Children gather for story time at the Dripping Springs Community Library in 1993. (Courtesy Dripping Springs Community Library)
The Dripping Springs Community Library has been a staple of the community since it was founded in 1986. In the years since, the city has grown and changed, but the DSCL has remained consistent. Whether patrons are seeking a new read or a learning opportunity, the DSCL has offered programming and resources for 40 years and counting.
"While the way we access information has changed over the years, the library’s purpose has remained the same: providing knowledge, connection, and opportunity for everyone," board President Missy Atwood said in an email to Community Impact.
Many of the people who helped the DSCL throughout the years are still involved, including Atwood. She joined the board in 1998 and has served on it ever since.
Missy Atwood (bottom right) began volunteering at the library when she moved to Dripping Springs in 1993. She joined the board in 1998 and became board president around 2006. (Courtesy Dripping Springs Community Library)
"My fondest memories are of seeing the community come together in support of expanding our library," Atwood said. "Back in 1998, people from all walks of life united to help build our current library building ... It feels especially meaningful now to see that same spirit coming full circle, as the community once again comes together to support and raise funds for a new library building."
Marking a milestone
DSCL Executive Director Mindy Laird shared a few statistics to highlight how much the library and the community have grown.
In the library’s first year, 2,044 books were circulated, compared to 234,000 in 2025. The DSCL collection contained 7,500 books in 1986, compared to the library’s current collection of 48,266 physical books.
In the DSCL’s first year, 700 children attended storytime. In 2025, 17,000 people attended library programming. Over 94,000 people visited the library.
“I think it speaks to being a staple in the community,” Laird said. “It's always been something that the community has rallied around and given a lot of love and attention to, and [the community] continues to do that today, even with the rapid growth.”
Looking ahead
Laird will host a 40th-anniversary discussion June 3, and the anniversary celebration will be held Aug. 15. The first annual "A Book Affair" will feature live music, local food and drinks and interactive experiences, according to DSCL Communications Manager Christina Thompson. Proceeds will benefit the library.
"I wish more people understood that the library is about so much more than books," Atwood said in the email. "It’s a place where people can fill both their social cup and their lifelong learning cup at the same time ... What happens inside the library's walls — the programming, conversations and shared experiences — is just as important as the materials on the shelves."
