My name is Julie Hermonat. I formerly taught K-3rd grade in both public and private schools. I then wholeheartedly embraced motherhood, having the privilege to stay home to raise our two children. Together, my husband and I made the decision to homeschool our son and daughter. Currently, Benjamin is a travel nurse and Julia is a campus missionary at James Madison University. Two years ago I was hired as a Children’s Program Specialist at the Barbara Bush Library. In my free time I enjoy exercising our dog, Mr. Bingley, running, and baking. My husband and I use vacation time to travel to North Carolina and Virginia to see our children and their spouses.

Having set aside the teacher hat, my decision to pursue librarianship came as no surprise. My love for reading began with Mom reading Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey to me while I was nestled in her lap. How could we not go blueberry picking afterwards? Making blueberry muffins back home, Mom and I would talk about Little Sal and the bear she befriended. Other parts of the story were compared to our own blueberry barrage experience. My primary focus while teaching was to instill a love of reading in the hearts and minds of my students and my own children. Experiences with literature should be fun, engaging, and make memories. My classroom library and personal children’s library never had enough books. When children see books, literature, and reading as something to plunge into immersing themselves in imagination and knowledge, the stage for lifelong learning is set. I am excited to begin a new career in public librarianship, with an emphasis on children’s, and to open the doors of reading enjoyment to all children.

My portfolio highlights course work, projects, and connections which were most impactful throughout my pursuit of my master’s degree. Click on the link for a brief overview on how to navigate the portfolio. Thank you. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFch_fvU58/5ePhTcodrbJmaNLkKfRj9w/view?utm_content=DAFch_fvU58&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view