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, second term expires 2024
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.
Brian Hale
Vice President, term expires in 2024
Brian is retired from a 45 year career in technology, most recently serving as CTO of an online educational company. As an avid reader from an early age, the library and used bookstores were two of his favorite places. Brian’s expertise will be used to work with the FODSCL to ensure the library stays a central and relevant resource for current and future generations.
Nichole Newlan
Treasurer, first term expires 2024
Nichole is a CPA and graduate of the University of Texas. She has been working in accounting for 25 years and is happy to serve The Friends as the new treasurer.
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.
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.
Debbie Milner
Membership
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.
Arvind Amin
Board Member at Large
Having lived in Dallas most of his professional career, Arvind moved to Dripping Springs in 2020 to be closer to his daughter. He is passionate about teaching and educating children from low socio-economic backgrounds and has worked with several non-profits over the last two decades. Arvind is excited to serve the community library and promote the reading of books in this era of social media. He has a Ph.D. in Engineering.
Gogi Hale
Board Member at Large
Gogi is a true believer in the power of stories to educate, enlighten and explore the world of people, places and things. She is a former aerospace project engineer, and is now a writer, Treasurer of the Board for Kallisto Gaia Press, a literary press, and member of the Writers’ League of Texas.
Sharon Thiede
Board Member at Large
Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. Graduate of Michigan State University. Moved to Houston in 1999. Mother of Two adult children and grandmother to two boys. Member of Dripping Springs Lions Club-Membership chair. Hobbies: Reading of course, walking and collecting nesting dolls.
Natalie Mahany
Board Member at Large
Natalie has been actively involved in Dripping Springs schools and organizations over the past 25 years. She recently retired as an educator but continues to serve in various capacities as a community leader and avid supporter of the Dripping Springs Library.
Pat Foster
Board Member at Large
After her retirement, Pat and her husband relocated to Dripping Springs in 2018. She is a former educator who now enjoys golf, reading, and bridge. Pat is excited to be part of The Friends.
Dorrie Flores
Board Member at Large
A native of Edinburg, Texas, Dorrie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas and with a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix. Having spent most of her career as a relationship manager for business clients at large regional banks in Chicago, Dorrie and her husband returned to the Texas hill country in 2020. Now retired, she enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and hanging out with her siblings in the area.
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.