Hayner Library to Host Halloween-Themed Programs Throughout October
The Hayner Public Library District has free October programs planned for adults, kids and teens in Alton. Explore the lineup of local history, Halloween activities and opportunities to connect with the community.
Hayner Library’s October Programs: Underground Railroad Exhibit, Costume Swap and More
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy month ahead.
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Director Mary Cordes explained that the library’s aim is to provide a free space for people to come together, access information, and engage with the community. With this goal in mind, Hayner has several free programs planned for adults, kids and teens throughout the month of October.
“One of the trends in libraries, one of the things that our patrons have asked us for, are more programs,” she said. “We have so many organizations and so many interesting people and so many things that people want to do. At the library, we’re really, really lucky we have an endowment that allows us to do a lot of these programs. We’re able to use that endowment to bring programming and bring lectures and musicians and things like that to people.”
Sponsored by the library, patrons can enjoy a tour of Old Bakery Beer Company from 3–4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Attendees will get a look “behind the glass,” with information about the business, the historic building, and the brewing process.
The Alton Area Landmarks Association recently offered a tour of historic homes in the city. For a non-walking, accessible option, you can stop by Hayner’s Genealogy and Local History Library from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, for a presentation on these homes and their history by Eric Shultis.
From 1–2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at the Alton Square Mall branch, patrons can check out “Medicare 101: Understanding Your Medicare Options.” This presentation will cover basic Medicare information in the form of an informational seminar.
The KidsSpace in the Alton Square Mall library branch is always busy. They are constantly hosting storytimes and crafts for kids to enjoy. At 10 a.m. on Oct. 8 at the Alton Square Mall library, kids can enjoy a special storytime featuring the Alton Fire Department and a fire truck.
Throughout September, the library took donations of gently used Halloween costumes. On Oct. 23 and 24, 2026, families can stop by the library to pick out costumes for their kids. For more information about the costume swap, click here.
Kids can also participate in a mini Halloween parade by creating floats that are no bigger than a shoebox. These floats must be turned in to the library by Oct. 24 to be eligible for the contest. Patrons will vote for the most creative, scariest, and best in show.
Teenagers have a place at the library, too. Throughout October, a TeenTober Bingo Challenge invites these kids to complete reading challenges in exchange for prizes.
From 4–6 p.m. every Friday in October, teens can also come by the Alton Square Mall library for a YA Spooky Movie Night. Cordes promises plenty of snacks and fun, also available at the upcoming Teen Halloween Party on Oct. 17.
More seriously, teens in grades 6–12 are invited to “The Real Influence” at 4 p.m. on Oct. 19, at the Alton Square Mall library. This is a conversation about social media that encourages teens to think about how to navigate the social media age mindfully and healthily.
It’s important to Cordes to engage with the library’s patrons, including the teens, and get a feel for what programs will speak to them. She noted that the library is a place where many people form lasting friendships through these programs. The events also show attendees some of the work that the library does in the community and the resources they offer.
“Libraries have become sort of a community hub and a community center, and so it allows us to be able to do that because that’s really what brings people together and what people like to do, and then they meet other people,” she added. “It’s just a really good way for people to be together.”
Cordes encourages people to come out to these events and enjoy them. While all of the programs are free to attend, some have limited seats; call 1-800-613-3163 to reserve your spot.
For more information about Hayner Library, including a whole calendar of upcoming events, visit their official website.
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