JPL Intranet

Staff learned that we are still listed as an eyeglasses donation site on the Johnston Lions Club website. For expediency, we have put an eyeglasses donation bin back out under the community handout display by the Self Check station at the Circulation Desk.
There is still an outdoor collection bin for eyeglasses in the Lions Club parking lot, but if requested, patrons can donate glasses in the bin and I will make sure they make their way to the Lions Club.
Thanks!

As most of you know, I am a cellist in the Des Moines Symphony, and I will be performing with them for the Yankee Doodle Pops on Wednesday, July 3rd, at 8:30 PM on the Iowa State Capitol grounds.  This is a free performance, and please feel free to bring food and lawn chairs.  It will also be broadcast on Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio Classical including a re-run on July 4th at 8:30 PM.  Vocalist Hugh Panaro will be joining us, and here is a link with details:  https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/yankee-doodle-pops-2/.  This is one of the few times one can see the orchestra in person for free, and I hope that you all can come or tune in.

There is also a viewing party offered at the State Historical Building, and here is a link with details about this:  https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/viewing-party-for-yankee-doodle-pops/.

New artwork is here! When you have a minute be sure to check out our featured artist for June and July, Lisa Cooper. Her acrylic + ink and watercolor works are on display in the JPL Art Gallery.

Kristy Niemeyer is displaying her work in the JPL Display cases during June and July as well. More info about both artists is available on our website: https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1428/JPL-Art-Gallery

I can’t believe summer and June are already here! It is time to start planning the City Employee Appreciation Tailgate Event. These next few months will fly by and I need everyone’s input to help create a fun event. I appreciate any feedback regarding last years tailgate (e.g., did you like the catering, timing, games, etc.) as well as any suggestions regarding this years event. As always, we do have a budget to consider, so we will be holding the event at a city location, but we are open to budget friendly ideas for games, food, etc. The Employee Engagement Committee wants everyone to feel welcome and your ideas will help us to accomplish that goal.

The committee will be meeting on Thursday, June 13 to begin planning. I would like to have some preliminary ideas to share with the committee.

I am very grateful to all of you for your input! I am happy to receive your ideas or suggestions as an email or a note. I also enjoy when you stop by my desk and share your thoughts.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Hello!

JPL will host a Teen Summer Book Club called (drumroll, please!) The Five Star Scale Teen Summer Book Club!!  Books for participants will be located where the adult book club books are held and will use the same check-out method, with the exception that if a teen comes in to pick up a book and doesn’t have a library card and is unable to get one, please check the book out to the :YS account so they can still be sure to get the book.

Thanks very much, and let me know if you have any questions! -Jessica

Exciting news! The new fax/copy/printer at the Reference Desk is live and ready to go. Instead of using the Brother to fax, copy or print, you will now use the Epson 5850 if you are working at the Reference Desk. Here are a couple need-to-know items with this new machine:

• Epson 5850 is an inkjet printer versus the laser printer in the staff workroom.
• Unlike the Brother printer, the Epson 5850 DOES print color.
• Same costs apply: $.15 for B&W; $.50 for color, per side.
• If you have a print job where quality if really important, i.e. a person is printing their resume for an interview, you might consider printing it to the Workroom Toshiba–quality will be nicer.
• If a patron has a really long print job, I would send it to the Workroom Toshiba instead of the Epson.
• Scanning is functioning now. Here is an example of what the fax confirmation sheets look like:
  Fax Confirmation Page
• The Epson makes a much quieter fax dialtone noise than the Brother did. While it’s dialing and sending, there is an orange triangle that appears on the screen.
• I have printed and laminated faxing documentation for the new Epson 5850. It is by the public printer documentation by the print release station.
• I will be checking in with staff over the next week to go over any questions you might have about the new machine. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions.
• Finally, high-five Lori French when you walk by her. She used her powers of tech persuasion to make the Epson 5850 do what we needed it to.

A couple additional details about Adult Summer Reading Mugs:

• When we start to get adult patrons turning in their completed Adult Summer Reading Log, please grab a prize mug for them from the boxes that are underneath the self checkout computer behind circ instead of grabbing mugs from the display. I have additional boxes of mugs in my office and will replenish as needed.
  
• If you, as a staff person, would like to participate in Adult Summer Reading you are welcome to. I would like you to hold off collecting your mug until after Summer Reading culminates (end of July) to make sure we have enough for patrons first.
  Thanks!

Hello!

Just a few notes about Teen Summer Reading prizes for those of you who will be working the YS Desk this summer.

I have added a Book Sale Coupon as an option at the candy bar prize level for kids or families who might not enjoy a sugary prize.

I’ve also included Book Sale Coupons in the prize drawers as an option for kids who don’t want/can’t use one of the other prize options. For example, kids might know they will be out of town during the final laser tag party, so we can offer the Book Sale Coupon as an alternate prize.

If prizes run low in any of the drawers or the Candy Caboodle, refills can be found on the green shelving under the clock in the YS workroom. Coupons are located in a blue bin next to the candy. Feel free to refill as needed, or send me a Slack to let me know we are running low on prizes, and I will refill.

More grand prize drawing entry slips can be printed if needed. Find them here —  YDriveTeenSummerReading2024grandprizedrawingextraentry

Or, if you notice they are running low. send me a Slack, and I will print more. 🙂

Thanks very much! If you have any questions, please ask!

Jessica

Riddhi is up and running on scheduling staff in WTW and verifying time sheets. It’s time for me to move on from these tasks, so effective today, Riddhi is your go-to person for anything related to your schedule or your time sheet.

As in the past, please communicate via email to both Riddhi and Molly about scheduling stuff – they will be each other’s backup so it’s good they are both in the loop at all times.

Peg

Please send Riddhi an email at sheth@johnstonlibrary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time.

2024 Adult Summer Reading Instructions for Staff

1. To sign up for Adult Summer Reading all a patron needs to do is take an Adult Summer Reading Log or download one from the library website under the main Events menu (https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1461/Adult-Summer-Reading). Adult Summer Reading Logs are located at each service desk. Email or slack Beth if your supply is getting low. Extra copies of the logs can be found here: P Drive: Beth Stevens> Adult Summer Reading> 202ASR> Adult Summer Reading Log 2024.pdf
2. The Adult Summer Reading Challenge is a little different than years past. Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with the directions.
   • Here’s how it works: the Challenge runs from May 28 through July 28 and concludes with a Grand Prize Drawing in August. In order to complete the challenge, patrons must finish at least 12 action items from these 4 categories:
     • read or listen to a book of their choice,
     • attend a JPL adult library program,
     • complete a summer reading puzzle, or
     • Dealer’s Choice. The Dealer’s Choice category allows you to do more of any of the first 3 categories.
   • Write the title of the completed item next to the category in which it fits.
   • Answer keys for all Adult Summer Reading Puzzles are at the Reference Desk. If a patron wants to check their own puzzle, they can, but they do not need to turn the puzzle into us. We’ll just take their word for it that it was completed.
   • Adults who complete the Summer Reading Challenge get a JPL swag mug and a chance to enter the Grand Prize Drawing.

1. When a patron turns in their completed Summer Reading Challenge log, please do the following things:
   • Double check that they have completed at least 12 of the categories on the log
   • Cut off the bottom of their log with name and phone number and put it in the Summer Reading Grand Prize Bucket behind the Circulation Desk.
   • Write the patron’s name in the Summer Reading Stat Log.
   • Ask the patron if they would like a cobalt or sky blue swag mug.
   • Congratulate them on completing Adult Summer Reading and give them their mug!
2. If they want to keep going, patrons have the option to complete ONE Bonus Summer Reading Log. The Bonus logs are red versus orange and clipped together in the Adult Summer Reading Holders behind the regular logs.
   • Completed Bonus logs are good for one additional entry into the Grand Prize Drawing that will happen at the beginning of August. Patrons who complete the Bonus log DO NOT get a second mug.
3. The Grand Prize for Adult Summer Reading is a DSM Local Book Store Crawl Gift Card Pack that contains the following items:

• $30 gift cards to Reading in Public, Beaverdale Books, and Storyhouse Bookpub book stores, literary coffee, literary tea, and book coasters.

Adult Summer Reading Display with a swag mug prize is up behind Circ. The paper book background decoration has limited visibility from the check-in desk a little. Remember to ring the doorbell if you need backup at the Circulation Desk.
Thanks!

Hi All:

Summer Reading is right around the corner! A copy of each log is available at each service desk if you would like to familiarize yourself with them J As always, if you have any questions, please let me know. 

Important Dates:
1^st day to pick up logs is Tuesday, May 28^th
1^st day to redeem prizes is Saturday, June 6^th
Last day to redeem prizes in Sunday, July 28^th

•  Kids Summer Library Program Birth-Kids going into 5th Grade
  Kids ages birth-going into 5^thgrade are invited to participate in this program. Starting May 28^th, kids can come to the library to pick up all that they need for this year’s summer reading program.
• Kids can pick up their activity log at any of the service desks or the teen volunteer summer reading table.
• Kids are asked to fill in a star for EACH DAY they meet their reading goal or EACH DAY they complete an activity. **This is new. Please emphasize this change when handing out logs**
• When a level is complete (10 stars), kids can come in to pick up the prize for the completed levels. Please stamp the child’s log when a prize is redeemed.

Prizes:
Purple:  Lanyard, Purple Button, Scratch-off Ticket
Kids will scratch off the silver sticker on their ticket. Their prize will be revealed. The prizes are in a 3 drawer container and labeled.

Orange:  Goodie Bag & Orange Button
The goodie bag is filled with a variety of coupons: Iowa Cubs ticket, Taco Johns Coupon, Blank Park Zoo pass, & more.

Blue: Activity Kit & Blue Button
This year’s activity kit includes crayons, a velvet poster, sticker face sheet and a scratch art bookmark.

Green: Prize Book & Green Button
Each child will receive a book and a green when they finish their log. They are free to choose from picture books, beginning reader, early chapter books, and chapter books. All of the titles are located on the shelving behind the YS desk.

Dates that kids are eligible to begin picking up their prizes, due to restructuring:
Purple: June 6^th
Orange: June 16^th
Blue: June 26^th
Green: July 6^th

 Teen Summer Reading is for kids going into 6^th grade-12^th grade.
Teens will be pick up their reading log and can earn points doing the following things:
Reading (points per page OR points per minute)
Reading aloud to someone (5 points per minute)
Listen to an audiobook (1 point per minute)
Watch a movie based on a book (20 pts each, 300 points max)
Attend a Library Program (100 pts each)
Write a book review (20pts each, review forms are available at the YS Desk)
Watch a TV series based on a book (10 pts/episode, 300 points max)
Donate pop tabs to Ronald McDonald House (20 points/10 pop tabs) – A can is located at the YS Desk and Volunteer Table

When a teen comes in, have them add up their total points and write the total points they have on their sheet.  After giving them the prizes they’ve earned, date & initial where the total points are and check off the prizes they’ve received. All prizes will be organized by point level and are located behind the YS desk and at the teen volunteer table.

Prize Levels:
300 points: Two (2) Iowa Cubs Tickets
500 Points: Ticket to the Laser Tag Super Reward Party on Friday, July 26^th**
If they make it a point to mention they will not be able to attend the party, feel free to offer them a coupon, book, or candy bar.
700 Points: Taco John’s OR Spare Time Coupon
900 Points: Free Book
1000 Points: Choice of Candy Bar & Entered into Grand Prize Drawing (located on the back of their log)
1200+ Points: For every extra 200 pints earned, teens get an additional entry into the grand prize drawing.
 **When teens reach 500 points they receive a ticket to the Laser Tag Super Reward Party. There is a 3-ring binder containing the tickets. Please fill out the ticket stub with the teen’s first and last name and their phone number. Then remove the ticket from the ticket stub and give it to the teen. Remind the teen that they must register and have the ticket in hand to attend the final party!

 Thank you for your help and hard work in preparing for summer reading!

Due to the storm on May 21, some areas of Johnston will qualify for a special vegetative debris pickup on May 28th at 6 a.m. Other areas of the City will use metro waste curbside to pick up their debris.

The full report and map, is at the Circulation Desk or on the City’s website , if patrons have questions. If they still have questions after looking at the information on the website, they should call City Hall.

Andrew made some vanilla ice cream that is in the freezer in the break room in the large container with a black lid, and small container with a blue lid.  There is chocolate syrup and butterscotch topping in the refrigerator door, and peanuts on the table.  Please be sure to put the wax paper on top of the ice cream after serving, and he will need the containers when the ice cream is gone.  Please help yourself!

Here’s the problem with putting TS staff in charge of anything: We want everything explained clearly. Already we’re stuck on what to call the variety of book (material) return boxes we have. So here’s what we’ve decided:

Inside returns — book and AV at the south end of the Circ Desk

Outside returns — book and AV slots attached to the building

Drive-up return — in front of the building

Remote returns — at Horizon and Beaver Creek elementary schools

We’ll be using these names for the Daily Desk Schedule, but we won’t complain if you use your own names for them!

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, May 19 from 10:45 am-12:45 pm.

10:45 -11:30 am Social Time

11:30 -12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

**We want to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. If you have received awards, certifications, or have any personal news you would like to share, please let us know. Feel free to send information and or pictures to sockness@johnstonlibrary.com **

Time Sheets due Wednesday May 15 before 8 pm.

Please send Riddhi or Peg an email at sheth@johnstonlibrary.com or rasmussen@johnstonlibrary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time.

Andrew is a cellist in the Des Moines Symphony and will be performing in this weekend’s Masterworks concerts.  We are playing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and the fourth movement of this work involves the poem “Ode to Joy.”  Concerts take place on Saturday May 11th at 7:30 PM, and Sunday May 11th at 2:30 PM at the Civic Center downtown.  Tickets are selling fast since Beethoven’s Ninth involves vocal soloists and choirs, so please visit this link to purchase your tickets:

https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/symphony-rediscover-the-ode-to-joy/

There are 7 plywood boards outside the cubicle wall of my office for Judy Anderson. She will stop by sometime in the next couple of days to pick the items up. If I’m not here, if someone could just Slack or email me that she grabbed the items, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks! Beth