Robin West-Rodger: Job Well Done

San Marco Branch's Robin West-Rodgers was presented a Job Well Done Award, December 22, 2017, by Kevin Douglas.  Kevin  credits Robin with successfully assisting with various projects, programs and events using her strong customer service skills.  For example, Robin's November 17th Stories for Young Children program was recently featured as part of JPL's YS new employee orientation. 

It's A Very Merry Time At Mandarin Branch

Isabel Santiago, KR YS librarian, Carlos Santiago and Santa host the big get together.

Santa Claus visited Mandarin Branch, December 21, to the delight of 160 kids and caregivers. Everyone enjoyed holiday songs led by guitarist, Carlos Santiago. Attendees

were also treated to stories and face painting. The children gave their letters to Santa and had pictures made with him.  (Most would like to have been there to sing along and give our wish list to Santa, Isabel.) 

Look Out Vogue - Here We Come!

Main embarked on an ugly sweater contest, December 20, 2017.  We have not yet seen the winners; however, here are a couple of entrants: JPL Training Library Assistant Diane Alexander and the JPL Foundation Development Director Dr. Jamie Self were anything but ugly in their Brightest and Merriest Christmas vests.  They made our day and we're green as the Grench with envy.

The Way It Was

Thirty people enjoyed Mandarin Branch's program, Back in the Bronx, December 19, 2017.  The visual 90 minute tour included some 500 slides and a number of videos of the Bronx in the 1940s, '50s and '60s, presented by Steve Samfur (R walking towards camera), editor-in-chief of Back in THE BRONX magazine.

Kudos From Customers

Main – Genealogy:  I suppose I am a little slanted in their favor since I use their expertise so much but I vote for Genealogy/Special Collections for Department of the Decade, at least. (Genealogy: Laura Minor, Christa Snow, James Brasfield, Catherine Currier, and John Wilson.)

Main – Makerspace and SST – E-Services:  Regarding classes offered in the Jax Makerspace: I recently took a sewing class (Nancy Swain) and thought it was just fantastic. Regarding the E-service's certification program: I live in Springfield and was participating in the computer classes working on my certification. The certification process got me to check out different libraries because the class I needed wasn't offered at Main at a time I could attend. I was quite pleased that I had a chance to check out another library. Overall, the library is doing great work.

Mandarin Branch: Mrs. (Isabel) Santiago, Wanted to thank you for being at the Mandarin Library.  My great granddaughter needed a science experiment and you told us about the carnations.  Thought I would share one thing from the weekend when we got back from Winn-Dixie with the flowers. I told her to go ahead and get the water in vases.  Well Isabella got three Mason glasses instead of vases out and cut the stems and showed me the flowers floating on top of the water; oh boy! So back to the store for more flowers.  I will never forget.  May you and yours have a safe and happy new year.  Oh, Isabella got a 95 on her project.

Pablo Creek Branch: I am extremely satisfied with all the staff at Pablo Creek Library. However, I am especially pleased to have interacted with an employee of yours named, Jason Enoex. The guy was INCREDIBLE! He has gone out of his way numerous times to talk with me, show me to the right resources or help me with my searches. The guy is amazing. He always stops what he is doing, greets me with a smile and asks me how he can help today. He is personable, professional, knowledgeable,... the guy always seems to be at the library and always seems to be working hard. It is so nice to see such a positive and motivated individual! He has made some difficult work much easier by patiently explaining what I need to do and where I can find the information I am looking for. ...

West Branch:  I have visited the Chaffee Road Library every week for many years and have come to know the staff there very well. They are all very polite, eager to assist me with any requests, problems, and suggestions to make sure that my visits each week are memorable. Just wanted Human Relations to know that you have an awesome staff at the West Branch. (WST staff:  Sharon Kirkes, Eve Harm, John Jessee, Dana Curry, Julie Horton, Bill Figlietti, Shannon Buchanan, Latisha Woolbright, Jessica Carpenter, Melodie Brunson, Jessica Roling, Kelsey Groth, & Stephanie Brantly,)

Don't Say Cheese; Say Merry Christmas!

Seventy nine people attended AR's story time and Santa visit, December 19, 2017. After Santa read to the little children and heard their requests, he didn't forget the big kids at Regency Square Branch. Sabrina Whitfield shares these photos and wants you to know ALL of the kids enjoyed Santa's visit. Below are some of the staff in the holiday spirit. L/R are Sabrina, Lauren Lazar and Ann Ludke. 

 

Good Ideas For Gifts At KR

Mandarin Library's Manager Mark Hohnadel invites you to a treat for your eyes and a few of the exeptional paintings are pictured here.  Mark says, "Mandarin is proud to host a display of various local artists.  The display will be up for an undetermined period of time and the paintings can be purchased.  The exhibit has been organized by Ronald Episcopo of the Jacksonville Artists Guild.  Come on out!" 

Nikki Denton: Job Well Done!

Nikki Denton plays a critical role in Pablo Creek Branch's Turn It Up! monthly, one of a kind program as well as in other areas. Although she works only 25 hours a week, Stacey Van Hoy, who nominated Nikki for a Job Well Done Award, says, "She is second to none in innovation and teamwork and is a creative engine, sparking ideas and action. Nikki is not only our photographer for Turn It Up!, she has created spectacular slat wall backdrops, crafts and games for that and other programs.  Her shadow puppets for the African folktale Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock captivated staff and customers, bringing to life an old story.  She created a Harry Potter display, made dragon's eggs and a craft for children. For Build a Better World, she created a seed bomb craft, showing kids of all ages how to add beauty to the world by planting a seed bomb wherever you want flowers." Nikki received her Job Well Done Award, November 8, 2017.

UMMM-UMMM Good

"For the second year in a row, Mandarin Branch Library celebrated our “Holiday Tree Swap,” organized by Library Clerk Caitlin Ruvolo (pictured here.) During this activity, the staff enjoyed hot cocoa and sweet treats. Additionally, they took home boxes full of leftover goodies," said YS Librarian I Isabel Santiago-Moreno  

KR's Santiago Visits Crown Point Elementary

Mandarin Branch Library's YS Librarian I Isabel Santiago attended a Crown Point Elementary Literacy Event, December 18, 2017. During this special activity different persons from all areas of Jacksonville read a book to different classes from pre-K to 5^th grade. Here you see Ms. Santiago with Ms. Carol Turknett, Pre-K class teacher, after reading the book , The Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett.

Small Kids W/Big Hearts Delight Santa & Quench The Grinch

Santa Visits the Highlands Library:  Stories for Young Children, December 13, 2017, saw small children arrive dressed in their holiday best, mainly sparkly dresses and little dress shirts.  The program was presented by Library Assistant Felecia Battle, assisted by YS Associate Beverly Mason.  “Ms. Felecia”  shared the book, Bears Stay Up for Christmas, and led the families in song.  Next, the children practiced their colors by hanging paper ornaments on a mini Christmas tree.  Afterward, each of the children received a goodie bag filled with “reindeer noses” (chocolate covered raisins) and made reindeer hats while waiting for their turn to meet Santa.  It was a wonderful morning full of Christmas spirit!

Girls of Jacksonville Daisy Troop # 2324 created playful winter decorations for DU's Children’s department.

Highlands Display Highlights Kindness:  

The Grinch’s heart was 2 sizes too small. 

So kids and families at Highlands

Shared their acts of kindness

With good deeds to show love for all.

                                          Grinch display created by Lorna Reid

Deck The Halls With Loads of Cookies

South Mandarin Library had a cookie decorating program and a Santa visit, December 15, 2017. SOM's two elves, YS Librarian III Mia Brack and Part-time Library Associate Carissa Charest, helped at the cookie stations. Eighty children took part in decorating a cookie, face painting, and telling Santa what they want. Some of the requested items were a train track, a baby doll, and a real dinosaur, not a fake one.  (Thanks to  Library Associate Christie Rogers for the input & pic.) 

The More The Much Merrier

Northwest Branch's Vickie Leonard really went all out for Christmas 2017 decorating these trees in different splendor. Isn't this a great idea! 

Betty Person Retires After 40 Years

Pictured center is Library Assistant Betty Person who retired December 8, 2017, with 40 years of service.  Pictured are Margaret Morford (front) and Main POP Librarian III Kathleen Brunner stands behind Betty.  Margaret and Kathleen hosted a retirement lunch and others brought items for the get together honoring Betty the day of her retirement.  Many of her coworkers came to wish her the very best as she starts a new chapter in life. As usual Betty brought her fabulous smile for all of her well wishers.

Manager of the Grand Reading Room Margaret Morford said, "Betty Person began working at the library as a student in Circulation, promoted to part-time and then to full-time. Betty worked in most of the departments at Main and at Graham Branch.  Most recently, she has been a part of the Main Popular Department/Grand Reading Room staff for over a year, and we were glad to have her as a part of our Popular Department team."

Library Board Chair Ronnie King and Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop commended Betty's 40 years of service at the Board's December 14, 2017 meeting and presented her with a bouquet of red roses.

Secret Santa Is Coming To SE

A faux chimney never looked so good as this one at Southeast Library. Carol Bunker said, "We created  the fireplace so we could hang our stockings for Secret Santa this year. A few of my coworkers and I also came up with an adaptation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas':

"Twas the Week before Christmas, when all thru the workroom,

Not a patron was stirring, not even in the children’s room;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Secret Santa soon would be there;
The workers were working all snug in their desks,
While visions of vacations danced when they rest,
And Ms. Keli in her office, and Carisia in hers,
Had just settled down with all the brochures."

Thanks to Carol Bunker, SE YS Librarian II for the input.

JPL Wins Honorable Mention In Deck The Chair Contest

CR&M Manager Chris Boivin sent these pictures of the Deck the Chair contest held December 10, 2017, at Jax Beach in which JPL won Honorable Mention, along with four other entries, with its Harry Potter Chair.  At top is the Singing Palm Trees, which won Best of Show; at bottom L/R: Treehouse Chair (Gold Ribbon); Holiday Fishing Bear (Blue Ribbon); and Little Chapel School House (Red Ribbon).  Ballots were distributed to visitors of the JBDTC on two weekend nights and winners were chosen from more than 100 votes that were cast.

Learning & Having Fun At CW

Fight the Blight:

CW hosted a special presentation of Fight the Blight, December 6, 2017. After learning how they can help keep Jax clean, kids turned theory into practice as they took turns shooting trash into cans to win prizes. Everyone walked away a winner.

Marshmallow Igloos:

Bobbie Knight presented a STEM program at CW, December 7, 2017, about building Igloos. After a pretend snowball fight, the kids took turns reading about the construction of real igloos. Participants of all ages had a great time figuring out how to recreate the steps using marshmallows instead of snow. No two people built their igloo in the exact same way! Success never tasted so sweet.

Thanks to Beth Friederich for the input and pics.

Brightly Shining Art

Chanukah or Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) began at sundown December 12, 2017. This menorah in the children’s department at the Mandarin Library was created during children’s story time craft 
THOSE KIDS DO GREAT ART! (Thanks to KR Manager Mark Hohnadel for this pic.)

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Jews' Holy Temple.

Is There Tuna In Your Tree?

There’s a cat in our Christmas tree! Miss Kelli (Heath),pictured here, themed this year’s tree around the book “My Pet Human” written and illustrated by Yasmine Surovee. In honor of the pet theme, Miss Kelli decorated the tree in the Children’s Department with cat treats, tuna, and olives, of course.  (Thanks to Library Associate Alex Bishop for the blurb and pic.)

True Blue For The Red, White & Blue

Because of December 7, 1942, ushering in WWII, American flags will fly at half mast this December 7, 2017. Because of that, the Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War and all the other wars and skirmishes and all the blood spilled to afford red stripes in that awesome flag, here is what we honor and salute--a very small THANK YOU for all of those who paid the price for the United States of America: