On this week’s episode of Hobby Memorial Library Update, airing Tuesday at 6:15pm on KNCT, host Cindy Oser brings listeners a lively blend of upcoming community happenings and a rich look at Gatesville’s evolving story.

This Thursday, July 31, the Killeen Civic Arts Guild will host a welcoming reception to celebrate local artists and connect residents with ongoing arts programming. It’s a great opportunity to mingle, discover creative talent, and learn about upcoming cultural events.

The Writers Guild meets this week as well, continuing its mission to foster storytelling and support writers across all levels. To learn more or RSVP, listeners are encouraged to reach out to the Hobby Memorial Library at referencerequest@ctcd.edu or (254) 526-1621.

Cindy also takes us on a journey through Gatesville’s history, tracing its growth and transformation over time:

• Gatesville’s first postmaster laid the groundwork for formal communications and civic organization.
• A large wave of settlers arrived in the 1870s, boosting agriculture and community life.
• In the 1880s, the town gained access to the Texas and St. Louis Railway, linking Gatesville to trade and travel routes.
• A weekly newspaper emerged, keeping citizens informed and connected.
• The population doubled by 1890, a sign of thriving regional development.
• Though the railway track was eventually abandoned, the town remained resilient.
• The arrival of Fort Hood ushered in significant demographic and economic shifts.
• The 1970s saw the establishment of correctional institutions, adding a new chapter to Gatesville’s civic and employment structure.
• And today, over 10,000 residents call Gatesville home, contributing to a proud legacy rooted in growth, service, and community spirit.

Whether highlighting local arts or sharing stories of small-town resilience, Hobby Memorial Library Update continues to serve as an informative and heartfelt voice for Central Texas. Stay tuned each Tuesday at 6:15pm for insights that connect past and present.