Hayner Library Outlines January 2026 Programs and Events

Our Daily Show! Beyond the Shelves With Hayner: Winter and Spring Events

ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy January ahead.

Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that the library is eager to jump back into the swing of things and host several exciting events and programs over the next few weeks. All of their events are free to attend and promise plenty of fun for patrons of all ages.

“It is a busy season. The holidays are over and everybody’s back,” Cordes said. “That just means we’re offering really good things.”

Hayner’s monthly Branching Out Genealogy Classes will resume on Jan. 8, 2026, with the topic “Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan” at the Genealogy and Local History Library. This presentation will be followed by the monthly discussion group on Jan. 15, where patrons can share more about their genealogy research.

Coffee and Chaos is the library’s newest program for caregivers with little ones who are looking for adult connection. From 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, community members can bring their kids to the Alton Square Mall for a playdate. Kids are encouraged to engage with toys, books and games while their adults chat over a cup of free coffee.

From 6–7 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2026, the Genealogy and Local History Library will present “The Nature Institute: A Journey Through Time” to talk through the history of The Nature Institute in Godfrey. Cordes promises this event will be “a really good one.”

She also encourages people to check out the library’s Story Walk at The Nature Institute when temperatures rise. This one-mile paved path has stops along the way where walkers can read a picture book.

Hayner, in partnership with the Alton Area Landmarks Association, has three lectures planned throughout the next three months. The first, titled Genealogy Lecture: Armenian Immigration, will touch on the Armenian Genocide and how Armenian immigration shaped the Granite City community. This is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Jan. 17 at the Genealogy and Local History Library.

Self-Care with Eileen is another monthly program that will launch at 10 a.m. on Jan. 14 with Laughter Yoga. These 60-minute sessions can accommodate any adult with or without physical restrictions.

The Winter Reading Retreat also promises “a lot of fun,” Cordes said. From 6–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Alton Square Mall, community members can complete a craft, enjoy refreshments and chat about books and authors.

Cordes is especially excited to host The Buckhannon Brothers: Old-Time Music at Alton Square Mall on Jan. 20. She promises “fantastic” music for community members to enjoy.

The Adult Puzzle Race Challenge will be fun for seven teams of four as they complete a puzzle as quickly as possible from 6–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Alton Square Mall.

Meanwhile, the Ghosts Next Door: Milton Schoolhouse presentation draws in history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts to learn more about the history of Milton Schoolhouse, including its supposedly haunted hijinks. From 7–8 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Genealogy and Local History Library, you can learn more about Alton’s haunted history.

All of these programs are completely free, though registration is encouraged to hold your spot. You can register by calling 1-800-613-3163.

The library has a variety of resources and events available. For more information, including a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit the official Hayner Public Library District website at HaynerLibrary.org.

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