Author Kristina McMorris Discusses Latest Book At Pablo Creek Library

Terry Welch works at Beaches Branch and is an author aficionado.  As such, Terry had the pleasure of meeting author Kristina McMorris, September 20, 2018.   Terry tells us, "Historical fiction writer Kristina McMorris included Pablo Creek Library on her national tour!  I had the pleasure of coordinating her appearance to promote her latest book Sold on a Monday. Kristina discussed her writing process and her inspiration for her novels. It began when her grandmother asked Kristina to help her publish a book of family recipes.  This led to the story about her grandparents, how they met and her grandmother asking, 'Would you like to see the letters he wrote me?'"  Her visit was delightful.

"The Flamingo Book Club at Beaches Library will be reading Sold on a Monday at our February 26th meeting.  Hopefully, Kristina will join us via Skype (fingers crossed)! Everyone is welcome to join us."

Reflections On Consolidation

Beaches Branch Manager Theresa Rooney introduced participants in a panel discussion on Jacksonville's Consolidation, September 26, 2018, at the Beaches Library.  Moderated by FSCJ Professor and author Tim Gilmore, the panel included Council Member Bill Gulliford, former CM Matt Carlucci, whose father Joe, was on the first Consolidated City Council; former CM's Walter Dickinson and Walter Williams, and former City Council Auditor Bob Johnson.  They  shared memories of events that led to Jacksonville's Consolidated Government 50 years ago, October 1, 1968.

A few of the primary conditions promulgating the formulation of the new city government can be gleaned here.  

The City in 1950 had a population of 204,000 and was going bankrupt with inadequate civic cooperation and much corruption.  

Earl Johnson, Sr., an NAACP attorney who met with Martin Luther King Jr. to plan civil rights demonstrations, favored Consolidation (although later had his doubts).  

Matt Carlucci was 12 years old when his father, Joe, asked his oldest son to make signs that read "Run the Rascals out of City Hall" and the younger brother, Matt, helped put the signs out just prior to the vote (almost 2-1 in favor).

The newly formed Consolidated City Council put in 60-70 hours a week to bring the City up to speed.  

Royce Lyles (former JEA Managing Director (1979-1995) put together the first Consolidated City government budget. 


Mayor Hans Tanzler (1967-1979) pictured here, was the first Mayor under Consolidation.  With new resources allowed by Consolidation, he started cleanup of the St. Johns River, implemented sewage treatment and other environmental regulations, and created what is now the Downtown Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Director Tim Rogers, several Council Members, and Board Trustee Sybil Ansbacher and others attending thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. 

Five Years Celebrated By Sandy Smith

UPK's Sandy Smith received a congratulatory letter from Director Tim Rogers for her five years of service to JPL, along with a five year service pin from Deputy Director Julie McNeil, September 26, 2018.  Region Manager Michael Sullivan, UPK Manager Tamera Branam, and all of us add our cheers, Sandy.

Here Come The Kids!

"A local school unexpectedly arrived at Brown Eastside Library,September 25, 2018, with 20 lively students--in addition to our local DCPS early release kids who were there to attend EB's Art and Stem activities. Christina Gasull led the kids through designing and making their own buttons with assistance from Cheyla Scantling and some of our regular kids. The rest of the branch staff pulled extra tables and chairs out of storage and the students played with Legos and board games once the room was at capacity, keeping boredom at bay… Way to adapt!" said Manager Shawn Norton, Branch Manager.

Banned Book Week At CW

Webb Wesconnett Library shares their display for Banned Books Week, September 23-29, 2018.  Library Assistant Jan Fernandez says, 'The logs are made from books, and each book has a "flame" inside telling the reason the book was previously banned. We have children's, teen, and adult books."

Some of the titles displayed are The Color Purple, Green Eggs and Ham, To Kill a Mocking Bird, and The Great Gatsby.

340 Enjoy Community Talent At PCR

Turn it Up Thursday program at Pablo Creek Library, September 20, 2018, was a rousing success with 340 customers enjoying the now quarterly two-hour event. Community groups such as the Ancient City Brass Band (left), Square Dancers Association, and Home Depot were on hand for the event, providing music appreciation, crafts for kids, and educational information.  A spoken word performance was enjoyed in the browsing area courtesy of Jax Youth Poetry Jam performer Kaitlyn Delgado (seen below.)  One young girl told Ms. Delgado she would start writing down her poetry now.

One middle school student from La Villa (pictured below and admired by Library Clerk Danielle Linnen) took out his violin and began performing for customers while waiting for his grandfather.

Ever popular, face painting was provided by Sister Cities Organiza- tion member Ruth Jernigan.  (Thanks to PCR Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas for input and pics.)  

Kudos From Customers

MAIN – Security, Fiction, & Circulation:  It was so welcoming to be greeted by two employees as I entered …I went up to the second floor to look at DVD's and was greeted by an employee at the desk. She made me aware of the new arrivals (all on waiting list) but was encouraging about the materials that were available.

I did find a few discs that I planned to check-out and was about to head for the elevator when a new employee came on duty and questioned me about finding what I needed. Both of those employees on the second floor were smiling and courteous and seemed interested in me being a customer at their library.

When I checked out I accidentally gave the employee my driver's license rather than my library card. When she checked out the material and handed my license back to me I realized what I had done. She so politely had found my information and told me that she was able to check out the material without my library card.

As I left the library, again, I was greeted at the security station. As I waited on my husband to join me to leave the building I noticed that same security person so professionally deal with a person who had been causing a disturbance. She very courteously "defused" what could have been a bad situation with the customer.

The last two visits have been so amazingly improved - perhaps because of our new director. The downtown library is just about my favorite place in Jacksonville and I am so proud to be able to be encouraging about improvements I have experienced. Finding such courteous and helpful "friends" at the library made me a happy customer.

Pablo Creek Branch:  Staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and professional.  Couldn't ask for better service.  Thanks very much.

South Mandarin Branch:  Adrian Johnson goes above and beyond in providing excellent customer service.

SST @ UPK:  I made an appointment for tech help at the University Park Branch but misunderstood my time.  The tech services librarian (Nicole Rivera) saw me anyway making a new appointment while I was at the library and then helped me solve my computer problem very effectively.  I was so pleased by the courtesy and help given.

University Park Branch:  I tried to renew but was not in the system. However, I am pleased to have an active card again. The staff was very friendly and helpful. It was wonderful seeing so many children and youth at the library! We must keep our libraries open!

BIG THANKS from Julie Rekow

Julie Rekow gives credit to bosses and colleagues for her being awarded as the NEFLIN Member of the Year, "The reason for the award, I believe, is because JPL has given me opportunities to push the envelope and develop programs and projects that I am passionate about. I want to give a special thank you to Tamera Branam, Theresa Rooney, Sara Roberts, Rebekah Mitchell, Hongying Song, and Michael Sullivan for giving me a green light when it would have been easier to say no and to Terry Welch and the gang at the Beaches Library for being partners, and Mandy Elliott who is always there when I need her. Having the support of Tim Rogers and Julie McNeil to keep on trying new things and do it better has been golden. This has been quite an honor to receive this recognition from NEFLIN."

Winners All!

Library Director Tim Rogers (above) was proud to accept the Golden Apple Award at NEFLIN's (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) annual meeting and awards ceremony, September 14, 2018.  The award represents the member with the most staff training hours taken during the year. 

Beaches Branch YS Librarian Julie Rekow (L) was named NEFLIN Member of the Year.  She was recognized for helping her library attract new customers with its annual Comic Con, which put the library in the spotlight, bringing in people who might not otherwise visit a library.  Begun in 2013, the attendance was over 2,000 in May 2018.  (Comic Con is so popular that two other libraries now have one.)  

Julie and Fletcher High School honors art students created a Harry Potter themed lifeguard chair for the Beaches annual Deck the Chairs holiday event/contest.  The chair won community recognition.  She developed the Harry Potter Yule Ball and a six week Harry Potter Boot Camp series, which tweens and teens attended by the hundreds. 

Founder and Chair of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, Sharon Coon won the NEFLIN Champion of the Year award.  It was noted she demonstrated exceptional support for JPL.  She helped organize and unite the JPL Friends Advocacy Group--comprised of nine groups--that successfully advocate for library funding.  (Sharon Coon was also honored with the Florida Library Association's Outstanding Citizen Award in May 2018.)

Highlands "Reboots" YS Program

“We successfully rebooted the Help Me Grow, Play, and Learn program, September 14, 2018, at DU . Caregivers learned new ways to bond with their children using stories, tickles, and cuddles. Babies and toddlers also explored some cool new toys during play time,” said Lorna Reid, YS Librarian II.

Four Part-Time Staff Thanked by Director Tim Rogers

Director Tim Rogers wanted to start years of service pinnings--with letters of gratitude from him--for part-time employees, as noted in his Tuesday Memo from Tim, September 18, 2018.  This will now be done for staff when they pass a five year threshold and each five years completed thereafter.

Pictured above with Director Rogers after they received their service pins and letters are (L/R): 

Shukti Banerjee, P/T Clerk – 7 years.

Patty Henderson, P/T Shelver – 5 years.

Tammy Hilbert, P/T Clerk – 18 years.

Frances Wickes, P/T Library Associate (not pictured) was presented with a pin and letter as well for her 12 years of service.

Staff honored their colleagues with a party and added their congrats -- as we all do.

Mr. Hedgehog Gets A Fall Outfit

“Our Young Children Read, Play, & Learn program at Highlands Regional Library, September 19, 2018, gives us an opportunity (these two beautiful children with their art) to share our joy in seeing kids having a great time learning about a new animal--the hedgehog!  Each child "outfitted" Mr. Hedgehog with autumn leaves instead of quills,” reports Lorna

Reid.

Friends of Brentwood Library Show Appreciation

Two Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL), Ms. Jeanette Ali (left) and Mr. Melvin Turnage (back left), attended the Library Board of Trustees meeting, September 13, 2018, to honor Trustee Mario Payne (back right), Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library President Margaret Smith (front right), and Library Director Tim Rogers (back center.) Each received a Certificate of Appreciation for the Friends of Brentwood Library 5th Annual Back to School Bash 2018 Storyteller, August 11. FOBL wanted to thank them for their participation and making a "difference in the community and understanding the value of education empowering future generations." 

FOBL's Back to School Bash sponsored 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for grades K-12 with an attendance of 885 at the event.

Tiny House Talk & Tour At KR

Fifty people came to Mandarin Branch, September 15, 2018 to find out about tiny houses, visit one, and hear first hand what it is like to build one in KR's Tiny House Talk and Tour.  

The program featured local historian Shorty Robbins (center pic), who built her 125 square foot house--7.5 ft. x 17.5 ft.--herself with the help of a few friends and her granddaughter (who put on the roof.)  She told the audience that recycled items were used wherever possible in building the house which cost her about $23,000.  It sleeps two in the loft and the piano seen on the left of the interior shot below can convert into a bed.
  
Visitors took turns touring the house because only five people could fit inside at a time.  

                             View of Tiny House interior from front room to kitchen in back. 
Ms. Robbins does talks and tours pulling her Tiny House usually with her own truck; it currently is being serviced so she uses a U-Haul It. She has been featured on the Today show and in Jacksonville Magazine.  (Thanks to Mark Hohnadel and Margo Crafton for input.  They are seen in the first pic above L/R with Ms.Robbins.) 

How Clever Is This!

Regency Square Branch is protecting customers from “dangerous books”.  Staff created a Banned Books Week display using items they personally brought in--a pet kennel, stuffed monkeys representing the classic adage “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,”--and some of AR's most challenged book titles.  It has garnered attention from library customers and promulgated such questions as, “Why is that book considered challenged or banned?” (Thanks to Cindy Mathieson, AR Library Associate.)

Terry Welch Welcomes Author To JB

Terry Welch, pictured here with Tim Dorsey, brags, "Sixty people attended a laugh filled evening with the Florida author,  September 12, 2018, when he paid a welcome visit to the Beaches Branch.  Tim spoke about his newest book, No Sunscreen for the Dead, due out January 2019.  When he told us that he just got word about the cover, we put it up for all to see.  Tim jumped right in and asked if anyone had any questions; then he answered them for 45 minutes (!) and signed books. (Rona from The Bookmark was the official bookseller).

"He also did a podcast for 'Completely Booked' which will be available, September 17, 2018." 

Job Well Done: Illesha Massaline

PCR Manager Jackie Spiritas (left) had the pleasure of giving Illesha Massaline a Job Well Done award, September 12, 2018, "for satisfying JPL's Strategic Plan in these areas: Be a positive influence on coworkers and/or customers; consistently exhibit behavior that supports JPL's Core Values; set a personal example of what is expected; and follow through on promises and commitments."

Additionally, Jackie said, "Library Clerk Illesha Massaline has a knack for Library Aware that sets her apart from other staff, though there are several trained to create fliers in the branch. Illesha creates quick bookmarks and promotional materials that support branch displays and system priorities. She does so using her own initiative – often without being asked. All of her clerical duties get done as well – she cannot be found sitting idly, but often is observed working on a Library Aware project in her off desk time. She can be relied on to meet a tight deadline with grace. She works with branch staff to complete the monthly calendar as well, though this is not her primary job assignment. Illesha sets the bar high for herself to assist, train and encourage branch staff and also cheerlead for the branch to succeed as a team. Illesha is an integral part of the PCR team, serving the customers and her coworkers with a smile. Illesha deserves a Job Well Done Award for helping promote library services, programs, and the collection through Library Aware and her own creative drive."

Two Honored For Service On JPL Board Of Trustees

Two Jacksonville Public Library Board members who are ending their terms on the board were honored for their service to JPL at the Board of Trustees meeting, September 13, 2018.  Above center is Trustee Gerald Reid.  The library dedicated a book of his choice, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, to be placed in the library's collection to honor his service.

Trustee Charlie Kleeman also will be leaving the Library Board and he chose the book, Little Princes: one man's promise to bring home the lost children of Nepal by Conor Grennan. The title will be placed in the library system in his honor.  Library Board Chair Ronnie King, right, and Director Tim Rogers, left, thanked both Trustees for their service.  Their presence will be missed.

Rep. Jason Fisher Visits KR

"State Representative Jason Fisher was the honored guest at  Mandarin Branch Library, August 30, 2018.  Rep. Fischer addressed the audience of 48 children and caregivers about the importance of libraries and encouraged their continued support.          
"As part of the program, Rep. Fischer read the book Ready, Set, Kindergarten! by Paula Ayer.  As you see, he had their full attention," reports YS Librarian Isabel Moreno-Santiago.  (Pictured above is Rep. Fisher and Mrs. Santiago and KR Manager Mark Hohnadel are with him in the other photo.), 

Customers Appreciate AR's Appreciation

Regency Square Branch held a Customer Appreciation Day, Septem-ber 10, 2018. After a long summer hosting a library filled with children and summer learning activities, AR staff wanted adult customers to know they had not been forgotten.  Customers were invited to chat with library staff while enjoying some refreshments and regular and new customers liked the idea.  One gentlemen had just moved to the neighborhood from Ohio.  Staff welcomed him and provided him with information about the library system and the neighborhood.  (A big thanks to Library Associate Cindy Mathieson, for the blurb and pics.)

What a wonderful thing to do!