Storytimes near DOWNTOWN LIBRARY

Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State Street, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Branching Out 2026 Genealogy Classes On the second Thursday of each month, library staff presents a discussion of a genealogy research topic. On the third Thursday, we gather around the fireplace, and each of us gets a chance to share family stories, photos, and projects. We learn from each other and have some laughs too! Branching Out classes and discussion group meetings will continue throughout 2026 on the second and third Thursdays of each month. Just getting started with genealogy and not sure if these classes are right for you? Call or email the Genealogy and Local History Library to schedule an individual appointment. We will review your information and help you determine what to do next. Call (618) 462-0677, ext. 2892, or email genealogy@haynerlibrary.org. Thursday, July 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Vital Records: From the Church to the Courthouse Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group Thursday, August 13, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Where They Lived: Property Research Thursday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group Thursday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – A New Home: Immigration and Naturalization Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Paleontologists and archaeologists everywhere have one thing in common—they have to dig deep for the answers they seek. Join us on Thursdays for science projects that revolve around digging up and learning about dinosaurs, fossils, geodes, and gems. Be sure to wear clothes that can get messy! To register, please call (618) 433-2881. Space is limited!

Performance Room at Alton Square Mall, 225 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Celebrate the end of summer at our End of Summer Reading Party. It’s going to be dino-mite! We’ll have Iggy, a gigantic T. rex, and Baby the Stegosaurus for the kids to play with. St. Louis Dinosaur will also join us. Attendees can snack on treats from Mo’z Sweet Treats and pick up a free book of their choice. There will be plenty of fun for all ages. Summer Reading Program prize winners will also be announced at the party. Don’t miss this exciting way to wrap up the summer. This party is a way for us to thank everyone who participated in our summer activities and reading programs.

The Old Bakery Beer Co., Landmarks Boulevard 400, Alton

The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Boulevard, Alton Thursdays, July 9; September 3, Social Hour: 6:00 p.m. Book Discussion: 7:00 p.m. Book Club Selections – July: My Friends by Fredrik Backman September –The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff We’d love for you to join us for a drink and a discussion of our book club selections. Our social hour starts at 6:00 p.m., with the book discussion beginning at 7:00 p.m. Participants are welcome to join us for both the social hour and the book discussion or just the discussion. Taps & Tomes book selections can be checked out at Hayner Library, and are also usually available through the Libby and Cloud Library digital platforms. No registration required.

Performance Room at Alton Square Mall, 225 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

A Teen Summer Reading Program Event Travel back in time with us as we watch every Jurassic movie, from the original Jurassic Park all the way to the latest adventure!

Performance Room at Alton Square Mall, 225 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Dinosaurs will invade the End of Summer Teen Reading Party! Join us for a screening of Jurassic World Rebirth while enjoying a movie-style snack table. We will also announce the Summer Reading Program prize winners, and most importantly, every attendee will receive a free book!

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Calling all crafters! Pack up your portable projects and join us for Xs and Sews, a laid-back crafting program where creativity meets community. Bring whatever you’re working on, whether it’s embroidery, knitting, crocheting, drawing, scrapbooking, cross-stitching, jewelry making, origami, quilting, woodcarving, or anything else you’re inspired to create. Enjoy relaxing music, conversation, and the company of fellow crafters. If your craft can be transported with ease, we’d love you to bring it along and create it with us. We can’t wait to meet everyone and see what you are working on! No registration required.

Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State Street, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Branching Out 2026 Genealogy Classes On the second Thursday of each month, library staff presents a discussion of a genealogy research topic. On the third Thursday, we gather around the fireplace, and each of us gets a chance to share family stories, photos, and projects. We learn from each other and have some laughs too! Branching Out classes and discussion group meetings will continue throughout 2026 on the second and third Thursdays of each month. Just getting started with genealogy and not sure if these classes are right for you? Call or email the Genealogy and Local History Library to schedule an individual appointment. We will review your information and help you determine what to do next. Call (618) 462-0677, ext. 2892, or email genealogy@haynerlibrary.org. Thursday, July 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Vital Records: From the Church to the Courthouse Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group Thursday, August 13, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Where They Lived: Property Research Thursday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group Thursday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – A New Home: Immigration and Naturalization Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Discussion Group

Benjamin Godfrey Chapel, Lewis & Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL, 62035, United States

Switchback: A Celebration of American Roots and Celtic Soul Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey Sunday, July 19, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. There comes a time in the careers of certain musicians when their music is acknowledged for its influence on others. At this juncture, they transition from being part of the crowd to becoming a standard that others aspire to emulate. Switchback has reached this level of recognition, earning acclaim for their contributions to Celtic and Americana music, as well as for their prowess as exceptional entertainers. We invite you to join us for an afternoon with Switchback. Attendees can choose to sing along or simply relax and enjoy the performance. Please call 1-800-613-3163 to register for this program.

Performance Room at Alton Square Mall, 225 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Join us in the Hayner Library performance room to hear author Cheryl Eichar Jett discuss her latest book, Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66. Cheryl will explore the various roles women played along Route 66, coinciding with the iconic road’s 100th anniversary! Cheryl Eichar Jett is an American author, playwright, journalist, and speaker known for her seven previous books, including Route 66 in Illinois, as well as hundreds of published articles. She holds a graduate degree in history from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Over the past decade, Jett has investigated the intersections of women’s history along Route 66 and has directed two productions of her stage play inspired by this research. Her upcoming book, Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66, was published by Reedy Press of St. Louis in April 2026. Please call 1-800-613-3163 to register for this program.

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Writers Circle From the novice to the experienced, join us for a writing prompt to get creativity flowing and receive constructive feedback from your peers in a guided group discussion. The focus genre of our Writers Circle changes every month. Please call 1-800-613-3163 to register for this program. Please note: the July and August Writers Circle will take place at Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, and the September event will take place at Jacoby Arts Center, 208 State Street, Alton. Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Summer Camp Short Stories Saturday, August 29, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Blackout Poetry Saturday, September 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — In Response

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

The 1996 hit movie Twister turns thirty this year, and Hayner Library is celebrating with an interactive movie night! We will provide refreshments and props for audience participation, and a staff member will be present to guide you through this fun experience. Please call 1-800-613-3163 to register for this program.

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Calling all crafters! Pack up your portable projects and join us for Xs and Sews, a laid-back crafting program where creativity meets community. Bring whatever you’re working on, whether it’s embroidery, knitting, crocheting, drawing, scrapbooking, cross-stitching, jewelry making, origami, quilting, woodcarving, or anything else you’re inspired to create. Enjoy relaxing music, conversation, and the company of fellow crafters. If your craft can be transported with ease, we’d love you to bring it along and create it with us. We can’t wait to meet everyone and see what you are working on! No registration required.

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall, 132 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall Multipurpose Room Hayner Library has partnered with AARP to provide monthly tech classes throughout 2026! These classes cover an array of tech topics, from AI and smartphones to estate planning and online shopping. Join us for these upcoming dates to learn more about technology and how to make it work for you: Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 p.m. – Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography Wednesday, August 26, 12:00 p.m. – Saving Money With Tech Wednesday, September 30, 12:00 p.m. – Navigating Medicare Resources Online  Each class is a live webinar provided by AARP, hosted in-person in the Multipurpose room at Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall. Registration is required and light snacks will be provided. To register, please call 1-877-926-8300 (registration is collected by AARP).

August is National Crayon Collection Month! We will be accepting donations of new or used crayons at both Hayner Library Downtown and Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall locations throughout the month. At the end of August, donations will be taken to Riverbend Head Start, where they will begin their next adventure with kids eager to create!

Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State Street, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

All the News That’s Fit to Print: Write Your Own Obituary with Reneé B. Johnson  Monday, August 3 and Monday, August 17, 2026, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  (Two session workshop)  Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library   A good obituary tells us a bit about the deceased, more than just when they were born and died but how they lived.  An exceptional obituary reveals their personality and priorities, it draws us into their world for just a moment. It leaves us feeling like we know them that much more. This important document may celebrate their achievements, identify their family, and share their legacy.  So why leave the writing of such an intimate, lasting statement to someone else?  Write your own obituary.  Have the last word and get the dates right. Alleviate the stress for your loved ones.  You are the expert on you and your life.  This two-part workshop will help you consider what you want to include in your obituary, how best to convey your thoughts, and provide feedback on your draft.   Both sessions, led by Reneé B. Johnson, will be held Wednesdays August 5 and 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library.  A pre-session questionnaire and other materials will be sent to registered participants prior to the first session.  Participants will be expected to do most of their writing between sessions.   Session 1 – August 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m.  Review of Pre-session questionnaire.   What is an obituary and what is a legacy letter?  How to craft the document you want.  Session 2 – August 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m.  Considerations of Placement and Distribution  Sharing and Feedback  This workshop is limited to ten participants.  Register now by calling 1-800-613-3163.

Performance Room at Alton Square Mall, 225 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL, 62002, United States

Self-Care with Eileen Wolfington Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall Performance Room Wednesdays, August 5; September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Walking the Labyrinth Take time to quiet your mind, self-reflect, reduce stress, and focus thoughtfully through this active form of walking meditation. Unlike a maze, which has dead ends, a labyrinth features a single winding path that leads from the outer edge to the center. Participants can choose to walk indoors on a fabric labyrinth while wearing foot covers, or they can use their finger to trace a PDF of a handheld finger labyrinth while listening to soft meditation music. Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Introduction to Healing Touch Gain insights into a soothing heart-centered practice that promotes balance in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Participants will learn the Self-Chakra Connection technique, which helps to open, connect, and balance energy centers, enhancing the flow of energy throughout the body. This non-invasive, straightforward guided practice is conducted while seated and can be performed individually or with a partner. Please call 1-800-613-3163 to register for these programs. Please register for each program separately.