Luis Terron Wins Spirit Award

Luis Terron won the Spirit of the ADA 2016 Jack Gilrup Award at the Spirit of the ADA event on October 30, 2016, at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The event was sponsored by the COJ Disabled Services Division and the Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida. Luis received the award from Mr. Kevin McDaniel who is the new manager of the COJ Disabled Services Division. Chris Eaton received it last year, so JPL has had two winners.

Kudos From Customers

Main Library – Circulation:  I love this branch...always have what i need...the worker that's always there is very nice…Corey (Scott) is his name......I thank him for his kindness.

Main – Popular:  All too often businesses are the recipients of letters of complaints and few letters of compliments. You deserve to hear about 2 of your wonderful employees Mia Clark and Ryan Fix. I had the pleasure of working with them this past Monday and Tuesday as they hung my photographic exhibit titled “The Beauty of Nature in Jacksonville”. They were so careful and precise with the loading, transporting and hanging of my 15 3X4 framed images on the 2nd and 3rd floors. They both deserve gold stars and recognition for their care and hard work

South Mandarin Branch:  I take my daughter every Tuesday to "Bilingual Stories for Young Children" and I would like to say thanks to the teacher Angela (Richman).  She does a really great job; my daughter is very happy to go. And thanks to the library for opening the doors for my daughter to learn and attend to this brilliant program.

San Marco Branch:  We LOVE coming to the San Marco library storytime. My son acts like Ms Emily (Gideon) all week long and loves to come. We have been coming since he was 3 months old and now I have a little daughter who loves it too. Emily keeps the programs fresh and lively. The songs and books are perfect.

Thankful Is Theme For Turn It Up At PCR

              Mandy Elliott (L) and Kim Bennett served as puppeteers.

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas brags, "Pablo Creek Library hosted a Gratitude-themed Turn it Up Thursday, November 17 with several simultaneous programs and community partners including Goodwill and Sweet by Holly. The event continues to draw interest; PCR was pleased to see 150 customers of all ages enjoying a variety of events.

"The afternoon began with puppet shows where the children learned about the Little Red Hen, as well as the Country Mouse and Town Mouse. The puppets reminded the children to be thankful for family, home, friends and food. Library Associate Mandy Elliott and Children’s Associate Kimberly Bennett entertained the children with their creative props and interpretation of the stories.

"Next up was an inspirational and interactive program from Tracy 'Dot Com' Collins with Goodwill Industries. She 'emceed' the event parading five adorable models down the length of the Fiction aisles and prompting customers to guess the total cost for the outfits. Tracy reported on the Goodwill Facebook page that all six outfits (including hers) cost a total of $81.32. The winner received a $25 gift card to Goodwill which goes a long way – and helps many individuals in need gain the help they need. Tracy is an ardent supporter of the library and wrote about Turn it Up in her weekly Times Union column about what there is to do in Jacksonville.

"Big stars of the evening included The Teen Advisory Board, which held an Open Mic Night in the middle of the library with 15 Teens from Douglas Anderson and other local drama groups participating. I reported that the Teens were poised and confident, reading excerpts from original works and dramatic monologues from known classics. It was one of the best examples of how Turn It Up benefits the community. The Teens were able to practice their skills, the customers were entertained, and the Teen Advisory Board showed leadership skills organizing and running the event.  I also reported that Teen Library Associate Mandy Elliott has worked very hard to launch the club and it is becoming a strong addition to Pablo Creek's programming offerings."

"There were crafts, Library Bowling, Giant Jenga, and free cupcakes from Sweet by Holly. Library Clerk Hunter Alley demonstrated the Transparent Language online database by showing customers they could say “Thank You” in hundreds of different languages. Customers decorated the large Turkey with Post-it-Notes expressing what they are grateful for. Library Associates Nikki Denton and Kimberly Bennett created the large bird which provided a colorful backdrop all week and helped build momentum and interest for the event.

"The staff at Pablo Creek is so critical to the success of the event. Jackie Spiritas reports that on that day staff hosted DCPS Field Trips, 3 Puppet Shows, and a Teen Open Mike Night all while keeping three departments running with regular library service. It is incredible the amount of energy and creativity they bring to their jobs every day."

Looking Great At 60!

Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin reports, "The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library celebrated their 60^th Anniversary, November 9, 2016, at the Main Library and at City Hall.  The evening started with a resolution from the City Council presented by CM and library supporter John Crescimbeni, 5th from left above at City Hall with the Friends and Director Gubbin (far right), followed by an Author Talk and book signing with local writer Mark Woods. Mr. Woods discussed his new book LASSOING THE SUN: A Year in America's National Parks.  A reception hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library rounded out the evening."  

JPL Leadership Award Winners Honored

The Library new Board Chair (right) and Director Gubbin congratulated winners of the JPL Leadership Awards at the Board's November 9, 2016 meeting. PCR  Manager Jackie Spiritas, center below, won the Challenge the Process Award and subsequently the Employee of the Quarter Award.  Jackie won her awards for her successful Turn It UP Thursday programs that bring together not only customers but also different organizations, businesses and other City departments. PCR started with about 40 in attendance and now about 200 attend this popular third Thursday monthly program.

Other winners who received JPL Leadership Awards were:

Challenge the Process: Charlene Ovshak, Katie Bark, and as mentioned, Jackie Spiritas.
Inspire a Shared Vision:  Lynne Baldwin, Greg Royce, James "Jay" Brasfield, and Ryan Fix.
Enable Others to Act: Justin Keiser.
Model the Way: Linda Eckerson.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US!

Friends Novembr Book Sale

Our Friends of JPL will hold their next sale, November 18, 19, and 20, 2016.  (And don't forget they are open every Tuesday and Thursday, 9-noon;  and on Saturday, 9-3.)

Membership is only $10/year and entitles you to 25% on every purchase.

Come out yourselves and promote the Friends Book Sale to your customers.  Their sales benefit the Jacksonville Public Library.

BOOK SALE:

Friday, November 18: 4-8 pm - FJPL members only - you can join at the door! - Buy 1 bag & get 2nd FREE

Saturday, November 19: 9-4:  $15/bag - Buy 2 bags; get 3rd FREE

Sunday, November 20: Noon - 5 pm - $15/bag - Buy 2 bags - get 3rd Free

The Friends of JPL are located in the warehouse adjacent to the University Park Branch Library, 3435 University Boulevard; phone 630-2304.

Egg Drop At PCR Is A Win For 20 "Scientists"

Pablo Creek holds a fun and educational STEAM program every other week starring Library Associate Kimberly Bennett. This week Kim created the Egg Drop experiment with 20 participants in attendance. The “scientists” in attendance explored the force of falling objects, including eggs. For this experiment, they had to think about how to create a parachute, where to put an egg, and how to cushion it to stay whole for the Egg Drop experiment. Only 3 eggs out of 10 survived the drops from a ladder. But everyone got a prize! This program is great fun and an adventure in science every week. 

What will they do next time? 

DU Region Manager Marshelle Berry Gets 30 Year Pin From Mayor

November 1, 2016 was a big day for Highlands Region Manager Marshelle Berry.  She received her 30 year pin and congratulatory letter from Mayor Lenny Curry personally, and of course, Assistant Director for Public Services Julie McNeil was there to honor her. Please click on the link below for a good view of the occasion:  https://flic.kr/p/NEDt8t

Marshelle had this to say about her years with JPL, "I started at JPL in 1986 as a Clerk, and then promoted to Library Assistant.  While still employed, I went back to school and obtained my BA Degree and then an MLIS degree.  I promoted to Youth Services Librarian at the Highlands Branch and then to Senior Librarian where I supervised the Brentwood Branch.  Next, I promoted to Library Supervisor and managed the Regency Square Branch. Later, I supervised the four urban core branches.  I was appointed to my current position as Region Manger in 2013.

Staff Profile - November 2016

Mandarin Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel is one who goes much more than the "extra mile" for customers, as you have read recently on this blog, should you not know him personally. Trying to get him to elaborate on his accomplishments at JPL was a task--he just isn't a self-promoter. 

Q:  You have been with JPL a long time; could you give us an overview of your professional progress?

A:  I started with JPL in 1999 at Northwest Library which is now known as the Bradham Brooks Library.  Since then I have had the great pleasure of working in many different locations where I have met some wonderful people.  My time at NW was short lived as I moved to the newly renovated Regency Library in the fall of 1999 where I first met Carolyn Williams (former deputy director) who was then AR's manager.  While at Regency I had the opportunity to take a test and was promoted to the position of what was called Librarian Senior at the time and I moved to the Beaches Library in 2001.  This was a great experience and I was even the acting manager for a while when Susan Shami, the manager, was out on maternity leave.  My next stop took me to Southeast Library where I stayed for several years.  This was fun because I was there before the branch was renovated and I was one of a few who remained there working while the branch was closed for expansion and renovations.  Shortly after this, I was transferred to Murray Hill as manager.  Next came Main where I worked in the Periodicals department under Julie McNeil, I also had the chance to work in the Popular Department as well.   I was then asked by Carolyn Williams (who was promoted to deputy director) to return to Southeast as manager, which was something I really enjoyed.  In 2015 I was relocated to Mandarin where I am currently the manager. 

Q:  As KR manager, what has been your greatest challenge?

A:  One of the biggest challenges for me now is keeping up with all the demands of being a manager.  You have to accept change and keep going; so I just take it one day at a time and give it 100%.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

A:  My great accomplishment is being able to work with so many great people while also helping people at the same time. I am very proud of the work I have done in my years working here.

Q:  What changes have been made at KR that have produced a positive effect for customers and/or staff?

A:  I have been able to make Mandarin Library a very nice, attractive, pleasant place for all to enjoy.

Q:  What is your favorite pastime?

A:  When I am not working I enjoy travelling to different places.  I especially enjoy art museums and historical sites.  One item on my bucket list is to visit every state at least once.  One highlight was visiting Wyoming this year.  I am well on my way but still have quite a few adventures to look forward to.

THANK YOU For Food Baskets For Thanksgiving

The Main Library: 4 baskets from Lynne Baldwin herself; Children's: a huge basket; Adim (4 baskets); Mandie McKenzie in the Conference Center (one basket); SST & UPK (4 baskets); JB (2 baskets); and a huge basket from CW were collected for the Daniel Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive.  Nicolle Burton and Diane Alexander pushed carts full over to the City's central collection site November 3rd and 4th.

Nicolle says, "THANK YOU ALL!" 

Stephanie Harley: Job Well Done!

Stephanie Harley, Main Clerical Supervisor, received a Job Well Done Award from Tammy Crotts, Novembr 3, 2016, and Alisha LeVasseur had the pleasure of photoing the occasion. 

Main Staff Really GETS Halloween

Michael Sullivan (green jacket, front left) had to show off some of Main's employees in their Halloween regalia.

Oh, What Fun Things Are Seen

Mandarin Branch Library celebrated the “Halloween Pumpkin Bash”, October 26, 2016. The children’s department entertained kids and parents from 2-4 p.m.  They enjoyed activities, including stories from the grandson of “Darth Vader” (David Foster), pumpkin painting, mask and pumpkin coloring contest, “pin the boo”, toss the bag to feed the pumpkin and light refreshments.  

KR closed with a costume parade led by the “grandson of Darth Vader”. The activity was a big success with a total attendance of 174.  (Thank you, Isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian I, for input and pic.)

What's In YOUR Thanksgiving Basket?

Mark Hohnadel and Diane Lewis are happy TO see the generous donations from Mandarin Branch staff, which they loaded in Keli Likins trunk to take to Nicolle Burton at Main for the JAX CARES Thanksgiving drive.  

If you can and want to donate, all donations are due to Nicolle by Friday, November 4, 2016, for needy families.  Nicolle says THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

Job Well Done: Emily Gideon & SS's 1st DCPS Visit

Children’s Associate Emily Gideon received her JPL Job Well Done Award, October 27, 2016 for the wonderful programs she puts on at San Marco.   Kevin Douglas, YS Librarian II, nominated Emily and his is the smiley face peeking out to the left.

Below is a picture of San Marco Branch's first DCPS visit, September 13, 2016, and the Hendricks Elementary Kindergarten students were intent on the presentation, as you see.

Gone Fishin'

Terry Welch at JB shares some good news, "October 27^th, JB participated in  the 11^th anniversary of Read For The Record.  Over 35 children listened as Nicole Saville read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich; they went “fishing” and created bear claws and a bear hat.  Nicole was assisted by special guest Rover who played along. A good time was had by all!

United Way Likes Staff And Staff Likes UW

There is a new United Way campaign soon to take off (don't worry, funds contributed by payroll deduction will not start until January 1, 2017.  

JPL itself has benefited from United Way this year (just talk to Susan Mankowski).  Now you can learn how much JPL staff think about UW when you view the article from yesterday’s  Financial News and Daily Record.  It is an article about Sarah Henderson, the daughter of Ralph Henderson, Library Associate at SOM, and Patricia Henderson, a shelver at KR.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=548605&searchtext=henderson

Thank you, KR Manager Mark Hohnadel, for the heads up.

Kudos From Customers

BEACHES BRANCH:  Gamble (Beardsley) thoroughly helped with setting up email and fixing my camera. Highly recommend this eservice.

HIGHLANDS BRANCH:  Dear Mrs. Morrison, I am writing this letter on behalf of Tyhedra Wilson to tell you how much I appreciated the help when I called the Library concerning a missing book. She was very willing to help and asked me all the right questions in order to help me. She went above and beyond to assist me and everything turned out fine. She was very kind and considerate toward me and my two grandchildren when I arranged to meet her at the Highlands Branch Library to personally tell her thank you and how much I appreciated her help. I think she should be commended on her professionalism concerning her outstanding work. May God bless you always.

SAN MARCO BRANCH: We love coming to your library! Everyone--especially Emily (Gideon)--in the children's section) is super helpful! She is always asking how she can help and she is super knowledgeable! I did want to let you know that there might be a need for additional computers in the children's section, especially in the afternoon when kids get out of school. Thanks again for giving my kids a fun library to go to!

SOUTHEAST BRANCH:  Ms. Lenora (Stuckey) was so welcoming when I asked for a new author: even went and got me the first book in the series, as I have a cane and was tired. What an angel!

SOUTH MANDARIN BRANCH:  Per BG’s email 9/27/16:  At the NEFLIN Annual Meeting, Victoria McGlone, FSCJ, shared with me a very positive experience she had at SOM when she was assisted by Ralph Henderson. I think it related to how to download to her device. Victoria is a librarian—now an administrator—so it's a special compliment. My thanks to Ralph and your staff team.

Here Comes The Bride!

NW YS Library Associate Anthony Baltiero shares his good news, "As you are all a part of my extended work family, I wanted to share my wonderful news! This past Sunday, October 23, 2016, my longtime partner, Tiffany Rose, and I were married. We had a small, private ceremony with family at Stockton Park in Ortega. 

"I want to thank you all for the kind comments, support, and positivitiy in my time here at JPL! You all are the best team that I have been a part of and I look forward to continued success as I progress through this wonderful new journey."

Congratulations to Anthony and Tiffany from all of us! 

Main In Full Swing For Halloween

A full week of Halloween - that’s what the Teen / Children’s Department at Main is aiming for!  Tuesday, staff donned cat ears and tails, which were enjoyed by the DCPS tour children and other customers. Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29, we’ll have a Library Halloween Scavenger Hunt, handing out candy and toys (starts at noon). Monday, October 31, JPL Main will participate in the downtown Trick or Treat on the Street from 11-2. Keep your eyes peeled for more holiday antics because we just can’t help ourselves!!! J Pictured clockwise from the top left are: Melloney, Kelli, Chris, Beth, Angelica, Marcie and Katie. (Thanks to Marcie O'Dell for the news and pic.)