Beloved library volunteer Mrs. Lisa says goodbye to Dripping Springs

If you’ve visited the community library with your child, chances are you’ve met Mrs. Lisa Baker or had the pleasure of listening to one of her stories. She’s been the smiling face at Friday storytime, along with her puppet Fluffy Dog, for nearly two decades, creating an inviting and imaginative space for preschool and young elementary aged children.

A former teacher, Baker says she has always had an affinity for storytelling. “Even before I had kids, I loved to read to my 5th and 6th grade classes and they thought it was funny when I used different character voices,” she said. “I'd always loved reading picture books, singing songs, and playing with puppets with my boys, so when friends observed me entertaining their kids when they came to visit, they encouraged me to consider starting a career as a children's entertainer.”

That was a job, Baker says, she didn’t know existed, but soon she landed her first gig at a Montessori School in Oak Hill leading a weekly storytime. The crowd continued to grow as families learned about Mrs. Lisa’s Storytime from others. By this time, Baker was a mother herself of two sons, Jonathan and Christopher. She began doing regular storytimes at Book People, Borders and Barnes & Noble, local festivals, day cares, churches and birthday parties.

“I had no idea that it would keep me that busy,” Baker said. “For most of my gigs, I was able to actually bring my preschool sons with me, and then when they enrolled in PreK classes, and eventually into elementary, I came and performed for their classes and the whole grade level as well. I have always had a passion for books and music, and I was just hardwired by the Creator for silliness, so it seemed the perfect part-time career.”

Perhaps, one of the silliest figments of Baker’s imagination is beloved Fluffy Dog, her sheep dog puppet who became a bit of a sidekick. “I acquired and used a lot of puppets through the years, but Fluffy Dog was my favorite, but don’t tell the others” she said. “He was easy to use, with a mouth that was able to be expressive, and children were generally never afraid of him so that was helpful. He ended up being loved and hugged SO much that he lost some of the hair on the side of his face! He's embarrassed about it, so I try to do a good comb-over so it isn't noticed.”

Now Fluffy Dog, along with all his friends and Mrs. Lisa and her husband are packed up and headed to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where they’ve had a second home since 2015. It’s a bittersweet move for the Bakers after calling Dripping Springs home for more than 20 years.

“When we moved here, we prayed that we would make a lasting contribution to our community and the people that lived here.” Baker said. “My dream was to help little ones fall in love with books, music and puppets… and also to know they were loved and accepted by me.”

“Thank you, Lisa Baker, for delivering smiles to thousands of children, their families and the staff for about twenty years at the Dripping Springs Community Library,” Marcia Atilano, DSCL Director said. “You reminded us of the joy and importance of reading. Your smiling and often silly face and zany conversations with our favorite Fluffy Dog won our attention always. We will miss you! All the best to you as you began a new chapter!”

Baker’s adult sons remain in Austin, so she says she won’t be a stranger.