Donation Boosts Tom Green County West Branch Library

SAN ANGELO — At the latest Tom Green County Commissioners Court meeting, the Tom Green County Library System-West Branch received a substantial donation of $211,803. 

This contribution is to enhance library services and facilities in the West Branch.

Precinct One Commissioner Ralph Hoelcher expressed gratitude for the noteworthy donation, emphasizing the community's interest in supporting the library.

“We are very thankful for this donation,” he said at the meeting.

The generous donation comes in the form of an estate left by the late Helen Rutledge, who passed away at the age of 83. 

A San Angelo native, Rutledge's estate, bestowed to the library, is set to leave a lasting impact on the West Branch and its patrons.

Library Director Jill Donegan shed light on Rutledge's connection to the library, noting that she was a regular patron with a profound affection for the institution.

“Clearly, she had a deep love for the library and gifted her estate to the library,” Donegan said. “We're very excited about what we can do with that money to improve upon West Branch services.”

Donegan outlined plans for utilizing the funds, indicating a proposal to expand the "story room" as part of a capital construction project. 

“We’re very, very appreciative,” the library director said. “We know that she loved the library because of this generous act.”