Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial
Library
History
In 1953-54 the library was actually started with
2,300 books donated by the citizens and the Texas State
Library. October 17, 1954, the public was invited to an open
house. In 1957, a lot donated by the heirs of E.M. Scarbrough
to the city was offered as the site for a proposed George
Sessions Perry Memorial Library. Perry was an author and
native son of Rockdale. Hope for a Perry Library faded,
however, due to funds being unavailable at that time.
In 1961, Dr. George Hill Patterson made a $12,500 donation in
memory of his mother who was born in Rockdale. The city
provided matching funds and on May 25, 1963 the dedication of
the new Lucy Hill Patterson Library was held. Dr. Patterson
was pleased with the acceptance and operation of the library
and provided a generous gift in his will for library
expansion. In 1980 the library was completely remodeled, tripling in size with a second story.
With a staff of four and an active volunteer program, a
variety of programs and services are offered to patrons of
all ages. The library currently works closely with the
Literacy Volunteers of Milam County and the Milam County
Genealogical Society and is a member of the Central Texas Library System.
Return to Library Home Page