Lena Armstrong Public Library

13 public access computers, free wifi and wifi bar, 3 laptops for checkout in library use only

Requirements for a library card; photo idea and a document with current address; a utility bill, car insurance card, etc. 1. Types of Library Cards

a. Resident Library Card – Belton resident
b. Non –Resident Library Card: Resident of:
Morgan’s Point, Nolanville, Salado, Temple
c. Other residents of Bell County can get a Library card at the discretion of the Library Director.
d. Teacher/Childcare Cards
e. Temporary Residents
1. Belton Winter residents
2. Person visiting family in Belton, staying at least 2 months
f. Homebound Resident Library Card:
1. This service is intended for residents who are unable to come to the Library.
2. Residents living within the city limits of Belton are eligible to receive homebound delivery of library materials.
3. Family member of Belton resident in nursing home or assistant living facility is eligible for a Homebound Library Card for the purpose of providing materials for the Belton resident.

g. Institutional Library Cards:
1. Retirement and/or Nursing facilities within Belton’s City limits are eligible for this service.
2. 30 to 50 large print books can be checked out by the institution and kept until they have circulated through the residents.
3. No fines will be assessed.

h. Student Library Card:
1. Belton Independent School District students age 16 and up can receive a Library card by returning a library card application signed by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to come to the library for the student to get a library card.
• Student will be able to access online database and e-books
• Checkout limit will be 2 books
• DVDs cannot be checked out
• All other circulation rules apply

i. E Library Card:
Belton Independent School District students age 12 and up can receive a Library card by returning a library card application signed by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to come to the library for the student to get a library card. Students will be able to access online database and e-books only.

The Lena Armstrong Public Library has served the community of Belton since 1899. The Library has had four locations, four names and five Librarians. It began as the Woman's Wednesday Club Library, located in a room in the Central Hotel. The first Library was filled with books donated by the members of the Woman's Wednesday Club. When the books threatened to over run the room, space was rented in the Harris & Walker building on Main Street. Miss Emma A. Lee was hired as the Librarian and the Library was open in the afternoons. The members of the Wednesday Club began to pursue the notion of having a Carnegie Library and began a letter writing campaign to Andrew Carnegie, who wrote a personnel check for $10,000. In 1905, the Carnegie Library opened at 201 North Main Street and Miss Emma Lee moved in with 1,500 books. The Library would stay in the Carnegie building for 70 years. Miss Lee retired in 1924 and Miss Loulie C. Meyer became the Librarian of the Carnegie Library. In 1933, the Library became a City department and Miss Meyer was appointed Librarian. In 1945, Miss Lena Armstrong became an assistant at the Library and the following year she became the Librarian after Miss Meyer retired. Miss Armstrong served the Library for 52 years. In that time, Miss Armstrong built an impressive genealogy collection and compiled a large collection of family and local histories. She was also a contributing author for The Story of Bell County, and collected over 3,300 photos of Central Texas. In 1975, the Library moved to a new building at 301 East 1st Avenue and became the Belton Public Library. In December of 1998, Miss Armstrong retired and in January of 1999, she died. For her service to the community and because of the deep love and respect the people of Belton hold for her, the Library was renamed the Lena Armstrong Public Library on January 12, 1999. In May of 1999, the Library celebrated its 100th anniversary. Kim Adele Kroll was appointed Librarian in October of 2000. The Library still maintains and adds to Lena Armstrong's files on Belton and Bell County as well as the family histories and photographs. Over the last 13 years the library has made many improvements in services to the public and the building. The Friends of the Lena Armstrong Public Library was organized in the spring of 2001. The first General Membership meeting was held on January 29, 2002. The Friends major fund raiser is a luncheon where they host 3 Texas authors. The Friends have raised funds to purchase and upgrade a microfilm reader/printer, living room style furniture to create a sitting area in the main room, and books. Since 2008 the Friends have funded programs that have given out 8,772 free books, valued at $18,250, to Belton's children at community events. A Young Adult area was created in 2003, the YA collection and services to teens expanded with the hiring of a Young Adult Librarian in 2010. Children's services have expanded to bring early literacy story times to Belton's Headstart daycares. Currently the library offers 13 public access computers, wifi and wifi bar, 32,725 items which include, audio books, ebooks, DVDs, large and regular print materials for all ages.

Special Christmas program for preschool to 5th grade children. The program includes reading a Christmas story, crafts, writing a letter to Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas.
6 week summer reading program for preschool through high school age children.