Kudos from Customers

Mandarin Branch - "Mary has been very helpful. She is very pleasant."

Pablo Creek Branch - "Complimentary comment about library associate Kim Greenwood was received 11/15/2010. Original comment card was lost, but comment was along these lines: Librarian Kim Greenwood is always professional, helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant."

University Park Branch - "I would like to let you know what a good job Mina Figuerrez is doing at UPK. She sponsors or heads all of your cultural programs. She does an outstanding job of organizing and setting up these programs. I look forward to attending all of your programs and I appreciate good leadership and organizational skills such as Ms. Mina shows. ..."

Willowbranch Branch - "Jason Brown is an amazing librarian and his customer service is great!"

Award Winners of JPL's 4th Quarter FY09/10

Pictured L/R are Julie McNeil, winner of the Employee of the 4th quarter and Enable Others to Act. Julie is Library Supervisor of several areas at the Main Library: Popular, Teen, Talking Books and Inter Library Loan. Next to Julie is Jill Haile, Librarian Senior in the Collection Development Department, which is housed at University Park Branch. In the center is Sandra Lockley, Library Assistant at Webb Wesconnett Branch, winner of Model the Way. Ashlee Song is a Part-Time Clerical employee at Pablo Creek Branch, and another winner of Model the Way. Greg Pierce, Library Associate at West Regional Branch, is winner of Encourage the Heart award.

These exemplary employees were recognized at the Library Board meeting, November 10, when this picture was taken. They are a beautiful representation of JPL's success and all of us congratulate you!

Webb Wesconnett Gets in the Mood of Halloween

Webb Wesconnett took Halloween to a new level on October 29 as kids wandered through Miss Laurie's (Mills) scary forest. She told them a story about creepy things they might find in the forest. Fog and dry ice embellished effects with lights out, candles burning, and outdoor sounds of scary wolves, owls, cats and crickets. They played "How to Train Your Dragon" in the library children’s department and games like "Sweep the Pumpkin Down the Aisle". Bags of candy treats topped off their event. It was a wonderful turnout with 88 kids attending this program.

Staff weren't to be outdone and pictured left to right are Vickie Leonard and Sandra Lockley, seated. In the back (L/R) are Carol Bunker, Pat Turner, and Melloney Shepherd.

30 Years? Yes, 30 Years - Congratulations, Carolyn Williams!

Carolyn Williams, Deputy Director, was truly surprised November 9 when staff threw her a celebratory luncheon honoring her 30 years with JPL. Not only did Director Barbara Gubbin pay tribute to her many contributions through the years, but Library Board Chair Jim Selzer also added his words of appreciation.

Trustee Brenda Simmons congratulated Mrs. Williams and said she has known her

since they attended church together as children.

Barrett King, Deputy Director, Administration, presented Mrs. Williams with her 30 year pin.

Mrs. Williams' husband, Vaughn, also joined in the fun (left). Ava Barrett, Main Library Administrative Supervisor, Diane Alexander, CSAII, Tenesha Anderson, Library Assistant, and Stephanie Harley, AR Clerical Supervisor, did the lion's share of planning. Many employees throughout the library system brought an abundance of culinary delights and proved once again that they know how to do it right.

We believe Carolyn knows we appreciate her personally and all she has done professionally contributing to the great success of the Jacksonville Public Library.

Southeast - Brief Encounters of Some Kind

On October 30, the day of the Halloween Costume Parade put on by the Children’s Department, a number of Southeast employees dressed for the occasion. Pictured from left to right are Barbara Hughes (Library Assistant), Ananth Subramanian, (CSII), Lauren Banks, (CSII), Carisia Rooney(Children’s Librarian), Melissa Snowden (CSII), Marela Cajic (CSII), and Alan Clark (Librarian). Pictured above are “out of control” robots caught eating mass quantities of candy to be given out to the participants of the Children’s Halloween parade.

Staff Profile

Ed Murray currently holds the title of Library Supervisor of South Mandarin Branch Library; however, he is a multi talented man, who has a cram packed experience relating to library management long before JPL days.

Q: What fostered your interest in library management?
A: I resisted librarianship when I first graduated college, and worked on Wall Street for several years with American Express. I considered law school, too, but found libraries to be a better fit. I worked at the Brooklyn Public Libraries while attending Pratt Institute and felt confident in that decision. Maybe I never had a chance; my mom was pregnant with me while she worked circulation desks at the Newark Public Library. At first, I never considered the profession to be a very macho pursuit, but I eventually caught librarianship like a disease.

Q: How long and in what areas of library management have you served?
A: I’ve been a librarian for 25 years, initially in New York and upstate. I was a 35-year-old Library Director of the Escanaba Public Library (MI.) There we passed a multiple-million dollar bond issue, built a new building, and automated the collection. I also did things like march in a parade dressed as Clifford the Big Red Dog and pumped free ice cream to kids from a rented truck. I’ve spent much of my career as the Executive Director of the Public Library of New London (CT.) Before coming to Jacksonville, I was Executive Director of Libraries Online, Inc., a 22-member multi-type consortium providing wide area networks, ILS, and Internet services to a region running along the Long Island Sound coast and up the Connecticut River.

Q: What is special about South Mandarin Branch?
A: Pound-for-pound South Mandarin is the Mighty Mouse of the regionals. (I tell the staff we’re like 10-pounds of mud packed into a 5-pound bag. ) South Mandarin was never architecturally designed to be a regional, yet we’re consistently the 4th or 5th busiest location in JPL on a month-to-month basis. We see this through the often filled parking lot, and the painted parking lot lines completely worn from the traffic. The people who work at SoM have much to do with this dynamic, working well with the public and enthusiastically celebrating success. (They know how to party.)

Q: What components do you think are necessary to keep customers coming back to the library?
A: For many of our customers, South Mandarin is another one of many retail outlets available to them on San Jose Blvd. Many of those folks look to us for the “latest and greatest”- particularly in DVD film releases. We hope to maintain those expectations. We continue to also focus on our customer service.

Q: Do you have leisure time interests that don’t include “library”?
A: Many. I’m a long time kung fu practitioner. (I’m admittedly

entering the tai chi part of my life!) For some years I’ve been a

passionate ballroom and Latin dancer (foxtrot, waltz, swing, salsa, tango, merengue, cha cha, bachata, hustle, tango.) I’ve also become a pretty fair trumpet player, and often arrange my own pieces. (I recently played at my niece’s wedding in Atlanta’s Catholic Cathedral, it took a lot of my air to compete with their amazing pipe organ.) Libraries and family keep me very busy, however, and keeping up with a schedule of appearances and rehearsals preclude me from playing in a regular band. Maybe in my post-library period.

Halloween Luncheon on BOB in SST

Debbie Moore of Support Services suggested to Cindy Chism a Halloween Luncheon might be a fun activity at the end of October. Cindy revved into high gear with decorations that transformed the BOB area into the “Bat Cave” or perhaps a somewhat scary haunted house for the month of October. Staff signed up to bring delectables such as Witch’s Fingers (breadsticks w/ almond “fingernails”), Hot Dog Mummies and more traditional lunch time goodies. And a new use for the BOB roller/conveyor was found—a lunch time smorgasbord on little wheels.

A number of staff went the whole nine yards and clown costumes, vampires, 60s fashionistas and a Victorian Lady Steam Punk (Cindy Chism, top pic) could be seen in SST on Friday October 29th. Other staff who didn’t dress for the occasion were only able to say, “Wait till next year!” If you had stopped by SST after all of the eating was done you could have found a few staff doing the Electric Slide to work off some calories. Pictures of the dancers were withheld to protect “the innocent”, but this reporter could perhaps be persuaded to reveal who was getting down and maybe even sharing a picture or two for the right payment—say a Halloween candy bar or two! (Middle pic: Gretchen Mitchell's back to camera and Jill Haile admiring the feast; bottom pic: L/R: Cynthia Byrd, Charlene Adkins, Vondera Brown and Debbie Moore. Sorry, AJ, your full face did not get through.)

Oktoberfest Is Really Happy Birthday at SOM

No birthday went unnoticed at South Mandarin Branch, October 28. when five staff birthdays were celebrated: Tylor Grady and Katherine McDaniel, Shelvers; and Aracelis Diaz, Melanee Terrell and Doreliz Montero, Library Clerks.

The beautiful cake is no more, thanks to other staff, who lifted a slice of cake, instead of a beer stein, at what was called their Oktoberfest. Pictured L/R: Front: Suzanne Waller, Library Assistant, Taylor Brandt, Shelver, Toni Rachel, Library Associate, Senior, Aracelis Diaz, Terrian Adams, Library Clerk, Melanee Terrell, Library Clerk, and Doreliz Montero, Library Clerk. Back: Charles Summey, retired Library Clerk, Larry Robinson, Shelver, Pat Dowdell, Library Assistant, Ed Murray, Library Supervisor, Betty Williams, Library Associate, Seniorr, and Karen Dwyer, Librarian.

UPK Makes "Unshelved" News

You might want to see how University Park Branch scored with "Unshelved" for a display they created:

http://www.unshelved.com/2010-10-10/The_Unshelved_Book_Club_at_Work?utm_source=Overdue+Media&utm_campaign=419bd6c372-UA-127250-5&utm_medium=email

Kudos from Customers

Beaches Branch: “…The commitment and professionalism displayed by the Facility Manager, Ms. (Sally) Doherty, in addition to…Tony Williams…suffice it to say ‘Professional at it’s Best’!”

Main – Admin: “…I went to a wonderful gathering at the St. John's Cathedral. I would personally like to thank the public library for sponsoring such an event. Special thanks go out to your Deputy Director Carolyn Williams. She gave an inspiring speech. …”

Main Library - Popular: “I wish to acknowledge Matthew Moyer (for)…listening closely to my concerns, making suggestions, or taking the time to research before giving a reply. It is so refreshing to find another City worker who takes pride in doing the job correctly and is willing to offer respect.”

Mandarin Branch: “My daughter CONTINUOUSLY requests that we go...where "Mr. David (Foster)" works. He is very kind & helpful!”

University Park Branch: “Great service! Gail (Midon) gives superior service. Josh Wise @ front counter is very professional, well spoken, and very helpful.”

Capacity Plan - October Report

Four public meetings held at Northwest, Mandarin, South Mandarin and Webb were attended by 100 library customers who offered their ideas for providing quality programs and services in a cost-effective way. Ideas ranged from increasing volunteers to improving communications to trimming costs. Customers who could not attend the meetings had an opportunity to share ideas online, and over 100 comments were received. Ideas, comments and priorities from the community will be considered by the consultants and incorporated into the Capacity Plan.

As a result of public interest in the capacity planning process, ILS has created a page for the Capacity Plan on JPL’s website. The purpose of the page is to post information and documents during the capacity planning process so staff and the public can keep abreast of developments.

The Capacity Plan is now linked from About the Library. It is listed in the yellow floatbox on the right as one of the options to click to learn more about the library.

http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/about.html
http://jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/capacity-plan-page.html

Please let us know what you think!

Who Likes Diced Fingers?

The Southeast Branch Fun Bunch has been at it again!

A riddle was recently sent to each branch through the delivery totes with the understanding that the first two branches to respond correctly would win a GRUESOME October prize.

The riddle was: Name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Answer: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow!

Congratulations to the first two branches that had the right answer: Brentwood and Highlands! They will receive their prizes, including diced fingers. Regency Square and Webb Wesconnett also deserve a drum roll; they both won honorable mention prizes. All the winners will receive their prizes through tote delivery soon.

Thanks to those who participated and look for more opportunities to win in the future.

In keeping with the Halloween season, pictured are (left to right)Blake Fowler, CSII; Crystal Kadkhodaie, CSII; Deborah Wainwright, Circulation Supervisor; Mirela Cajic, CSII, and kneeling is Melissa Snowden, CSII, showing some of the gruesome prizes for the first place winners.

The Fun Bunch is a rotating group of Southeast staff members who add a little fun to our daily life at JPL.

Pirates Party at Webb Wesconnett

Brothers of the First Coast Pirate group garnered 72 people of all ages at Webb Wesconnett Branch recently and talked about pirates and displayed pirate items.

Staff decorated the room with pirate loot and the program included pirate games. Children were asked to come in pirate dress and everyone had fun being a pirate for the day--especially "Captain Hook".

Laurie Mills, Library Associate, is in the process of making a collage of children's programs to be hung on the wall so kids can see themselves when they participated in different programs.

Hispanic Heritage Day Celebrated at CW

Webb Wesconnett celebrated Hispanic Heritage Day, September 18. Jessica Serrano (in picture at left, far right), Library Associate, danced with the Venezuelan group.

Another dance group, Raices De Colombia, also performed in their colorful outfits, and the 69 people in attendance, as well as the dancers, had a great time.

Webb's Toddler Time Is Maxed Out Every Week

Programs for all ages are very populare with all of JPL customers. Laurie Mills holds Toddler Time every Wednesday at Webb Wesconnett Branch. They do exercises and then pre-K activities, such as finger painting fall trees.

High demand for this class resulted in preegisration being required. Now they can only take the first 16 toddlers and parents who arrive before 11:00 each Wednesday. This program is always full.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month & JPL Is SEEing RED

JPL and Verizon Wireless are partnering with Hubbard House and Victim Services Center to promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The Main Library is hosting an exhibit, SEE RED, and accompanied it with a display of books, DVDs, and information about domestic violence. Director Barbara Gubbin said, "Libraries play an important role in educating the public about critical issues facing our community." JPL's 21 libraries will serve as collection sites for used cell phones until October 29 in support of this effort. See Kathy Lussier's October 5 "JPL Main" email for full details. We can make a difference.

Staff Profile

Mitesh Sangani is the Conference Center Manager at the Main Library. He brings a rich experience to his position, as you can see. He recently was named Employee of the Third Quarter and was a winner of R&R's Enable Others to Act.

Q: You’ve been with JPL about four years. What professional background prepared you to be the Conference Center Manager?

A: I started working in the hospitality industry at the age of 16; my first job was cleaning rooms at my father’s Days Inn property in Newberry, South Carolina. I have also worked with the Holiday Inn and Cendant group of Hotels within the United States. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I moved back to London in 1993 and starting working at the Royal Lancaster Hotel and eventually ended up at the London Elizabeth Hotel as the Duty Manager. In Sydney, Australia I worked briefly at the Wentworth Hotel as a bartender until I returned to London and started working as a Business Development Manager for Crown Venue Catering (Crown Group). I earned a distinction with the Crown Group after helping the company win and retain their long term multi-million pound contracts at various professional soccer clubs (Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City, and Fulham). I also worked at some prestigious venues in London, such as Church House (Westminster Abbey), Gibson Hall, (left) and 2 Michelin Star restaurant Midsummer House in Cambridge. In 2003, I booked an event with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. I moved to the United States in 2004 and started working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida before joining JPL in 2006.

Q: What kinds of organizations or individuals use the Main Library Conference Center?

A: Various nonprofit groups such as the American Institute of Architects, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the United Way, and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce host annual events at the Main Library. We have a thriving wedding clientele with over 20 weddings per year for the last three years , in addition to our celebrity visitors such as Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Bush during her UNICEF book tour, renowned American pianist Roger Williams and celebrity chef Paula Deen.

Q: You manage the Conference Center with limited staff. How do you do that when there are one, two, or three events scheduled concurrently?

A: Managing the Conference Center is a very challenging position; we make it work with a dedicated and ambitious team effort. Will Daniels (far right) has over 15 years of hospitality experience in hotels, catering and banqueting. Chris James(extreme left, Mitesh Sangani & Frank Smith, who recently passed away) has been with the Main Library for over four years and has a great working knowledge of the building. Our part-time staff (past and present) blend in and work well without supervision. Currently, Sheldon Wright is our part-time helper but previously the position was held by Joe Napier (Main-Circulation) and Nathan Fuller (West Regional-Circulation). We also receive key logistical support from the Administration team led by Barrett King, Carolyn Williams, Ava Barrett and Luis Flores.

Q: What is the funniest or most unusual situation you have encountered with the myriad of people you have dealt with?

A: While working at the London Elizabeth Hotel, built originally from three town houses in 1850 and rumored to be haunted, I once found a naked guest roaming around the hotel just after midnight on Christmas Eve, who was staying in the Lord Greville Janner suite, named after a former member of parliament and current member of the House of Lords. The guest claimed to be going for a walk at nearby Hyde Park to feed the ducks!

Q: Do you have a favorite pastime, book, or author?

A: When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my son, Rohan (pictured above with Mitesh), enjoy going on weekend road trips with the family, and occasionally play golf. My favorite book is The Odessa File, by Frederick Forsyth.

Four JPL Staff Attend Nurturing Knowledge: Early Childhood Coaches' Institute

Chiquita Powell, Sara Mills, Laura Minnich and Susan Mankowski were invited to participate in the Nurturing Knowledge: Early Childhood Coaches' Institute, August 30 - September 2, 2010, here in Jacksonville. Presenters spoke on topics such as policy, assessment, importance of movement, and brain development. If you are interested in the exciting details, you can email Ali Johnson-Loftin at alij@coj.net and she will send you the entire PowerPoint coverage of their four-day learning experience.

A Day to Celebrate at South Mandarin Branch

September 23rd saw the Years of Service pinning of Librarian Betsy Hogan and Clerical Supervisor Linda Ehnert. Betsy was recognized for 20-years service, having worked at nearly every facility in JPL. Linda was recognized for 10-years service; she has served at Mandarin, Webb, and South Mandarin Branches. Deputy Director Carolyn Williams presented the awards and a reception followed

Those of us who could not be there want to join in the HIP HIP HOORAY and say thank you for your many contributions to JPL's success during your years at JPL.

Winners of Floating Q&A Contest

Mark Hohnadel, who works n the Floating Committee, reports that in the drawing held for the winners of the Floating Q&A Contest, Keli Likins, Teen Librarian Sr.,won first prize, a $25 Simon Gift Card. Richard Mott, JPL's Training Coordinator, won a USB port. A big thank you to JPL for providing these prizes and to Gretchen Mitchell and the Floating Collection Committee for promoting this contest while giving us the heads up about how Floating Collection will work.