Shawna LoMonaco
Portsmouth,Virginia
Summary
Experienced literary critic and library educator specializing in evaluation of children's literature (prek-8) and adult psychological thrillers. Proficient in analyzing visual-textual relationships in picture books and narrative structures in suspense novels. Consistently delivers objective industry reviews within strict deadlines to support educational and retail acquisitions.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Librarian
Virginia Beach Public Schools
Virginia Beach, USA
08.2025 - Current
- Evaluated and curated high-lexile literature for gifted learners (Grades 3-8).
- Curated and presented critical "Book Talks" for competitive youth reading programs, synthesizing key plot points and thematic elements to engage middle and intermediate-grade readers.
- Executed strategic acquisition and de-selection (weeding) based on market trends and community demand.
- Synthesized professional trade reviews (including Kirkus, SLJ, and Booklist) to critically assess and select titles for a diverse PreK-8 demographic.
- Vetted and curated high-quality nonfiction and narrative-nonfiction resources, ensuring factual accuracy and structural clarity for student and teacher research.
- Curated high-demand collections that balanced popular genre appeal with literary merit based on community trends and feedback.
Elementary School Librarian
Portsmouth Public Schools
Portsmouth, USA
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and implemented culturally responsive literacy programming for a high-needs K-6 demographic, focusing on high-interest titles that bridge the achievement gap.
- Evaluated STEM-focused literature for visual-textual synergy and pedagogical accuracy, integrating contemporary science titles into a technology-driven curriculum.
- Analyzed student engagement and reading comprehension metrics to refine collection development, ensuring that literary selections met evolving cognitive and emotional needs.
- Championed diverse literary representation; curated collections that authentically reflect a wide spectrum of global perspectives and lived experiences.
- Monitored real-time reader preferences and circulation trends to provide data-driven recommendations, and maintain high-volume reference services.
- Synthesized professional trade reviews (Kirkus, SLJ, etc.). to make high-stakes purchasing decisions, balancing budget constraints with a demand for critical excellence.
Library Supervisor - Early Childhood Development Manager
Suffolk Public Library
Suffolk, USA
02.2021 - 08.2024
- Facilitated early childhood development commission meetings, guiding strategic goals and initiatives.
- Coordinated training programs for local educators and families to enhance early childhood education.
- Assessed needs of early childhood community, adapting services accordingly.
- Managed and prepared ECDC budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Executed reference and customer service library tasks, evaluating children's materials for collection enhancement.
Early Literacy Outreach Coordinator
Newport News Public Library
Newport News, USA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Distributed information and resources to preschool and early care locations
- Consistently promoted pre-reading skills and essential early reading habits throughout the community
- Planned and directed early literacy experiences in public schools, child care centers, and other pop-up locations
- Collaborated with public school reading specialists to incorporate library services with student learning
- Designed virtual coding program to support STREAM learning at home during Covid-19
- Evaluated and reviewed children's material for recommendation and incorporation in preK-3 classrooms
Youth Services Coordinator
Suffolk Public Library
Suffolk, USA
02.2012 - 01.2019
- Managed high-volume reference services and reader advisory, utilizing real-time circulation data to identify emerging genre trends, and satisfy diverse patron inquiries.
- Conceptualized and executed multi-generational literacy initiatives designed to foster sustained engagement.
- Curated and presented critical "Book Talks" for competitive youth reading programs, synthesizing key plot points and thematic elements to engage intermediate-grade readers.
- Directed community-based outreach programs addressing socio-economic barriers to literacy and nutrition.
- Authored specialized bibliographies and curated reading lists tailored to a diverse demographic, prioritizing inclusive representation, and cultural authenticity.
- Conducted professional evaluative reviews of juvenile literature to inform high-stakes acquisition and collection development strategies.
Assistant Director
Mustard Seed Child Care Center
12.2010 - 02.2012
- Supervise the operation of a child care center following the Department of Social Services Licensing Standards
- Maintained effective communication with parents and families
Kindergarten Teacher/Long-term Sub, 3rd grade
Court Street Academy
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Developed and implemented lesson plans tailored to age-specific learning needs.
- Maintained effective communication with parents and families through verbal and print methods.
Preschool Teacher
Parish Day School
08.2003 - 05.2007
- Developed engaging preschool lessons and activities to foster excitement for learning.
- Maintained positive communication with parents and families to ensure involvement.
- Designed interactive activities that enhance children's enthusiasm for education.
Education
Master's Degree - Library and Information Science: School Librarianship
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2024
Bachelor Degree - Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12.2022
Associate of General Studies -
Tidewater Community College
05.2021
Associate of Early Childhood Development -
Tidewater Community College
05.2005
Skills
- Library management and cataloging
- Information literacy and data analysis
- STEM integration
- Visual literacy and Lexile evaluation
- Mixed-media analysis
- Social-emotional learning integration
- Curriculum alignment
- Market trend awareness
- Deadline adherence
- Concise summary writing
Affiliations
• Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) 2023- Present
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 02/21, Present
• Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC), 02/21, Present
• Classroom Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS), Observer Certification, 08/21, 08/22
• Virginia Library Association Leadership Class, Graduate, 2022
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Power-Up Youth Services Leadership Conference, Scholarship Recipient, 2019
• Virginia Library Association Youth Services, Region III Representative, 2019, 2020
• Virginia Library Association Conference, Presenter 2016, 2017, 2018
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 02/21, Present
• Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC), 02/21, Present
• Classroom Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS), Observer Certification, 08/21, 08/22
• Virginia Library Association Leadership Class, Graduate, 2022
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Power-Up Youth Services Leadership Conference, Scholarship Recipient, 2019
• Virginia Library Association Youth Services, Region III Representative, 2019, 2020
• Virginia Library Association Conference, Presenter 2016, 2017, 2018
Timeline
Elementary School Librarian
Virginia Beach Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
Elementary School Librarian
Portsmouth Public Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
Library Supervisor - Early Childhood Development Manager
Suffolk Public Library
02.2021 - 08.2024
Early Literacy Outreach Coordinator
Newport News Public Library
01.2019 - 01.2021
Youth Services Coordinator
Suffolk Public Library
02.2012 - 01.2019
Assistant Director
Mustard Seed Child Care Center
12.2010 - 02.2012
Kindergarten Teacher/Long-term Sub, 3rd grade
Court Street Academy
08.2007 - 06.2010
Preschool Teacher
Parish Day School
08.2003 - 05.2007
Master's Degree - Library and Information Science: School Librarianship
Old Dominion University
Bachelor Degree - Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology
Norfolk State University
Associate of General Studies -
Tidewater Community College
Associate of Early Childhood Development -
Tidewater Community College