Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | May 2026

Nonpro t

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Children gather for story time at the Dripping Springs Community Library in 1993.

COURTESY DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY

40 years of the Dripping Springs Community Library

Dripping Springs library celebrates four decades 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 oered 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 opportu- nity for everyone,” Board President Missy Atwood said. The history When the DSCL was rst established, it operated out of the high school, now Dripping Springs Middle School. Local leaders and community members raised funds for the library’s current facility, which was completed in 1998. Since 2022, the DSCL has been raising funds for a new library, as the community has outgrown the current space. Many of the people who helped the DSCL through- out the years are still involved, including Atwood. She joined the board in 1988 and has served on it ever since. “My fondest memories are of seeing the community come together in support of expanding our library,” Atwood said. “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.”

1986: The library opens The library opened in Dripping Springs High School, now Dripping Springs Middle School, on June 7. 1998: New building opens The DSCL moved into the new building, located at 501 Sportsplex Drive. 1999: Special district created Voters approved the creation of a special library district, allowing the DSCL to receive a portion of sales tax revenue. 2005: Children’s wing opens The children’s wing of the library opened to the public. 2026: DSCL launches Library on Wheels The DSCL launched a mobile library to expand access to library programming as the team continues to work towards a new library.

1986

1996

2006

2016

2026

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

290

501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs www.dscl.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM