Annie Thompson Jeffers Library: Honoring a Legacy of Education and Community in Bolton

Special to The Bolton News

At the heart of Bolton’s downtown stands a cornerstone of learning and community life: the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library. For years, this branch of the Jackson/Hinds Library System has offered residents a welcoming place to read, learn, and connect, serving children, families, and lifelong learners alike.

Located at 111 West Madison Street, the library provides access to books, computers, meeting space, and a wide range of programs designed to enrich lives and foster engagement. It is Bolton’s primary public library and part of the larger Jackson/Hinds Library System, which operates throughout Hinds County and the City of Jackson.

The library offers much more than borrowing books. Regular programming includes children’s story times, reading clubs, seasonal events, and health and wellness sessions for all ages. Local groups such as the Friends of the Bolton Library support the library through book sales and outreach initiatives, helping expand resources for the community.

In March 2025, the library celebrated a grand reopening following extensive renovations that refreshed the space and expanded its capabilities. The event brought together local leaders, residents, and supporters who helped make the project possible. Today, the library features modern reading areas, a broader collection of books and media, technology access, and interactive programs, making it a hub for education, connection, and community life.

The library’s name reflects the enduring impact of Annie (Lauris) Thompson, a lifelong educator and devoted Bolton resident. Born and raised in the town, Thompson spent her life teaching in local schools, guiding generations of children with patience, knowledge, and encouragement. She was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and role model whose influence shaped the character of young people who grew into active, contributing members of the community.

Mrs. Thompson-Jeffers completed a forty-year teaching career in the Hinds County Public Schools. While the majority of those years were spent in classroom instruction, her deep interest in literature led her to pursue state certification in library science. She was among the first Black teachers in Hinds County to receive certification in library science and served as librarian at the local school from 1967 until her retirement in 1981, further extending her impact beyond the classroom and into the broader intellectual life of the community.

Beyond her professional career, Thompson-Jeffers was deeply committed to service and faith. She was an active and faithful member of Mt. Olive M.B. Church and was involved with numerous civic and religious organizations, including the Heroines of Jericho, Mississippi Baptist Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Hinds County Congress of Christian Education, Mt. Olive Recreational Development Corporation, and the Hinds County Home Mission Society. Through these roles, she worked tirelessly to uplift her community and promote education, fellowship, and outreach.

At home, Thompson also played a vital role as a mother and mentor, instilling responsibility, civic pride, and a commitment to learning in her family. Among her children was Bennie G. Thompson, who would become one of Mississippi’s most prominent public figures. Her guidance and values were central to his dedication to education, public service, and leadership, which have benefited not just her family, but the wider community.

The town of Bolton honored Annie Thompson’s lifelong dedication to learning and civic engagement by naming its library after her. The Annie Thompson Jeffers Library stands as a living tribute to her belief that knowledge and access to education are essential for personal growth and community strength. Through its programs, resources, and welcoming atmosphere, the library continues to embody the values Thompson championed throughout her life.

Today, her legacy endures in classrooms, in homes, and in the library that bears her name. Annie (Lauris) Thompson exemplifies how one person’s commitment to family, education, and community can leave a lasting mark, showing that true leadership often begins quietly at home and in local institutions, inspiring generations to come.