All Smiley Faces At Main's Jax Makes

Jax Makes (formerly Maker Con) took over the Main Library with a deluge of people, explosions of color, and creativity, Saturday, October 13, 2018.  From 10 to 2, the floors were packed with customers excited to run the gamut of vendors selling cake for breakfast, jams and preserves, art in various mediums, including photography, pottery, framing, pretty bows, dresses, hats and tams, etc.  AND the JPL Foundation had Makerspace canvas totes for $5. Abetting the customer draw downtown, Hemming Plaza held a Fall Family Day.

So you can share a bit of the fun and excitement--and whet your appetite to attend next year--here are the photos from Jax Makes:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157696644295970

Strides for Go365 and Beating Big C

JPL Training's Library Assistant Diane Alexander finished the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Saturday October 13, 2018, at Moosehaven Lodge in Orange Park. Diane said, "With this 5k walk I earned an extra 250 Go365 points."  WAY TO GO, DIANE!

SS Hosts Spring Park Elementary

A crowd of 125+ children and parents attended the Spring Park Elementary School Literacy Night at San Marco Branch Library, October 11, 2018.  Principal Parker read a book on bullying, You Can Be a Friend, and YS Associate Librarian Robin West-Rogers read the book Whoops.  Robin reports, "More than half of families in attendance checked out books after the program and refreshments were served.  Craft tables were set up and the children enjoyed making book marks and paper pumpkins.  The children’s library was packed so next year we may hold this event next door at the Bails Center."

Snow Awarded 15 Year Service Pin

A congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and a 15 year pin was presented to Christa Snow, October 11, 2018, by Deputy Director Julie McNeil. There to applaud Christa (right front) are (L/R): Catherine Currier, Jay Brasfield, Laura Minor, and John Wilson.  All of us add our hurrahs for you, Christa.

AR Promotes Awareness

Regency Square Branch Library has made awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence the themes for AR's October displays.  Cindy Mathieson said, "Sandra Lockley and Dawn Brock collected AR books and related materials for the displays.  Informational materials from various agencies relating to these two topics are also available for pick-up by customers.  

"Sandra and Dawn also created a large 'Honor Wall' (left) where customers could place the names of survivors of cancer or domestic violence, as well as those who have lost the battle with either one."

"Yelpers" Party At Main

Monday night from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., October 8, 2018, the JPL Foundation and JPL volunteer staff welcomed about 500 “Yelpers” to the Main Library.  Zoe Carr, Development Associate with the Foundation, said, "Yelpers were able to explore the library and had fun refreshing themselves at 30+ food, drink, and entertainment stations!  The Foundation raised $6,872 in donations. On behalf of the Foundation Board and myself, I would like to thank all of the library staff who volunteered their time and efforts to make this night so successful. I would not have been able to do it without them! 

"The Banquet band played during the evening and band members said they would 'like to come again and play in the beautiful courtyard'. (Rain prevented their playing there for this event.)  All said, Yelpers enjoyed themselves and liked the Main Library." 

Take in more scenes from the Yelp Storybook Soiree:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/albums/72157702500437855

Guyton, Fritz & Linden Receive Service Pins

Highlands Branch Manager Pat Morrison announced, October 5, 2018, "Deputy Director Gretchen Mitchell presented service pins to three longtime part-timers at Highlands Regional Library.  Ruth Guyton (1st pic left) and Barbara Fritz (2nd pic down) received a five year pin and a ten year pin for their service to JPL and a letter of appreciation from Director Tim Rogers.

"Both ladies are shelvers in the children's department.  Ruth Guyton is a top notch shelver who maintains children's nonfiction, adult biographies and African American genre sections.  She keeps her sections neat and in order all the way from Dewey and author, up to the title.  Ruth also artfully displays just the right title or series of titles on the shelves; she has a keen eye for marketing popular titles and shelf sittetrs.

"Barbara Fritz (2nd pic down) has worked at Highlands since the 1990’s.  She began when shelvers also worked at the circulation desk; now she is primarily assigned to shelve in children’s.  Over the years Barbara began decorating the branch with seasonal flowers and foliage, and she also has a talent for creating eye catching displays.  Barbara always incorporates books, non-print and realia in her displays.  Her 'For Dummies'  display is always extremely popular.

"Jan Linden (3rd pic down) was our third recipient.  Jan began working as a full time librarian with JPL back in the late 1980’s.  She worked in what was then known as the BSD department (Business, Science and Documents).  She has also 'done time' at CW and a couple of other locations in the system.  Now a part-time librarian at Highlands, Jan uses her professional skills and knowledge to assist customers at the reference desk, process new materials, assist with collection development, and coordinate the New Leaf Book Club." activities.

"Our sincere gratitude to these ladies for learning the job and sticking around to share-back all that knowledge and experience.  Thanks Barbara, Ruth and Jan."

30 Graduate From 2018 Career Online High School

The Jacksonville Public Library’s Center for Adult Learning hosted the third annual Career Online High School Graduation Ceremony, September 26, 2018.  Of the 30 students who completed the rigorous coursework year 2018, 14 graduates attended the ceremony and walked in cap and gown across the stage of the Hicks Auditorium at the Main Library to accept congratulations and a Certificate of Achievement to honor their success.

Director Tim Rogers (above) emceed the event and Library Board Chair Ronnie King addressed the graduates.  Several State dignitaries attended to honor the graduates’ accomplishments.   Family members and friends had many positive things to share regarding the wonderful opportunity made available by the Career Online High School through the Jacksonville Public Library.  (Thanks to Tammy Owens, Program Supervisor, Smart Horizons COHS Program Manager, Center for Adult Learning for the article and pic.) 

A Day To Remember

The Military Flag Raising Ceremony, October 2, 2018, is one of the most important events in Jacksonville, Florida's history. Flags were raised to honor each department of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Core, Navy and the POW-MIA's.  Of course, Old Glory is in the center.  The flags now fly facing City Hall at St. James (new City Hall) in Hemming Park.  Don't miss some of the moments of this memorable ceremony here:  
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofjax   

A huge thank-you to all who participated, especially: 

• Mayor Lenny Curry.
• Delores Quaranta, who sang the National Anthem so beautifully.  Ms. Quaranta is the founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Women Veterans.  
• All the distinguished representatives of all the U.S. military departments who raised those wonderful flags.
• The Navy Band that ended the ceremony with God Bless America--never played better.

Tell Them About Friends Specials

FRIENDS OF JPL OCTOBER SPECIALS

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE: 

Western Books 

and

Christmas Themed Books

Also on Sale:  All Music CD's are $0.50 each

Tell your Ma; tell your Pa; tell your customers and all your friends, neighbors and staff!

Student Veggie Market At UPK

Berry Good Farms Mobile Market at University Park Library racked up 23 transactions, September 27, 2018 and many more visitors perused the tables filled with student grown organic herbs, vegetables, greens, sugar cane, herb mixtures, teas, dog treats and more.  One customer said it was her first time at UPK and she was excited to visit both the market and discover this library.  

Branch Manager Tamera Branam said,  "I am very excited about partnering with North Florida School of Special Education for this regular market every 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month (barring holidays), 10:30 am – 1 pm.  Ya'll come!

Author Kristina McMorris Discusses Latest Book At Pablo Creek Library

Terry Welch works at Beaches Branch and is an author aficionado.  As such, Terry had the pleasure of meeting author Kristina McMorris, September 20, 2018.   Terry tells us, "Historical fiction writer Kristina McMorris included Pablo Creek Library on her national tour!  I had the pleasure of coordinating her appearance to promote her latest book Sold on a Monday. Kristina discussed her writing process and her inspiration for her novels. It began when her grandmother asked Kristina to help her publish a book of family recipes.  This led to the story about her grandparents, how they met and her grandmother asking, 'Would you like to see the letters he wrote me?'"  Her visit was delightful.

"The Flamingo Book Club at Beaches Library will be reading Sold on a Monday at our February 26th meeting.  Hopefully, Kristina will join us via Skype (fingers crossed)! Everyone is welcome to join us."

Reflections On Consolidation

Beaches Branch Manager Theresa Rooney introduced participants in a panel discussion on Jacksonville's Consolidation, September 26, 2018, at the Beaches Library.  Moderated by FSCJ Professor and author Tim Gilmore, the panel included Council Member Bill Gulliford, former CM Matt Carlucci, whose father Joe, was on the first Consolidated City Council; former CM's Walter Dickinson and Walter Williams, and former City Council Auditor Bob Johnson.  They  shared memories of events that led to Jacksonville's Consolidated Government 50 years ago, October 1, 1968.

A few of the primary conditions promulgating the formulation of the new city government can be gleaned here.  

The City in 1950 had a population of 204,000 and was going bankrupt with inadequate civic cooperation and much corruption.  

Earl Johnson, Sr., an NAACP attorney who met with Martin Luther King Jr. to plan civil rights demonstrations, favored Consolidation (although later had his doubts).  

Matt Carlucci was 12 years old when his father, Joe, asked his oldest son to make signs that read "Run the Rascals out of City Hall" and the younger brother, Matt, helped put the signs out just prior to the vote (almost 2-1 in favor).

The newly formed Consolidated City Council put in 60-70 hours a week to bring the City up to speed.  

Royce Lyles (former JEA Managing Director (1979-1995) put together the first Consolidated City government budget. 


Mayor Hans Tanzler (1967-1979) pictured here, was the first Mayor under Consolidation.  With new resources allowed by Consolidation, he started cleanup of the St. Johns River, implemented sewage treatment and other environmental regulations, and created what is now the Downtown Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Director Tim Rogers, several Council Members, and Board Trustee Sybil Ansbacher and others attending thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. 

Five Years Celebrated By Sandy Smith

UPK's Sandy Smith received a congratulatory letter from Director Tim Rogers for her five years of service to JPL, along with a five year service pin from Deputy Director Julie McNeil, September 26, 2018.  Region Manager Michael Sullivan, UPK Manager Tamera Branam, and all of us add our cheers, Sandy.

Here Come The Kids!

"A local school unexpectedly arrived at Brown Eastside Library,September 25, 2018, with 20 lively students--in addition to our local DCPS early release kids who were there to attend EB's Art and Stem activities. Christina Gasull led the kids through designing and making their own buttons with assistance from Cheyla Scantling and some of our regular kids. The rest of the branch staff pulled extra tables and chairs out of storage and the students played with Legos and board games once the room was at capacity, keeping boredom at bay… Way to adapt!" said Manager Shawn Norton, Branch Manager.

Banned Book Week At CW

Webb Wesconnett Library shares their display for Banned Books Week, September 23-29, 2018.  Library Assistant Jan Fernandez says, 'The logs are made from books, and each book has a "flame" inside telling the reason the book was previously banned. We have children's, teen, and adult books."

Some of the titles displayed are The Color Purple, Green Eggs and Ham, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and The Great Gatsby.

340 Enjoy Community Talent At PCR

Turn it Up Thursday program at Pablo Creek Library, September 20, 2018, was a rousing success with 340 customers enjoying the now quarterly two-hour event. Community groups such as the Ancient City Brass Band (left), Square Dancers Association, and Home Depot were on hand for the event, providing music appreciation, crafts for kids, and educational information.  A spoken word performance was enjoyed in the browsing area courtesy of Jax Youth Poetry Jam performer Kaitlyn Delgado (seen below.)  One young girl told Ms. Delgado she would start writing down her poetry now.

One middle school student from La Villa (pictured below and admired by Library Clerk Danielle Linnen) took out his violin and began performing for customers while waiting for his grandfather.

Ever popular, face painting was provided by Sister Cities Organiza- tion member Ruth Jernigan.  (Thanks to PCR Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas for input and pics.)  

Kudos From Customers

MAIN – Security, Fiction, & Circulation:  It was so welcoming to be greeted by two employees as I entered …I went up to the second floor to look at DVD's and was greeted by an employee at the desk. She made me aware of the new arrivals (all on waiting list) but was encouraging about the materials that were available.

I did find a few discs that I planned to check-out and was about to head for the elevator when a new employee came on duty and questioned me about finding what I needed. Both of those employees on the second floor were smiling and courteous and seemed interested in me being a customer at their library.

When I checked out I accidentally gave the employee my driver's license rather than my library card. When she checked out the material and handed my license back to me I realized what I had done. She so politely had found my information and told me that she was able to check out the material without my library card.

As I left the library, again, I was greeted at the security station. As I waited on my husband to join me to leave the building I noticed that same security person so professionally deal with a person who had been causing a disturbance. She very courteously "defused" what could have been a bad situation with the customer.

The last two visits have been so amazingly improved - perhaps because of our new director. The downtown library is just about my favorite place in Jacksonville and I am so proud to be able to be encouraging about improvements I have experienced. Finding such courteous and helpful "friends" at the library made me a happy customer.

Pablo Creek Branch:  Staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and professional.  Couldn't ask for better service.  Thanks very much.

South Mandarin Branch:  Adrian Johnson goes above and beyond in providing excellent customer service.

SST @ UPK:  I made an appointment for tech help at the University Park Branch but misunderstood my time.  The tech services librarian (Nicole Rivera) saw me anyway making a new appointment while I was at the library and then helped me solve my computer problem very effectively.  I was so pleased by the courtesy and help given.

University Park Branch:  I tried to renew but was not in the system. However, I am pleased to have an active card again. The staff was very friendly and helpful. It was wonderful seeing so many children and youth at the library! We must keep our libraries open!

BIG THANKS from Julie Rekow

Julie Rekow gives credit to bosses and colleagues for her being awarded as the NEFLIN Member of the Year, "The reason for the award, I believe, is because JPL has given me opportunities to push the envelope and develop programs and projects that I am passionate about. I want to give a special thank you to Tamera Branam, Theresa Rooney, Sara Roberts, Rebekah Mitchell, Hongying Song, and Michael Sullivan for giving me a green light when it would have been easier to say no and to Terry Welch and the gang at the Beaches Library for being partners, and Mandy Elliott who is always there when I need her. Having the support of Tim Rogers and Julie McNeil to keep on trying new things and do it better has been golden. This has been quite an honor to receive this recognition from NEFLIN."

Winners All!

Library Director Tim Rogers (above) was proud to accept the Golden Apple Award at NEFLIN's (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) annual meeting and awards ceremony, September 14, 2018.  The award represents the member with the most staff training hours taken during the year. 

Beaches Branch YS Librarian Julie Rekow (L) was named NEFLIN Member of the Year.  She was recognized for helping her library attract new customers with its annual Comic Con, which put the library in the spotlight, bringing in people who might not otherwise visit a library.  Begun in 2013, the attendance was over 2,000 in May 2018.  (Comic Con is so popular that two other libraries now have one.)  

Julie and Fletcher High School honors art students created a Harry Potter themed lifeguard chair for the Beaches annual Deck the Chairs holiday event/contest.  The chair won community recognition.  She developed the Harry Potter Yule Ball and a six week Harry Potter Boot Camp series, which tweens and teens attended by the hundreds. 

Founder and Chair of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, Sharon Coon won the NEFLIN Champion of the Year award.  It was noted she demonstrated exceptional support for JPL.  She helped organize and unite the JPL Friends Advocacy Group--comprised of nine groups--that successfully advocate for library funding.  (Sharon Coon was also honored with the Florida Library Association's Outstanding Citizen Award in May 2018.)