PIERCES DONATE $30,000 TO PUBLIC LIBRARY

For nearly a quarter of a century the Jackson Public Library has been a big part of Walt and Sally Pierce's lives. Recently the couple did something big for the library.

On Sept. 22 the Pierces gave a check for $30,000 to Jackson Mayor Paul Sander, to be used by the library for adding computers and other modernization.

"It's something she's been wanting to do for a long time," Walt said.

Pierce has been with the library 24 years. The last 12 years she has served as director.

"It's nice when people are willing to improve our library," Sander said. "We appreciate what you've done for the library."

The donation will be used for library automation, including a computerized card catalogue and bar-scanning at the check-out desk.

Walt Pierce called the new technology "phenomenal" and said it will "bring us into the 20th century" at the library.

"We're really thrilled about Sally and Walt's generosity," said Rob Goyette, Library Board vice president.

"Generous folks like you made Jackson what it is today," Sander added. He also noted that the city is likely to add some additional funding for the project, if the donation is not sufficient to purchase everything needed.