County supports Dripping Springs library expansion

HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution of support for the Essential Community Facilities Project for the Dripping Springs Community Library at its April 25 meeting.

The Dripping Springs Community Library, currently located at 501 Sportsplex Drive, is in the process of expansion to keep up with the growing needs of the community. In March 2022, a spot was secured for the library’s new location at the end of Benney Lane, a cul-de-sac off Mighty Tiger Trail, adjacent to the library’s existing property.

The library’s new location will allow the facility to expand to 5.5 acres. That larger footprint will support a facility projected to be 38,000 square feet, which is more than four times larger than the existing facility.

“This is an exciting moment for the entire community,” said Dripping Springs Commumity Library Board President Missy Atwood. “This larger facility will provide more opportunities for great learning experiences for families and their kids. It will provide anyone starting a business with critical resources and free high-speed Wi-Fi. It will offer critically-needed meeting space for community groups and more room for collections.”

During the commissioners court meeting, it was discussed that the Dripping Springs Library had applied for a grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture community facilities program. To be approved for this loan, the Dripping Springs Community Library is required to have the support of the local municipality in addition to approval from the Hays County Commissioners Court. The library will also have to gain support from the city of Drippings Springs to complete its grant packet.

There will be no obligation of funding from the county.