The Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award was established by the friends and family of Springfield Public Schools Hickory Hills school and Disney Elementary school librarian, Linda Luke, following her tragic passing in 1997. Linda was known for her dedication and commitment to excellence as a librarian.

The Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award is designed to recognize librarians who are carrying out Linda’s legacy of dedication and commitment to excellence. It is given out each year to one librarian in the district who makes an outstanding, positive impact on students. The award includes a $1,500 cash prize to the librarian chosen.

    • All nominees must be school-level librarians.
    • Previous recipients are eligible to receive the award again.
    • SPS leadership, principals, teachers, and all other staff; PTA, business partners, and community members are all eligible to submit a nomination.

 

The 2026 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year will be awarded at the Celebrate SPS banquet on May 1, 2026.

Nomination Rules & Guidelines:

Nominees must be a school librarian in Springfield Public Schools.

*For High School librarians, we encourage you to nominate the team of librarians as one nomination. 

Nominees should demonstrate the following characteristics in their work as a librarian:

    • A strong commitment to the profession, reflected through an attitude of genuine care and concern for students, staff, and the school community.

    • Active support of teaching and learning by fostering a welcoming library environment that encourages students and teachers to effectively use available resources.

    • Leadership in designing and implementing at least one innovative project, program, or initiative at the building level.

    • A positive and lasting impact on the school community through their work as a librarian.

Nominees are required to complete a questionnaire to highlight how they demonstrate the above characteristics. A selection committee, comprised of FSPS board members and engaged community members, will review your nominations as well as the questionnaires submitted by the nominees, to select this year’s Linda Luke Librarian of the Year.

If you have questions about the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award please contact the Foundation office at 417-523-0144.

 

Nominations Close: February 20, 2026

 

Linda Luke Librarian of the Year NOMINATION FORM

Thank you for taking the time to nominate an outstanding librarian for the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award. This award recognizes an SPS librarian who demonstrates exceptional care for students and staff, a deep commitment to the profession, and meaningful impact on teaching and learning.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Nominee Information

  • If the nominee serves at multiple schools, please list each school, separated by commas.

  • Nominator Information

  • (Principal, Teacher/Staff, Parent, Community Member, Friend, etc.)

  • Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Criteria

    1-A strong commitment to the profession, reflected through an attitude of genuine care and concern for students, staff, and the school community. 2-Active support of teaching and learning by fostering a welcoming library environment that encourages students and teachers to effectively use available resources. 3-Leadership in designing and implementing at least one innovative project, program, or initiative at the building level. 4-A positive and lasting impact on the school community through their work as a librarian.