Westbrook Branch Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Jacksonville

The Westbrook Branch Library celebrated its 50th birthday Wednesday, December 16,, with a Fab 50s themed event. Laura Minnich, Branch Manager, said they were excited to reach this milestone!
Visitors to the library that day were invited to peruse various displays celebrating the 50s and participate in a trivia contest. Drawings were held throughout the day and several local businesses contributed prizes.

Barbara Gubbin addressed library customers and staff and congratulated all who made it possible for Westbrook to achieve 50 years of library service. They were honored to have Mrs. Judy Campbell in attendance; her father was instrumental in persuading City Council to build the Westbrook Branch. She addressed the crowd as well and shared some special memories of her father and his impact on the community. Also in attendance were Warren Jones, District 9 Council member, Harry Reagan, FJPL president and several former Westbrook staff members, who are pictured, left-right, back to front: Marjorie Gibbons, Ed Lein, Jackie Curry, and Annette Smith.

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch: A couple weeks ago I called... for materials on a national park. My son needed it for school - the next day. We called at around 5pm, and Katherine Daye was very helpful. She quickly pulled some materials together for us to pick up that evening. The most impressive thing is that she was pleasant and happy to help. That is real customer service and we appreciate her.

Highlands Branch: This is a complimentary card for the entire staff...in particular Ms. Kristi Dorney, who immediately came to my rescue for rescheduling meeting space.... I was able to do so with no hesitation and much welcomed friendliness. I believe this lady, as well as the cleaning staff and regular library staff, are an asset to our city's local, free public learning and will recommend this facility for future use.

Main - Genealogy Department: Mr. David White in the genealogy department was the only! person in the last 7 years out of all the statistic offices, funeral homes and all other places (incl. Internet), who was able to help us, was listening, and understood the necessity of our inquiry. Thank you very much!

Pablo Creek Branch: Mrs Crafword gave excellent reference help and has assisted me in obtaining all the information I needed in a thorough manner.

Regency Square Branch: I have received ...excellent service rendered by Mr. Hassan Hamid, Clerical Worker II, ...very courteous and helpful. I also took note of the jovial and wholesome nature that he possesses and...kindness and professionalism shown to me by Ms. Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Supervisor...

Mrs. Claus & Rudolph Make Early Appearance at Southeast

On the morning of Thursday, December 17, the Children’s Department of Southeast Regional Library held a Reindeer Run with a special early appearance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Mrs. Claus.
Participants were children 3 to 11 years old, who followed Rudolph around a designated track. The run was organized to provide food donations for hungry pets to be given to local animal charities. Pictured are Rudolph (Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant) and Mrs. Claus (Nelly Harnisch, Clerical Support Aide II). Also, pictured is Mrs. Claus and participants after the exhausting run.

The run will continue each weekday until Wednesday, December 23.

Southeast Celebrates Successful 2009

On Thursday, December 10th, Southeast full-time employees, part-time employees, and volunteers celebrated the end of 2009 by holding an end-of-the-year grill event. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled and all the trimmings were available.

Senior Librarian Bob Silkett suggested the event as he explained that 2009 had been a challenging, yet very successful year for the Southeast Library. This being the case, staff had good reason to chow down. Pictured from left to right are Pauline Berkeley (P/T Circulation), Arlene Wilson (P/T Shelver), Theresa Barmer (Library Manager), and Joyce Myllykangas (F/T Circulation).

Live United - JPL United Way Campaign

Congratulations to JPL for joining together to make Jacksonville a better place!
Library staff have contributed $16,560.20 this year to the Live United campaign to change lives and shape communities. Special thanks to United Way Employee Campaign Chair Sara Gunter, and Co-Chairs Pam McClellan and James Patterson for their leadership. Thanks to each of the library representatives who volunteered their time to help make the campaign a success! Finally, thanks to every library staff member who gave, volunteered, or advocated to make Jacksonville a better community in 2009!

One-Minute Video - Gretchen Mitchell Encourages the Heart

In this week's one-minute video story (which is actually more like two minutes), Chiquita Powell and Gretchen Mitchell remember how distraught Chiquita was at the prospect of taking full responsibility for the Children's Department at the Argyle Branch when it first opened, and how an unexpected visit from Gretchen made a world of difference.

(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)

Do you have a story to tell of a co-worker living the practices of destination:LEADERSHIP? Please let us know at jpltraining@coj.net.

p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.

Northwest FRIENDS

The staff of the Northwest Branch Library thanks its Friends group for their fundraising efforts for the branch. A reception was held on Monday, December 7 to thank the NW Friends of the Library. The Friends had held a booksale at the branch in September and Alisha Harrell, president, presented the proceeds to the staff at the reception. The staff is very grateful to the Friends and all their hard work and has great plans for the library and its customers!

Pablo Creek Branch Excels in Volunteer Efficiency

Pablo Creek Branch Library had 40 volunteers (more than twice that of other JPL locations), who worked 5,477 hours, FY2009! PCR also retains many of their volunteers over a long period of time. Consequently, we asked Gail Blumberg, Library Associate, Senior, and Volunteer Coordinator there, to share some ideas on one of this year’s Performance Objectives: "Increase the library’s capacity to serve the public with an improved volunteer recruitment and retention program. Identify best practices; evaluate current practices; address barriers & increase current (FY09) level of volunteer hours by 2%.”

Ms. Blumberg said Pablo Creek’s location provides good access to retirees and students, who are more apt to volunteer. PCR has many volunteers that have proven to be a good fit. Some have even become part-time employees. She realizes this might not be the case at all locations.

The volunteer coordinator must combine organizational and communication skills in order to run a successful volunteer program. At PCR, for example, a weekly schedule is posted that includes volunteers’ names, duties and hours of service. Employees and volunteers can consult this weekly schedule as needed. This results in better planning and a positive work environment.

Where communication is concerned, she is cognizant that volunteers and staff feel free to voice their needs and opinions to her. She assigns specific duties to volunteers, such as processing holds, weeding newspapers, or reshelving in the teen, children’s or adult areas.

Each prospective volunteer is interviewed before being assigned to any work area. During this time, Ms. Blumberg tries to match the volunteer to the best work for him/her. For instance, she finds out if older volunteers can stand for a length of time shelving. If they cannot, they might be assigned to making phone calls for customer holds. This process has been beneficial in the retention of volunteers. PCR has volunteers who have been there since it opened in 2004.

She is glad to hear that HR is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. This will allow both volunteers and library staff to decide whether or not individual placements will work for all concerned.

City's HR Initiates Trial Period for Volunteers

Sandra Stonestreet said that Human Resources is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. Currently volunteers are required to clear a background screening before they can begin volunteering. JPL volunteer coordinators find many adults don’t understand the nature of the work or it is not what they expected and do not come back to complete the 30 hour commitment. A trial period will give adults an opportunity to experience the work first hand before going through the background screening process. We hope this will result in more satisfied volunteers and a savings to the City.

The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.

Staff Profile

CSAII Susan Williamson works at Pablo Creek Branch Library and believes in furthering your education.

Q: You received your AA in Psychology from the University of Phoenix recently--Congratulations! Do you plan to continue your education at this time?

A: Thank you. I am very excited about my AA degree. I have been working on it for a long time. Yes, I do plan to continue my education. I am waiting to see if FCCJ is going to have a four year program for psychology. My dad always wanted me to finish school. At this time, however, I am not sure when and where I will be finishing up. I have to give a special thank you to Christie Rogers and Joanna Tuskey for helping me to get through math. I was having a very hard time and they offered to help me.

Q: What have you learned in psychology that will help you in your position as CSAII?

A: Working with customers every day, I find that I use a lot of psychology. The classes have helped me understand and meet the needs of our customers. These classes have also helped with my personal development plan which is “Model the Way”.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of working at the library?

A: For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work in a library. For 13 years I worked in a private elementary school library. However, I knew I really wanted to work in a public library. When the opportunity came, I was ready. I worked for a summer at Webb Wesconnett Branch and then I was able to work part-time at Regency Square Branch. I have been full-time for five years and I love working at the Pablo Creek Branch. The most rewarding aspect to me has been getting to know the customers and working with some good people.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: Since I now have some free time, I enjoy reading the most. I have also found that I enjoy writing book reviews on PCR's Facebook page.

Q: What is the most interesting book you have ever read?

A: I cannot think of one book that has been the most interesting to me. However, when I realized in ninth grade how much I had missed reading, the first book I picked up was Victoria Holt’s Menfreya in the Morning. After that, it was all the Gothic romances that were written at that time; now it is any good mystery.

Notes from Collectin Development:

These Summer Blockbusters are now on DVD and in the collection:

When college-bound Sam Witwicky learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world.



James T. Kirk and his fellow novice crew members aboard the Enterprise face the Romulan villain Nero, who seeks revenge against the Vulcan race for an action committed by Spock in the future.




Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daly (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smitsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibts at the Smithsonian, including the pharoaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren't at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.

One-Minute Video Story -- Marlin Models the Way

In this week's one-minute video, Joanna Tuskey shares a recollection of how Marlin Day, by his work ethic and teamwork, Modeled the Way when University Park was preparing to open to the public for the first time.

(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause [] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)

Do you have a story to share of how someone demonstrated one of the Five Practices of destination:LEADERSHIP? If so, please contact me at jpltraining@coj.net.

p.s. If you missed the last video story, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to display the previous clip.

Webb Wesconnett Branch Library Turns 30

Barbara Gubbin addressed a group of customers and staff and congratulated Webb Wesconnett Branch staff for their successful efforts in producing their library's 30th anniversary celebration, November 21. Other speakers were Senator Stephen Wise, Rev. Webb (the library bears his father's name), and Margaret Smith, Webb Wesconnett's first branch manager.

Library Associate Jack Betancourt and Librarian Mia Brack hold the 30th birthday invitation created for the event.


Publix donated a beautiful cake and prizes were noted on pieces of paper inside balloons that were released for this celebration.

Happy Birthday, Webb Wesconnett, and all of you can take a bow, who have been and are a part of its great success in this community.

"Tom" Is No "Turkey" at Raising Food Need Awareness at Southeast Branch

On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 10:30am, Mr. Tom Turkey, (Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant) strutted his stuff at the Southeast Library first annual Turkey Trot Rally. In commemoration of Thanksgiving Day, children, 0 to 18 months, and their parents, chased "Mr. Tom" around a track set up in the Children's Department. Participating children chose non-perishable foods, donated by the employees, and placed them in a food donation barrel. The items, donated by the staff, will be taken to the local food bank in Jacksonville.

The Turkey Trot Rally events will occur several times during the day, and also on Wednesday, November 25. So if you have a need to burn some calories before the big day, visit the Southeast Regional Library. Shown in the picture is "Mr. Tom," encouraging trotters by flapping his wings before his first run.

Collection Development Resource Management FY2010

We will be sharing ideas and plans from various departments about how they will contribute to resource management in FY2010 and how they plan to help JPL meet its Performance Objectives.

Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor, Collection Development, shared a vital plan her department will use:

"One of the ways Collection Development will be contributing toward the economic success objective in this year’s service priorities is by doing regular searches and orders for materials such as career development (resume books) and testing books. These materials are not regularly reviewed so by doing targeted searches within our vendor’s databases we will be able to identify and order materials that may not have been ordered otherwise. This process will provide additional economic success materials throughout the system on a regular basis."

Mandarin Branch Is Cookin'

The staff of the Mandarin Library recently helped at the First Annual Chili Cook-off at the Mandarin Senior Center. Everyone enjoyed the chili, and a good time was had by all! Shown in the picture are (clockwise) Don Carpenter (red hat), Library Associate; Eric Cusaac, CSA II; Linda Smith, Library Associate; Margo Crafton, Children's Librarian Senior; Robin Kowalski, CSA II; and Elizabeth Garnett, Librarian. Not pictured: Mary Mlady, Librarian; Lisa Veal, Part-time Clerical; and Lynne Baldwin, Branch Manager.

Kudos from Customers

Brentwood Branch: “I appreciate that, when asked, they (Trudy Hill, Gloria Armstrong, and Margaret Miles) are most helpful, in a kind manner, not condescending as though I should know how to look up an item. Or, because I walk with a cane, they do not treat me as though I am not intelligent, and as I am an older person, they do not treat me as if I have lost my mind or am a ‘little old lady’”.

Main Library – 3rd Floor Reference: "I would like to call attention to an exceptional employee, Stacey Van Hoy, who has proven on a consistent basis to be helpful, knowledgeable, and very courteous. She exemplifies what a library associate should be. Thank you."

Main Library – Talking Books: "I would like to compliment Chris (Eaton) and all of his staff at the Talking Books/Special Needs Library. "Special Needs" "Need Special" People to serve. These guys truly are "Champions for the Underserved". Please give these "Special People" all the support they require to continue this Worthwhile Endeavour. Thank You!!"

Mandarin Branch: "Elizabeth (Garnett) was really helpful; she took really good care of me."

Murray Hill Branch: "So many resources, always back where they belong. I think the librarians and staff (Mark Hohnadel, Revondolyn Dubois, Elizabeth Cobb, Tonya Wright, and Margaret Esposito) are always helpful and polite. Thank you."

Library Board Honors Director Barbara Gubbin for Outstanding Leadership

The Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees (front, left to right: Mark Wood, Chair, Rocelia Roman de Gonzalez, Director Gubbin with plaque, Rita Cannon, Brenda Simmons; l to r, back: William (Bill) Scheu and Jim Selzer) presented Barbara Gubbin, Library Director, with a plaque at their November 12 meeting and congratulated Ms. Gubbin on her outstanding leadership and work.

Director Gubbin thanked the Library Board and took the opportunity to recognize the library staff for their hard work during a challenging budget year.

Director Gubbin also announced in the board meeting that JPL would receive a "Star Library" rating in the second year of the new ratings index from Library Journal.

Week of Valor at the Main Library

To celebrate the City’s Week of Valor, the Center for Adult Learning’s Karen Wishart found inspiration in the Navy’s Professional Reading Program for Leadership Development (http://www.navyreading.navy.mil/). Through this program, the Navy recommends specific titles for Junior Enlisted up to Senior Leaders.

Karen and her co-workers created a book display of reading list titles near the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library, using camouflage and Navy uniform colors to set off the display. They developed a bookmark of titles for customers interested in the Navy Leadership Program. Karen then contacted Military Affairs who put out the word that the Library was looking for someone to talk about books from the list. They were fortunate enough to have two Commanders reply to the invitation.

The first speaker was Commander Jon Singleton (right), a Logistics Officer, who has served in the Navy for more than 18 years. He chose the book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10. The book was particularly meaningful to him since he served in Afghanistan where this incident took place. If you have not read Lone Survivor, it is Marcus Luttrell’s recounting of Navy Seal training, the nature of their mission, and the agonizing decision to determine whether the men they met moving across Afghanistan were farmers or Taliban. The book is also about Luttrell’s coming to grips with his order not to summarily execute three local travelers, a decision which ultimately led to the ambush and execution of his entire squad. Commander Singleton’s photographs of Afghanistan and his first-hand accounts of the struggle to distinguish friend from foe were both riveting and terrible.

The second speaker was Commander Scott Smith (pictured left with Karen Wishart). Commander Smith is the Captain of the Naval Frigate, USS Klakring, which anchored at the Landing during the Week of Valor. He chose to talk about the book, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy. As a captain of a frigate, he pointed to a pin that all frigate officers wear on their uniforms. On it are six stars which represent the original six ships built by the Navy. Commander Smith has sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean Sea. He brought maps with him to illustrate which countries were active in piracy during the early years of the Navy as described in Six Frigates, then drew parallels to the piracy and shipping problems experienced by some of the same countries today. Retired officers and residents of Fleet Landing attended this book talk; they enjoyed exchanging memories of their service with Commander Smith as much as they enjoyed hearing about the book.

Both of the commanders and those in attendance would like to participate in additional book discussions in the future.

Video Stories -- Destination:LEADERSHIP

So many of our staff are doing a wonderful job of living the Five Practices of Destination:LEADERSHIP, and we want to share some of their stories.

In this clip, Susan Mankowski tells about a day when she was feeling stressed and Keith Hayes Encouraged her Heart.

(To play properly, you may need to click Play, then click the Pause [||] button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)

Do you have a story to share of how someone demonstrated one or more of the Five Practices? If so, please contact me at jpltraining@coj.net.