Hayner Library Shares Upcoming Free Events for All Ages

Beyond the Shelves With Hayner Library: Summer is Wrapping Up!

ALTON - From tech classes to a Beatles tribute, The Hayner Public Library District has a variety of free programs coming up in the coming weeks.

Executive Director Mary Cordes said that the library is always bustling with patrons and free events. She hopes many community members come out to experience their programs.

“What’s not going on at the library?” she laughed. “We’ve got all kinds of stuff.”

Through the end of July, the library will continue their quarterly fine amnesty program titled “Supplies for Summer.” Patrons who have overdue Hayner Library items can return their items to the library along with a personal hygiene item, and the library will waive the fine. The items will be donated to Crisis Food Center and Alton Community Unit School District #11.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Alton Square Mall library branch will host AARP’s Everyday Tech for Everyday Life class, where patrons can learn more about how to utilize their smartphone camera beyond basic photography. The class, which is open to all ages, will show attendees how to scan QR codes and other ways the camera can be used.

FREE Wire Music Stand with your Instrument Rental ($20 value)

Shop Local

Halpin Music Company

Get This Deal →

On Thursday, Aug. 6, musician Jay Daniels will present “Here, There, Everywhere — A Tribute to the Beatles” from 6–7 p.m. in the Alton Square Mall performance room. Daniels will play music from the iconic albums “Revolver,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and “Magical Mystery Tour.”

A different musical genre comes to the library at 6 p.m. on Aug. 18 with Nicolas Brown and his Uilleann Irish bagpipes performance. Brown will perform on the bagpipes and also share information about the history of the instrument.

Looking ahead to September, Cordes is especially excited for “Visions of the Alton Piasa,” a talk by Dr. Mark J. Wagner. Wagner, emeritus professor of anthropology at SIU Carbondale, will share his belief that “people with different visual abilities and beliefs were seeing what they wanted to see on the rockface rather than what was actually there.” The “Visions of the Alton Piasa” program will be held from 6–7 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Hayner’s performance room in Alton Square Mall.

All of the aforementioned programs are free to attend, but most require registration. You can call 1-800-613-3163 to register for these programs.

Cordes noted that plenty of additional events and activities are planned for the next few months. Kids, teens and adults can find a variety of experiences at the Hayner Public Library District.

For more information about everything the library offers, including a calendar of upcoming events, visit the official Hayner Public Library District website.

This featured article is sponsored by the Hayner Public Library District. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

More like this:

Hayner Library Highlights Upcoming Concert, More Summer Events

Jul 9, 2026

Hayner Library Launches Dinosaur-Themed Summer Reading Program

Jun 2, 2026

Hayner Library Shares Updates on New Building Design Process

Jul 3, 2026

Hayner Library to Host Patriotic Concert, Other Summer Events

Jun 30, 2026

Hayner Library Plans Spring Programs: Civil War, St. Louis Zoo, One-Man Band and More

Mar 30, 2026