Over the years, Alfenette Robinson has witnessed many changes at the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi, where she serves as Manager.
In 2000, the library doubled in size after additional space was acquired. It was transformed from a single storefront building, to a wide open-spaced facility with ample room for patrons to sit and read, for clubs to hold meetings, and for children to enjoy story time and other activities in a newly-added children’s section.
Robinson: “In recent years, technological advances have made it possible for all libraries in the Jackson/Hinds Library System (JHLS) to add new services and resources: computers, wi-fi, e-books and audiobooks, apps, and subscriptions to several great online resources.” Patrons can enjoy free digital options with their JHLS library card and PIN. Patrons may also print from one of the library’s public computers and send faxes for a reasonable price.
The library’s name-sake is the late Annie Laura Thompson Jeffers, who served as librarian for 15 years, mother of Congressman Bennie Thompson, member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The library is part of the Jackson/Hinds Library System, website: www.JHLibrary.org.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced all libraries in JHLS to make sweeping changes: some previously in-person activities have been placed on hold indefinitely; others have continued, but are virtual-only. The 2021 Summer Reading Program featured a number of virtual activities and events, with crafts, goody bags, awards and prizes being picked up at the library.
“Everyone loved the crafts and goody bags, as well as the online virtual activities,” said Robinson. “Azalea Singleton was the Top Reader for Bolton, in the JHLS Summer Reading program. She won Malco movie passes, new books, a Google prize pack and Funtime Skateland passes.”
As of August 1, 2021, some COVID-19 restrictions still apply. Patrons may use the computers inside the library for up to two hours, and they may browse and check out books. But club meetings, kids' group activities and so on, cannot yet be held inside the library. Robinson, “Curbside service is available as well as free wi-fi: you can park outside the library building to use the free wi-fi.”
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. JHLS library cards are free to residents of Hinds County. Alfenette urges everyone to get their card today.
Robinson, “Bolton Friends of the Library (FOL) is a group of citizens who love and support our library. FOL holds a fund-raiser or two each year: book sales, cookie swaps… Anyone can join Friends of the Library and the group would love to have new members! A meeting will be held at the Library on Tuesday, September 28, at 10 a.m., and everyone who is interested, is invited to attend.”
When asked what she loves most about her job, Robinson said, “I love seeing children with their first library card. I enjoy meeting and talking with people, and helping them find what they need. And it means so much when parents bring their children and tell us, ‘I used to come here when I was a child. Now I am grown and bringing my kids.’ “
When asked what she misses most from pre-COVID days Robinson is quick to respond, “In-person story time with the kids. I will be very happy when we are able to resume in-person story time at the library.”
Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.
For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org
