Notes from Collection Development

Bored with your hum drum existence? Looking for vicarious excitement? Read a biography and find out about someone else’s everyday life!

Biographies

Longshot: The Adventures of a Deaf Fundamentalist Mormon Kid

and His Journey to the NBA - by Lance Allred
Publisher: HarperOne
Pub Date: 06/01/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061718588
ISBN-10: 0061718580

At 6'11", professional basketball player Lance Allred looks right at home on the ball court. But what sets Allred apart from his teammates is the fact that he is almost completely deaf; in fact, he's the NBA's first legally hearing-impaired player. Add to that Allred's fascinating back-story--he's the son of a Montana polygamist and a grandson of the late Mormon fundamentalist leader Rulon Allred--and you've got one heck of an unlikely success story, the details of which Allred shares in Longshot. If you are a basketball fan, enjoy books about overcoming long odds, or like behind-the-scenes glimpses into polygamist societies, you can't go wrong with this unique and winning autobiography.

My Remarkable Journey - by Larry King
Publisher: Weinstein Books
Pub Date: 05/19/2009
ISBN-13: 9781602860865
ISBN-10: 1602860866

Since his first radio broadcast on May 1, 1957, Larry King has talked--and listened--to tens of thousands of people, both famous and not-so-famous. In My Remarkable Journey, King looks back on his storied life, from his humble roots in Depression-era Brooklyn to his success as the host of CNN's long-running Larry King Live. Candid and revealing, King also doesn't shy away from discussing potentially sensitive topics like his multiple failed marriages and his 1971 arrest for grand larceny. Fans of King and his humorous, good-natured attitude shouldn't miss this memoir, which Kirkus Reviews describes as "vintage King."

Clara's War: One Girl's Story of Survival - by Clara Kramer
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub Date: 05/01/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061728600
ISBN-10: 0061728608

When Clara Kramer, now president of the Holocaust Resource Foundation at Kean University, was 12 years old, her Polish hometown was overtaken by the Nazis and all Jews were ordered to relocate to the ghetto. Desperate to escape, Kramer's family--along with 17 other Polish Jews--hid in a grimy and cramped underground bunker. Aiding the Kramers and their companions in their struggle to survive and remain concealed was the most of unlikely of allies: their former neighbor, Mr. Beck, a drunken anti-Semite. "Both a gripping thriller and a heartbreaking drama of human kindness, this is sure to become a classic of Holocaust history," says Booklist.

Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival - by Norman Ollestad
Publisher: Ecco
Pub Date: 06/02/2009
ISBN-13: 9780061766725
ISBN-10: 0061766720

In February 1979, 11-year-old Norman Ollestad was aboard a small plane with his father and his father's girlfriend when they crashed into the side of the San Gabriel Mountains. Both the pilot and Norman's father were killed (and the female passenger was too injured to walk) so young Norman had to find his way down the 8,500 foot mountain alone. Luckily for Norman, his father--who had pushed Norman to excel at surfing and competitive downhill skiing--had prepared him well for the physical and emotional challenges of this seemingly impossible trek, which Ollestad chronicles in Crazy for the Storm. Readers who liked Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air won't want to miss this engrossing and poignant survival memoir.


Samuel Adams: A Life - by Ira Stoll
Publisher: Free Press
Pub Date: 11/04/2008
ISBN-13: 9780743299114
ISBN-10: 0743299116

Though often overshadowed by other Founding Fathers, Boston-born Samuel Adams was one of the first in the American colonies to call for independence from Britain. In fact, his pivotal roles in nearly every aspect of the American Revolution led Thomas Jefferson to later declare that Adams was "truly the man of the Revolution." In this illuminating biography, journalist Ira Stoll details Adams' life and role in United States history, including his work as a newspaper editor, Massachusetts governor, and statesman. Check out Samuel Adams to learn more about this most underrated of American revolutionaries.

Webb Wesconnett Branch Participates in Awareness Campaign

Webb Wesconnett announced the winner of their Library Card Campaign drawing, June 25: Edith Marroletti. She is pictured holding her prize, an MP3 player, donated by Branch Manager Erica Brown. Ms. Marroletti is a longtime customer there. Pictured at right (L/R) are Jackie Smith, Edith Marroletti, Tia Samuels, and Sandra Lockley. (For enlargement, click on the picture.)

Accolades to the Webb Wesconnett clerical staff. Their steadfastness and diligence is geared toward excellent customer service, which they provide daily to their deserving customers.

FLA Intellectual Freedom Committee Appoints Laura Minor As New Chair

Congratulations to Laura Minor, a JPL Librarian Senior, who was appointed chair of the FLA Intellectual Freedom Committee for 2009-2010. The committee responsibilities are:

To investigate cases of censorship involving libraries in the state and to take appropriate action when warranted and requested.

To inform FLA members and others in the library community about pertinent intellectual freedom issues and censorship cases through programs, workshops, and publications.

In conjunction with the FLA Legislative Committee, support efforts that oppose passage of legislation and ballot initiatives that attempt to undermine First Amendment rights.

To maintain a manual of procedures for all Florida librarians concerned with promoting intellectual freedom and fighting censorship in the state.

To learn more about intellectual freedom, please see the FLA’s Intellectual Freedom Manual, available for download at http://www.flalib.org/int_Freedom_Manual.php.

Cruisin' Down the St. Johns River On A Friday Afternoon

Images captured from the S.S. Marine boat on June 12, 2009, during the “Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns.”



Seventy-five people, including Jim Selzer, Library Board member, and Barbara Gubbin, Library Director, listened to poetry readings and songs and learned little known facts about the St. Johns River. Everyone enjoyed the sunset, skyline and each other's company during this two-hour cruise in partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Kudos from Customers

Main - Popular - Donna (Peretzman) was very helpful with computer skills.

Main - Special Collections - Arthur Finley and Cranston Burney are 2 of the most helpful and courteous people I have met in awhile. I was new at the library but I feel as if I've been coming here a long time. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Mandarin - I just have to tell you again what a great staff of people you have at the Mandarin Kori Road Branch. Professional, competent, well-trained, and very, very helpful. The list is enclosed. Names included: Lynne Baldwin, Don Carpenter, Margo Crafton, Elizabeth Garnett, Jeff Geiger, Cheryl Gilmore, Brittany Gonzales, Skyler Williams, Marjorie Herron, Tammy Hilbert, Josh Santiago, Robin Kowalski, Sarah Miller, Mary Mlady, Shivon Rockward, Pamela Sherrer, Cynthia Simmons, Linda Smith, Latanza Sutton, Melissa Tison, & Jean Winney.

Pablo Creek - I want to say thanks to Gail (Blumberg) for helping me a lot to find a book for my test. She did not stop helping me until she found the book and it was very difficult to find. Thank you.

Willowbranch - Jason (Brown) stands out in his willingness and friendliness. He always knows who I am and can tell me right off if HOLD books are in for me before I even get to them. I see him interact with other customers in a similar way too.

Notes from Collection Development:

Summer arrived yesterday and summer reading lists abound! Here are a few titles being published during the summer months that have been highlighted on media reading lists. Check them out!

Dune Road by Jane Green

LJ Reviews 2009 June #2

If the financial crisis hit Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane, the result would be Green's (The Beach House) latest novel. After a meandering initial 100 pages, the plot involving a group of fortyish girlfriends finally takes shape. Each of the three friends finds herself in the middle of her own soap opera: Kit's newly discovered half sister is sneaking around with her ex-husband, Charlie's silver spoon is yanked from her mouth when her banker husband loses his job, and Tracy's abusive first husband threatens to reveal her past to her friends. Life in the bedroom community of Highfield, CT, can't escape the chaos that the Wall Street crash inflicts. When the town's local celebrity an infamous and reclusive author opens his Dune Road home for a party, the drama of these residents is suddenly out there for all to see. VERDICT Whether you care about these characters or not is irrelevant in this quick, easy beach read. Green's name on the cover will be enough to attract interest.

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by Randy J. Taraborrelli

LJ Reviews 2009 May #1

Taraborrelli has had a long career writing juicy biographies of celebrities (e.g., Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Princess Grace, and the Kennedy women). Here, he promises never-before-told facts about Marilyn Monroe's family dynamic, the identity of her father, and her relationship with the Kennedys. And he delivers. Taraborrelli also reports that Marilyn's mother, Gladys Baker, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and that Marilyn struggled with her own mental deterioration. Taraborrelli's style is sometimes over-the-top as he assumes the feelings and motivations of his subjects, but this device makes his books readable and mesmerizing. He had access to newly released documents that were not scrutinized for other biographies, and he researched family and medical files and personal correspondence and interviewed countless family members, friends, costars, Secret Service agents, and others. He also provides previously unseen photographs. This will probably stand as the definitive Monroe biography; highly recommended for all public libraries.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

PW Reviews 2009 June #1

Charleston, S.C., gossip columnist Leopold Bloom King narrates a paean to his hometown and friends in Conroy's first novel in 14 years. In the late '60s and after his brother commits suicide, then 18-year-old Leo befriends a cross-section of the city's inhabitants: scions of Charleston aristocracy; Appalachian orphans; a black football coach's son; and an astonishingly beautiful pair of twins, Sheba and Trevor Poe, who are evading their psychotic father. The story alternates between 1969, the glorious year Leo's coterie stormed Charleston's social, sexual and racial barricades, and 1989, when Sheba, now a movie star, enlists them to find her missing gay brother in AIDS-ravaged San Francisco. Too often the not-so-witty repartee and the narrator's awed voice (he is very fond of superlatives) overwhelm the stories surrounding the group's love affairs and their struggles to protect one another from dangerous pasts. Some characters are tragically lost to the riptides of love and obsession, while others emerge from the frothy waters of sentimentality and nostalgia as exhausted as most readers are likely to be. Fans of Conroy's florid prose and earnest melodramas are in for a treat.

Jacksonville Public Library Kicks Off Awareness Campaign

Have you seen the library’s new billboards or heard any of our radio spots on your favorite station? There’s even a page on our website all about the awareness campaign that you can check out.

The awareness campaign is meant to inform the Jacksonville community of all the services and programs the library offers at no cost to the customer. Over the next three months, you will hear our radio spots and see billboard advertisements, newspaper ads and television commercials used to spread the word.

JPL unveiled the new library card design and convenient key chain card to staff, customers, Library Foundation and Library Friends members at the campaign kick off during the June 3 Art Walk. (At left is the new billboard.)

Barbara Gubbin, District Councilman Don Redman and First Coast news anchor Angela Spears talk about the new card design. They shared their experiences of the library and welcomed and encouraged those in attendance to sign up for a new library card. Stories of customers' library experiences were also shared and left the audience inspired by the power and influence of the library on many lives.

At right, Ribault High School drum line exits after performing at Art Walk

See more pix @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourticket/sets/72157619197216235/?page=2

Specially commissioned art work was contributed to the campaign by local Jacksonville artists to reinforce the powerful partnerships that develop through community resources like our library. The artwork is currently being used in the advertising. For more info about the campaign visit the web page,
http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/awareness/awareness-campaign-2009.html

MURRAY HILL BRANCH PROMOTES WATER CONSERVATION

Christi P. Veleta, Program Administrator with the Environmental Protection Board, came to Murray Hill Library and presented the Drippy Water Program on Thursday, June 11 at 1 p.m. This was in conjunction with the library's School Age Program. Ms. Veleta came with Drippy, the EPA's water mascot, to talk to the children about water conservation.

Staff Profile

Kudos for Mary Mlady who has been with JPL since 1986! She started working as a Page in the Mandarin Branch. She then worked in Human Resources until 1990. She received her Masters Degree in Library Science and in 1994 went to work at Webb Wesconnett Branch. In 1995, she started working at the Mandarin Branch and has been there ever since.

Mary is the Reserve Guru! She is in charge of ILL’s and periodicals. Mary has a lively adult book club that meets once a month and she is the adult volunteer coordinator.

Mary’s hobbies include reading (of course), cooking and playing piano. One of her favorite books is Ahab’s Wife, by Sena Naslund. She has been married to husband Jim since 1991, and has two daughters and two grandsons. Mary is a pleasure to work with and an inspiration (she always has chocolate in her desk drawer!)

Councilman Clay Yarborough Reads To Families at Regency Square Branch

On Thursday, May 28, City Councilman Clay Yarborough read stories to a group of excited families at the Regency Square Branch Library’s Family Story Time program.

“He was fun and very engaging. He included the parents and seemed to be having a great time,” stated Senior Librarian Lanette Jackson, who hosts the monthly program at her branch.

Councilman Yarborough’s interactive style made Dr Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham come alive for the listeners. “I was impressed by the way he incorporated concrete concepts such as numbers and colors into the stories. He is definitely no amateur at reading children's stories,” said Ms. Jackson.

The Councilman also chose another book from the collection to read. However, as he opened the book, the audience and Councilman found themselves glaring at a slight tape repair that had been made to one of the pages. A lighthearted chuckle ensued from both the audience and Councilman as Ms. Jackson announced, “The library always needs more money for books.”
The program included a craft and movie. Ms. Jackson plans to invite Councilman Yarborough to return for an encore presentation.

By M. J. Berry

$50,000 Check From BOOKtique

Our Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library BOOKtique is a profitable operation.

A $50,000 check from FJPL's used bookstore and gift shop was presented to the Library this month. Pictured at left (L to R) are Barbara Gubbin, Library Director; Mark Wood, Library Board Chair; Estelle Vickery, volunteer; Sharon Futch, FJPL Executive Director and Store Manager; Harry Reagan, FJPL President; Margaret Smith, FJPL Vice President for Programs, and in back, Carolyn Williams, Deputy Director; and Barrett King, Deputy Director for Administrative Services. (You can enlarge the picture by clicking on it.)

FJPL President Harry Reagan congratulated Sharon Futch and all of the BOOKtique volunteers. The BOOKtique opened November 12, 2005, when the new Main Library opened.

"The BOOKtique is an important part of our ongoing efforts to raise money for the Library," Mr. Reagan said. "Jeanine Peterson (former FJPL President) and the FJPL Board deserve credit for bold, creative thinking."

Mr. Reagan said the BOOKtique offers a year-round opportunity to find book bargains, as well as unique gifts.

Helping keep the BOOKtique open 53 plus hours per week are: Omari Daniels, Jackie Delk, Terri Hudson, Sally Kenaston, Cynthia Murray, Jackie Nash, Joyce Patten, Marti Pounder, Gara Roberts, Byron Rocher, Jennifer Simpson, Nitya Sivasubramanian, Bettye Stilley, and Estelle Vickery.

Soon, the Library will receive another FJPL check -- money from the Great Jacksonville Book Sale, Saturday Morning Bookstore and online book sales.

Adult Summer Reading Program FAQ's

Adult Summer Reading Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Adult Summer Reading?
For the first time, JPL is participating in the adult component of the Summer Reading Program. This year’s “Express Yourself” theme is all about creativity and “mastering the art of reading”. It is a more grown-up version of the children’s “Be Creative” theme. Anyone can participate. Customers do not have to be artists or performers to join in the fun. More information about the theme and upcoming programs can be found on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site or in the Adult Program Highlights guide.

How do I sign up?
Customers can sign up by filling out a participation form. Copies of this form have been sent to all library locations and should be available at information desks or areas where program flyers are kept. Customers can also sign up by calling 630-0495 or emailing artofreading@coj.net .

The Community Education & Enrichment Office is happy to assist customers wishing to sign up. Please send participation forms directly to the Comm Education & Enrichment office. Staff can also add names to the Excel document used to track participation in G:Shared\Community Education & Enrichment\Summer Reading.

Participation information is being collected primarily to informally gauge the number of adults planning to read arts-related materials and/or attend creativity-based programs. Customers who have signed up for Adult Summer Reading will automatically be eligible for prizes to be awarded at the end of the summer. Each customer is equally eligible for prizes and may not submit multiple participation forms in hopes of increasing their chance of winning a prize.

How does it work?
Customers are invited to read books related to this year’s summer reading theme. They are also encouraged to participate in related thematic programming offered by JPL. There are no reading “requirements.”

To make it fun JPL provides reading logs for customers to keep track of the books they read. Book review forms also allow the customer to give a “Boo” or “Bravo” and comment on the books they read. Staff is encouraged to display book reviews on a bulletin board or other community venue if possible so customers can see what fellow readers have to say about books they’ve read.

Each location received copies of all forms. More are available in PDF format for staff or customers to print on the Adult Summer Reading webpage featured on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site. Branches may also contact the Community Education & Enrichment Office for more copies.

Each branch location has been provided with a copy of the Adult Summer Reading staff manual and has been invited to create book displays, host programs, and otherwise participate in Adult Summer Reading. Each branch will determine its own level of participation. Branches are encouraged to submit information about their programs to the Community Education & Enrichment Office for inclusion in promotion.

When does it start?
Adult Summer Reading takes place from June 1 – August 31. Prizes will be awarded the first week of September.

Where do I take my list of books that I’ve read?
This year JPL is not requesting that adult customers turn in lists of books read. However, we do want customers to submit book reviews for display at the branches. As part of future Adult Summer Reading programs we may collect reading lists or have additional ways for customers to interact with the program.

Other questions?
Feel free to refer customers to Jenny Mooney or Frank Smith in the Comm Ed and En Office at 630-0495 or email artofreading@coj.net.

Jax Reads Ribault Essay Contest Winner

Malik Jackson, pictured left, reads his winning essay during the Jax Reads Finale at the Main Library, May 5. In addition to winning a laptop computer, Mr. Jackson also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jaguars Stadium.

Notes from Collection Development

Now showing at a library near you!

Harvey Shine (Hoffman) is a struggling jingle writer who risks losing his job to attend his daughter's London wedding, only to discover he is not exactly welcome at the ceremony. While seeking refuge in the airport bar, Harvey meets a lonely statistician named Kate (Thompson) and soon finds himself happily thrust into an unexpected romance. Hoffman and Thompson both picked up Golden Globe nominations for their roles.

The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

Paul Blart (James) is an overzealous security guard who finds himself in way over his head when he attempts to thwart a criminal mastermind's (O'Donnell) plot to rob an entire shopping mall.

It's Teen Time at Mandarin Branch Library

Don Carpenter, Library Associate, is in charge of the Teen Programs at the Mandarin Library and many fun teen events are happening there this summer!

PLAYSTATION Games on THE BIG SCREEN are every Thursday, 3:30 p.m - 5 p.m.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP meets on Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m., to advise and assist on books, movies, CDs, decoration and programming.

TEEN ANIME CLUB meets on Tuesday, June 9, 6p.m. & Saturday, June 20, 4p.m.

BEDTIME STORIES, starring Adam Sandler, will be shown on Tuesday, June 16 at
3 p.m.

TEEN WRITERS WORKSHOP will be held on Monday, June 29, 12 p.m. - first in a 3 part seminar which will include: an introduction to creative writing for teens, strategies for generating creative writing, strategies for creative writing development, tips on being a peer reader, and, sessions on the ULTIMATE CREATIVE WRITING PROJECT.

Rove with M.A.P.H.A.T.: Six Steps to Excellent Customer Service

Have you “roved” lately? Do you know the six steps of roving?

Meet and greet the customer – make them feel welcome!
Ask a quick question – let them do the talking!
Probe for clarification – be sure you’re on the same wave-length!
Hear the customer – use active listening!
Assist them – help them find the resources they need!
Thank them & invite them back – we need them!

Click on the YouTube video, “Roving Librarians”, by Ontario-based Mentor Group Training, Inc., to get your “rove” on!

Argyle Branch's Children's Department Makes Something Out Of Nothing

This close-up of a dog's face is part of an art project DeLon Rowan did for the Jax Reads Campaign, Call of the Wild, and was part of a Family Art Fun Program recently. Toddlers to eight year old children constructed their own individual interpretation of the sled-dog character, Buck, the main character in the book. Children learned about facial features and expressions using this three-dimensional design. Ms. Rowan always uses recycled materials in her art programs. In this case, shredded tires were used to create textural fur. Scrap poster board and used cups were used to create other features. Click on the picture for an enlargement that shows the intriguing details.

Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns River & YOU Are Invited

In partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, JPL is hosting a Sunset Artist Inspiration Trip on the St. Johns River, Friday, June 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. The cruise is free and will depart from Friendship Fountain.

Joining us that evening will be poet, teacher, and author of Endless Nights, Felton “KnightKrawler” Stergis who is a JPL staff favorite to work with. He has participated in several poetry jams with the Main Library’s Teen Department and will be teaching a writers workshop this summer as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program. For this excursion, Stergis has written an original piece of poetry celebrating our river. He will also share inspiring works by other poets infused with elements from the natural world. The Riverkeeper will partner with our poet by providing participants with a naturalist’s perspective on the St. Johns. This event not only celebrates the Year of the River, it will launch a renewed JPL poetic spirit. It is the first in a series of several programs highlighting the “Language of Conservation”, a three year project in partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Poets House. Over the three year period, JPL will host eight poetry programs that specifically recognize the importance of conservation through poetry.

Library employees are invited to join us on this cruise. Bottled water and granola bars will be offered free of charge, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks/dinner. Please contact the Community Education & Enrichment Office, 630-0495, to register; or email: ArtofReading@coj.net. Seating is limited so it is important to reserve your seat now.

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch - Over the years I have been assisted often and with amazing skill by Katherine Daye. My children have benefited by her skills and experience; I am grateful for her presence at MY library.

Main Library - Reference/Periodicals - Mrs. Lilia Simonton went further than the normal call of duty and found some information and printed out what was necessary to complete a legal matter. Thank you.

Southeast Branch - I just want to let someone know, Ms. (Deborah) Wainwright is/was a wonderful help in tracking down a double charge of late fees. Ms. Deborah was very friendly, saw the error right away and apologized for an error she did not create. Please let her know we are very grateful for her helping us.

South Mandarin Branch - Ms. Nicole Veal was amazing today. She helped me get books for Read-a-Thon next week. She gave me several options and was very patient.

West Regional Branch - I use the conference rooms 11 times out of the year and the lady (Yuri Jewitt per Ms. Harris) who makes the schedule has always responded back in a timely manner if there were any problems or conflicts in scheduling.

Director's Town Hall Meeting Notes

Greetings:

Notes and Q&A from the April 2009 Director's April Town Hall meetings have been posted to the Team Site on the Portal:
http://inside.coj.net/li/dnext/imp/Shared%20Documents/Town%20Hall%20Meeting%20Notes

To leave questions or comments, click on the word "comments" below.

Melonee Slocum