Main Teens Spooktacular

During the two hour Spooktacular Halloween party at Main, approximately 50 teens participated in a variety of activities:  slime making, a table where teens could decorate their own jack-o-lantern cuties and take with them, and in one of the study rooms they told scary stories in the dark.  Throughout the month of October teens could write down a guess of how many candy corns were in a jar and the winner who guessed the closest to the actual amount won a special prize at the party.  There was also a costume contest for the scariest, funniest and group.  Each winner received a prize bag that was put together by our wonderful volunteers.  Lastly the teens enjoyed pizza, and sipping Goosebump punch!  (Thanks to Chiquita Powell for the news and pic.)

CW's Minecraft Display Results In Book Check Outs

Bobbie Knight in Webb Wesconnett’s Children’s department transformed one of JPL’s three-tiered shelves into an awesome Minecraft display. Bobbie relays, "The bottom tier represents stone blocks with redstone ore and diamond ore and the middle tier is a grass block. These are materials used to build within the Minecraft game. The top tier is the crafting table where players put materials together to build other items. Her motivation for designing this was to showcase the new Minecraft fiction series. The children have enjoyed seeing her creation, and CW's books have been flying off the blocks!"

PCR's Fun Halloween Crafts

"For an hour in October, the children’s area at Pablo Creek library (PCR) became a pumpkin patch. A total of 43 participants of all ages got a chance to choose a pumpkin from our “patch” and decorate them using all kinds of materials; paint and glitter were the most popular. We even had a pumpkin mummy. Some of our regulars brought in their own pumpkins. Some folks chose to use cardboard to make and paint pumpkins from scratch. Books about Halloween and crafts were available for inspiration and checkout. One parent commented that they are new to Jacksonville and this was most fun library program they have ever experienced! Holiday music filled the air of the festive atmosphere while kids and their caregivers joined in making some fabulous pumpkins, some of which now decorate our children’s library at PCR," said Manager Jackie Spiritas.

Main's Children's Area Gets Cool Fall Art

Main's Children’s department celebrates autumn--and the cooler temperatures--with a poster reminding customers to check out books. Kids are also encouraged to color a pumpkin and add it to the department's Pumpkin Patch. Marcie says, "And, let’s not forget the creepy parts of fall fun with Halloween displays made by Kate Martin (sample shown below), who is an absolute whiz at resurrecting Styrofoam into wonderful pieces of art!"  

Thanks so much for all your creativity-- Marcie O’Dell sign above and Kate's art below. 

New Berlin Elementary Hosted By DU

Lorna Reid reports, "Highlands Regional Library proudly hosted about 57 parents and students at our New Berlin Elementary's annual Family Reading Night, October 22, 2018. For this year's camping theme, staff dressed outdoorsy and treated the kids to a fun
campfire storytime (with a faux firepit), scavenger hunt, and e-resources display.  Kids made their own 'binoulars' as a craft and it was a memorable experience for all of us."

 

Fun Fall Fest At Brentwood

Two hundred forty people came to the Friends of Brentwood Library and NS library staff's 5^th annual Fall Fest, October 20, 2018.  The afteronoon event included a costume contest and “trunk or treat” bags.  They played Connect 4, fished for prizes, colored monsters and snacked on popcorn and pizza.  (Thanks to NS Branch Manager Kathleen Krizek for the article and pics.)

SOM Friends, Staff, & Customers Benefit Each Other

Christie Rogers shares, "SOM's Fall Festival combined with the Friends of the South Mandarin Library book sale, October 20, 2018, gave book lovers a thrill and 63 attendees painted pumpkins, which were purchased by the FOSOM.  Other crafts included face painting and glitter tattoos. Finally, we had a costume parade through the library and three candy stations were set up for the children's treats (instead of tricks.)  During the festivities attendees could purchase books from the book sale to benefit the library."

Kudos From Customers

Brown Eastside Branch:  Per Susan Mankowski: I was listening to First Coast Connect this morning (10/8/18), and there was a segment on the first annual We Rise Festival that is this Saturday at Brotherhood Eastside. Nick Thompson was talking about the neighborhood and the revitalization efforts that led to the We Rise Festival and said something about (and I’m paraphrasing slightly) people need to visit the Eastside Library to see the energy in the neighborhood. Mr. Thompson even mentions Shawn Norton by name as a direct influence on the neighborhood and the kids who visit the library! Way to go, Shawn! I love when the library has unsolicited positive response from the communities we serve. And this is much deserved. A major shout out to Shawn and the rest of the EB team!

Main - Center for Adult Learning:  Today in CAL, Yancy McQueen told me (Tammy Owens) and Katie Devanny that he couldn't believe he had written a formal paper for his instructor, Katie Bark, and that he was spending so much time editing and tweaking it to make it better. He told us that a few months ago, he was too afraid to write anything because he didn't have confidence in himself to do so.  He wanted us to know how much he appreciates what we all do down here.

Main – Special Collections:  Catherine (Currier) on the 4th floor at the Main Library was exceptional in helping me access the information I was seeking!

Murray Hill Branch: I was surprised by the size of the branch and the staff was extremely kind and the facilities were excellent. I’m so grateful for all that the library does.

Southeast Branch:  Linda (Bryan) was really great and helped me out tremendously and was extremely patient with me.

SLP Superstars Receive Awards

For their supercharged performance during the 2018 Summer Learning Program (SLP) these employees (double click on pic for larger view) were presented with Summer Superstar Awards, which read, "In recognition of your creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm.  Libraries rock because YOU rock."  (They also received a Starbucks gift card.) The awards were made October 28, 2018, by the  Board of Library Trustees Chair Ronnie King (far right) and Director Tim Rogers.  Amber Holley, Assistant Director for Learning Services, was on hand to to affirm her appreciation of their contributions towards this SLP being the biggest and best. Awards were presented to:

Susan Mankowski
Rebekah Mitchell
Kimberly Bennett
Mia Brack
Kevin Douglas
Tonja Ferrell
Eve Harm
Beverly Mason
Allison Mason
Elizabeth McConney
Joanna Nigrelli
Shawn Norton
Marcie O'Dell
Alison Pulley
Lorna Reid
Julie Rekow
Christie Rogers
Luis Terron
Christina Wyatt
Kate Zakharov

There were 14,620 SLP registrations this summer, a 46% increase over 2017 with 53,763+ hours of reading logged at 21 library locations.  WOW!

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!