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.
Abbigail Bosway
Vice President, first term expires 2024
Abby is a bibliophile in the truest sense, always most comfortable with her nose in a book. She has an MBA from UT Austin and resides in Dripping Springs with her husband and two daughters. Abby joined the Board in the fall of 2022 and is thrilled to be part of taking the library into the future, while retaining all of our Hill Country charm.
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
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.
Sheilah DeVore-Gieseman
Board Member at Large
Sheilah DeVore-Gieseman is a mother of two and a former teacher. She is active in the arts and helps curate books for the Hill Country Senior Center. She donates to and supports animal welfare, literacy and community outreach. She is an advocate for those who also have Multiple Sclerosis.
Samuel Todd
Board Member at Large
Samuel Rutherford Todd III moved from Austin to Dripping Springs 14 years ago. As a literacy advocate, he created employee lending libraries at three HEBs, participated in DSCL’s story time program, and currently curates the book section at Hill Country Senior Center Thrift Store.
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.
Brian Hale
Board Member at Large
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.
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.
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.