Friends of JPL July Book Sale

The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library (FJPL)
Announces their July Book Sale!
With the exception of Special Books
        which are 20% off
        EVERYTHING else is 

        Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 AM - 12 PM and
Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Friends of Jacksonville Public Library Book Store is located at
3435 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32277

(About 12 blocks north of JU, on right.)

(CLOSED THURDAY, JULY 4, 2019.)

Team Work Puts UPK WAY Over The Top!

Illesha Massaline brags on UPK's new total in JPL's Hi$5 branch donations received, "Another $10 donation from one of our regular UPK customers put us over $700 received at June 27, 2019; our goal was $400--Woo Hoo! 

"It was really a collaborative effort.  Everyone pitched in and worked hard collecting donations and getting the word out."

PCR Turn It Up For Fire & Rescue

Pablo Creek offered a variety of activities in June including the popular Turn It Up program, Thursday, June 20, 2019. Customers of all ages enjoyed an interactive experience with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. The ladder truck was on display and everyone took turns (under supervision) with the fire hose. Music, crafts and tech games are also part of this event which occurs quarterly. PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event continues to build relationships with local organizations that support the programming by taking part in some way. Florida Blue hosts Pablo Creek’s bingo games and The Northeast Florida Music Conservatory provides music to name a few local businesses that are regulars at the event.

Here We Are!

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of her weekly session, adding, "It was complete with 4^th quarter brainstorming and great pizza, June 18, 2019.  The North Region Leadership Team met at Mellow Mushroom--and we had a special guest, Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives. Pictured front left (and proceeding left down the table) are Eric Soriano, Tyhedra Wilson, Scott Adams, Kathleen Krizek, Richard Mott, Marshelle Berry, Sara Radovic, Donna Carrol, and Sharon Kirkes."

North Region Staff At Farmers' Market

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry shared this photo of (L/R) GB Manager Sharon Kirkes, Vanessa Garnica, Marshelle, and Tyhedra Wilson, who visited the Farmers' Market here in Jacksonville, June 22, 2019, to do a JPL Outreach.  Great choice of venues--plenty of cover from the sun AND a popular site on Saturdays for those who work M-F and like fresh food.  They coupled their terrific smiles with plenty of library experience to do their usual bang-up job promoting JPL's many services.

Carol Bunker: Job Well Done!

YS Librarian III Mia Brack nominated SE YS Librarian II Carol Bunker (R) for a Job Well Done award recently.  SE Manager Rooney presented the award, June 17, 2019. 

Mia noted, "Carol, along with her team, did an excellent job in collection development and weeding.  She successfully delegated tasks and the team had youth series materials interfiled and the fiction section shifted in short order-- beating the deadline set by Collection Development.  Additionally, Carol planned to completely revitalize SE's biography section and projected weeding assignments for her staff, and had materials ordered quickly.  Carol also did an amazing job with SE's new Collection HQ procedures and after being trained, she explored the system further to understand how it works. Using her department's 55 page list, she developed an action plan, recruited her team members, and oversaw the completion of the list.  They finished their first Grubby List in less than a week!" 

WOW!

Moon Bunny Steals The Show

Maxville Library entertained kids with magician James Songster's Magic and Mayhem program, June 19, 2019.  Mr. Songster used several books of different cultures that spoke of a moon bunny and how people sought it.  He used a balloon as a dragon and slayed the dragon to bring the Moon Bunny to earth. The kids were exuberant to see Moon Bunny's "arrival" and the bunny seemed a bit surprised at the warm welcome.  (Thanks to Elise Fare, Library Associate Sr., for input.)

SE Adds Early Learning Panels

Southeast recently received new activity panels for their play and learn center.  Paul Krause, JPL's maintenance man, installed them, June 12, 2019.  Carol Bunker said, "We had a small peanut gallery watching our work zone barrier and as soon as the panels were installed, children were eager to come and play.  Each of the six panels moves and makes noise; they are designed to help fine tune childrens' motor skills up to five years of age.  The panels can be changed out as needed.  Now the entire area has been turned into our early literacy play area.

"Partially seen above the new panels is a mural created in 2007 by the late Nancy Floyd, a former JPL employee."

NW Honors Volunteer John McNeil

"Bradham and Brooks Northwest staff held a get together, June 6, 2019, to honor our longest running volunteer, John McNeil," reports Manager Donna Carroll.

"Last week John graduated high school with a full ride to EWC. While John has volunteered since he turned 16, most staff have known him much longer. We presented him with a gift and we all enjoyed sharing memories, a cake, and giving John good natured, honest advice on how to take the next steps into adulthood. We hope that as John goes off to college and eventually makes his way in the world that he remembers, if nothing else, that he is a member of our NW family."

All of us appreciate the volunteers who are critical to the efficiency with which we serve our JPL customers.

WHO Is The Guy In Green?

YS Librarian II Carol Bunker reports, "Southeast Branch held its Summer Learning opening party, June 4, 2019, hosting 145 people, babes to adults-- to 'space aliens' (L). We had a star sorter (R), a space balance walk, cosmic bowling, a scavenger hunt, a rocket and robot craft, constellations and moon snacks for everyone who attended; they had a whole lot of fun!"

 

 

 

 

Way To Go, Layda!

Illesha Massaline shares, "Here is a photo of Layda, our 'First Summer Reading Challenge Book Prize Winner' at University Park Library, June 7, 2019.  Layda brought in her bookmark and redeemed her tickets for 5 days of reading 15 minutes each day.  She selected the book, It's My Year Passbook, as her prize.

 

 

 

HI$5 Doing Well At UPK

UPK's YS Library Assistant, Kimberly Hamilton, daily reminds customers about Summer Learning and the special programs JPL offers during the summer.  Kim received a $50 donation, June 7, 2019, for UPK's Hi$5 drive. Illesha Massaline, who sent in this article, said, "This is the largest single donation we have received at UPK thus far.  Great job, Mrs. Kim!

"Our goal was $400 and UPK is currently at $550."

Author & Centenarian Share Bit Of History

Laura Minor, Librarian III in Special Collections at the Main Library, reports, "The Special Collections Department hosted author Lu Vickers for a fascinating talk about her book, Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs.  Her presentation, June 1, 2019, was well-received by the 24 customers who attended. We were fortunate to have Sollie Mitchell join us for the program. Mr. Mitchell (green jacket) is 100 years old, rich in years and experience.  His history includes a career as a Pullman Car Porter, WWII veteran, and a participant in the 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Mitchell visited Paradise Park in its heyday and shared his experiences with Ms. Vickers and the audience. He also shared these two photos with the library."

 

 

A closer look at Paradise Park signage:

Job Well Done: Margaret Esposito

"I presented Margaret Esposito with a Job Well Done Award at our Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library staff meeting, May 30, 2019" said Shawn Norton, Branch Manager.

 

"Margaret created reusable bookmark style signs to place in staff picks throughout the branch.  These selections have generated more customer interest than our usual endcap displays.  In fact, Margaret picked enough favorites to have an entire list to herself, 'Margaret's Favorite Non-Fiction' (click here:  https://jpl.overdrive.com/collection/1006927.)"

AR Is Hot On Hi $5 For Reading - Where Does Your Library Stand?

Guy Adkins has a well earned brag for AR staff, "At May 29, 2019, Regency Square Library has passed our $600 goal for 'Give a Hi $5 for Reading' with $624 and counting.  Individual donors' names are posted on the front of the counter adjacent to the 'thermometer ' branch goal sign."

Let us hear from you about contributions at your library for
                        Hi $5 for Reading!

Special Day For Special Graduate

Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Services Supervisor. shares her good news, "My daughter Kezia Weston's graduation day, May 23, 2019, was a special event for us.  Kezia is pictured here with her father, Kevin Weston, and me.

 "Kezia graduated from Bishop Snyder High School here in Jacksonville.  She will be working for the Mayor's Summer Youth Program and will be starting school at FSCJ in the fall."



Thanks for sharing, Tyhedra, and congratulations to Kezia from all of us. 

 

York Sees Need & Fills It

University Park Library offered a Work Readiness Workshop presented by CareerSource Northeast Florida, May 22,2019. Library Associate Lisa York said, "I organized the event after recognizing that some adults visiting our branch were working to complete resumes and job applications. After creating a resource display to assist with their job searches, I arranged for CareerSource NEFL to conduct a complimentary workshop--the first one held at UPK since 2016.  One of the subjects broached was the importance of being a good self manager, that is: control feelings at work, refrain from angry outbursts, exhibit a good attitude, don't give up, have a workplace mentor, continue to learn and improve, and show initiative and motivation. 

Seven job seekers (of whom six are shown here) considered the workshop to be invaluable.  We appreciate the excellent presentation by Shelly Ray and Dwaye Sweet of CareerSourceNEFL."



 

SOM Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Assistant JSO Chief Lakesha Burton and Lead Teacher Robert Graver proudly flank the signature art piece displayed at South Mandarin Library's art reception for the Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center, May 14, 2019.  The exhibit included about 30 pieces for customers to enjoy through most of the month.

Palm Ave partners, along with the Police Athletic League, and Assistant Chief Greg Burton, pictured below with two other guests, joined teachers and students for the kickoff.  (Thanks to Ann Fridl, SOM Manager, for the input.)

Friends of Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library Win Award

Above left is pictured long time advocate of the recently renamed Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch Library and Secretary of this Friends group, Judy Klein.  She sent this picture of the “Outstanding Program” award given to President of the BBMH Friends Jay Stuckey (above) and her at FLA. Mrs. Klein said, "It was presented, May 15, 2019, at the opening program of the annual Florida Library Association conference in Orlando."

As CRM Manager Chris Boivin aptly put it in his nomination to FLA for the award, "The Friends, comprised of six board and more than 50 regular members, takes great pride in their small neighborhood library and works diligently to support programming, enhance the campus and landscaping, create awareness, and hold various fundraisers throughout the year. I have never seen a more dedicated team effort than what the Friends put forth for the 50th Anniversary Celebration." 

The blog article covering the 50th Anniversary Celebration, December 15, 2018, can be viewed by clicking on the MH Friends "label" below this article.

JPL staff appreciate Mrs. Klein and Mr. Stuckey for sharing their achievement with us.  It is an award well deserved and we congratulate you!

A Proud Day

Hongying Song, East Region YS Librarian III, shares a monumental achievement, "My daughter, Selina Wang, graduated May 17 as the 2019 valedictorian of the McDonough School of Business from Georgetown University. We are very proud of her and hope she will do well for herself and the world."

 

Congratulations to Selina and her parents from all of us. 

                  (To get a better view, click on the picture.)