Head (Inez) To Toe (Aimee) And ALL In PINK

West Branch staff, including visiting staffers from Webb, Maxville, and Argyle branches and one of our ISS contractors, all wore pink to honor those who have suffered from breast cancer. Back row, L/ R: Kim Williams-Odom (CW), Janice Adams, Elise Fare (MAX), Inez (ISS contractor), Aimee Cedres (AYL) Front row, L/R:  WST Manager Kathleen Brunner, Amy Davis, and Tamera Pritchett (MAX). Thanks to Kathleen for the input and pic---and most of all for promoting awareness not only for breast cancer but any other dreaded Big C.

WB Team Takes On Halloween

WB Manager Michelle Petrin is proud of Willowbranch’s "pumpkin patch" and says, “Staff created themes such as Star Wars (The Death Star), Pokémon, and other Halloween creatures and classic characters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a delicious looking "donut" and more.  The painted pumpkins reflect the diverse interests and personalities at WB.  Thanks to everyone on staff for participating: Ryan Reid, Joe Gaskin, Kari Wright, Jason Brown, Christina Pope, Akeem Adell and our special guest, AYL Manager Carol Bunker." 

 

Halloween Fun

 

 Above are some displays created by Library Assistant Kate Martin and Library Associate Marcie O’Dell. Marcie says, "Here at Main Children’s department we like to have fun and what better time than on our kids' favorite holiday, Halloween. You may remember reading about Kate in a previous blog as she enjoys reviving discarded Styrofoam and making it into something worthwhile. Some of her monsters seen here and her Day of the Dead display are made from this material.  These displays will be up in the Children’s department through Halloween weekend. Hope you can stop by and enjoy the fun with us."

4 SST Staff Recognized For Years Of Service

Gretchen Mitchell, Deputy Director, Support Services, had the pleasure of presenting Director Tim Rogers’ letters of appreciation to four SST employees, October 27, 2020.  These staff also received their respective service pins: L/R Chris Tabur and Shawn Norton; each have served five years.   Next to Shawn are Linda Smith and Kathy Lynch and each of these ladies received their 35 year service pins!  Gretchen added, “With a quick together moment for a photo, everyone enjoyed donuts at their desks.”

Life's Cherry & Whip Cream: Arts & Humanities

Pablo Creek Library’s October display promotes National Arts & Humanities Month. JohnWillard Utuk assembled it and construes, “As a musician myself, I wanted the display to elevate customer awareness of the Humanities and local organizations that support Jacksonville culture, such as the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (sponsored in part by COJ.) The display underscores the importance of the arts and humanities—and the fact that JPL provides a plethora of resources to explore on the subjects. Some favorite books included are Poe's The Raven and Other Writings, Conversations with RGB (a biography,) and Mama Mable's All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza! picture book. I also included the Americans for the Arts’ hashtag, #showyourart2020, where patrons are encouraged to post art themes on Instagram for each day in October. I shared the display on Instagram and the Americans for the Arts liked it, too.”

 

Kids Cast Votes At SE

What you see here is not a novel way to diagram a compound sentence but an opportunity for kids to learn about voting. Alison Halkovic said, "Southeast youth staff Christina Garmon, Rochelle Golomb, Caitlin Ruvolo, and I created a youth election activity for October 19-November 3, 2020 that lines up with early voting. It operates more like March Madness, giving kids a chance to vote once each week until the general election.

"The candidates are Biscuit and Clifford (Dog Party); Mercy Watson and Babe (Pig Party); Geronimo Stilton and Despereaux (Mouse Party); and Winnie the Pooh and Paddington (Bear Party.) Stay tuned to find out which two are SE's customers' pic for Best Animals in Literature."

 

Oh, What A Pumkin Can Do

Southeast Library's painted Literacy-o-Lanterns serve as a magnetizing marketing tool. Alison Halkovic said, "Each Literacy-o-Lantern is painted  to resemble a literary character. They include Black Panther, Cat in the Hat, Dog Man, and a Wild Thing from Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. Customers have enjoyed seeing some of their favorite characters on display and have checked out accompanying books."

Above are the artful pumpkins produced by SE Youth staff Christina Garmon, Rochelle Golomb, Alison Halkovic, and Caitlin Ruvolo.  Space here does not do the delightful creations justice. Why not go by SE and enjoy?

How About That!

Nicole Gaudier Alemañy, YS Librarian I at UPK, shares an admirable accomplishment with us:

"My book review, 'Irish Reading Societies and Circulating Libraries Founded before 1825: Useful Knowledge and Agreeable Entertainment by Keith A. Manley,' was published in the Libraries: Culture, History, and Society Journal. It is the Library History Round Table's journal. The citation is: Gaudier, N. (2020). Review. Libraries: Culture, History, and Society, 4(2), 225-227. doi: 10.5325/libraries.4.2.0225.

"Before getting my MS in information, I studied History (BA) and Art History (MA, BA) with a special focus on early modern Europe. I chose to review that book as it is a great combinatin of my academic and professional interests in librarianship and early modern history."

Congratulations from all of us to you, Nicole. 

BBMH Friends Give Goodies

Friends of the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library always come through to enhance the branch's good customer service. The Friends group gave library customers a tray of breakfast goodies to enjoy shortly after the branch re-opened, September 29, 2020.  Mia Brack said, "The employees truly appreciate this gift from the Friends and are grateful for all they do for us."  (Above, Mary Fletcher and Doug Fair flank the goodie tray.) 

Main Children's Super Hero

SS Library Associate Robin West Rogers did some Super Hero helping in Main Children’s department. Marcie O'Dell said, "Like many other JPL employees who were temporarily relocated, Robin became someone we depended on and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to work with her. She’ll be dearly missed. Robin went back home for San Marco's reopening, October 5, 2020.  All the best to you, Wonder Woman!" 

 

John Jessee Retires After 17 Years

Argyle Librarian II John Jessee was honored with an in-person and a virtual party, October 2, 2020, the day of his  retirement. AYL's employees--L/R above: Janelle Pornovetz and Tonja Baker-Ferrell (2nd row); in front, Terri Basemore, Carol Bunker, Mike Cooper (next to John) and Anita Boston--enjoyed refreshments with John and personally bade him a reluctant adieu.  (Except for the pic, all observed social distancing and all wore masks throughout the day.) 

A few weeks before the party, Branch Manager Carol had emailed JPL staff inviting those who knew John and would to send a card and include their remembrances of him over the last 17 years. Staff were to send cards to Carol so they would be a surprise for him at the party.  Carol's plan worked well.  John's face glowed with a big smile when the many cards and notes were showered on him.

At the virtual party (via Zoom) many of John's colleagues popped in and out sharing fond memories and wishing the best for John in his new chapter of life.

John wants everyone to know he has read the many cards and appreciates each one.  He said, "The time people spent sharing their remembrances of me over the years made me happy." 

John plans to travel and visit family--and a bit of what every retiree looks forward to: relaxing. 

 

DU Does Displays W/Deliberation

Displays pictured here are typical of Highland’s monthly creations that reflect their collection and focus on timely subjects.  DU also highlights JPL’s databases.  Marla Roberson says, “We hope the displays inspire you to create displays that engage your customers.” 

 “A number of DU’s October displays speaks to voting and U. S. Presidents.  Our children’s area created ‘How Important Is One Vote’ with a variety of quotes such as ‘Someone struggled for your right to vote.  Use it.’ (Susan B. Anthony); ‘A man without a vote is a man without protection.’ (Lyndon B. Johnson); and ‘Vote the change you want to see in the world.’  The children’s collection has age appropriate books such as I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman and Serge Bloch and V is for Voting by Kate Farrell.

“One adult area display is ‘Presidential Crisis and Words of Inspiration’.  This display reminds us of a few of the crises some Presidents faced and how they led during difficult times  We also included Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin; Words from the White House by Paul Dickson and The New Big Book of U.S. Presidents by Marc Frey and Todd Davis.  The display includes a timeline of 13 Presidents and various speeches they made.  Books include not only the Presidents but events such as 9-11.

"October is Computer Learning Month so we constructed the AXIS 360 database display.  We notice our customers like having a list of apps they can use and download them away from the library.  The display handout includes instructions on how to log into Axis 360 and actually check out a book."

In Memorian & A Great Idea

JB's Terry Welch, The Author Fan, said, "In March 2020, the Beaches Branch celebrated Women's History Month and I created a collage of women instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment (picture of the silhouette).  Then, not halfway through March, we closed for six months.  Recently, to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Julie Rekow helped update the collage and accessorized it with Justice Ginsburg's famous white collar.  The silhouette is now on display next to our 'In Memoriam' book display honoring Justice Ginsburg and other authors who have passed away.

 

"Bookmarks are inserted in each item displayed.  When I create a memorial bookmark, I always include a picture of the author and either a bio or a quote.  Sometimes I include the names of their books on the back of the bookmark or read-alikes (in true Reader's Advisory fashion).

 

"As an aside, I posted the RBG collage on the ALA Think Tank Facebook page and it has been 'liked' over 135 times.  It was also shared to the Public Library Diplay Facebook page.  (Maybe using our creative talents is a sign that things ARE getting back to normal.) 

Mia Clark: Job Well Done

Mia Clark received a Job Well Done Award, November 20, 2020, presented by South Region Manager Keli Likins, at SE's staff meeting.  Mia was nominated for the award by SE Manager Carisia Rooney for leading her team through a two month shifting project.  Carisia said, "It included creating a streamlined face-out-shelving display for the entire non-fiction collection of the Southeast Library  Not only did Mia create an organized, step-by-step plan so staff could pick up where another left off each day, she also oversaw the project in a way that helped staff feel proud of their work at its completion.  This was a very productive use of time during all the changes in hours and in how we serve the public.  This 40 aisle project surpasses our library appearance standards."  (Mia preferred no picture be taken of the award ceremony.)

 

Kapow!

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month and we here at Main Children's have it under good authority that all true Superheroes refuse to leave their homes (or caves) without their JPL cards. While we can't guarantee that your superpower will grow, your chances of it happening are much improved with getting a library card and the constant use of it. If you know someone who doesn't have a card yet, bring them in. (Display and article by Marcie O'Dell.)

More Space Is Great!

Main Children’s Librarian II, Joanna Nigrelli, was recently in charge of a huge project--shifting Non-Fiction book and Biography areas. She had a team helping accomplish the tasks, including removal of damaged items. This allowed for the replacement of outdated items, created more display space (shown in the pictures above), and refreshed the overall look of the area, among other benefits.  Marcie O’Dell says, “Great job, Joanna and team!”

 

Go Fish!

"These are part of a Main Children’s department display created by Library Associate Sheenae Nelson.  Whatever the display subject is, like this week’s fish topic, each child receives a free 'Make-Your-Own-Bookmark ' kit to take home for added fun. Check out the display near the alligator couch in the Children’s area," says Marcie O'Dell.

 

Joe Gaskin, Library Associate Extraordinaire

Director Rogers told you about Joe Gaskin receiving an ALA Spectrum Scholarship recently.  Now Mr. Gaskin gives us insight into the person/attitude that is well able to receive such an award:

 

"The library is a sanctuary; at least it always has been to me. It was the place where a young boy could go to explore options that might never have been revealed just running around the neighborhood. It was a job where I earned my first paycheck as a shelver at the Murray Hill branch. I have spent a majority of my adult life working in the library. Other jobs came and went but I was repeatedly drawn back to the library system. Each return enabled me to excel and develop a greater connection to library services, so much so, that I found myself working on my master’s degree in Information Science. Since I was fortunate enough to receive the ALA Spectrum Scholarship, it has removed the financial barrier that could significantly slow my progress.  I plan to use this opportunity to improve myself and the service I provide to the public library system and the people it serves. Now, working as a Youth Services Associate at Willowbranch library (where I visited as a child), I strive to play the role in my community that so greatly influenced me.

"Libraries are one of the last true public spaces in our society that offers openly accessible information or just a place of respite for all. As a Library Associate, I spend a majority of my time creating programming for youth, a task that I have found truly fulfilling, especially reading stories, singing songs to toddlers or teaching high-school students how to fix their bicycles. I never thought that I would find myself playing a guitalele in front of a hundred singing and dancing toddlers each week, but I discovered the importance of providing an outlet for kids to learn to act silly. I believe it is crucial that our society provide youth with a safe space to explore, debate and challenge their interests outside of school. My motivation to receive a Master of Library and Information Science degree is based on my desire to expand my knowledge to help others expand theirs.

 

"I am so grateful for the egalitarian services that libraries provide to our society. As the division of wealth expands in our country, it is reassuring to know that libraries are maintained as free and open to all. I also believe that the library can offer a cross section of services such as housing assistance, mental health resources, alternative educational paths and small business assistance. I believe in the potential of a library to exist as more than just a repository for books. I see it as a space in which we can apply the knowledge acquired within—libraries with a car shop, open kitchen, gardens and so much more. I believe libraries should be more than a place where people can just read; libraries need to be spaces where knowledge can be put into practice.

"Upon completion of my degree, I plan to become a Librarian for JPL. I hope to add to the diversity and growth that the library and the City of Jacksonville needs, as it is rare to come across a black male librarian in the U.S., let alone in JPL. Libraries act as a safe space for many children of color, and I believe the faces of those working in safe spaces should reflect the population that inhabits them. I am excited to soon join the ranks of the less than 1,000 male African-American librarians in the United States, so that I can hopefully inspire more young black men to follow suit. We are at a moment in time where the purpose of a library is changing. I hope to be part of that change because a library is a sanctuary and so much more.

"I would also like to add that anyone considering taking the leap into an Information Science Master’s program, now is a great time to consider applying, as FSU has a 100% online program and they have waived their GRE requirement to apply for the program.  Additionally, the city has a great tuition reimbursement program and there are a lot of great scholarships out there!"

38 Good Years

Karen Lewis retires today, September 11, 2020, and leaves us with a capsule of her 38 years with us, "My journey with JPL began at the Haydon Burns Main Library in 1982 and I remained at Main through the move to the new Main Library in late 2005. 

"Hired as a page through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Jobs Program, I first worked part time in what was known as the Catalog/Technical Service/SST departments.  I was offered an opportunity to stay full time at the end of the summer and continued working for about two years, then quit.  After a couple of months, the Library let me know about an upcoming test for a Clerk 1 position; I decided to take it and passed.  I was assigned to Highlands Branch when it opened in 1985.  To my delight, however, a Clerk 1 position opened in my previous work area--old Main’s Catalog department.

"Later, I passed the Clerk 2 test and went to the Circulation department, then transferred to Interlibrary Loan on the 3rd floor.  While there I took the test for Library Assistant, passed it and moved to the newly created Digital Library.  When the new Main Library opened, I continued in digitization and worked in the Grand Reading Room, which is also located on the 4th floor, and from there I transferred to Non-Fiction.

 "In January 2015, I transferred to Brown Eastside Library where my 38 year journey was to end but the pandemic changed that. EB was closed for a season and I was assigned to DU.  Now I will end my career where I once was supposed to start it—at the Highlands Branch on September 11, 2020. 

 

"Looking back, I did not think I would be suited to the children’s department when I transferred to EB, but surprisingly, I really liked working with children; their effervescence is contagious!

 

"Working in different departments and libraries helped me understand the importance of all of our contributions and when every area works well together it makes for a successful library system."

 

THANK YOU, KAREN, FOR 38 YEARS OF SERVICE TO JPL!  OUR VERY BEST TO YOU.  WE'LL MISS YOU.

Good Reflections

Two employees celebrate 35 years each with COJ/JPL in September 2020:  Library Assistant Kathy Lynch and Library Associate Linda Smith.  Both work in SST.  Linda politely shied away from elaborating on her years with JPL. Kathy summed up her 35 years briefly, “I have worked in several departments, both in technical services and with the public.” Then she added some persiflage for old-timers and closed with some reasons JPL staff have persevered and why all of us can be proud of our library system.

“Remember when

you helped someone look up something in the card catalog?

you told customers JPL couldn’t take credit cards for fines?

you told customers, ‘Sorry, you can’t check your personal e-mail at the library’?

you first left a voice message on someone’s phone?

you didn’t know what ‘bundle your TV and Internet’ meant?

a keyboard was associated only with a musical instrument?

you used the *'fugitive fact file' for quick reference?

“So many changes and JPL still stands! JPL has survived budget cuts, hiring freezes, staff shortages, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and COVID-19. We survived and thrived and were named 2017's Florida Library of the Year!  I think it is because at its heart and soul are so many good people doing their jobs every day, no matter what. I have been blessed to work with many of them!”

__________________________________________

*A file of 3x5 cards each library reference desk maintained in the pre-computer era.  It held documented information and suggested resources for difficult and FAQ’s that the library received from customers. This was a means to save staff time and resources.