Carnegie Public Library

Constructed in 1904, the Carnegie Public Library served the Belton community and surrounding areas until December 7, 1975, when the Bell County Historical Commission opened the building as the Bell County Museum. Belton's Carnegie Library was one of many built in the United States around the turn of the century with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie. However, this library differed somewhat from many of the others since it was funded by a personal gift of $10,000 from the steel magnate. The building retains its architectural integrity but needs some minor repairs.

In 1899, in the parlors of the Central Hotel (operated by the Sanctificationists, a women's religious sect), the Women's Wednesday Club met for the purpose of establishing a library for the city of Belton. Each member had been requested to donate a book at the time of the club's organization, resulting in the acquisition of some 350 books as the nucleus of the library. The club operated the first library in a small room of the hotel until those quarters became too small.

In April of 1900, the Club held another open house, and again, with the invitation, there came the charge from II Timothy, "And when thou comest, bring with Thee the Books". At the time of the opening of the present Carnegie Library Building, the club was able to donate to the institution some 1500 volumes. The club continued to seek funding from the Carnegie Foundation, as evidenced by copies of letters from the club's secretary dated 1899, 1902, and 1903. After the 1903 request, the group was notified that if the City of Belton agreed by resolution of council to maintain a free public library at an of not less than a thousand dollars a year, and provide a suitable site, then Mr. Carnegie would be pleased to furnish $10,000 to help erect a free library for the city. By proper resolution and public subscription, citizens were able to provide the lot and Mr. Carnegie forwarded his personal check.

Architecturally, the Carnegie Library is of considerable importance to the Belton community. While classical elements are found in other public buildings, such as the Bell County Courthouse (1883; National Register, 1976) and the United States Post Office (1918; determined eligible for the Register, 1984), no building in the city but the library displays such exuberant Beaux Arts classicism. To fledgling Texas cities, the creation of a classically-inspired center of learning was an indication that the community had arrived culturally, and the local library reflected in a very modest way the spirit of the Library of Congress or the New York or Boston public libraries. Stylistic parallels in Texas may be found in the Carnegie Library in Cleburne, Johnson County (National Register, 1976), or the Carnegie Library in Terrell, Kaufman County.