Staff Trains Staff at UPK = Another Success

On Saturday, July 21, Library Assistant Josh Wise coordinated and conducted staff training for the ULC Part-time clerks at University Park Branch Library. Library Supervisor Marshelle Berry and Training Coordinator Sara Radovic served as training facilitators. Circulation Services Supervisor Ron Block was the guest speaker for the event.

Ms. Berry, who is Mr. Wise’s supervisor, states, “He graciously accepted this assignment and handled it extremely well. This once again proves that leaders can come from any level of the organization.

Ocean Comes Alive at Beaches Library

As part of their summer programming, the Friends of the Beaches Library donated a generous amount of money towards programming. For the fifth year running, the library is proud to host Eco-Ed Science. Eco-Ed conducts science experiments with a small group of children. Each program lasts about an hour and kids all get something to take home. The last workshop was themed for Ocean Exploration and caught the eye of none other than The Florida Times-Union's Shorelines extension staff. They came to watch as professional teacher Jolene Roszel helped kids create an "ocean" in a water bottle, learn the difference between salt and fresh waters, and even toss a beach ball to learn about just how much of Planet Earth is water! Interested in seeing JB make waves? Check out the link:

http://jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2012-07-14/story/ocean-comes-alive-library-program

Camping Out Condensed

Beaches Branch Library recently hosted a faux camp-out experience for those of us too intimidated to venture out of doors. On June 28, they decided to turn their auditorium into a wilderness and invited attendees to spend an hour doing camp activities. Kids painted pet rocks, some even created wild creations ranging from a purple monster to a gorgeous turtle. They then told scary stories around Miss Dianne's painstaking re-creation of a fire (tissue paper sculpted into roaring "flames"). They delighted in the telling, and you could tell from the giggles that it was less scary than silly. A sing-along is an old camp tradition, and this one was one for the ages as JB let kids have a hand in banging on some drums. And what camp-out would be complete without s'mores? In lieu of melting marshmallows, kids made the gooey concoctions with Marshmallow Fluff! Unfortunately, JB was not able to capture the event on film, but the memory of the day has lasted in kids' minds, as staff has already been asked, "When will we do this again?!"

It's A Dog's Life at the Beach

Beaches Branch is fortunate to have an involved and active community. Local resident Dot Mitchell volunteered to bring Sunshine into the library to listen to children read aloud. Sunshine is a trained therapy dog that lends her services to Patriot Service Dogs and local schools, in addition to being a dedicated library patron. Sunshine has developed quite a following at JB, with devotees returning week after week to tell this Golden Lab what they're reading. In fact, Sunshine's popularity has grown so much that they now give out bookmarks to readers as a makeshift autograph for her fans. And The Florida Times-Union photographers wanted to see this clever girl in action. Sunshine is highlighted on Take Your Dog to Work Day in this T-U photo gallery:

http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/category.asp?eventID=1491861&CategoryID=14346

CM Love & Library Board Vice Chair Skinner Visit Special Services Dept.

Jerry Reynolds, Manager of Special Services, gives this report on an important visit to his department, "Councilman Jim Love (pictured above), who represents District 14, and Library Board Vice Chair Erin Vance Skinner paid a visit to the Special Services Department at the Main Library, July 23.  I extended the invitation predicated on Director Barbara Gubbin’s request for all of us to involve more members of City government in what JPL’s services really entail.

"Councilman Love expressed genuine interest in our outreach to people with disabilities and inquired as to how we get the word out to potential constituents. This is a constant challenge and, of course, if people don’t know about us, we fail in a basic aspect of our mission. We followed through by comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities between Talking Books and Interlibrary Loan, and Councilman Love immediately saw the great value of both of these services. The whole experience, which took the better part of an hour, was highly rewarding. Vice Chair Skinner reinforced what she felt was the importance and value of the work that we do."

Star Reader Draws the Kids at CW

Webb Wesconnett Branch hosted the ever popular Ronald McDonald Program on July 11 when 135 kids enjoyed McD's clown reading for them and a majic show topped off  a fun time.

Kudos from Customers

MAIN LIBRARY: “Kenya Coleman (Children’s), Matthew Moyer (Pop/Fic), Eric Soriano (E-Library), and Chaka Onfroy (Circulation) are all excellent re: customer service and providing help. This library exceeds all expectations and consistently provides excellence.”

MAIN LIBRARY – Special Collections: “I could not have hoped for a better experience. I was a visitor who, over a period of half a year, spent about two months in the Special Collections area. The entire staff of professionals went out of their way to help me find what I needed, use the equipment and look for ways to make my work easier. One librarian in particular, David (Fuller), is a one-man public relations team who never stops working, helping and smiling. I hope you can find a way to acknowledge that. A second, whose name I do not recall (and will locate), was so helpful and has a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you for an unparalleled experience that will make me smile for the rest of my life.”

MAIN LIBRARY – Youth Services: “Susan Mankowski was excellent in the children's library. She went above and beyond.”

MANDARIN BRANCH: “I'm the media specialist at J. Allen Axson Montesori Elementary School, and I wanted to let you know how wonderful Cheryl Callavini is! She voluntarily came to a springtime Storytelling Event at my school and told stories to about 300 people. Her composure, stage presence and professionalism were superb! She was also very kind to do this. As a taxpayer in Duval County, I am thrilled to see such a high level of expertise and commitment in our public employees.”

WEBB WESCONNETT: “Mr. (John) Jessee, Library Worker, was very polite, helpful, and informative on resources and reference materials.”

CW Offers Zombie Program

Webb Wesconnett's Teen Zombie program, July 19, attracted 26 young people who wanted to scare and be scared.  Gator clowns painted their faces deathly white and the kids could dance to "Thriller" and play games such as "How to Survive a Zombie Attack".  Additionally, a Zomibe Backpack survival kit was available for extra protection--and remarkably everyone survived.

Before the fun began, the kids had to do a little research on zombies and plan how to get to a safe place before the zombies arrived.  Lots of zombie books were available to check out and plenty of candy to go around.

First Trip Out of Country? Be Sure To "Ask A Librarian"

Kareem Chambers (pictured beneath the huge robot and with Japanese flag below) now works in Talking Books.  But before he was transferred from Main's Popular & Fiction area, he shared his ten year dream to travel to Japan with a few employees in that department.  After saving for over a year, he made it to "the land the of the rising sun."  Kareem said, "I have always admired its culture, cinema, and beautiful landscape. What inspired me the most was its No. 1 export, Anime (Japanese animation). I feel that I owe accolates to my coworkers for my successful adventure because they gave such good travel advice.  Before I flew to Japan two weeks ago, I had not been on a plane or out of the country.

"Matthew Moyer helped me plan my itinerary. I also spoke with Matt about the things that I would need to carry and places that I should visit. Matt offered advice on how to get around the world’s largest city without spending all the money I had saved. I seemed to be ready to go until I realized that I needed to find a place to stay. Kema DeSagrada-Parker suggested I speak with Becky Jones, a former member of the JPL family who currently lives in Tokyo. They both helped me find an affordable place where I later met and made many friends.  Mitesh Sangani has traveled to many countries and he also had some valuable tips that only a seasoned traveler could share.

"I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun. Not only did I get the chance to go to Akihabara (Anime Town or Electric Town), I also climbed Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, which is still an active volcano.
 
"Each day I searched to find a new dish that I had never tried, such as curry.  I'm not discouraged that I did not get to do and see all the things I wanted to.  I am happy that I was blessed to meet and spend time with such wonderful people from all over the world."
 
It pays to "Ask A Librarian".

Summer Job Tutor Is A Success At EB

Ariana Silas (right), who came to the Brown Eastside Branch Library through the Mayor’s Summer Job Program, is shown tutoring Zaryuana Williams at EB. Ms. Silas is enrolling in Edward Waters College this fall and plans to make teaching her career.  EB's Library Associate Tony Williams reports, "This is Ms. Silas' second year at EB and she has been a strong asset to the branch during her time here."

2012 Battle of the Bands

Education Commissioner Dr. Donnie Horn welcomed teens and kicked off the 2012 Teen Annual Battle of the Bands, June 23; 380 teens attend and six bands performed.    

No Clowning About Cheering Less Fortunate

Pixie the Clown (aka Judy Ricket) performed a special program for 55 school age children and parents, July 3, who enjoyed listening to clown stories and learning how to make balloon animals.  Judy, as Pixie the Clown, shared her inspiring past that proves one can pursue his/her dreams, all the while brightening the lives of others:

"I always wanted to be a clown. When my husband and I moved to Costa Rica, we met a man whose professional clown name is Corn Cobb.  (He performed as a clown inNew Orleans before he came to Costa Rica.)  He gave us clown lessons and I became Pixie and my husband became Bobo. We met a woman by the name of Gail Nystrum, who was the head of the Humanitarian Foundation. We clowned for her with the Orphans of Costa Rica, the Street Children of Costa Rica, Mother Theresa’s Homeless shelter, the 4th of July celebration in the Costa Rica Ambassador’s home with 7000 Americans and many other projects. When we returned to the states four years later, we clowned for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Vets and many others in Palm Coast and Daytona.  In September 2004, my husband died and I continued to clown.  I moved to Jacksonville and I clowned in Southlake Nursing Home, Wyndam Lakes Independent Living and the Alzheimer’s facility with my granddaughter, Kaila Lariviere.  I have been at several schools, the San Marco Library and many other activities such as church, Hastings Juvenile Youth facility and any other voluntary organizations upon request. It is so much fun to clown and bring laughter and pleasure to people. As long as I can be Pixie the Clown, I will. I do not take money for clowning. It is my gift."

WST & MAX Invite You To Their Blog

A little of West Regional's Summer Reading programs, including Star Wars activities. were posted on your JPL Staff News blog, June 26.   Chris Cavan, Librarian Senior, welcomes you to explore more of their interesting stories about SRP programs and photos on WST's blog: http://jplwestkids.blogspot.com/.

Take a trip to Maxville Branch's blog at:
http://maxvillelibrary.blogspot.com.

CW Hosts Dance Competition for Pre-Teens & Teens

Webb Wesconnett Branch hosted a three day competition, June 26-28, concluding with Just dance: Dance off!  A total of sixty pre-teens and teens competed for best dancer.  Candy was the daily prize and the Dance Off! final winner  received an MP3 player.

CW Knows How To Get A BIG Summer Draw

Webb Wesconnett Branch had their pre-School Carnival June 21 with 130 in attendance.  Children could play with ducks in a pool and/or participate in spin art, a lollipop game, tattoos, snow cones, and a Little Debbie cake walk--some needed a little help making the "big" steps--and  Skippy  Jon Jones paid a visit. (Top two photos.)

Prior to that, CW held their Summer Opening Party, June 13, and 126 people dressed up as pirates and hunted for treasure.  Pirate hats, telescopes, tattoos, swords, and eye patches were readymade attire available for those who really wanted to get in gear for the search.  Great fun; great turnout.

Art In The Dark, was CW's June 8th pre-school/family program and 102 kids enjoyed glow in the dark Jell-O, punch, and cupcakes.  Glow-in-the-dark games, crafts, paints, chalk and bubbbles helped make this a big success.

They ARE Making A Difference

Ralph Beckford and Ebony Wright recently completed the “Teens Making a Difference” program. Both of them were selected to stay on with the library as Part-time Clerks at the University Park Branch Library.  Ralph just graduated from Terry Parker High School; he will be starting as a freshman at Florida State College this fall. Ralph made the cover of The Florida Times-Union this past May in a feature story about the “Teen’s Making a Difference” program.

Ebony will be a senior at Terry Parker High this upcoming school year; she worked this past spring at the Webb Wesconnett Branch as part of the program. Ebony has been taking Advanced Placement and Honors level classes in preparation for her college career. In her free time Ebony enjoys shopping, fashion, music and writing.

Tricia Larrabee, Library Clerical Services Supervisor, is proud of these exceptional young people and wanted to share UPK's positive experience with Ebony and Ralph.  Tricia said, "Both of these students have been welcome and valued additions to the UPK staff.  I hope this will inspire other supervisors to use the Teens program when looking for assistance."

Staff Profile

Lynne Baldwin now manages Southeast Branch Library.  During her 14 years with JPL, she has progressed in leadership, managed several other branches, and won the Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of FY2012.
Lynne balances good management skills with appreciation for each staff's talents and gives an armload of credit to others for any project before accepting any for herself.  The project for which she is most proud is the mural at Argyle Branch, pictured here, except for center section below, as you see it, left to right, at AYL.
Q: How long have you worked for JPL and what positions have you held at our different libraries?

A: I started at JPL as a Reference Librarian at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library in October 1998. I was the Talking Books Librarian briefly before promoting to Librarian Senior at Willowbranch. I have served as Senior Librarian at Westbrook, South Mandarin, and Argyle. I promoted to Library Supervisor in 2008 and became Branch Manager at Mandarin. I transferred to Southeast as Branch Manager in May 2011.

Q: What improvements did you implement in those branches?

A: The improvement of which I am most proud is the mural in the children’s department at Argyle. It took a year to make it happen but it was well worth the effort and it was a great community project. Most importantly, it was a team effort. It began with Chiquita Powell’s original idea for the mural, later working with Regions Bank on funding for the project, and of course, throughout the project getting support and guidance from Administrative Supervisor Laura Kline and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams; then final approval came from the Library Board of Trustees and the City.

Q: There are several positive changes you have made at Southeast Branch. Please tell us about them.

A: Again, it is all about team work. I am especially proud of the weeding project that has taken place during my tenure at the branch. It has been a true team effort from the shelvers to circulation staff to the reference staff. Great job by everyone! I have been very lucky to work with Anita Haller and Carisia Rooney, who have really opened up the space in the children’s department, introduced new programs and worked on updating the collection. I am very pleased with the teen area that now has a leaner, meaner collection, additional furniture, shelving and fun and inventive display pieces. I want to thank Facilities’ Robbie Tiedeman for the new furniture in the teen and children’s areas. Robbie also helped us reuse and move the old reference collection shelving to the preshelving area in the workroom. This made a world of difference to our employees. Last but certainly not least, everyone at Southeast is very excited about the new electronic classroom.

Q: What future improvements are planned for Southeast?

A: We have been working with SST and Facilities on changing one of our meeting rooms into an electronic classroom at Southeast. Gretchen Mitchell, Lisa Peterson, and Robbie Tiedeman have been so supportive about the project and have done all the work behind the scenes to make this project happen. We are waiting for an LCD projector and other equipment before we can open the classroom to the public for training. Another person that deserves a lot of credit is Reference Librarian Jeremy Hall. In advance of the opening of the electronic classroom at Southeast, Jeremy has been working on a new way of offering training for customers. Jeremy wants to use the continuing education model offered at University of North Florida and Florida State Community College where classes run on a 6-10 week basis. The continuing education classes at these schools are expensive at $100.00 per class. Jeremy’s idea is that the library could offer these same classes at no cost to customers. Jeremy is especially excited about offering a web design training class that he has developed for customers.

Q: Who is the most interesting person in history to you and why?

A: I would like to tweak the question – I have two people in history that I find fascinating for completely different reasons.

Number one is Theodore Roosevelt. He was like a Colossus that strode the world – a politician, historian, hunter, conservationist, naturalist, writer, reformer, soldier, husband and father, brother and son. He changed the world in which he lived and had a great time doing it. He had such a zest for life. He had a true respect for knowledge, for the sake of knowledge. (A little bit like a librarian, don’t you think?) For a real understanding of Theodore Roosevelt, I highly recommend David McCullough’s Mornings On Horseback. It is one of my favorite books.

The other famous person in history that I find fascinating is Carole Lombard, a film actress from Hollywood’s golden age. What woman would not want to be Carole Lombard? She was beautiful, smart, talented, sexy, funny, confident—and she could more than hold her own with any man. No wonder Clark Gable was head over heels in love with her. If you have never seen a Carole Lombard movie, I highly recommend My Man Godfrey, produced in 1936, costarring William Powell, or Made for Each Other, produced in 1939, costarring James
Stewart.

Innovator Award Winners Could Give You An Idea

Regency Square Manager Sally Doherty nominated Rita Vernon, Librarian, and Ann Fridl, Librarian Senior, (L/R below) for an Innovator Award, and their certificates and buttons were presented June 26, along with a celebratory cake.  Ann and Rita's idea to have Adult Summer Reading Program 5-Star Bookmarks is now a reality.  Staff and customers can place these bookmarks in books they have read and want to recommend to others.  A special display with the 5-Star Bookmarks in the books are available there.  Extra bookmarks are on the corner of the display and at the reference desk with a sign to attract new participants.

Need an idea?  Look at the Innovator Awards on the JPL Neighborhoods page and see employees' unique ideas other managers have recognized, appreciated, and implmented in their libraries.  You might find some of them will help your library do better with less, rev up a service that isn't doing as well as you'd like, or take you in a new direction.

Got an idea that could get you an Innovator Award?  Share it with your manager and you might be the next winner.

WST Customers Join Star Wars Invasion

Eve Harm reports that West Regional Branch had a galactic Star Wars Summer Reading Kickoff with 350 jedis and princesses in attendance. Author and artist James Hance (lower left) was invited to do a reading of Wookie the Chew, his book about Chrisolo Robin, Wookie the Chew, Droidlet and Owlbi Wan.  In addition to the reading, WST offered balloon art, photo ops with a Stormtrooper, Jawa, and crafts.  The stormtrooper wasn't the only Star Wars costume seen that day because WST also hosted a costume contest with 14 contestants.  There were Darth Vaders, Boba Fetts and Jedis populating planet WST.  Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places and they had a three way tie.  Prizes included a Chamblin gift card, Stars toys of all kinds and three prints donated by James Hance.  WST finished the afternoon with a game of "Save the Princess" that involved lots of balloon popping and Pin the Tail on the Tie-Fighter. 

SRP "Dream Big" Becomes Reality at NW

June 20, 2012, Karl Boecklen, “Mr Karl” of the Jacksonville Zoo, and his staff presented an exciting program on small animals of the night as part of the Summer Reading Program at Bradham Brooks Northwest.  The ever popular Zoo program garnered 81 children in attendance, plus adults.

In front of the class, Mr. Karl displayed several skeletons of animals with informatin about each one.  Additionally, live animals that always fascinate children were included, such as an armadillo, a member of the rodent family, a boa, and a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut so kids could touch it.