Carisia Rooney Gets Good Sendoff From Main

Carisia Rooney’s promotion to SE Branch Manager fostered a farewell BLT and Cookie Dough Cake feast at Main Children’s department, August 1, 2017. Marci O'Dell said, "Now, we'll need to walk more or take the stairs. We all wish Carisia the best in her new role!" (Seated clockwise starting at bottom left are: Anna Covart, Denikka Wright, Raymond Johnson, Melloney Shepherd, Raelyn Wiirre, Alexandra Bishop, Hannah Genslinger and Carisia Rooney.)

MH Replays Nazi U-boat Attack Off Jax Beach & St. Augustine

Council Member Jim Love (left below) knows the value of a good program and attended Murray Hill Library's history presentation, July 19, 2017, about the 1942 Nazi U-boat attack off Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine.

Local historian Scott Grant (blue suit) addressed the 22 people there and showed a film strip that included footage of the actual submarine and it’s commander.

L/R: Presenter Scott Grant, Margaret Esposito, Camara Bragdon, Doug Fair, Cheyla Scantling, CM Jim Love & MH Manager Janet Ducat.

Both Scott Grant and CM Jim Love found a warm welcome from the audience and MH staff. 

60 Attend Tae Kwon Do At MH

Murray Hill Library hosted a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, July 29, 2017, as part of the Sister Cities programming. (The sister city is Changwon City, South Korea.) Douglas Fair reports, "A total of 60 people attended the event presented by the Murray Hill chapter of Yesha Ministries Tae Kwon Do School. Participants demonstrated forms, breaking, self-defense, sparring, and various martial arts weapons."

 

SOM Teen Volunteers & Staff Do Puppet Show

                        Anne McMullen as Elephant and Maya Nafea as Piggie.

SOM Teen Volunteers Colleen Mackin,  Anne McMullen, and Maya Nafea along with Library Associate Christie Rogers performed an Elephant and Piggie puppet show for children, August 1, 2017. Elephant and Piggie is a book series by Mo Willems. Christie said, "This was the teens' first time organizing and performing a puppet show and it was a success with 29 attendees enjoying four stories. Their favorites: There is a Bird on Your Head! and doing the Hokey Pokey with the characters."

Anne McMullen as Elephant, Colleen Mackin as Piggie, and Christie Rogers/Maya Nafea dancing the Hokey Pokey.

Buffalo Soldiers Historical Society At SOM

South Mandarin Branch Library hosted the President of the Buffalo Soldier Historical Society, Mr. Joe Tillmon, July 26, 2017, regaled visitors with information and stories regarding the history of the United States Buffalo Soldiers.  African Americans have served faithfully and honorably in every conflict America has entered into.  Much of the historical information provided by the presentation is not known by the general public and was well received by the 13 attendees.  Library Associate Senior Ralph Henderson said, "If you ever have an opportunity to hear Mr. Tillmon, or any other of the members of Buffalo Soldier Historical Society, you will certainly be enriched by the experience. 

Rep. Jason Fischer Addresses KR's Last SLP

L/R KR Manager Mark Hohnadel, a dad with child, THE cow, Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop, Rep. Jason Fischer and  Library Assistant David Foster with a group of kids and parents.

For Mandarin Branch's closing celebration of SLP, July 29, 2017, Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop welcomed an audience of 88 and introduced State Representative Jason Fischer, who spoke about the importance of reading. 

Later the children and caregivers enjoyed games, story time by David Foster and ice cream. Librarian I Isabel Santiago said, "Approximately 5,253 books were read during the summer program so we had good reason to celebrate."  (Thanks to Isabel for the photo above.)

NW Says Aloha To SLP

NW held its SLP closing party and art gala, July 24, 2017, where staff had various booths displaying the school age mini-series, Collaborative Art, and teen mini-series, Go Native, for the 45 attendees who enjoyed seeing the kids accomplishments over the summer. 

YS Librarian Andy Gallegos reports, "We celebrated our progress during SLP, had a short Storytime for the young ones and let them choose a simple craft to do as we waited for ice cream to arrive. The kids enjoyed interacting with their friends, making their own masterpieces and taking a photo at one of our summer visuals, such as Maui seen here."

KR Wins High Five Contest

Employees at Mandarin enjoyed a pizza party for winning the High Five Contest, July 28, 2016. CONGRATS TO (L/R): 

Margo Crafton

Jessica Bayne

Standing: Deborah Wainwright

Isabel Moreno

Standing: Keli Likins

Robert Moseley

Diane Lewis

Alison Pulley

David Foster

Patty Henderson

Caitlin Ruvolo

Shukti Banerjee and 

Mark Hohnadel

KR Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "Thanks to Sara Roberts, Chris Boivin, Amber Holley, Karen Walker, Diane Alexander and Donna Crowther, who came out to cover the desk so all the staff could enjoy the party. "

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT!

Sen. Aaron Bean Helps Close SLP At SOM

The Harry Potter themed End of Summer Learning Party at South Mandarin Branch was an opportune time to invite State Senator Aaron Bean to kick off the event and that he did, July 27, 2017. Sen. Bean enjoyed the event and hob knobbed with some VIP's--our customers. 

SE Region Manager Keli Likins said, "Senator Bean congratulated the crowd on their reading over the summer and spun the prize wheel as Mia Brack looked on."  (L/R: Keli Likins, Senator Bean, Stefa Witt and two children having fun.)

Jobs Well Done At West

Lynne Baldwin, Webb Region Manager, nominated Library Associate Bill Figlietti, Librarian I Carolyn Koehler, Training's Library Assistant Dinane Alexander and Library Clerk Latisha Willbright for a Job Well Done, and all were presented the award, July 20, 2017. Lynne said, “West Branch Library hosted a summer camp field trip, June 14, for 68 kids and five teachers from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Summer Camp. Expected at 10:30 am, they arrived at 9:20 and YS staff was not scheduled to arrive until 10:00. Latisha Woolbright and Diane Alexander arrived early at 9:00, along with me. I spoke with the teacher in charge and she realized she had made a mistake. We let the kids into the Children’s department and these JPL employees were amazing. Diane and Latisha quickly distributed coloring sheets and board games and assisted with finding books for the kids and teachers. They took turns covering the reference desk in children’s and managing crowd control. When Carolyn and Bill arrived, they were surprised to find 68 kids enjoying resources in children’s. Carolyn and Bill immediately came up with a plan and divided the kids into two groups – one for story time with Carolyn and the other group for a tour of the children’s department with Bill and then the groups switched off. Bill did a short presentation on library data bases and resources for the whole group before they were divided into two small groups. End result:  everyone had a great time. Carolyn and Bill interacted really well with the kids and the teachers. Latisha helped Carolyn in the meeting room with story time and Diane helped Bill with the tours.  The kids were out of the building and on the bus by 11:20 am.”  

SMOOTH TEAM WORK!

San Marco Branch Closes SLP

SS Branch Manager Lilia Simonton and her hard working staff wanted us to know their closing celebration of the 2017 Summer Learning Program, July 25, saw 55 happy faces reflecting the fun SLP has been all summer--and State Senator Audrey Gibson (back left) and Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop mirrored everyone's delight. Southeast Region Manager Keli Likins is not pictured but was present.)

Senator Gibson explained to the children what a senator does and how it impacts Jacksonville.  She handed out books and congratulated two of the children who read the most books over the summer. (Sen. Gibson is a native of Jacksonville, FL and graduated from Florida State University.)

Six Weeks Of Harry Potter At DU

 June 15, 2017 began a six week series of Harry Potter activities called Dumbledore’s Army for Highlands Branch teens. Beverly Mason said, "Each week concluded with participants completing their OWLs trivia. Week 1 activities included sorting the teens into the four Houses (Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw), making their own wands and discussing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stones. During Week 1, we split the teens into Houses. Each week they earned points for their House by playing games and answering trivia questions. We tallied the points at the end and gave prizes to each teen in the winning House.  Slytherin was our winner.  Each teen from Slytherin won a Harry Potter pencil and a Harry Potter book. Week 2 we included discussing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and creating a Dobby sock holder.

                              Week 2 - Two of the participants.

 Week 3 activities included discussing H.P. and the Prisoner of Azkaban, answering riddles, practicing spells with Confundo, Petrificus Totalus, Expecto Patronum (H.P. style of Rock Paper Scissors) and creating flying keys.  Week 4 Teens discussed H.P. and The Goblet of Fire, Quidditch Practice and they created Golden Snitches. 

                      Week 4 - Three of the teen attendees.

"Week 5  - We discussed Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, played H.P. style Would You Rather and created Cat Plates. 

                                                            Week 5 - Teen participants

"Week 6 - Teens discussed H.P. and the Half-Blood Prince and H.P. and the Deathly Hallows and created Deathly Hallows pendants. We also had a House Awards Ceremony. After the award ceremony, we all enjoyed a Harry Potter feast including Butterbeer Floats, licorice wands, pretzel broomsticks, cauldron cakes, lemon drops, and golden snitches." 

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch:  I have enjoyed this library from the time I moved back to Jax Beach as an adult in '89 (born here). I raised two children with this library’s help and resources.  I was a single parent for most of it and couldn’t afford Internet at home, which schools were asking for.  I now have my grandsons for most of the summer and throughout the year as well.  Having longer hours and more days would benefit them and me immensely.  I appreciate and respect the library and its role in the community.  Thank you for all these educational and fun filled years!  Staff:  Theresa Rooney, Andre Smith, Robbie Crabtree, Julie Rekow, Gail Blumberg, Mary Hatfield, Amer Pierce, Theresa Welch, Nicole Saville, Mary Wilson, Darlene Boda, Rachel Jones, Margaret Terrell, Cheryl Weatherford, and  August Ford.

Brentwood Branch: I enjoy this site and staff very much. I visit quite often and my experiences are delightful. Staff:  Kathleen Krizek, LaKendra Hicks, Milicia Thomas Aquilla Stewart, David Stevenson, & Okey Emejuru.

Highlands Branch:  Cassy (Manning) was wonderful! Many thanks.

Main Library – Grand Reading Room: Just moved back from Tennessee. Not very computer knowledgeable. Adrian (Johnson) helped me, made me feel comfortable and at ease. Two days ago I was here for the first time. A beautiful, slender black lady helped me. She also was very nice. And she stayed till I was comfortable and taught me a few new things about computers.

Pablo Creek Branch:  Chris (Tabur) in the children's section is very calm and helpful. He goes the extra mile to help out!

Mr. Baltiero Chairs Important PLA Committee

Main's YS Library Associate Anthony Baltiero was asked to Chair the PLA Continuing Education Advisory Group recently. Anthony said, "This is a one year appointment officially beginning July 1, 2017. Then I will serve the following year as a member of the committee. The purpose of this group is to advise PLA on the identification, development and evaluation of relevant, cost-effective, emerging face-to-face and online continuing education products and services. "

We all congratulate you, Anthony.

Upbeat!

Drumming for Everyone at SOM's SLP program, July 20, 2017, proved to be a good outlet for 35 energetic youngsters. Christie Rogers said, "SOM's performer, Alisha Ross, from Just Add Rhyth, did an amazing job! Attendees took the opportunity to experience a drum circle and really enjoyed it! Thanks to Angela Richman for the photos."

AYL's "Shelf Talkers"

You’ve heard about horse whisperers, well, Argyle has its very own shelf talkers. Terri Basemore and Shanay Johnson are highlighting each genre in the collection with unique shelf talkers.   Webb Region Manager Lynne Baldwin commented, "My favorite is Take Me to Your Reader shelf talker for Sci-Fi.  What a creative way to market the great collection at Argyle.  I'm looking forward to seeing what Terri and Shanay will do next."

It Went Swimmingly Well

P/T Associate Melodie Brunson has something to brag about, "We’ve been having a lot of fun with our Collaborative Art 6-week series as part of our Build a Better World Summer Learning Program at West Branch and we have seen some really good art produced by our young customers. As part of the series, one of our art projects was making a large mobile. With all of the water around Jacksonville, we decided to make an aquatic mobile. 

"Here are the proud artists with their finished work. Library Associate Bill Figletti helped hang the mobile in the Children’s area. And we had enough water creatures to make some small mobiles to hang under our 'porch' in Children’s.  It really WAS a collaborative effort!

"Three cheers to Bill and the young artists for the dee-lightful results!" 

  

Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Full!

Marcie O’Dell in Main's Children's department informs us, "Beside chewing of food, much 'chewing the fat' was included, July 11, 2017 at Main Children’s Welcome & Farewell Luncheon. Staff's time together proved once again that there are two things that make transitions easier and that’s loads of food and goodies!  

"Pictured from top right and clockwise around the table are: Raymond Johnson, Noah McGahagin, Anna Covart, Angelica Bencomo, Danny Menendez, Joanna Nigrelli, Anthony Beltiero and Melloney Shepherd. (Image by Hannah Genslinger.)  Best wishes to all concerned!"

What's SSLLI To Me?

Regency Square Branch Manager Greg Pierce wants to encourage JPL staff to attain a goal he reached recently.  Greg said, "I graduated, July 14, 2017, from the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute.  It is a life changing experience. Mixing with library staff from various types of libraries throughout Florida, you are exposed to a much larger library community.  The instructors lead you through an inspirational journey; you gain insight into yourself and others all along the way coaching and challenging your internal leader.  'The project' is a part of the experience--a way to put your knowledge to practical use. Learning the processes of project management, encouraged thinking 'out of the box', exposure to a much larger sense of community, networking and mentoring; all of these are true rewards." 

MAX Hosts Zoo For SLP

Summer Learning with the Zoo at Maxville Branch Library, July 17, 2017, afforded 60 kids and parents the opportunity to meet and greet zoo animals, including an armadillo and baby alligator. The program finished with a scavenger hunt throughout the branch. Big thanks to MAX's Jessica Serrano and Jimmy Morgan for facilitating the program.