3 Cheers & Drum Rolls For Dayita Banerjee

Shukti Banerjee, PT Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, is proud to announce, "My daughter, Dayita Banerjee, graduated July 20, 2020, from Stanton College Preparatory School with a GPA of 4.9675.  Stanton held their in-person graduation in their football stadium and social distancing was maintained and masks were a must.  Each student could bring two family members, and since the event was live-streamed, family and friends in Jacksonville, Dallas, Texas, and India could watch and share Dayita's great achievement in real time.  That was amazing.

 

"We later celebrated with a take-out lunch from Olive Garden, a red velvet graduation cake  (Dayita's favorite) and lots and lots of balloons.

 

"Now Dayita is headed to UF Honors and will be majoring in Microbiology and Cell Sciences."

 

Wanna Know About Fingerprinting?

Main Children’s Department Library Assistant, Kate Martin, created a display educating customers about the history of fingerprinting and the fingerprint process.  Kate has previous experience working in a field that required taking fingerprints and maintaining fingerprint records. This is a unique, interesting display and you are invited to come check it out in the Main's Children’s Department.  (Picture will be posted once the program is repaired.)  

 

Sea Creatures Entertain, Educate At Main

Main Children’s Librarian II, Joanna Nigrelli had an original idea that played out well in a display.  LASes Hannah Genslinger and Marcie O’Dell took her idea to reality. They put some lonely puppets to work and had fun creating a three-tiered ocean display and a game kids could play.  This is one of a variety of passive programming options set up around the department that allows children to learn and win a prize, which always makes them smile!

SE Encourages Wearing Masks

 

SE's Alison Halkovic, YS Librarian II, said, "Our staff added paper face masks to the characters in the children's department mural, following the example of the New York Public Library and their iconic lion sculptures. We hope the addition will help show our littlest customers that kids just like them are wearing masks all over the world to help keep their communities healthy and safe." 

Cause for Celebrations For San Marco Staff

Christie Rogers, SS YS Librarian I, and staff were ready to celebrate, June 12, 2020.  Christie said, "San Marco Branch staff caught up on birthdays and bade a sad farewell to Allegra Harris, who is going to work in the medical field at Shands.  Belated 'Happy Birthdays!' were extended to employees who celebrated their birthdays in April and May.

 

"Our celebrations were enjoyed with a Covid-19 appropriate staff party.  We dined on individual Chick-fil-a box lunches, Little Debbies, and sodas.  Pool noodles were used to keep appropriate distance.

 

"April birthdays included Library Clerk Tammy Mincey, Library Associate Robin West Rodgers, and Library Assistant Davi Harmon.

 

"May birthday celebrants were Part-time Clerk Selena Mann, Part-time Marilyn Maron, and Library Clerk Allegra Harris, whom we wished the very best in her new adventure."

 

Please Note:  Pictures would not align so all three employees would appear on this page so they are not used here.

 

Selena Mann: Job Well Done

Christie Rogers (R above), San Marco YS Librarian I, said, "Selena Mann was awarded the Job Well Done award before Covid-19 because a customer complimented her on how she took time to fix her family’s library cards so they can be active users again at JPL. The customer was grateful and this positive interaction will ensure she will continue to use the library and tell others about their positive customer service, which can lead to more active users. Selena, a P/T Clerk, always demonstrates positive customer service. Even now she is offering help to call customers about their holds."

JPL Starts Reopening

The Main Library resumed customer service inside the building, June 3, 2020. Nine other branch libraries began curbside service only the same day--Beaches, Graham, Highlands, Mandarin, Pablo Creek, Regency Square, Southeast, Webb Wesconnett, and West.

 

Deputy Director Julie McNeil said, "Presently, the Main Library is open to the public to come in, Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm.  Curbside service at the above branches is Monday-Thursday, 10 am - 7 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm.  No Jacksonville Public Library Sunday service is available right now.

 

"Argyle, South Mandarin, Willowbranch, and University Park branches will add curbside service later this week, although the date has not yet been determined. Brentwood Branch Library will begin curbside service, June 15, 2020."
 

Terry Welch, a library clerk at Beaches Branch, coined a new word when she reported Theresa Rooney Nicole Saville, Dylan Franke, Robbie Crabtree, Amber Pierce, and she are the original JB "curbies." Terry said, "At first, service was slow but has picked up steam. Customers are happy to see us and we are happy to be back and serving them again." 

Mr. Walter Snow Passes

Christa Snow, a Librarian I in Main's Special Collections department when she retired in December 2019, lost her husband, Walter, May 21, 2020. 

Christa is fondly remembered by her colleagues.  She was with JPL 17 years and is sorely missed.  All of us at JPL extend to Christa and her family our sincere condolences.

SOM Robotics Club Launches

                             Click on the pic to get a larger view.

isabel Moreno-Santiago, YS Librarian II, announced, "South Mandarin Branch Library inaugurated the SOM Robotics Club, March 7, 2020. This program is sponsored by the Friends of South Mandarin Library in partnership with Shiva Robotics Academy. During the program the instructors from the Academy showed a group of nine very enthusiastic teens and tweens how to build their own robots. In the group picture above (L/R) are Mia Brack, YS Librarian III, and one of the Shiva Robotics Academy instructors, the nine students, and another Academy instructor on the far right.  Below the students are engrossed in building their robotics and then some of their final results are shown.  They--and we--were proud of their accomplishments."

Perseverance pays off!

    
The Robotics Club will have two sessions and a final Expo on May 2, 2020, to showcase the students' projects to the public.  The first session, for 5th-7th graders, will be held for two Saturdays beginning March 7.  The second session, for 2nd-4th graders, will run for six Saturdays beginning April 4. 

Job Well Done: Carisia Rooney

Region Manager Keli Likins, said, "Carisia Rooney, SE Regional Library Manager, received a Job Well Done Award, February 21, 2020.  She was called to speak at the Library Board Governance meeting about an issue with Southeast’s parking lot where a developer wants to buy some of our parking spaces.  Carisia and her staff first conducted a study on parking space use.  Director Tim Rogers told me she did a great job speaking to the Board and gave honest, thoughtful, and useful feedback which could greatly affect customers who use the Southeast Library.  It was a job well done."

Art Imitates Life At Main

Main's Makerspace (till March 18, 2020) boasts the best of student art created by winners of the 2020 Northeast Florida Scholastic Gold Key Exhibition. It really is worth recommending the trip uptown to your customers--and yourself. Art is said to imitate life (and vice versa). This exhibit includes posters, watercolor, oil, sculpture, photography, etc., and the 240 unique pieces give insight to the minds and fantastic talents of youth.   

The first art work above limns climate change.  Come and see what the other perspectives are from gifted students' hands.

Thanks to James Green here at Main who shared some of the artwork with us and for his enthusiasm working with and promoting this exhibit.

87th Birthday Party For Ted Geisel

Dr. Seuss' birthday party at San Marco Library was taken fun-seriously by Library Associate Robin West Rodgers who read Green Eggs and Ham with the help of Thing 1 (YS Librarian I Christie Rogers) and Thing 2 (Library Clerk Allegra Harris). March 2, 2020, 38 participants first enjoyed themed crafts and games, then birthday cake and goldfish crackers dished out by The Cat in the Hat (Branch Manager Raelyn Wiirre). Thanks to Christie Rogers for cheering us with the news and pictures. 

Theodor "Ted" Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) found time to be a political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker--beside writing and illustrating 60+ Dr. Seuss books. Some quotes that make one think about the great value everyone's life can have:

 "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not." 

 "A person's a person, no matter how small."

And a favorite, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS!

 

Jax Book Best 2020

Wanna know how to succeed?  Ask someone who excels in the face of rejection.  Brad Meltzer (above) did just that.  He pursued his writing craft despite 24 rejections of his first novel and went on to author 12 New York Times best sellers--so far. As keynote speaker at Book Fest, February 29, 2020, he shared his purpose of writing in different genres with 100+ fans listening intently.  Mr. Meltzer said his children's books, such as I Am Amelia Earhart, I Am Albert Einstein, etc., are designed to give youth real heroes to follow and his other books are written to inspire readers.

Sponsored by the JPL Foundation, Book Fest was free to the public and, prior to that, JPLF hosted a Friday evening opportunity for paying guests to meet and greet Brad Meltzer.

The 10-3 Saturday event at Main drew approximately 3,000 people of all ages who found 80+ writers (mostly local) they could visit with and get autographed copies of books on almost any genre. 

Director Tim Rogers was pleased with every phase of Book Fest and thought it was managed well.  He especially liked Mr. Meltzer's approachable nature and his ability to relate to people of different ages and interests.  He also enjoyed talking to a first time local author, Bob Longo, and said he made a new friend.

Above is children's author Becky Cummings (Gobble, Gobble, Mr. Wobble, etc.) with some of her avid readers.
 . 
Teen writer Neil Shusterman (above) inspired young writers and encouraged them to persist in their dreams to write. 

L/R Eric Slater (Epic Fails-The Race to Space, etc.), and Michael Regina, who writes graphic novels, were obviously happy to meet their fans, make sales, and autograph books.

A huge round of applause to all who made this a smooth-running success: the JPL Foundation, the Book Fest committee: Director Tim Rogers, Amber Holley, Ray Albury, Marshelle Berry, Chris Boivin, Ashley Boyd, Meme Broadfoot, Lisa Buggs, Zoe Carr, Katie Devanny, Mandie McKenzie, Rebekah Mitchell, Chet Price, , Kristen Spencer, Amanda Toman--and those who volunteered to work that day.

Frozen II Big Hit At KR

Katie Kientz, KR Librarian I said, "Our youth department welcomed 75 children and their parents to a showing of the newly-released film, Frozen II, at KR’s Booktalk and Movie program, Saturday, February 29, 2020. Our neighborhood Domino’s donated pizza for the children to enjoy. As our branch manager said, 'It was a smashing success."

Quilts & Art At SE

SE Associate Rochelle Golomb, presented a program for school age children, February 27, 2020, entitled  ARTrageous: Creating Stories in Art! in celebration of African American History Month. Participants learned about the author and artist, Faith Ringgold’s talents and contributions, and explored self-expression, creativity, and innovation by making a story quilt in Ringgold’s style. Faith used the tradition of quilt making to tell stories of her life and those in her community. Children delighted in hearing about Tar Beach, Faith’s first book based on her quilt with that title. This beautiful and award winning picture book about the power of imagination won the Caldecott Honor Book and was a winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. Rochelle said, "Come visit SE and see the children’s art on display."

 

Look What A Good Idea Can Do!

WST Manager Kathleen Brunner reports, "We’re very proud of Jessica Carpenter's hard work  over the last year.  She  has made friends with authors and drawn customer interest with her displays.  Jessica has featured different writers in her 'Author of the Month' series, contacted many of her favorite authors and asked them to consider donating their books and other items she can spotlight on her display.  She has received bookmarks, magnets, hair-ties, signed copies of books and much more.  She has given some things away that were displayed or held raffles for free books.  Jessica's idea has been a huge success with customers--and consequently for West.  Well done, Jessica!

"Below is a copy of Diana Palmer’s own personal Facebook page, mentioning the wonderful display by Jessica."   (Click once on the picture to get a larger, better look at Jessica's display and what Ms. Palmer said about the display.)

PCR Basks In Customer Admiration

During the month of February, Pablo Creek children’s department asked their customers, “What do you love about your library?” Each customer was given a cardstock heart to write a personal message about PCR, resulting in 71 responses. Many of the hearts spoke about the variety of books in PCR's collection, the monthly children's scavenger hunt, and the play and learn area. Below are a few of the messages left on the “love wall”:
·         I love this library because it’s close to my home and it’s small and clean. It’s quiet and has activities for kids. It also has nice staff members. (Anonymous)
·         I love the library because of the nonfiction section. I have always wanted to learn about the world. (Sofia)
·         The library is a good place to spend family time and read. (Anonymous)
·         I love Storytime! (Anonymous)
·         I like this library because of the play area. (Daniel)

Pictured are David Humphries and Bridgette King at PCR's "love wall." 

 

Thanks to Jonathan Sandbach for the picture and article.

Great idea, PCR!

Lucinda Santino: Job Well Done

KR Branch Manager Mark Hohnadel presented Library Clerk Lucinda Santino with a Job Well Done Award, February 26, 2020, for her initiative to "go the extra mile." Mark awarded Lucinda because--in addition to her usual duties--she greets and talks with customers about library cards and services while they wait to have their taxes done. 

And who could resist such an inviting smile?

JPL Leadership Awards Made At Board Meeting

Director Tim Rogers and Library Board Chair Carlo Fassi had the pleasure of awarding JB's Terry Welch (in absentia) with an Inspiring A Shared Vision Leadership Award and Employee of the Quarter Award at the Board meeting, February 20, 2020.

Library Clerk Terry is often heard saying, "Fifteen years later and this is still my dream job!"  What promulgates that remark? She is an author aficionado who LOVES connecting authors with readers. Terry has coordinated author visits in person and via SKYPE at JB's monthly Flamingo Book Club for years and has set up programs with publishers such as Random House. 

Last November Terry coordinated the first "Beaches Reader Fest" with the help of the branch manager, Friends of JB, volunteers, and JPL staff.  Sixteen local authors set up tables in JB and gave readings from their books.  Cassandra King-Conroy (with whom Terry is pictured above), widow of author Pat Conroy, was the keynote speaker to an audience of 145 avid readers. Terry gave out "Reads Well with Others" totes, which included new books she received as donations. 

WHEW! And all of this Terry Welch accomplished in addition to her regular duties. 




Director Tim Rogers and BOLT Chair Carlo Fassi flank Main Library Assistant Paul Schaffner, who won the Modeling the Way Leadership Award.

Paul goes beyond what is expected in achieving goals set for the team in Main's Grand Reading Room. One specific goal is for the five members of the GRR staff to achieve 15 check-outs a week. Every week, Paul doubles, triples, or even quadruples that goal. In October, he finished with an astonishing 209 confirmed check-outs! In one week alone, he had an incredible 63 confirmed check-outs. Paul is not interested in just achieving high numbers; he masterfully promotes materials to customers while he gets all those check-outs. He truly makes a difference in people's lives. Customers even come in and ask for him by name. They appreciate the fact that Paul goes all over the building to grab books for them. His above-and-beyond performance has not gone unnoticed by anyone working at the Main Library. For this, he received the Modeling the Way Award. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND THREE CHEERS TO BOTH OF YOU.  We are proud to serve with you.

Lunar New Year At CW

"CW celebrated the Lunar New Year this February by 'touring' three Asian cultures: India, Japan, and China.  For each culture, participants engaged in themed adult art and craft activities, culminating with Chinese inspired painting. 

"Eight customers participated in the final program, February 24, 2020, and three regulars--Barbara, Richard, and Denise--are pictured above holding their artwork, reports William Figlietti.