Here We Are!

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry sent this pic of her weekly session, adding, "It was complete with 4^th quarter brainstorming and great pizza, June 18, 2019.  The North Region Leadership Team met at Mellow Mushroom--and we had a special guest, Richard Mott, Manager of Strategic Initiatives. Pictured front left (and proceeding left down the table) are Eric Soriano, Tyhedra Wilson, Scott Adams, Kathleen Krizek, Richard Mott, Marshelle Berry, Sara Radovic, Donna Carrol, and Sharon Kirkes."

North Region Staff At Farmers' Market

North Region Manager Marshelle Berry shared this photo of (L/R) GB Manager Sharon Kirkes, Vanessa Garnica, Marshelle, and Tyhedra Wilson, who visited the Farmers' Market here in Jacksonville, June 22, 2019, to do a JPL Outreach.  Great choice of venues--plenty of cover from the sun AND a popular site on Saturdays for those who work M-F and like fresh food.  They coupled their terrific smiles with plenty of library experience to do their usual bang-up job promoting JPL's many services.

Carol Bunker: Job Well Done!

YS Librarian III Mia Brack nominated SE YS Librarian II Carol Bunker (R) for a Job Well Done award recently.  SE Manager Rooney presented the award, June 17, 2019. 

Mia noted, "Carol, along with her team, did an excellent job in collection development and weeding.  She successfully delegated tasks and the team had youth series materials interfiled and the fiction section shifted in short order-- beating the deadline set by Collection Development.  Additionally, Carol planned to completely revitalize SE's biography section and projected weeding assignments for her staff, and had materials ordered quickly.  Carol also did an amazing job with SE's new Collection HQ procedures and after being trained, she explored the system further to understand how it works. Using her department's 55 page list, she developed an action plan, recruited her team members, and oversaw the completion of the list.  They finished their first Grubby List in less than a week!" 

WOW!

Moon Bunny Steals The Show

Maxville Library entertained kids with magician James Songster's Magic and Mayhem program, June 19, 2019.  Mr. Songster used several books of different cultures that spoke of a moon bunny and how people sought it.  He used a balloon as a dragon and slayed the dragon to bring the Moon Bunny to earth. The kids were exuberant to see Moon Bunny's "arrival" and the bunny seemed a bit surprised at the warm welcome.  (Thanks to Elise Fare, Library Associate Sr., for input.)

SE Adds Early Learning Panels

Southeast recently received new activity panels for their play and learn center.  Paul Krause, JPL's maintenance man, installed them, June 12, 2019.  Carol Bunker said, "We had a small peanut gallery watching our work zone barrier and as soon as the panels were installed, children were eager to come and play.  Each of the six panels moves and makes noise; they are designed to help fine tune childrens' motor skills up to five years of age.  The panels can be changed out as needed.  Now the entire area has been turned into our early literacy play area.

"Partially seen above the new panels is a mural created in 2007 by the late Nancy Floyd, a former JPL employee."

NW Honors Volunteer John McNeil

"Bradham and Brooks Northwest staff held a get together, June 6, 2019, to honor our longest running volunteer, John McNeil," reports Manager Donna Carroll.

"Last week John graduated high school with a full ride to EWC. While John has volunteered since he turned 16, most staff have known him much longer. We presented him with a gift and we all enjoyed sharing memories, a cake, and giving John good natured, honest advice on how to take the next steps into adulthood. We hope that as John goes off to college and eventually makes his way in the world that he remembers, if nothing else, that he is a member of our NW family."

All of us appreciate the volunteers who are critical to the efficiency with which we serve our JPL customers.

WHO Is The Guy In Green?

YS Librarian II Carol Bunker reports, "Southeast Branch held its Summer Learning opening party, June 4, 2019, hosting 145 people, babes to adults-- to 'space aliens' (L). We had a star sorter (R), a space balance walk, cosmic bowling, a scavenger hunt, a rocket and robot craft, constellations and moon snacks for everyone who attended; they had a whole lot of fun!"

 

 

 

 

Way To Go, Layda!

Illesha Massaline shares, "Here is a photo of Layda, our 'First Summer Reading Challenge Book Prize Winner' at University Park Library, June 7, 2019.  Layda brought in her bookmark and redeemed her tickets for 5 days of reading 15 minutes each day.  She selected the book, It's My Year Passbook, as her prize.

 

 

 

HI$5 Doing Well At UPK

UPK's YS Library Assistant, Kimberly Hamilton, daily reminds customers about Summer Learning and the special programs JPL offers during the summer.  Kim received a $50 donation, June 7, 2019, for UPK's Hi$5 drive. Illesha Massaline, who sent in this article, said, "This is the largest single donation we have received at UPK thus far.  Great job, Mrs. Kim!

"Our goal was $400 and UPK is currently at $550."

Author & Centenarian Share Bit Of History

Laura Minor, Librarian III in Special Collections at the Main Library, reports, "The Special Collections Department hosted author Lu Vickers for a fascinating talk about her book, Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs.  Her presentation, June 1, 2019, was well-received by the 24 customers who attended. We were fortunate to have Sollie Mitchell join us for the program. Mr. Mitchell (green jacket) is 100 years old, rich in years and experience.  His history includes a career as a Pullman Car Porter, WWII veteran, and a participant in the 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Mitchell visited Paradise Park in its heyday and shared his experiences with Ms. Vickers and the audience. He also shared these two photos with the library."

 

 

A closer look at Paradise Park signage:

Job Well Done: Margaret Esposito

"I presented Margaret Esposito with a Job Well Done Award at our Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library staff meeting, May 30, 2019" said Shawn Norton, Branch Manager.

 

"Margaret created reusable bookmark style signs to place in staff picks throughout the branch.  These selections have generated more customer interest than our usual endcap displays.  In fact, Margaret picked enough favorites to have an entire list to herself, 'Margaret's Favorite Non-Fiction' (click here:  https://jpl.overdrive.com/collection/1006927.)"

AR Is Hot On Hi $5 For Reading - Where Does Your Library Stand?

Guy Adkins has a well earned brag for AR staff, "At May 29, 2019, Regency Square Library has passed our $600 goal for 'Give a Hi $5 for Reading' with $624 and counting.  Individual donors' names are posted on the front of the counter adjacent to the 'thermometer ' branch goal sign."

Let us hear from you about contributions at your library for
                        Hi $5 for Reading!

Special Day For Special Graduate

Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Services Supervisor. shares her good news, "My daughter Kezia Weston's graduation day, May 23, 2019, was a special event for us.  Kezia is pictured here with her father, Kevin Weston, and me.

 "Kezia graduated from Bishop Snyder High School here in Jacksonville.  She will be working for the Mayor's Summer Youth Program and will be starting school at FSCJ in the fall."



Thanks for sharing, Tyhedra, and congratulations to Kezia from all of us. 

 

York Sees Need & Fills It

University Park Library offered a Work Readiness Workshop presented by CareerSource Northeast Florida, May 22,2019. Library Associate Lisa York said, "I organized the event after recognizing that some adults visiting our branch were working to complete resumes and job applications. After creating a resource display to assist with their job searches, I arranged for CareerSource NEFL to conduct a complimentary workshop--the first one held at UPK since 2016.  One of the subjects broached was the importance of being a good self manager, that is: control feelings at work, refrain from angry outbursts, exhibit a good attitude, don't give up, have a workplace mentor, continue to learn and improve, and show initiative and motivation. 

Seven job seekers (of whom six are shown here) considered the workshop to be invaluable.  We appreciate the excellent presentation by Shelly Ray and Dwaye Sweet of CareerSourceNEFL."



 

SOM Hosts Exceptional Student Art

Assistant JSO Chief Lakesha Burton and Lead Teacher Robert Graver proudly flank the signature art piece displayed at South Mandarin Library's art reception for the Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center, May 14, 2019.  The exhibit included about 30 pieces for customers to enjoy through most of the month.

Palm Ave partners, along with the Police Athletic League, and Assistant Chief Greg Burton, pictured below with two other guests, joined teachers and students for the kickoff.  (Thanks to Ann Fridl, SOM Manager, for the input.)

Friends of Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library Win Award

Above left is pictured long time advocate of the recently renamed Bill Brinton Murray Hill Branch Library and Secretary of this Friends group, Judy Klein.  She sent this picture of the “Outstanding Program” award given to President of the BBMH Friends Jay Stuckey (above) and her at FLA. Mrs. Klein said, "It was presented, May 15, 2019, at the opening program of the annual Florida Library Association conference in Orlando."

As CRM Manager Chris Boivin aptly put it in his nomination to FLA for the award, "The Friends, comprised of six board and more than 50 regular members, takes great pride in their small neighborhood library and works diligently to support programming, enhance the campus and landscaping, create awareness, and hold various fundraisers throughout the year. I have never seen a more dedicated team effort than what the Friends put forth for the 50th Anniversary Celebration." 

The blog article covering the 50th Anniversary Celebration, December 15, 2018, can be viewed by clicking on the MH Friends "label" below this article.

JPL staff appreciate Mrs. Klein and Mr. Stuckey for sharing their achievement with us.  It is an award well deserved and we congratulate you!

A Proud Day

Hongying Song, East Region YS Librarian III, shares a monumental achievement, "My daughter, Selina Wang, graduated May 17 as the 2019 valedictorian of the McDonough School of Business from Georgetown University. We are very proud of her and hope she will do well for herself and the world."

 

Congratulations to Selina and her parents from all of us. 

                  (To get a better view, click on the picture.)

West Branch Treats Mother's Day With Finesse

West Branch's Mother’s Day Photoshoot and Tea Party was celebrated with 55 customers attending, May 9, 2019.   Melodie Brunson said, "West has been doing this for three years so word has spread in the community. This year we made it even more special with a tea party to honor our Moms and Grandmothers.  They enjoyed a brief story time then participated in a photo shoot with lots of dress-up options like feathered boas, hats, gloves and cute headbands.  They took the photos (made with a Polaroid camera) home with them. Then we had the pleasure of serving them hot tea, apple juice, petit fours, and cheese and crackers.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!  (The child pictured with me is Vincent.)"


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(L) Eve Harm, Y Librarian, and Melodie Brunson, Y Associate Librarian. Jessica Carpenter, Library Clerk, and a much appreciated volunteer, Wes, helped make this a total success. 

 

 

Joe Gaskin: Job Well Done!

Congratulations to Joe Gaskin, YS Library Associate at Willowbranch Library.  May 15, 2019, Joe was presented a Job Well Done Award by Beth Friederich, YS Librarian III, (R) for his outstanding job of creating and recording all of the music for the Summer Learning Program.   WB Manager Margaret Morford (L) said, "We are so proud of Joe and his use of his many talents and accomplishments helping JPL be the great library it is."

712 Attend SOM's Comic Con

                                                                   The Ghostbusters cool car

"South Mandarin Library held their 2^nd Annual Comic Con and 712 people enjoyed the kickoff, May 11, 2019.  An author panel comprised of six local authors gave book talks, advice to aspiring authors, and had their books available for purchase.  Four local vendors shared their art, comic book store Mythical Mountain, 501^st Legion (Star Wars characters), and representatives from Universal Films shared promotional items for the upcoming movies, Godzilla and John Wick 3.

 

"Storytime with Mia Brack held kids' rapt attention at the top of each hour, 11 am till 3 pm, and crafts, such as making masks (shown below), were available in the Children’s and Teen areas.

 "The biggest hit of the event was the Ghostbusters of Middleburg.  They arrived in their cool car, ran a slime lab in the teen room, and brought their marshmallow man.

 

"The Comic Con ended with a costume parade through the library with superhero music blasting, candy stations throughout the branch--and the Ghostbusters driving off with their siren sounding as music to the children's ears as they waved goodbye," brags Christie Rogers.