Tom Tavin—who had a history degree from Austin Peay University—was working as a telemarketer peddling subscriptions for the Orlando Sentinel, a job that he found singularly unrewarding, when he saw a classified ad for an opening at the Winter Park Library.
Although he didn’t get the position that he applied for, he was hired for the job that he was meant by the universe to have: library assistant in youth services. “It was obvious from my resumé that I had no experience,” says Tavin. “It never occurred to me that I could do this. But it turned out to be the best job ever.”
Shanna Kuster—who had recently earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Missouri at Columbia—also didn’t get the position that she applied for the first time she interviewed at the library, then located on East New England Avenue (now home to Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.).
But she, like Tavin, was hired for the job that she was meant by the universe to have: children’s librarian, which ultimately led to her current role as head of youth services. “I almost immediately started storytime,” says Kuster, who primarily supervises programming for toddlers through preschoolers. “It’s still my favorite part of the job.”
By the time Kuster came aboard 29 years ago, Tavin had already been on the job for five years. Now the two are better known to generations of Winter Parkers as “Mr. Tom” and “Ms. Shanna,” beloved presenters of the library’s whimsical storytimes. (Other presenters, also beloved but more recent, include Emerald Martinez, early literacy librarian; and Zoë Herdt, children’s librarian.)
Mr. Tom, in fact, is the longest-tenured library employee, while Ms. Shanna will mark her 30th anniversary next year. “If you enjoy yourself, the kids will sense that,” says Mr. Tom, whose vibe is sweet and gentle—not unlike that of another soft-spoken children’s icon (you know who) with ties to Winter Park. “And you can be a little silly; kids won’t judge you.”
Ms. Shanna, the more extroverted yin to Mr. Tom’s more introverted yang, adds: “You’ve got to be ‘on’ all the time, like when you’re in a play. But if you love kids, that will come across. They’re the reason that we’re here.”
Indeed, “Wobbly Walkers” (for ages 13 to 24 months), presented by Ms. Shanna, and “Preschool Express” (for ages 3 to 5 years), presented by Mr. Tom, are masterclasses in unscripted exuberance for both the children and the mommies (as well as the daddies and sometimes the nannies) who make their way to the library’s second-floor “Imagination Room.”
“Good morning, friends!” says Ms. Shanna to the dozen or so wobbly walkers and their caregivers, all of whom are seated on colorful cushions scattered about the colorful space. With a recorded soundtrack providing the backing, she leads a singalong to “Hello, Friend” (sung to the tune of “Good Night, Ladies”), which welcomes every child by name.
There are other songs, such as “Shake My Silly Out,” which involve adorably uncoordinated movement, as well as readings from several short books, the deployment of a bubble machine that spews soapy orbs into the air and the unveiling of a basket full of plush puppets that are emptied onto the floor for free play.
Suddenly, ants, ducks, fish, frogs, gators and a disproportionate number of octopuses come to life. Children crowd around Ms. Shanna to show her the cuddly creatures that they have adopted. A few have brought their own well-loved stuffed animals to join the fun. Even dinosaurs are welcome.
During the proceedings, many children randomly veer and zigzag around the room, good-naturedly bumping into one another and usually plopping onto their diaper-padded bottoms with a soft thud until the carefully controlled but cozy chaos concludes with the singing of “Goodbye, Friend.”
Preschool Express follows a format similar to Wobbly Walkers except the books have more substantial plotlines. By this age, children find humor in conceptual absurdity; they understand how the world should work and are delighted by slapstick, exaggeration and humans or animals doing or saying unexpected (or ridiculous) things.
Mr. Tom’s readings, consequently, are a bit more theatrical—goofy dancing may be involved—and he seems to enjoy it as much as the kids do. One book that always goes over well is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, in which the title character sings “I love my white shoes” while carelessly stepping into various messes that change his pristine sneakers from white to red, blue and brown.
Caregivers leaving the sessions offer rave reviews. One mom, who says she brings her child to the library two to three times weekly, says that her daughter loves Ms. Shanna. She adds: “It’s also great that kids get to socialize.”
Another mom says she appreciates Mr. Tom’s sessions because they strengthen her son’s skills in English. (At home, the family speaks mostly Russian.) A dad says: “My mother brought me to storytime here when I was a kid, and I’ve always remembered Ms. Shanna and Mr. Tom. It’s great that I can create those same memories with my son.”
That’s not an unusual circumstance. Last year, as part of National Library Week, Ms. Shanna and Mr. Tom were taken by surprise when Mellissa Schneider, the library’s executive director, presented them with a priceless collection of heart-tugging letters from former library staffers they had mentored and grown-up “storytime kids” whose lives they had deeply influenced.
“I feel extremely grateful to be one of the many, many children who grew up at the Winter Park Library,” wrote one storytime alumni. “I had the privilege of coming to both of your storytimes as a toddler before visiting the library every week to stuff a tote full of new books that I could finally read myself.”
Wrote a parent: “My children had so many school reports over the years and you willingly helped them where necessary. They have all gone on to live successful adult lives and I thank you for playing an important part in that. They carry on your generous gifts of helping others, your love of books, your sense of humor and your kindness.”
Schneider, who has been at the library’s helm since 2023, recognizes the generational impact of the city’s storytelling superstars. “Over the years, they’ve touched the lives of more local families than almost anyone else,” she says. “Some people work at a library. Others become part of its story. Ms. Shanna and Mr. Tom continue to help write ours.”