Donald Francis Dresp, 85, passed away on September 30, 2021. He attended The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, and received his MA from the University of Denver. He worked as a high school teacher and librarian in Nebraska and Colorado, then as Education Librarian at ASU in Tempe, AZ. Don next became the assistant director of Scottsdale Public Library. In 1971 he accepted the position of Director of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library in Las Cruces, NM where he served until his retirement in 1996.



Don's work ethic was centered on public service and his motto was: "Formal education is expensive, but knowledge is free at your public library." In 1971 the library was housed in the present Branigan Cultural Center. Two bookmobiles were added in 1975. The Friends of TBML was founded in 1976. The present library opened in December 1979 , and the second floor addition in 1990. In 1991 he opened a public computer room, and initiated a computerized circulation system. Professionally, Don was named Librarian of the Year by the Border Regional Library Association, and Librarian of the Year by the New Mexico Library Association. He was one of two New Mexico public librarians to attend the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services in 1991. He served both as President of New Mexico Municipal Librarians and the New Mexico Library Association.



Don is survived by his wife, Winifred, a son, a daughter and two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his only sibling. A Celebration of Life will be held at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library November 6 from 2-4 p.m.. Memorials should go to organizations like Casa de Peregrinos and Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley that aid the homeless and hungry people and animals of Dona Ana County. (Source: ASU Foundation)