Hayner Public Library District’s November programs for adults, teens and children
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is as busy as ever, with plenty of free activities and programs for patrons to enjoy.
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Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that there are plenty of musical performances, reading opportunities, and chances to engage with fellow library patrons. She pointed out that the library is growing into a kind of “community center,” and the team is eager to welcome community members for their programs and events.
“We try to hit all different kinds of interests,” Cordes said. “Hopefully people either come because it’s something that’s in their wheelhouse or they think, ‘Oh, I don’t know anything about that, I’d like to come and try.’”
From 6–7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Alton Square Mall library branch, Hayner will host their Fall Reading Retreat. These quarterly retreats encourage people to connect, make crafts, eat snacks, and chat about books.
“It’s totally whatever you want to make it,” Cordes said. “We have an evening where people just come together. We’ve talked about the library being that third space where people want to come together and form a community.”
The Daughters of the American Revolution will host a DAR “Friend-Raiser” Open House at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Genealogy and Local History Library. Community members can learn more about DAR, the work they do, and how to join them.
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Barry Cloud will present “Common Threads — A Showcase of the Best Songs from 1970s Songwriters” at the Alton Square Mall library. From David Crosby and Cat Stevens to Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, Cloud will offer a variety of songs and backstories from this “iconic musical decade.”
At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, you can enjoy creepy fun with “Upon a Midnight Dreary: A Night with Edgar Allan Poe.” Howie Hirshfield will play Poe at the Alton Square Mall library, sharing information about Poe’s life and selections from his most popular pieces.
“This weather kind of lends itself to that creepy, dark evening,” Cordes joked. “You can come to the library and curl up with Edgar Allan Poe.”
The next day at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Alton Square Mall library, naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw will present “Forest Park Owls: Hunting and Feeding.” Glenshaw has been documenting the lives of great horned owls in Forest Park for many years, and he will share more about their habits during this family-friendly presentation.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, you can enjoy “An Afternoon with the Riverbend Community Orchestra.” Presented at the mall library, this concert will bridge music and literature.
At noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25, AARP’s Everyday Tech for Everyday Life will offer “Tech Basics for Caregiving” at the mall library. Open to everybody, these AARP classes teach patrons how to integrate technology into their daily routines.
Kids and teens also have a busy month at Hayner. Kids can test themselves with the Gobble Up a Good Book Reading Challenge, completing bingo challenges by reading books and exploring the library. There will also be a fun Balloon Parade Story Time at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19, where kids will decorate balloons and march through the mall in a parade.
Teens can check out YA Fridays every week in November, with crafts, video games and chances to connect with other teens. That’s not to mention the many crafts, story times and other activities that are always available to young library patrons. You can see a full calendar of events at the official Hayner Library website.
All of these events and programs are free to attend, though some require registration to save your seat. To register, call 1-800-613-3163.
This featured article is sponsored by Hayner Public Library District. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
