Melonee Slocum Retiring After 23 Years

Melonee Slocum is well known to most JPL employees because of her wide range of service over 23 years. She worked in public service as a reference librarian, senior librarian and library supervisor, and as Manager of Murray Hill, Webb Wesconnett, and Northwest branch libraries. She also worked in Automated Systems (now ILS) as Circulation Systems Librarian and in Administrative Services as Administrative Librarian.

Over the past five years she has served as a member of the senior administrative team working as Executive Assistant to the Director and, most recently, as Manager for Strategic Initiatives. As a member of the administrative team, Mrs. Slocum was Project Manager for DESTINATION: next, the Strategic Plan, and the Capacity Plan. She chaired the Destination Leaders Team which works on strategic plan based service priorities, goals and objectives, and implemented the Balanced Scorecard. She worked closely with Barbara A. B. Gubbin and the Board of Library Trustees on policy, strategic communication, customer satisfaction, statistical trends and the budget.

Additionally, Mrs. Slocum served on various committees as a member of Beta Phi Mu International Library & Information Studies Honor Society, American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the Florida Library Association.

She has published in Library Journal, Florida Libraries, and most recently has contributed an article in a soon to be published book by Joe Matthews and Peter Hernon called Listening to the Customer.

Melonee and her husband, Phil, a retired JPL librarian, live on the Ribault River where they enjoy organic gardening, backyard birding, and thinking about fishing.

She has contributed so much to the library system that it is difficult to imagine JPL without her when she retires on April 8.

Melonee, all the happiness and contentment your heart and mind can hold are wished for you as you begin a new chapter of your rich book of life.

Northwest Library's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Come one, come all. Join the Bradham*Brooks Northwest's staff as we celebrate two decades of service to the Northside community with family programs and refreshments.

Door prize drawing for those who attend the event.

Pleases call the reference desk for more information. 904-765-5402.

We Can Do It!

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin sent this picture of (L/R) LaTanza Sutton, Library Assistant, Linda Smith, Library Associate, Carolyn Woods, Library Clerical Service Supervisor, and Don Carpenter, Library Associate, celebrating Women’s History Month.

Noah and One of the Animals (not from the Ark)

Noah Thomas, Library Clerk at Argyle Branch, is commended by Librarian Chiquita Powell for her presenting her first Toddler Time program. Noah graciously stepped in and took over Toddler Time with a week's notice. She had 15 participants and all of the parents and children enjoyed storytime. Noah is a prime example of exhibiting teamwork and she is appreciated for all she does in the Children’s Department.

Pet Meals on Wheels Display at CW Is Big Success

Laurie Mills at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library reports that CW has had the largest number of participants and the most people donating to Pet Meals on Wheels of anywhere in the city. CW employees attribute their success to this display with a demure puppy that gets more response than a bark or a bite.

Kudos from Customers

BEACHES BRANCH: “I ... had EXCELLENT customer service from Terry Welch. I needed to know how to be able to read library books on my e-reader. She didn't just hand the sheet of directions and walk away. She took the time to go over it with me and explain where I would find things on the website and the reader. She made me feel confident that when I got home I could do it. ...”

MAIN – CHILDREN’S: "I wish to thank Jaime Sanborn and JPL for participating in Windy Hill's Literacy Week Parent Night … (This) enabled Windy Hill parents to attend workshops with teachers to help them prepare their children to be successful in … FCAT. To allow parents uninterrupted time with teachers, Jaime graciously presented children's stories and activities to the Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade students. Her outstanding expertise and professional demeanor reflect well on Jaime and JPL. …”

MAIN – TEEN DEPT.: “Keli Likins was extremely helpful in educating me about your e-books program and the Nook reader. She also helped me access online databases (for Consumer Reports) that I didn't know was available. She is a GREAT library employee and resource for the City!”

MANDARIN BRANCH: “I took my granddaughter to the toddler story time …The program was terrific and the librarian, David Foster, who led the event, was wonderful. David was patient, had a delightful manner, recognized the regulars and made an effort to learn the names of the newcomers and had a variety of songs, games, stories and activities for the children. What a fabulous program and a fabulous group leader.”

UNIVERSITY PARK BRANCH: “…Joanna Tuskey … is a very nice and caring person to my two grandchildren. …When she returned my call, I told her thank you and that I would call the next day on Saturday because it was going to be my granddaughter's birthday …Well, the next morning, Joanna called me to ask if I was coming in … and I told her yes. She told me she had something for my granddaughter for her birthday. When Sydeny and I arrived at the library, I asked to speak with Joanna. She came out with a balloon with the Disney princess on it and a small birthday cake of Dora; Sydeny loves Dora. My granddaughter was so happy; and I greatly appreciated her thinking of my granddaughter in such a special way. … I also would like to mention how much I appreciated Mina Figuerrez … for her professionalism and kindness …”

History, Art, & The Ramonda Flea Market

Pablo Creek Branch Manager Carol Bailey said their library is currently hosting a fascinating art display through the end of March called “The Ramona Flea Market: A Cornucopia of Culture.” Artist Tomas Vercher, pictured left, created photo collages depicting the wide variety of cultures represented at the weekend event, which is the oldest flea market in Jacksonville.

Northwest Library is Ready for Spring

Spring into the Northwest Library and grab a "bloomin" good book.

Why Is This Election Called a "Unitary" Election"?

This is a crucial time in our city government, and shortly we will vote on a new Mayor, 14 City Council and 5 City Council At Large members, as well as Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Supervisor of Elections, who will take office, July 1, 2011. Hopefully, you have registered to vote and will pursue information you need to make wise choices.

All of the March “Unitary” candidate information can be found at this website: duvalelections.com; under “Candidates and Committees”, select “Filed Candidates”.

We have listed websites for all the Mayoral candidates below to whet your appetites to explore.

Mayoral candidates who have appeared on local forums recently:
Alvin Brown—http://www.alvinformayor.com/
Warren Lee—http://winwithwarren.com/default.aspx
Mike Hogan—http://hoganformayor.com/mike-hogan-home.php
Audrey Moran—http://www.imwithaudrey.com/
Rick Mullaney—http://mullaneyformayor.com/
Steven Irvine—http://savingjax.com/

Other mayoral candidates who are qualified:
Andy Bryan--andybryan@comcast.net
David Crosby--davidformayor@bellsouth.net
Christopher Hills--mailto:Hills--cmahills@yahoo.com
James Moser--moser_james@yahoo.com

Early voting is open until March 20, 2011; sites and hours can also be found at duvalelections.com. Voting day is Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 7 am – 7 pm. This election is called “Unitary”—not primary—because it involves only our Consolidated City government (no State or federal candidates). Everyone who is registered from any party can vote for his/her choice, whether he/she is a Democrat, Republican, or has no party affiliation (NPA).

If a candidate gets 50%+1 in the final voting tabulation on March 22, 2011, that person is the outright winner and does not have to go to the general election, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, but will be named the outright winner. Otherwise, the top two from each or the same party will go to the general election. You can vote for any party candidate, March 22, and in the general election, May 17, 2011.

Your vote IS important!

Children's Chapter for Years 3-8, March 19

Early literacy is a priority with JPL, the JPL Foundation, the Duval County Public Schools, which the Foundation partnered with for this year's Children's Chapter, and Target stores, this year's presentor.

Children's Chapter is one of the most popular segments of the JPL Foundation's annual literary event, Much Ado About Books. It will be held at the Main Library, Conference level, 9 am-1 pm, Saturday, March 19, 2011, and focuses on ages 3 - 8.

Sponsor dollars will support JPL's ongoing programs, and organizations interested in sponsoring this free event, can contact Diane Brunet-Garcia at dbrunet@brunetgarcia.com or (904)346-1977.

Guest authors feature Natonal Book Award Recipient, Kimberly Willis Holt, Piper Reed Navy Brat; Catherine Burkee, Me and Green; Jane Wood, Adventures on Amelia Island: A Pirate, A Princess, and Buried Treasure; Dr. Robet MeLosh, Swat; and Dr. Katie Monnin, Teaching Graphic Novels.

These authors, booths with crafts, educational activities and book readings at Children's Chapter promise an intriguing lineup for families.

JPL Has a History of:

The Friends of JPL are holding their Annual Spring Author Luncheon at noon, April 13, 2011. Jacksonville's own Dr. Wayne Wood will speak on "The History of the Jacksonville Public Library" at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Boulevard. Admission is $25 and you are requested to RSVP by April 11 to the BOOKtique, 630-2304, or email: sfutch@coj.net. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. Please mail checks to: BOOKtique, 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, or indicate you will pay at the door.

Good cuisine, beautiful venue, and those who have heard Dr. Wood's presentations know he is an interesting speaker and, for sure, he has a good subject to address. Hope to see you there!

Kids' Collages = Great Display at Mandarin

Children learned about the artist Romaire Bearden and created collages during the Tune In Tuesday program on February 1, presented by Shivon Rockward, Library Associate at Mandarin. Shivon also created a display using collages with information about the artist. As you see, Shivon has a good concept of color and balance, resulting in a display that drew a lot of attention.

Much Ado at Mandarin

Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin is obviously proud of JPL staff and submitted this upbeat report: You could say that Start Here.Go Anywhere is the way to describe Mandarin Library Associate Linda Smith (left). She started February with a bang and away she went. Along with Library Assistant Donna Peretzman from Main, she presented Overdrive and Beyond Training for the E Collection, she organized the AARP free tax assistance, served as the Early Voting liaison for the branch, scheduled the Tai Chi Gung classes (attendance of 134 for the month), set up the JEA Energy Workshop (40+ in attendance), moved the paperback spinner collection to the regular collection, assisted with creating the new Romance and African American Fiction Collections, worked circulation, answered reference questions right and left, checked out laptops, hosted a movie presentation in conjunction with the Deadly Medicine Exhibit, created not one but two displays (African American Month display at left) for the month and covered book drop on the Presidents Day Holiday. What a month and what an employee!

Teen Tech Week Coming Up

Teen Tech Week, which will be celebrated March 6 - 12, 2011, is a national initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association and is aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults that highlights nonprint resources at the library. The 2011 theme — Mix and Mash @ your library — focuses on encouraging teens to use library resources to express their creativity by developing their own unique online content and safely sharing it by using online collaborative tools. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, and videogames. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' nonprint resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. You can see Ali Johnson on Channel 47 promoting Teen Tech Week and JPL's plans for it at this web site:
http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/20896/2256248?title=action_news_top_videos&wpid=9614

Staff Profile

Tamara Crotts is a delightful person who has a depth that only comes through overcoming many obstacles as she has after a serious car accident that has taken years of effort to recover. As you can see, she is interested in helping others, and in so doing, she has been instrumental in improving JPL.

Q: How long have you been with JPL and where have you worked during your tenure?
A: I have worked as a part-time employee for 15 years. I took time off to get married, again when each of our two boys were born, and later when I was in a bad car accident. I worked at Highlands Branch Library for three years as a page at the circulation desk, supervised by Pat Douglas. I also worked some Saturdays and Sundays at that time. Then I worked for Tech Services for six years, supervised by Katie O’Shea, and now for almost five years, I have worked in the Interlibrary Loan Department with Carolyn Hampton and Betty Person, and our supervisor, Heather Campbell.

Q: Your decision to pursue improving communication between part-time staff, getting recognition for their contributions, and creating an avenue for sharing ideas and questions pertaining to their work was an ambitious goal. How did you achieve all that?
A: I took two classes with Mr. Mott and between him and Mrs. Campbell, the drive to develop part-time employees’ ideas began, for which I am grateful. When I took the Destination Leadership class the first time, it was not successful. However, after taking the second part, I was able to describe what I wanted to do and that has resulted in improved communications between part-time employees with their supervisors and their ideas have been brought out in the open. To get part-timers’ input, I sent out a survey about what they considered communications to be and asked them to express their ideas. I received about 160 replies back from the 200 surveys sent out, which to me was a statement of interest in and of itself. First, I separated the surveys—ones that expressed ideas from ones that did not wish to participate. Then I sent the ones with ideas we could use to all the part-time supervisors—not just one to each branch. Deborah Moore, Stanley McIntyre, and Shirley Blevins, for instance, have been with JPL 15+ years and could speak from good experience. Now I am challenging the process to see which part-time employees’ ideas and suggested changes have been implemented by the supervisors.

Q: What are the results of your efforts on behalf of part-time personnel?
A: I have found that part-time employees now have better communication with their supervisors. Most part-time employees have great ideas and most are pretty content with their jobs.

Q: What do you find most interesting about your work?
A: In Interlibrary Loan, I pack the books to return to their sources. I enjoy seeing the many different titles we receive from libraries and cities throughout the U. S. and particularly Canada. It’s neat to hold a book that has traveled from thousands of miles away, see how other libraries treat their books, the different book labels, and even their varied address labels provided for return of materials. It is intriguing to see what people read and even though I haven’t met them, I get a mental image of the readers when I see the types of books they request.

Q: What is something that most people do not know about you?
A: I am a talker. I have two boys; Elijah is 19 and John is 18. I still like sitting on the floor, and, yes, I can still get up. I am going to school part-time to get my A.S. degree in Education. I have four classes left and I will graduate from Florida State College at Jacksonville. I have a cat that is a year old, twin cats that are four, and an eleven year old wire hair mix. Five generations of my family include Methodist ministers and my sister is a minister in Homestead, Florida. My Mom and Dad are retired and live here in Jacksonville. I am proud of my work in ILL, my church work, and my family.

Kudos from Customers

Argyle Branch: “Over the years I have received wonderful service from the librarians but I want to especially mention Elyse (Fare) because she always goes above board to help and offer information above and beyond. We have discovered fantastic books due to her recommendations.”

Highlands Branch: “Beverly Mason helped us out with my son’s project. She helped find the books we needed and with operating the Internet.”

Webb Wesconnett Branch: “I left my wallet at the Webb Library. One of the outstanding staff members (Patricia Turner) had already left a message on my answering machine by the time I got home letting me know it was safe. Thank you so much!”

Mandarin and South Mandarin Branches: “The children's librarians at the Mandarin and South Mandarin libraries are excellent- most especially I have dealt with Margo Crafton and David (Foster).”

Staff Profile

Sara Gunter, Administrative Aide, has spent 20 of her 22 years with the City working for JPL-- about 11 years in Administration and prior to that in Customer Relations where she worked with her supervisor and the Director to build JPL Foundation’s Night of Literary Feasts (now Much Ado About Books), and later to get support for a new Main Library, six new libraries, and existing libraries renovated under the Better Jacksonville Plan, etc. In her first two years with the City, she worked in Public Utilities, then was Executive Secretary to the City’s Finance Director. Very early in her career, she worked for a former first lady of Florida, Alma Warren.

1. Congratulations for winning a City of Jacksonville Rewards & Recognitions Goal Star award! Your Destination Leadership goals for FY10 included “enabling others to act” by developing a series of JPL Staff News that highlighted best practices throughout the system. What has Destination Leadership meant to you and how has it shaped your work?
A: Destination Leadership (DL) is JPL administration’s success guide for its library system. One of DL’s tools in FY2010 was a report called Service Measures that monitored—monthly and quarterly—JPL’s progress towards identified goals in customer service, resource management, and economic development. Melonee Slocum, Manager for Strategic Initiatives, assigned me the task of providing statistics for this report and several other monthly statistical reports drawn from Counting Opinions that show JPL’s progress towards DL’s FY goals. By keeping a regular pulse on JPL’s progress throughout the year, I am ever aware of where we are and where improvement is needed. I am continually amazed at the level of customer service provided by JPL staff to so many.

2. In addition to managing the JPL Staff News blog, what are your major responsibilities?
A: Customer service; any assignment Andi Hammond, my immediate supervisor, gives me, or any task designated by the Director or Deputy Director; taking minutes for Capacity Plan and Library Leadership meetings; keeping abreast of JPL’s service plans, goals, activities, etc.; and United Way campaign.

3. What is your approach to managing both internal and external customers?
A: A-1 on my priority list is customer service—internal and external—and everyone is my customer. Customers need to know you care and how you listen tells them whether you do or not. It’s my job to listen intently, to ask questions when needed, research when necessary, and to provide input within my purview that helps resolve problems in a courteous, expedient, succinct, accurate way. Sometimes that can be done in a phone call or visit from a customer, then, if needed, referral to the respective branch manager or administrative supervisor, a draft letter for the Director, a report for Ms. Hammond or Mrs. Slocum, or a question from JPL, Foundation, or Friends staff.

4. What kind of books do you enjoy reading and why?
A: I have 66 nonfiction books that are my favorites; they’re full of history, wisdom, moral guidance, mankind’s successes, failures, passions, wars, discipline and the lack thereof, love, hate, and hope.

5. What is something that most people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am a native Floridian, born on an island where on a still, starlit night you could not tell where the sky ended and the reflection of the stars began in the water. I enjoyed green turtle (while it was still legal to catch them), redfish, mullet, palmetto salad, roasted oysters on the beach, pulled peaches and plums from my grandparents’ trees in the summer, swam, picked blueberries, and enjoyed the world’s most glorious sunsets. (Sunrises were splendid, too, but I didn’t often get up that early.) Once I tried to walk across the chicken yard w/o stepping in it. What did I learn from that? Effective strategy is vital to avoid unnecessary messes.

Theresa Barmer Retires from JPL After 30 Years

Theresa DeGuzman Barmer retired from the Jacksonville Public Library and the Southeast Branch Library as Branch Manager on January 28. In her 30 years and 2 months with JPL, she worked at the Regency Square Branch with Mabel Carnahan, Webb Wesconnett Branch with Margaret Smith and then moved to the “old” Main Library where she worked in the Fine Arts Department with C. J. (Jeff) Driggers. Then she transferred to Cataloging, Automation, and Technical Services with Sylvia Cornell. Later, Theresa transferred to the Webb Wesconnett Branch and then finally settled at Southeast Branch.

A retirement gathering was organized and on January 25, everyone present expressed their best wishes to her, while enjoying cake and ice cream refreshments. Pictured (L/R) are Suzanne Neikirk, P/T Shelver; Anita Haller, Librarian; Theresa Barmer, Retiree; Shedriek Battle, Library Associate Senior; and Arnetta Girardeau, Librarian.

Theresa plans to read, watch movies, volunteer, and hang out with ex- JPL staffers Jane Ambler and Susan Newton and current JPL staffers to be named later.

500 Hours of Volunteer Work in Less Than Two Years!

Lorraine Wilson began volunteering at University Park Branch Library in June 2009. She works 10-15 hours a week Monday-Friday and assists with shelving, pulling the holds pickup list, helping with the reserves and also with weeding material. In addition to her assistance at UPK, she volunteers at the Arlington Community Services Food Bank and other places in the neighborhood.

Ms. Wilson received her 500 hour pin recently, and, of course, a celebration was held to honor her accomplishment. She is the first volunteer at University Park Branch to hit the 500 hour mark. Branch staff report that she is an incredible asset to UPK and to JPL. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Ms. Wilson, and we hope you keep voluntering.

Update on 2011 JPL Bookmark Contest

Kathy Tekin, Youth Services Coordinator, reports they have received lots of entries for the Bookmark Contest and the judges have selected the winning entries. Winners will be announced during National Library Week in April. Stay tuned for further updates.