WHAT'S IN A DOT?

September has a National Dot Day which celebrates The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. CW decided to celebrate “Dot Month,” and this interactive dot display created by Bobbie Knight was a success. Almost the entire board was filled with dots decorated by CW's young customers and many could be seen looking at the board to find the one they made. Noah Thomas also set up a book display featuring books about dots. The display was so popular, it was a challenge to keep it
filled.

Makerspace Marks Milestone One

Sara Radovic, Jax Makerspace Coordinator and her team have seen a lot of action during their first year.  Here Sara recalls the successes of the first year of this new adventure and gives us an update of what is to come.

"The Jax Makerspace marked its one-year anniversary in August.  The inaugural Makerspace program celebrated National Coloring Book Day, August 2, 2016, when 67 people attended our debut.  Flash forward a year and the Makerspace has had 408 programs attended by 7,202 people!

"Our vision is to be a place for making things, so the Jax Makerspace offers hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create.  Makerspace programs respond to the stated interests of our customers in one of these five areas (or “tracks”):  Arts & Crafts, Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Music, Tech, and Writing.  Some of the most popular examples include: Intro to sewing machines (Arts & Crafts); Bicycle maintenance 101 (DIY); Guitar lessons (Music); 3D printing basics (Tech); and Writing circles.

"Most of the Makerspace programs are taught by JPL staff, both from Main and other branches. There are so many staffers that have been a part of the launching team that we can’t name them all here, but you (and your supervisors!) know who you are, and we heartily thank you!  We’ve also partnered with many other organizations to offer programs, including Zen Cog, Women Writing for (a) Change, and World Affairs Council Jacksonville, just to name a few. 

 "Since October 2016, art exhibits featuring many talented local artists have been held in the Jax Makerspace Gallery.  With a focus on contemporary art and expressed in a variety of mediums such as painting, screen printing, textiles, and videography, the exhibits explore a unifying theme.  The artists pitch in with programs, too, such as giving talks and hands-on demonstrations in the Jax Makerspace, which provide insight into their process and craft.  Past exhibits included Kesha: A Black Female Experience of Identity and Race, Jovian Treasures, and Altered Objects.

"We also offer a variety of DIY craft kits, with themes such as loom knitting, origami, and

duct tape crafts.  These include all necessary supplies and instructions to make your own take-home creation!  We have STEAM building kits like LEGOs and Tinker Toys.  Who doesn’t like to build stuff with these? 

"Our newest addition is the equipment that we have made available for self-directed use.  You can now reserve guitars, ukuleles, a green screen, and sewing machines in the Makerspace!  Recording equipment will soon be available, followed shortly by photography and video equipment!" 

"We continue to test programs and equipment to understand customer interests while assessing our ability to meet those needs within the logistical considerations of the space.  We are using this input to design and construct a better Makerspace, designing activities that are responsive to our community’s needs in a space that people want to come back to, time and time again!  Come join us to explore, collaborate and create!"

Kudos From Customers

Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch:  I visited… Bradham & Brooks Branch on Edgewood. Thank you for hearing me Mrs. Sheila Brooks.

Mandarin Branch: I wish to praise Frances (Wickes) at the library on Kori Road for her tremendous assistance with finding a DVD on the Way of St. James. She was quite diligent and persevered for a long time to find it for me. It was a difficult search! She found "Discoveries Spain Pilgrimage Route" (914.6 Disc) which is very much appreciated. She also helped me find several other materials and explained the classes the library offers.

(Sorry, all Kudos where customers named individual employees have been used June-September 27, 2017.)

P.R. For Banned Books Week

 Keli Likins, SE Region Manager, is pictured with Stacey Goldring of the WJCT Book Club, September 26, 2017, after going on the First Coast Connect radio show to talk about Banned Books Week, September 24-30.

Main YS Hosts KIPP Voice Elementary for Tour & Storytime

On Monday, September 18, over 40 first graders from KIPP Voice Elementary came to Main Children’s for a tour.  Main YS Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli, said, "This was their first day back to school and the Children's department's first day back to work after Hurricane Irma.  Danny Menendez and Kelli Heath (above) led the tour and a story time.  The teacher, Shavonne Mostella, sent a nice email and on September 25, 2017, we received a huge envelope full of hand written thank you notes from the kids!" 

E-mail from Teacher:  

"I just wanted to say Thank You to your staff for providing such an awesome experience for our scholars yesterday.  Our scholars had so much fun and were really engaged in learning.  It was great to see their smiles on what could have been a tough transition back from all of our days off from school. Thank you for incorporating our unit of study, as well.   This made it even more meaningful for them.  

"Again, thank you so much. 

"Best, 

"Shavonne Mostella, Lead Teacher, 1st Grade | KIPP VOICE Elementary"

Help From FEMA After Irma

Anthony Baltiero, Main Children's Library Associate, wrote a note to Region Manager Sara Roberts, September 21, 2017, after he and his wife suffered loss from Hurricane Irma earlier in the month.   Sara and Anthony thought his input might be helpful to some of you, "I wanted to give you a quick update on our situation following Hurricane Irma since the last time that we spoke. First, I want to thank you for your offers of support and understanding following the storm. We got our power back Sunday, a full week after losing it. We are beginning to get things back in order and are preparing for our move next week. Second, I want to thank you and Jennifer for suggesting that we seek assistance through FEMA. I am so happy and relieved to let you know that we were deemed eligible to receive financial assistance to cover the funds that we lost from my wife, Tiffany, being out of work for over a week, and funds to help replace the food and perishable items that we lost! I truly didn’t know where we were going to be without this help. As such, I am encouraging everyone that needs assistance to at least apply with FEMA and see if they are eligible for anything. The help is there, but people need to know about it and know how to apply for it! Thank you, so much!"

Kids Ace Typing 101

UPK hosted 15 school aged kids and their parents for a Typing 101 class, September 20, 2017.  YS Librarian II Alexis Carter reports, "We utilized a computer typing game to learn about home keys and how to increase their touch typing literacy. Towards the end of the program, children were excited about how fast they could type compared to the beginning of the program! They were all too cute and asked me to take a picture."

Irma No Match For Everyday Heroes

Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent these pictures of some of our heroes assisting after Hurricane Irma, September 12, 2017.  Above are Library workers and several JSO recruits. In the two pictures below Tricia Larrabee and Tony Miller help keep the line moving for people picking up water and Richard Mott keeps things moving as he asks the driver to move forward for get a much needed case of water.

Super Readers/Super Heroes

The Maxville Bulletin Board--'Super Heroes Love Super Readers”--is the chosen theme of Super Heroes for September/ October. Libra-ry Associate Sr. Elise Fare says, "Our scavenger hunt is also a hunt for super heroes and the children’s department as well as the adult display 'Who is your Super Hero?' all feature the theme. Library Clerk Jimmy Morgan has also created 3-D super hero figurines in all of the graphic novel areas for display.

Raves For JPL

Direct quotes from customers, September 13 &14, 2017:

 1) Thank you so much for your clear communication throughout the storm. This last email made me smile because it offered the library as a resource to people affected by Irma. Thank you for taking care of our people.

2)  Thank you for keeping us informed about library hours and helpful information. ...

3)  You have done a wonderful job keeping us informed of your closing and openings. Thanks.

4)   Thank you to all of your staff for offering the library to the public for Air, Internet, DVD's and our kids' activities. So happy for a little more normalcy in my life. Appreciate all of you! 

5)  It's important that i take this opportunity to let all of the libraries and their staff how wonderful the library system is! And, the fact that you are welcoming people with hurricane outages to the library is so generous! You are truly and important part of the fabric of our community . Thank you all, all branches, for your service(s) on all of our behalf!

Two Big Hearts From CR&M Give Blood

The Big Red Bus welcomed CR&M Manager Chris Boivin and Coordinator 
Jenna Hassell  who donated blood, September 14, 2017, at the mobile in Hemming Park. Jenna said, "BloodOne had to suspend service during the hurricane which put them in major need to replenish the area’s blood supply.We were happy to help out."

NEXT?

FL State Librarian Amy Johnson Visits Main

Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop hosted a special visitor to the Main Library, September 6, 2017: State Librarian Amy Johnson. Ms. Giltrop and the Admin team first met with Ms. Johnson and afterwards Ms. Giltrop gave Ms. Johnson a tour of the largest public library in Florida. Here you see YS Librarian III Chiquita Powell (L) as she presented Ms. Johnson with a beautiful piece of art made by art class kids.

DU Clerk Cassy Volunteers At School Open House

Highlands Branch clerk Cassy Manning (L) accompanied DU Branch Manager Pat Morrison to an Open House at Pickett Elementary school Thursday evening, August 31, 2017.  Pat said, "Cassy volunteered to shadow staff to experience programs and outreach events such as an open house so that she will be prepared to assist when needed. She greeted students and parents with a welcoming smile and invited them to the library table with the offer of a library sticker.  Once there, she shared information and promoted student cards, free computer classes and other library services.  Kudos to Cassy for volunteering to engage in a new activity and for doing it so well."

Three cheers to you, Cassy and Pat, for making JPL look good!

State Rep. Assistant Learns About Storytime

"Ms. Jennifer Contreras, Legislative Assistant to State Representative Clay Yarborough, joined us at Pablo Creek Library for Storytime, August 29. 2017," PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas reports.

"Ms. Contreras obviously enjoyed being with the children (and parents) as the kids listened to stories about the color blue, ate blue snacks, painted and played with blue play dough. Never mind learning how to say blue in Spanish (azul) and sign language – the kids just thought they were shaking their sillies out and playing with bubbles.

"Ms. Contreras (left below) is also a teacher and is expecting a child of her own. She was very impressed with the Storytime led by Children’s

Librarian Tristan Denmark (R). She asked me several times, 'Do they do this at every library?!' She is looking forward to trying out our Storytime for Babies program which begins in October.

"Ms. Contreras said she will propose some dates that Representative Yarborough can attend one of our sessions in the future." 

Tammy Crotts' Retirement Lunch

One "subtle" way you can tell when someone has employees' "thumbs up":  food comes in by the drove for lunch honoring that staff person.  So it was for Tammy Crotts, August 29, 2017, when Main staff came together in a very crowded room to lunch with Tammy, share memories and wish her the very best.

Assistant to the Director of Public Services Julie McNeil praised Tammy for her service and loyalty to JPL these 24 years. Tammy told us of her plans to improve her own health, help care for her aging parents--and enjoy life every day.

You deserve the very best, Tammy, and we certainly appreciate all you have done for us.

Run, Tone Up, Get Discounts: LOOK GOOD!

Richard Mott is JPL's City Wellness Team rep (and our go-to for Go365) and he wants to share the link/list of upcoming runs scheduled for the rest of the year. Additionally, the owner of 1st Place Sports will extend a City discount to participating employees for all the runs they sponsor through the end of the year:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByxAAGMXbZKoSUFsZWx4aGFDcEU

Everything to gain and plenty of lbs. to lose.

State Rep. Tracie Davis At DU Story Time

State Representative Tracie Davis visited the Highlands Regional Branch Library, August 26, 2017. Children explored books and activities that were “all about me”. In addition to assisting Felecia Battle by reading stories, Representative Davis also helped the children make crowns with their ages and “favorite things” on them. Following story time, families enjoyed sharing mini-muffins and juice with Representative Davis.  (Thanks to DU's Michelle Petrin, YS Librarian III, for the input.)

GED Grads Celebrate

Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop (far right) and CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny were cheering the happy high school graduates at Main, August 23, 2017, and Katie proudly reports, "The first JPL GED Graduation ceremony was held and eleven of the 20 graduates walked across the stage and received a certificate of achievement from JPL. (The students already had their high school diploma from the State of Florida.)  Al Emerick, the keynote speaker, delivered a great message on 'their value' to the graduates. Ja’Markis Daniels, the student speaker and new EWC student, shared his story."  See more inspiring pictures:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofjax/albums/72157685460267490

400 At WST Eclipse Program

P/T YS Associate Melodie Brunson said, "It was eclipse madness at West Branch, August 19, 2017. A few folks in lawn chairs were in front of our library by 6 am. With about 400 showing up, Bill Figletti, our Teen Associate Librarian, led a great program on solar eclipses. Pinhole viewers were made as well as flip-books that showed the phases of a solar eclipse.  Free-hand eclipse art was created and at the end of the program, if you were among the lucky 100 that had tickets, you received eclipse glasses."

Terry Welch Wins $1000 Grant For JPL

Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop and JB Branch Manager Theresa Rooney were on hand, August 23, 2017, for a very special day for JB and Library Clerk Terry Welch.  For the last four years Terry has entered the Sisters in Crime (SinC) "We Love Libraries" contest. This year, thanks to Terry's persistence, JPL was randomly selected as the February 2017 winner and received a $1000 grant to purchase materials for our collection. Terry said, "Each item purchased with these funds will include a bookplate indicating the purchase was made possible by the SinC grant. Debbie East, President of the Florida Chapter of Sisters in Crime, presented the check to JB Branch Manager, Theresa Rooney. Forty four people--many of them aspiring writers--attended the grant presentation and author panel, including FOJPL President Margaret Smith, who was one of the founding members of the Florida SinC Chapter.

L/R: Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop; authors Susan Kiernan-Lewis and Nancy Quatrano;  JB Manager Theresa Rooney; Debbie East, President, Florida SinC; author Kathy Bain and Terry Welch (wearing the Nancy Drew vest she made.)

"Following the presentation there was an author panel about the craft of writing crime fiction. The SinC authors were Nancy Quatrano, Susan Kiernan-Lewis and Kathy Bain and the moderator was JPL Coordinator of Lifelong Learning & Community Outreach Lisa Buggs. Each of the authors also donated books, which will find a home in JPL’s upcoming Florida Authors Collection.

"Killer snacks were served and it was a fun filled evening. (The event was also live streamed on Facebook.) "

Library Clerk Terry Welch (L) and Teen Volunteer Ilyssa Ward in the photo that won the February 2017 SinC "We Love Libraries" contest.