Carnegie Library Building
Belton, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Completed in 1904, this brick library building was funded by a personal contribution from the noted New York industrialist and benefactor Andrew S. Carnegie. Ben D. Lee, builder of the Bell County Courthouse, served as contractor. Designed by the firm of Smith and Moore and made of bricks from a local kiln, the structure features elaborate detailing of the Beaux Arts classical style. When the library opened in 1905, 1500 volumes were contributed by members of the Woman's Wednesday Club. Public library facilities were located here until 1975. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Completed in 1904 with a personal gift from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, this Beaux Arts building in Belton was one of thousands of libraries the industrialist funded across America to put free reading within reach of ordinary people. Built of local kiln brick by courthouse contractor Ben D. Lee, it opened in 1905 stocked with 1,500 volumes donated by the Woman's Wednesday Club. It served as Belton's public library for seventy years, until 1975.
Why it matters
Carnegie libraries democratized knowledge in small-town America, and the volunteer women who filled this one with books show how local civic culture turned a philanthropist's gift into a living institution.
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Related people
- · Andrew Carnegie
- · Ben D. Lee
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Woman's Wednesday Club of Belton
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