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t is not uncommon, if you live in the Picayune area, to have heard the name Holland attached to learning. Kathleen Holland has lived a life that has been centered around helping others become educated in different ways for over 50 years of her life. Kathleen has been involved with the young people in our community working with the Girl Scouts, Junior Auxiliary, the Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Library, and many other endeavors. One stretch of time stands out in her mind as a defining moment in her life. In 2008, it appeared the library system in Pearl River County may come to a halt as funding from a new Board of Supervisors was cut over $100,000. Holland and her husband, along with employees and volunteers with the library system, and hundreds of others, helped in getting petitions signed, individually contacting supervisors as well as state legislators, and rallying the community to show the government officials the importance of the library system to this community. Consequently, the Supervisors restored funding, not the whole amount, but enough to keep the library going according to Holland. Holland did not blame them for their decision as in her words “no one had ever showed them what the library system provided to citizens and how important it was then and now. They support us today and we are thankful,” Kathleen stated with a broad smile. “I wish the county could support the libraries using the millage system like the city can. Whatever is possible to get more funding for the libraries.” Holland Hall at the Crosby Library in Picayune is named after the Hollands. Kathleen said a group led by then librarian Linda Tufaro wanted to name the cultural room after the Holland’s after their efforts to restore the funding with government officials. Kathleen remembers that day well. “They surprised us and honored us with a real nice celebra- tion with cake and some bubbly cider since we weren’t supposed to have champagne in the library,“ Holland chuckled as she recalled that wonderful day. “It was a huge surprise.” When asked why she liked the library so much, she replied. “I feel like we are educating people here (library). We try to figure out what people need, what they want to know about and try to make those type programs and resources available. We’ve had a wide variety of programs like gun safety, gardening, genealogy, manners for kids, and things like that. Over the years, I’ve been in here so many times with children, grandchildren, and others in the community organizations, to me, the library is a hub of a lot of good things in our community.” Before his death, Randy provided a series of programs about science as the “Science Guy” and was the driving force behind the creation of WRJW radio’s Focus on Stennis Space Center monthly show. The show continues today with Kathleen’s son Randy Robert (Holland) and Laurie Jugan taking care of scheduling the show’s topics and guest . Holland said the library is currently putting together more programs that the family can do together like a puppet demonstration and hands on making of puppets. She added that the library is putting together two special programs, one on travel, and the other for adults transitioning to what Holland referred to as “older age”. She says this program will cover how to prepare things such as wills, power of attorney, funeral arrangements, and other related topics. She understands the importance of this having just gone through it pertaining to her husband’s passing. By Carey Meitzler GM of Pearl River Communications, Inc. I 26 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Winter 2018 - 2019 Kathleen Hol land A Local Treasure

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