Who We Are
Mission
The mission of the Friends of the Dripping Springs Community Library is to:
- Promote the library’s value to our community
- To encourage its use
- Support the library by contributing much-needed funds toward a variety of programs
History
In 1983, a group of volunteers banded together with the mission to raise funds for a free-standing library. This was to become the Friends of the Dripping Springs Community Library, which is still going strong 36 years later.
At this time the library served double-duty as the high school and community library. Members of the group were determined to have a dedicated, independent library in Dripping Springs. In June 1998, their hard work paid off and the library opened in its current location.
That same year the Friends of the Dripping Springs Community Library, Inc. incorporated as a 501( c ) ( 3) nonprofit charitable organization. Its mission: to promote the library’s value, encourage its use and help sustain its vibrant role in the community.
Today, in response to the dynamic growth of the City of Dripping Springs and the surrounding area, our group of members continues to expand. We raise money and volunteer for the library, supporting its varied events and projects.
Board
Martha Brown
President, first term expires 2022
Martha is a long-time resident of the area and has worked at Premier Family Physicians for much of that time. She served on the Dripping Springs Planning Commission and brings a solid understanding of the community’s history and people to the Board.
Cindy Heath
Vice President, first term expires 2022
Cindy likes to say she grew up in the library. She has been the owner of three used bookstores and believes in the power of reading to change lives. With many years of experience as a business owner, she brings marketing knowledge to our outreach efforts.
Bill O’Donnell
Treasurer, first term expires 2021
Bill is a retired electrical engineer and has an MBA and degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He has been directly responsible for budgetary management of $10 million projects. With his extensive business background, he helps us stay focused.
Maria Kohout
Secretary, first term expires 2023
Maria moved to Dripping Springs from Arizona, where she volunteered at the Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek for ten years. Of course, she loves to read, as well as cook. She and her husband enjoy visiting the Hill Country Wineries, walking, and hiking in Texas State Parks.
Peter Durkin
Board Member at Large
Peter brings a new presence and fresh ideas to the mix. His long career in the nonprofit field provides insight and stability. He heads our Nominations Committee, so if you or someone you can recommend is interested in volunteering, he’s your man.
Teresa Carbajal Ravet
Board Member at Large
Teresa’s background and interests are in multi-lingual communication and cultural diversity. She possesses remarkable social media technical skills which have propelled the Friends headlong into new areas of engagement.
Marcia Atilano
Board Member at Large
Marcia is integral to the close working relationship between the Friends and the library. Her insights assure the Friends’ resources effectively boost the library’s varied programs. She is a valuable asset and a welcome participant in our discussions.
Alyssa Weinstein
Board Member at Large, second term expires 2022
Alyssa is a graduate of Dripping Springs High School and is now attending the University of Texas at Austin as a journalism major. She works as a reporter for the Dripping Springs Century News and has worked at media outlets including The Daily Texan, Austin Monthly and KXAN News.
Jessica Graffunder
Board Member at Large
Debbie Milner
Board Member at Large
Debbie is retired with an M.Ed. in Guidance/Counseling. She was also a former textbook salesperson for over 25 years and brings years of book experience to the Board. Debbie is also a member of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature representing several surrounding counties.
Denise Watson
Board Member at Large
Become a Friend of the Dripping Springs Community Library
Together we help create a stronger library for all to enjoy and benefit from. Becoming a Friend means you share a passion for our library and its programs.