The Alton/Godfrey area has one library, the Hayner Library, which has two locations. The main library is located at 326 Belle Street and the other is located in Alton Square Mall at 132 Alton Square. Hayner Library’s new extension opened last month on the first floor at the Alton Square Mall. It was previously located on the top or second floor of the mall. However, due to patron and expansion needs it moved downstairs to a larger venue. Hayner Public Library is for patrons of all ages, as it has programs constructed for young and old alike. There are family events, events for children, and even events geared toward teenagers.
The mission statement that Hayner Public Library has is very precise. It states, The Hayner Public Library District is a dynamic community resource dedicated to serving the residents of Alton, Godfrey, and Foster Township by providing an inviting environment consisting of informational, cultural, educational, and recreational resources supporting life-long learning.
For young children there is the Sleepyhead Story Hour, where they will enjoy stories, songs, and crafts all the while comfortably attired in the pajamas. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and the library even offers a bedtime snack.
Mommy and Me is a program offered for infants to children two years of age. The 30-minute event includes stories, songs, finger plays, and a small snack. (Check out the Kidspace on Hayner’s website for more activities, dates, and times.)
Hayner offers a family movie night each month, where movies with a G to PG rating are shown and snacks are provided. For teenagers, age 12 to 18, there is a special movie night each month. New PG-13 movie releases are shown beginning at 6:00 p.m., along with pizza and soda.
In May, teens can enjoy the Teen Video Gaming Night, which begins at 1:00 p.m. on May 9. This is sure to be a fun day full of games, such as Star Rock Karaoke, Guitar Hero 2 and 3, Rock Band, and multiple board games. (Check out the Teenspace on Hayner’s website for more activities, dates, and times.)
Hayner Public Library hosts many shows geared toward adults, such as the upcoming Irish Xiles, a high-energy show filled with traditional Irish songs and ballads. Also coming to Hayner is Chris McBrien, who will help patrons’ explorer the fascinating science behind handwriting analysis. In addition, a recommended reading list containing recently released books and old classics is offered.
Hayner Public Library allows all library material to be checked out for two weeks. All may be renewed two times except videos, DVDs, and CDs. Fines include ten cents a day on overdue checked out items, except videos, DVDs, and CDs, which the fine is one dollar. Renewals are available by phone.
Other services the library offers are:
Notary public
Voter registration
Reference help
Public computers
Genealogy Help
Study rooms
Wireless Internet
The hours for Hayner Library are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the Belle Street location. At Alton Square Mall, the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
For a full list of programs offered, please visit the Hayner Public Library website.
