Dame Hilda Ross was prominent in Hamilton life for many years. She was the city's MP from 1945 until her death in 1959. Mayoress of Hamilton, Mrs R. Braithwaite instigated a decision to raise funds for a music reference and lending library as a memorial. The appeal raised 2260 pounds in cash and 350 pounds in donated goods. Hamilton City Council incorporated the library as part its own library service with the name of the Dame Hilda Ross Memorial Arts Centre. This collection contains the administrative records of the Dame Hilda Ross Memorial Women’s Appeal Committee, 1959-1961, including a minute book, notes and reports about the setting up and administration of the proposed centre, correspondence relating to contributions to the appeal, accounts books, and invoices and receipts for donations and stock.