Beyond the Shelves: Summer Reading & More at Hayner Library | Our Daily Show Interview
ALTON - As summer continues, the Hayner Public Library District has several events and programs planned for the next few months, including a patriotic concert later this week.
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On Friday, July 3, 2026, you can kick off Fourth of July weekend with a celebration in the parking lot of the downtown library. From 3–4 p.m., families can enjoy crafts, outdoor games, popsicles, face-painting, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This will be followed by a concert from the Alton Municipal Band brass quartet from 4–5 p.m.
“All of Illinois’s public libraries were commissioned to celebrate the 250th. It went out across the state for public libraries as a group to recognize the 250th anniversary of the founding. So we chose to have a concert,” said Hayner’s Executive Director Mary Cordes. “It should be a good time.”
People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the fun before Alton’s Fireworks on the Mississippi that night. Cordes noted that the library planned their event to complement the city’s fireworks display and activities so that people could enjoy both experiences on July 3.
Besides the patriotic concert, Hayner has several other events coming up. Mark your calendars for the Yarn Bombers workshop on July 8, which will teach people how to knit a little stuffed fish. The day before on July 7, John Lynn will present “Rise of Main Street, Illinois,” a lecture about the Main Street organizations across the state.
On Sunday, July 19, patrons can come to the Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel for “Switchback: A Celebration of American Roots and Celtic Soul.” This will be followed by a July 23 presentation by author Cheryl Eichar Jett titled “Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66.”
As the movie “Twister” celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hayner will offer an interactive movie night on July 25 with props and snacks. AARP will offer several tech classes in the coming months to teach basic smartphone skills and how to navigate online Medicare resources.
In August, Genealogy and Local History Library employee Reneé B. Johnson will offer the workshop “All the News That’s Fit to Print: Write Your Own Obituary.” On Aug. 18, Nicolas Brown will perform on Uilleann Irish bagpipes.
Cordes is especially excited for the Silent Disco on Aug. 20, where people jam out to synchronized music while wearing headphones. This event will also include a scavenger hunt in the library. Sure to be equally popular is the Bridgerton Summer Soiree on Aug. 21, modeled after the book series and TV show “Bridgerton.”
In September, patrons can enjoy a presentation by Dr. Mark J. Wagner, emeritus professor of anthropology at SIU Carbondale, about “Visions of the Alton Piasa.” A ukulele concert, titled “UKE 66 in Words & Song,” follows on Sept. 15. The next day features a presentation by ARC Angels Foundation called “Before It’s Too Late,” which will explore warning signs of suicide.
Cordes noted the importance of hosting a variety of programs like this. She hopes events like the silent disco and the summer soiree entertain, while other lectures are informative.
“We hope [these programs] are helpful to our patrons and are things people need to know about, want to know about, and they have fun. But we’re also bringing information to them,” she said. “We’ve got a lot coming out.”
All of these events are free, but several of them require registration to hold your spot. Call 1-800-613-3163 to register.
For more information about the Hayner Public Library District, including a full calendar of their upcoming events, check out their official website at HaynerLibrary.org.
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