Patilla , known as “ Miss Nicky ” achieved that little-girl dream . Since 2003 she ’ s been the beloved library technician at King Elementary School . She does far more than oversee King ’ s inviting library ; she tries to lift students ’ spirits when she sees they are sad and makes real connections with students that have nothing to do with reading .

“ I feel like I ’ m actually making a difference in students ’ lives ,” Patilla said .

King staff said Patilla has a special way with students .

“ What makes Miss Nicky unique is that she knows every student ’ s name as if it was her own class . She calls them by name , which makes them feel special ,” said King teacher Tammy Smith .

Patilla ’ s goal is to make the library a haven for all students .

“ I feel like this is the heart of the school ,” Patilla said . “ The library was a safe place for me when I was in school . I make sure this is a safe place too .”

Even when schools were closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic staff was working from home and classes were virtual , Patilla chose to do her job from the library two weeks into the closure .

“ I wanted to let the kids see the library ,” she said .

Virtually , she read books to students for story time and played a variety of games with them , like ABC with Miss Nicky and Add on Stories .

She was overjoyed when schools fully reopened last school year , and she was able to get back to the in-person fun activities she uses to engage students . She likes to toss around the thumb ball , a soft ball with words written all over it . A student gets to talk about the word their thumb is on when they catch the ball . For the Add on Story game , she comes up with the beginning of story , then each student adds a sentence as they go around the circle . The tricky part , Patilla said , is making sure she can remember the story .

“ We don ’ t have fun in here , we go on an adventure ,” Patilla said .

Something new in the library this year : a cozy arrangement of small-scale sofas and chairs specifically for preschool students .

Every corner and wall of the library features something fun and inviting because she knows not every student wants to be there or wants to pick out a book .

“ When students don ’ t enjoy reading , it ’ s usually because they are not confident in their skills , Patilla said . She tries to reach those students by urging them to “ practice , practice , practice ,” as well as choose books about something that interests them . She recalls that her son , now 32 and a counselor at Terronez Middle School , did not like reading

FACES : LETANYA PATILLA 15