dog toys for the Humane Society. Parents and children loved working together to create some awesome toys," reports Carol Bunker, YS Librarian II.

You Gotta See It To "Get It"

"Southeast Library unveiled our last and semi-permanent observation station featuring animals, June 8, 2018, displaying a saltwater aquarium!" said YS Librarian II Carol Bunker.

"The more the tank matures, the more new corals and a couple more fish will be added to the tank.  Over time, we will have our own miniature coral reef.  Currently we have eight different animals living in our aquarium and the children will get to watch them all grow. 

 

"All eight animals are displayed on our 'lift the flap" chart. If a child or parent wants to know what a particular animal is, they can open a door and find the answer. Our current aquarium guests are: two clown fish (seen below), blue leg hermit crabs, a skunk shrimp (aka cleaner shrimp), sexy shrimp (we call them dancing shrimp in the library), cowrie snails, bumblebee snails, a conch, and our first coral is a beginner coral called Green Star Polyp coral (aka GSP). So far the children and parents are loving it!  At one point, we had at least 15 people crowded around the table to get a look at our newest additions," brags Carol.

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Drum Beats At SOM

In tune with JPL's Libraries Rock! Jazz It Up! theme, South Mandarin Library and 17 youngsters welcomed Mr. Cameron Moten--from a band called Noteworthy--and his drums, June 14, 2018.  They followed his lead in the jam session to learn basic drumming and  rhythm.  Then each child had an opportunity to conduct the group and decide how fast the drum beats would be and when to conclude in unison. What a fun way to learn to work together in harmony and experiment with leading while enjoying something new.  (Thanks to Library Associate Christie Rogers for the input and pic.) 

100+ Glow At JB's SLP Kick Off

"Beaches Branch kicked off the summer with an awesome SLP glow in the dark party, June 5, 2018. Summer learners enjoyed several activities such as glow in the dark mini golf, bowling, hopscotch, tic tac toe, a graffiti wall and more.  Sidewalk chalk coloring and refreshments were also available outside for our younger customers.  Over a 100 people joined us and many signed up for SLP.  Summer at the Beaches is off to a great start," reports Nicole Saville, YSLibrarian II.

French Delegates Visit Main

Thanks to Grand Reading Room Library Assistant Pam Beaton for reporting on an important visit to the Main Library, June 5, 2018.  

Consul General of France Clément Leclerc (L) and  Consul Honoraire de France Francois Kloc (L below) were welcomed by Mayor Lenny Curry earlier in the day.  The gentlemen paid homage to U.S. soldiers who helped free Europe and particularly France in WWII.  After a ceremony at City Hall, they visited the Grand Reading Room and the Consul General added the painting of the Jean Ribault mural of the French landing at Ft. Caroline, to his twitter page.

Above you see Messieurs Leclerc and Kloc flanking Mr. Joe Tillmon, U. S. Army (Ret.) and president/founder of Buffalo Soldiers Historical Society, standing at the 4^th floor railing. Here are a couple of sites you may visit and see the important role these gentlemen recently played locally and play internationally.
https://miami.consulfrance.org/spip.php?article4133

https://miami.consulfrance.org/  

Main Managers Help 200 As Main Opens SLP

Main Children’s celebrated with 200 customers--more than doubled from last year--for our Summer Learning Kick Off Party, June 7, 2018. Families enjoyed an Ozobot demonstration from our neighborhood partner, MOSH (Museum of Science and History), a Sphero robotics demonstration by Sara Radovic (Jax Makerspace Coordinator pictured above with kids), 
build-your-own harmonica craft, a photo booth, tattoos, and refreshments.

The Children’s staff had expert help from our Main Library team:  Susan Mankowski (Youth Services), Sara Roberts (Main Region Manager), and Tracy Pigott (Training and Development Manager) registered families for Summer Learning. Charlene Ovshak (Library Circulation Supervisor) served cake and Stephanie Miller (Main Library Youth Services Manager & Jax Makerspace) worked the reference desk.  (Thanks to Joanna Nigrelli, Youth Librarian II, for pics and blurb.)

                 Tracy Pigott getting children signed up for SLP.

82 Go For CW's SLP Kick Off

Bobbie Knight reports, "CW had 82 people attend our Rockabilly themed Summer Kick-off Party, June 6, 2018. Participants enjoyed a serving of root beer or cola floats and 1950’s themed games like bowling, record toss, and a muscle car relay race while listening to classic Elvis songs. Several kids said they had never had a root beer float before and loved the new dessert. CW’s staff was pleased to host a full house on a day when library attendance was low due to computer issues."

186 Pack PCR To Catapult SLP

It was the most anticipated party of the year! Readers of all ages came together to celebrate the beginning of summer and JPL's SLP: Libraries Rock! The children had a thrilling time rock painting, slime making by the bucketful, doing putt-putt golf, playing a life-sized 

Knowledge Challenge game board, and visiting with the Chick-Fil-A Cow--a valued Pablo Creek Regional Library community partner and benefactor. Not to be left out, older

                  PCR Region Manager rocks thanks to Chick- Fil-A providing a party hat.

participants got to make a unique bookmark celebrating this year’s summer learning theme. In all, approximately 185 kids and their families indulged in snacks and refreshments, mingled with staff and our fantastic volunteers, and took a moment to enroll in SLP, helping to ensure everyone wins while reading during the summer. Happy faces all around were on display as old friends and new came together to share in the excitement of summer at the library!  (Thanks to Jonathan M. Sandbach, PCR Youth Librarian for pics and a wonderful article.)

"Erick Larsen (below) was a big hit at Drop Everything and Read," said Michael Sullivan.

140 Glad To Jump Start SOM's SLP

South Mandarin Library wowed 140 people at their SLP Party, June 7, 2018. Christie Rogers said, "Our party had a 70’s theme with pet rock decorating, YMCA dancing, a 70's themed scavenger hunt and prizes for finishers, and Pringles and pop rocks for snacks. We also offered glitter hand tattoos and karaoke. "  Thanks to Kevin Douglas for pics.

         Pet rocks made a comeback and kids loved painting them.

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.