Founded in 1898 as a literary society with twenty-five members, the Woman's Wednesday Club is the oldest active club of its kind in Bell County. Initially meeting in the Central Hotel in downtown Belton, the club members were devoted to the study of literature and history. Each member donated books to begin a library. They were instrumental in persuading Andrew Carnegie to donate funds to the city for a public library, and their collection of books formed the nucleus of the institution's holdings. The club has been a driving force in the cultural life of the city. (1990)