Hayner Library Shares Free Spring Programs and Databases with Community

Our Daily Show Interview! Beyond the Shelves With Hayner: Free AI Class, and More!

ALTON - According to Hayner Public Library District Executive Director Mary Cordes, the spring season at Hayner might be their best yet.

Cordes explained that most of the winter programs are coming to an end while the spring programs will start up in March. She is excited to share more opportunities with the community through events, databases, and initiatives.

“It’s going well, going real well,” Cordes said. “We’re getting ready for our spring programs.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, Dr. George Provenzano will present “The Deaths and Funerals of Abraham and Mary Lincolns’ Two Sons: Eddy and Willie” from 6–7 p.m. at the Genealogy and Local History Library. He will talk about diseases and mourning rituals from this time period and how the children’s deaths impacted their parents.

On March 10, 2026, licensed tour guide LaCretia Huff will present “Discover Washington D.C.: A Monumental Journey” at the Alton Square Mall library, wherein she will share historical information and photos about “all of the iconic monuments” in D.C., Cordes said. She expects this will be “a fun one” for aspiring tourists and history buffs.

On March 24, 2026, Classical Guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform at the Alton Square Mall library. Cordes believes this will be “pretty amazing.”

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All of these events are free to attend, though registration is required. To reserve your seat, call 1-800-613-3163.

From 12–1 p.m. on March 25, 2026, the library has partnered with AARP for a presentation about everyday uses of AI at the Alton Square Mall library. Cordes hopes this presentation helps inform people about how artificial intelligence is used, ways an average person can utilize it as a tool, and how to spot AI on the internet. More information about this program, including how to register, will be available soon.

Hayner will offer several other free events and activities over the coming months. Click here to see an updated calendar of events.

Beyond these programs, Hayner also has free apps and databases that community members can use to access information. Their offerings run the gamut, from information about world languages to cooking to auto repair.

“Everybody thinks, ‘Why do I need that? I can get it through Google.’ Yes, but this stuff you can actually trust the information that you’re getting,” Cordes explained. “It’s not like, ‘Oh, hey, I’m somebody’s cousin and I kind of like cars and I work on them on the weekends and I’m going to give you some information.’ That’s great, and then you ruin your car following a YouTube video. This is actually vetted information.”

Cordes noted that all of the information is compiled by experts. For a full list of online databases, click here.

She added that Hayner is always busy, and everything — their programs, their physical materials, their online materials and more — is free to access and use. Cordes hopes many people stop by the library to engage and learn more about how they can serve you.

For more information about Hayner Public Library District, visit their official website at HaynerLibrary.org.

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