The Library Scoop - December 2015

Library Scoop December 2015

Johnson County Public Library

2015 Cookie Contest

NEWS & UPDATES FOR

JCPL STAFF

HR News!

Amber Turner

Human Resources Manager

Joyfulness Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.

To the Core

2016 Benefits If you would like to add, delete or make changes to your current benefit elections, please contact Amber immediately.

Did you move in 2015?

Please check your most recent paycheck and see if your address is correct.

If you relocated to a new county in 2015, you will need to complete a new state tax withholding form.

Tax Withholding Exemptions Did you owe monies to the IRS in 2015? Please contact HR if you need to adjust your withholding status on your federal or state taxes.

United Way Please remember to return your donation card to Human Resources.

PBT to Sick Time On January 1, any unused PBT balance will convert to sick time.

Time Well Spent

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you this past year. I'm thankful for a wonderful group of coworkers who make me laugh and smile throughout the year at all the branches! I wish you a rewarding, joyous new year filled with all good things and I look forward to our work together in 2016! ~Amber

TAME THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Conquer depression and stress

You want to feel your best? Play a part in making sure you are emotionally healthy. December is usually a month filled with cheer, but depression is also common this time of year.* Anthem has useful information on how to recognize depression as well as manage stress.

Sometimes taming stress can be as easy as going for a run. Other times seeing a therapist might be a good idea, too. Visit Time Well Spent (http://timewellspent.anthem.com) to view relevant information to end the year on a good note.

Now you are your healthy, doesn't that feel great? *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: An Estimated 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Report Depression (accessed January 2015): cdc.gov/features/depression.

Happy Holidays!

It’s been an incredible first few months at JCPL. I want you all to know that you are the most friendly and welcoming group of folks I’ve ever met! I am spending a lot of time reaching out into the community to start connecting with organizations, businesses and our political leaders. Whenever I’m out and about – the response I receive from the public is always positive about the public library. *You* are the reason for that! The community is impressed with the strong programming you provide – the balance of fun and educational. They comment on the importance of the adult learning center, the connections to schools and the staff who are engaged in groups like Aspire or Leadership Johnson County or attending town hall meetings. Being an integral part of the county is essential for the community to become aware of all the great services and resources we have to offer.

So thank you so much! I hope this Christmas and New Year brings you closer to family, fun and peace. I feel privileged to work with every one of you! ~Lisa

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“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.” – Mahatma Gandhi Why is customer service important?

Customers are the reason we have a job!

If they are not happy, they will go somewhere else. For 2016, the Library Scoop will highlight some reminders about providing wonderful customer service to our patrons. Above and beyond customer service is the responsibility of all JCPL employees. Wonderful customer service brings about a great patron experience, which in turn makes for a happier work place.

• • • • • •

Goodbye,

Best Wishes &Thank You!

Say it with a smile!

Please, thank you and you’re welcome Say excuse me and I am sorry.

Use sir and ma’am.

Use yes rather than yeah.

Try not to point….walk customers to the section and shelf if possible.

Dear Colleagues Well, the time has come to say goodbye. 12/26 will be my last day here at JCPL. You have all, individually, and as a whole, been an inspiration to me, and I have learned things from all of you, and will take with me the fondest of memories of my time within JCPL. When I look back over my career (humor me - I'm old!) I keep asking myself if libraries were where I belonged, where I found professional and personal satisfaction and I must say "yes". In spite of Google and the all the computerized, digitized paraphernalia, we in libraries continue to connect people with words and thru the power of words our patrons have the tools that can change their worlds. The word is still the word whether it's on a piece of papyrus, a hunk of clay, an illustrated manuscript, a paperback, or a digitized ebook - and it is good.

We in libraries are "agents for goodness" in a world plagued by the not-so-good. Kudos to each of you and what you do at JCPL. All the very best for the future.

-Scott Loman

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Celebrations BIRTHDAYS December

Tiffany Wilson Cindy Bergquist Josh Turner Todd Jones Carol Rusk Davin Kolderup Dharma Terry Scott Loman

January

YEARS OF SERVICE December

Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Dec. 29

Erin Cataldi Amy Kitchen Linda Kilbert Diane Erney Kelley Gilbert Monica Harvey

CPB FRB WRB TRB FRB LSC CPB TRB

January

Nathan Biberdorf Holly Kubancsek

Hannah Bennett Stefanie Davis Monica Harvey Sarah Taylor Joanne Dean

Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Jan. 31

Dec. 2 Dec. 5 Dec. 14 Dec. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 30

2 years 26 years 16 years 4 years 4 years 2 years

Jan. 17 Jan. 20

2 years 11 years

FRB WRB LSC FRB WRB

NEW HIRES Beverly Hoffman Kelly Bailey

Nov. 11 Nov. 23

Library Asst./Circ. @ WRB Library Asst./Circ @ TRB

On November 17, 2015, Beverly Martin was awarded the Indiana Library Federation Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding commitment to library excellence.

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Getting to Know…

Amy Dalton, Adult Librarian @ LSC

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

25--old enough to be out of school and to rent a car, but still young, strong, beautiful and eligible for youth discounts and student rail passes.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I want to be an American Ninja Warrior.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

My house is a constant work in progress. Maybe if it was my only project, I could get everything how I want it to be!

If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

I would want to be a fox. They seem to be the perfect combination of cat and dog.

Amy Dalton, Adult Services Librarian pageafterpage.org

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Reading. The “to be read” pile grows and grows and grows…

If you could have dinner with only three people (real or fictitious/from any time period/dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why?

I would want my father and brother to meet my son. They both died long before he was born. I think they would be shocked that “baby Amy” is a mama!

What is your idea of fun? If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

I would wake up and drink coffee and read. Then go for a long run, take an even longer bath, and end the day with wine, pizza, and a movie with my son and husband.

If you were stranded on a beach alone, what are five things that you would want to have with you?

Is there wifi? I suppose that I would want a ton of food, books, a tent, a comfy bed and someone to talk to.

What was your favorite musical group in middle school?

I wish I could say something cool, but it was probably Shaun Cassidy. How could anyone resist that hair?

Name one thing you miss about being a kid.

Summer vacation! No school, no job, no responsibilities, no shoes.

Do you have any phobias?

Who doesn’t in this crazy world? But my strangest is that I irrationally hate it and shudder when I see a random Band-Aid on the ground. I have no idea why--feel free to psychoanalyze!

What types of food do you NOT eat?

I have no room in my life for sour, fruity, gummy candy. What is the point of that when delicious chocolate exists?

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Getting to Know…

Holly Kubancsek, Circulation Manager @ CPB If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

I enjoyed the year right after I was married. I was living away from my parents for the first time and becoming an “adult,” but before the major responsibility of kids came along.

READ Holly Kubancsek, Circulation Manager

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would learn to play the piano. My family is not musical at all and I regret never learning an instrument.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

Organizing everything in my house, pictures, closets, attic, etc.

pageafterpage.org

If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

I would come back as our cat. He is spoiled rotten and gets to sleep all day.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

I read. I always have a book with me. Playing taxi service for my kids, I never know when I will be waiting for someone to show.

If you could have dinner with only three people (real or fictitious/from any time period/dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why?

My two grandmothers and grandfather who have died. I did not appreciate them enough while they were with us.

What is your idea of fun? If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

I would sleep in, have a big breakfast, go to the beach if one was near. Since one is not near, I would go shopping, then to a movie.

If you were stranded on a beach alone, what are five things that you would want to have with you?

Definitely a stack of books, comfortable beach chair, Diet Coke, sunscreen and an umbrella.

What was your favorite musical group in middle school?

Do not judge me, but I was a big Barry Manilow fan.

Name one thing you miss about being a kid.

No responsibilities…and summers off!

Do you have any phobias?

I am slightly claustrophobic. I volunteered when I worked in a hospital to have an MRI on the new machine so the staff could test it. I had to have them take me out.

What types of food do you NOT eat?

I do not like seafood, mushrooms, cucumbers or coconut.

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Holiday Wellness Quiz Put on your thinking caps and test your knowledge with this quick little quiz.

1. Staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in summer.

True or False 2. Feed a cold, starve a fever.

True or False 3. Skipping breakfast and eating very little all day is the best way to prevent over eating at an evening party.

True or False 4. What’s the best choice when you’re craving holiday pie?

• Pumpkin • Pecan • Apple 5. Which Christmas treat is the naughtiest?

• Sugar cookie • Candy cane • Gingerbread man 6. Which is the healthiest cup of holiday cheer?

• Mulled wine • Champagne • Eggnog 7. Which cheese is the healthiest cracker topper?

• Brie • Cheddar • Goat

ANSWERS 1. True. Although we may feel thirstier in the warm summer months, it’s just as important to be mindful of our hydration in winter. The outdoor air is drier in cold weather, and our heated homes are dry as well. Staying hydrated in the winter helps keep our mucous membranes soft and moist, preventing tiny cracks that allow viruses and bacteria to enter.

2. False. When suffering from a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough or fever, here are some tips to help you keep up with the demands of the season. Get as much rest and sleep as possible. Stay hydrated with plenty of warm, soothing liquids like tea, cocoa and soup. If you feel well enough, take a 30 minute walk, either outside, on a treadmill. Moderate physical activity is a powerful immunity booster.

3. False. This can create extreme hunger and less willpower than if you eat normally. Eating foods with lots of fiber throughout the day is a good choice, as they tend to fill you up with few calories. Some examples: oatmeal, lentil or split pea soup, whole grain sandwich and vegetable crudites.

4. Pumpkin. Most slices have 200 fewer calories than the same serving of pecan pie. Pumpkin pie also packs a heaping helping of vitamin A. Nuts sound heart-healthy, but pecan pie is also made with corn syrup, sugar, butter, and eggs. This leaves you with twice the fat of pumpkin pie, which is not good for your heart. Apple pie, too, is sweeter than pumpkin -- and has a top crust, so you eat double the flour and butter in the dough.

5. Gingerbread man. These are often large cookies, which makes them naughtier than sugar cookies. The ingredients are similar in both recipes: sugar, butter and flour. So, size matters if you're counting calories. A candy cane has half the calories of most cookies and no fat, but it is all sugar.

Each of these treats -- in a regular size -- has fewer than 100 calories, but it's hard to stop at just one! So when visions of sugarplums dance in your head, go easy on the cookie tray.

6. Champagne is the better choice. Eggnog is loaded with cream, sugar, fat, and calories -- and that's before it's spiked.

Mulled wine can have added sugar, fruit and spices.

7. Goat. If you love the tangy taste of goat cheese (chevre), you’re in luck. Softer cheeses are usually lower in calories and fat than their firm cousins. Here's a look at calories per ounce, lowest to highest: Goat: 75, Brie: 95, cheddar: 114. With any kind of cheese, calories add up fast. Try not to hover around the cheese tray. (Nibble the grapes instead.) ~Linda Kilbert

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Top 10 Adult Fiction Authors Clark Pleasant Branch

Trafalgar Branch

Franklin Branch

White River Branch

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James Patterson Robyn Carr Debbie Macomber Wanda E. Brunstetter Sue Grafton Danielle Steel Janet Evanovich Kresley Cole Lee Child Stephen King

James Patterson Danielle Steel Janet Evanovich Louis L’Amour Nora Roberts Debbie Macomber Stephen King Robyn Carr William W. Johnstone Catherine Coulter

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James Patterson Shelley Shepard Gray Janet Evanovich Danielle Steel Iris Johansen Debbie Macomber John Sandford Catherine Coulter Sue Grafton Heather Graham

James Patterson Janet Evanovich Nora Roberts Karen Kingsbury Mary Higgins Clark J.D. Robb Lee Child Danielle Steel Robyn Carr John Sandford

December 2015 GUESS THE DESK

Results November’s Staten Winner: Kelly urner Desk: Josh T

Submit your answer to Amber by Jan. 2 and you just might win a treat from the Cheers & Tears Snack Box and a JCPL mug!

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Just for Fun Generosity

A Warm Witty Short Christmas Story

Chippenham George worked for the post office and his job was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day just before Christmas, a letter landed on his desk simply addressed in shaky handwriting: 'To God.’ With no other clue on the envelope, George opened the letter and read:

It was the day after Christmas at St. Peter and St. Paul's church in Borden, Kent, England. Father John, the vicar, was looking at the Nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.

Dear God, I am a 93-year-old widow living on the State pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had £100 in it, which was all the money I had in the world and no pension due until after Christmas. Next week is Christmas and I had invited two of my friends over for Christmas lunch. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. God; can you please help me?

Chippenham George was really touched, and being kind hearted, he put a copy of the letter up on the staff notice board at the main Fareham sorting office where he worked. The letter touched the other postmen and they all dug into their pockets and had a whip round. Between them they raised £95. [$170 USD] Using an officially franked post office envelope, they sent the cash on to the old lady, and for the rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of the nice thing they had done.

Immediately, Father John's thoughts turned to calling in the local policeman but as he was about to do so, he saw little Nathan with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Father John approached Nathan and asked him, 'Well, Nathan, where did you get the little infant?'

Nathan looked up, smiled and replied, 'I took him from the church.' 'And why did you take him?'

With a sheepish grin, Nathan said, 'Well, Father John, about a week before Christmas I prayed to Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.'

Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter simply addressed to 'God' landed in the Sorting Office. Many of the postmen gathered around while George opened the letter. It read, Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your generosity, I was able to provide a lovely luncheon for my friends. We had a very nice day, and I told my friends of your wonderful gift - in fact we haven't gotten over it and even Father John, our parish priest, is beside himself with joy. By the way, there was £5 [$10 USD] missing. I think it must have been those thieving fellows at the post office.

George could not help musing on Oscar Wilde's quote: 'A good deed never goes unpunished'

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