When Meredith Fickes walked into a staff meeting at Mickle Middle School in May, she thought it was just another afternoon with colleagues.

Instead, the school librarian found herself at the center of a surprise celebration as family members, library colleagues and coworkers gathered in the Mickle auditorium to honor her as Nebraska School Librarians Association’s 2026 School Librarian of the Year.

"It was such a shock," Fickes said. "Then it became even more of a shock seeing my family there as well."

Fickes was nominated by Emily Jacobs, Lincoln Public Schools library instructional leader and Nebraska School Librarians Association president-elect, who described her as a leader among both students and colleagues.

"Meredith has excelled in her role as a school librarian and as a valued member of the Library Services community in LPS," Jacobs wrote in her nomination letter.

Jacobs highlighted Fickes' willingness to mentor new middle school librarians, collaborate with teachers and create engaging learning experiences for students. She pointed to innovative programming such as curriculum-based Breakout Boxes, makerspace activities, sticker mosaics and Rubik's Cube art that help students connect classroom concepts with hands-on learning.

"Meredith's dedication, innovation and collaboration make her an exemplary school librarian," Jacobs wrote. "Her efforts have not only enhanced the learning experiences of her students but have also strengthened the Library Services community in LPS."

The honor also continues a strong tradition for LPS librarians. Fickes is the third LPS librarian to receive the Nebraska School Librarians Association’s School Librarian of the Year award since its inception, joining Sara Friest (Lincoln Southeast High School, 2021) and Stephanie Kinnaman (Morley Elementary School, 2023).

For Fickes, the path to becoming an award-winning librarian began with a career in an entirely different field.

After graduating from college with a biology degree, she began working at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, where she led tour groups. While in that role, she began considering a future in education.

She initially took a position as the head of the children’s department at a large bookstore, and it was during this time that she decided to return and earn her teaching certification. That path was further shaped after a visit to an elementary school library, which helped solidify her career direction.

“One day the librarian at Eagle Elementary invited me to come and read to her students during Children’s Book Week,” Fickes said. “As I watched her for the day, I remember looking at her and thinking, ‘This has to be the coolest job ever.’”

After teaching biology at Wahoo High School for a year, Fickes earned her library endorsement and began her career as a school librarian. She spent three years at Everett Elementary before joining Mickle Middle School, where she has served students for the past 14 years.

Today, Fickes continues to bring that same enthusiasm to her work, creating opportunities for students to learn, explore and connect through the library.

"I love being able to take the content that students are learning in class and turn it into Breakout Boxes where they have to use teamwork, logic, creativity and their content knowledge to solve them," she said.

The innovative lessons and programs have become a hallmark of Fickes' library, but she says the students are what make the work rewarding.

"Middle school students are the best to work with," Fickes said. "Every day something happens that just makes you laugh."

She said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects not just her own work, but the strength of library programs across LPS.

“I am lucky that I get to work with so many amazing librarians not only in my school, but across the state,” Fickes said. “To be recognized among such great leaders means a lot.”

For Fickes, the award is a celebration of both her journey and the community she serves every day. It’s a role she still approaches with the same curiosity that first drew her into the profession years ago.

“I hope students realize that libraries are a safe place and a place where they can find themselves,” she said. “I hope all students come away knowing that everyone is a reader – they just have to find the right book.”

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