Karen Lewis' Father Passes

EB Manager Sara Radovic was kind enough to send this obituary with funeral service information for Karen Lewis’s father, who passed away, July 5, 2019: Mr. Morgan White, Jr.

For those who are new to JPL, Karen works as a Library Assistant at Brown Eastside Library.

AYL Mini Series Is Max W/Teens

Percy Jackson Week (July 1-6, 2019) was celebrated by Argyle Branch Teens' “Written In The Stars” Summer Mini Series. Tonja Ferrell said, "We had 14 participants and the feedback was great. One teen was quoted as saying the week was 'Epic!' when asked if he would return next week for the series and another replied, ' Most Def Ms. Tonja!' We are glad teens continue to enjoy the activities--even more than having their pictures taken.

The Teens were asked to divide into teams by choosing a constellation rock upon entering the room, then participated in a mini scavenger hunt where they solved clues derived from constellation/ mythological information which can be found in the Percy Jackson novels. The grand prize was a treasure which made them rich--and who could pass up a chest filled with 100 grand! (Bars that is.) Next, the teens  created their own battle shields, just like Percy’s!

Noah, Passhumate, Kim & Kerresa: Job Well Done

 L/R with their JWD Awards are Noah Thomas, Passhunate Payams, Nerresa Posey, and Kim Bennett.

Webb Wesconnett’s children’s department team received their Job Well Done Awards from Kara Chenoweth, July 11, 2019, who nominated them and noted, "These employees exemplified teamwork by combining their talents to make our Firefighter Storytime, May 4, 2019, a success. Noah Thomas planned an awesome Young Children Read, Play & Learn program, including a craft, using the theme of firefighters & fire trucks for all to enjoy before a visit from the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.  Kim Kirkland created flyers to post around the branch and passed them out to customers to help us promote the event. Passhunate Payams ensured that parents signed the photo waiver and took pictures of the children wearing their firefighter hats, climbing through the fire truck and spraying water from the truck hose.  Nerresa Posey prepared a basket of goodies to present to the firefighters to show our gratitude and in honor of International Firefighter Appreciation Day.  Approximately 70 children and parents attended.  However, the success of the event is not measured solely by numbers. This was a positive community event and rewarding to customers and staff alike.  It was good to see so many happy, excited youth being educated about the critical role of firefighters and fire safety."  

Ralph Henderson: Job Well Done

"During the transition from the software, Evanced to Communico, Ralph Henderson made sure all the data migration was done the right way.  He kept communication with the IT department, tested and used the software to see that all events, reports, and schedules were correct. Ralph Henderson went far beyond his responsibilities and for that reason he was awarded a Job Well Done, July 9, 2019," said his nominator/supervisor, South Mandarin Branch YS Librarian II Isabel Santiago, pictured here with Ralph.  CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US, RALPH!

Sad News

Elsie Oishi, who is a retired JPL employee, and shared this news with us:

"I have been informed by Arden Brugger that Judy Bullock's aunt, Willie Lee J. Smith, recently passed. For those of you who didn't know or work with Judy Bullock, she was the Department Head of General Services, later Literature and History in the old Main Library. 

 
"Judy's aunt's service is on July 12, 2019 (11:00 am) at Dayspring Baptist Church, 5654 Dunn Avenue, 32218. If you would like to send Judy a card her address is: 3830 Millpoint Dr., Jacksonville, 32257."

Shukti's Son Graduates Summa Cum Laude!

Dipayan Banerjee, son of part-time Library Clerk Shukti Banerjee, graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, June 21, 2019.  Dipayan earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.  In August, he will begin pursuing his Doctoral degree at Georgia Tech.  Pictured here is Dipayan with his proud family (L/R), Shukti, sister Dayita, Dipayan, and his father Debashis Banerjee.  

Congratulations to Dipayan from all of us at JPL! 
 

New Spin For Aspiring Artists

 

Children at the Pablo Creek Library learned a new way to celebrate the July 4^th holiday with our YS Librarian II Jonathan Sandbach (center above) at the Little Artists programs, July 2, 2019.  Jonathan used a salad spinner to spin the paint and glitters on a black sheet of paper. Can you guess what came out? Colorful and sparkling fireworks. How creative can you be? (Thanks to Hongying Song, YS Librarian III, East Region for the input.) 

Something From Little

Argyle Branch Library's Teen Coordinator/Library Associate Tonja Ferrell said, "Shanna Carter, the teen presenter for our program, June 27, 2019, challenged the 12 teens who attended to stretch their creative skills and see what they could invent.  The real test was they could only make things using odds and ends she gave them, such as, a pool noodle, chop sticks, electrical tape, cotton balls, bolts, and plastic lotion bottles!  They accepted the challenge and even made up slogans and jingles to market their inventions to each other at the close of the program.  Shanna proved to be an excellent presenter, providing encouragement and ideas for places the inventions could be of use.

"Some of the items created were a Super Shield (phone protector), Sun Panel (energy saving device), and a water carrier/washing machine (for third world countries): The Washeroo!  The plastic lotion bottles became an organizer.  The imaginations displayed were impressive."

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."