Hayner Library Shares October Lineup, Including Free Halloween Costumes, Estate Planning Help and More

Hayner Public Library’s October Programs: Medicare, Crafts, Community Events and Halloween Activities

ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has several October programs that promise to bring people together and celebrate the library.

Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that libraries are becoming more like community centers, as they encourage people to come together and connect. All of Hayner’s programs are free and open to the public. Cordes hopes to welcome many people to each of their events, adding that the library is a great space to hang out and come together.

“That’s kind of the way that libraries are going. It’s sort of the trend,” she said. “Obviously, we still have the books and the collection and that kind of thing, but libraries are really turning more into that social aspect. We are losing those third spaces, so the library has turned into that. The staff has been really good at recognizing and talking with our patrons, finding out what they want, and then trying to offer programs that match what they say.”

Through the end of October, patrons can participate in the Adult Fall Scavenger Hunt. By finding clues in the library and throughout the community, you will receive a raffle ticket and can enter for the chance to win one of three impressive prizes. Cordes noted that the scavenger hunt is a great chance to explore the town and the library.

You can check out other Illinois libraries in the 2026 Illinois Heartland Library System Library Crawl. Participants will get their passport stamped at every location they visit, and then they can enter for the chance to win a gift card.

Every quarter, Hayner Library offers a fine amnesty program. This month’s Food for Fines program encourages people to return overdue Hayner Library materials and donate a canned food item to have their fines waived. All food will be donated to Crisis Food Center. It’s a great way for the library to collect their items while also helping the community.

Individual programs are also available throughout the month, all for free. The Hayner Senior Social Club will meet for the first time at 10 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2026, in the Alton Square Mall Performance Room. This meeting encourages seniors to connect and begin planning for regular events through the club.

The bimonthly Cookbook Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Alton Square Mall library branch. This club encourages people to choose a recipe from a themed cookbook on display, then return to the library with the cooked item and share it with other chefs. Cordes noted the benefit of engaging with like-minded people to talk about these hobbies.

AARP will return to the Alton Square Mall library for AARP’s Everyday Tech for Everyday Life: Intro to Estate Planning Tools & Resources at 12 p.m. on Oct. 28. This event will go over basic documents found in an estate plan as well as resources and digital tools that can be beneficial as you create your own plan.

These are free programs for adults, but there’s also plenty of fun for kids. Families can enjoy the costume swap on Oct. 23 and 24, which invites them to come to the Alton Square Mall library and pick out a free Halloween costume for kids.

There are just a few days left for kids to create their mini Halloween floats, which must be no bigger than a standard shoe box. These floats will compete for best in show, most creative, and scariest prizes, to be voted on by patrons.

All of the library’s programs and resources are free, though some require registration to save your seat. Call 1-800-613-3163 to reserve your spot.

For more information about all of these events and programs, or to see a calendar of upcoming events, you can 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.

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