New Genealogy Class Series: Branching Out
Posted June 17th, 2013 in Library News
It is natural to wonder about our past and just where we came from. The Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library in Alton, Illinois, is embarking on a new adventure. Collectively, our staff has over fifty years of experience doing genealogy research. In order to assist the most people in finding their family roots, we have put together a set of “classes” to teach just how to get the most out of your research time. These classes include many aspects of genealogical research and are suitable for the beginner as well as the more experienced researcher.
There are twelve classes in all, and you can sign up for one class or all of them. The classes will be taught on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. with the same class being offered on the following Saturday morning at 10:30. This will give everyone the opportunity to attend one of the two different days, depending on which is most convenient for them. Class size will be small, and seating is limited, so reserve your seat early. Be sure to specify which class and day you want to attend.
Each session will last for approximately one hour, depending on how many questions are asked. Questions will be answered as time permits. Remember, you can always schedule an appointment for more in-depth research. There is never a charge for an appointment, and we are happy to help.
When you arrive, you will receive an “Uncover Your Roots” handbook along with a folder to use as you go through the classes offered here at Hayner. Each class will have handouts for you to keep in your folder. You will find these forms helpful as you go through your research. We will share tips and tricks with you, so be sure to bring your questions. Also bring along your folder with you for each session.
Those of you who attend all classes will receive a “Family Tree” print (as quantities allow) that you can fill in. It is very attractive and suitable for framing. If you need help filling it in, we can help you with that, too. Just call us to schedule an appointment.
Our upcoming classes will take place at the 401 State Street location on the following dates:
- Beginner/Illinois Room: August 14, and August 17, 2013
- Heritage Quest Online: September 11, and September 14, 2013
- Digitization October: 9, and October 12, 2013
- Census: November 13, and November 16, 2013
- Courthouse/Vital Records: December 11, and December 14, 2013
- City Directories: January 8, and January 11, 2014
- Family Search Web Site: February 12, and February 15, 2014
- Maps: March 12, and March 15, 2014
- Military: April 9, and April 12, 2014
- Ancestry Library Edition: May 14, and May 17, 2014
- Property Research: June 11, and June 14, 2014
- Immigration/Naturalization: July 9, and July 12, 2014
Classes are free of charge but do require reservations. To register, call 1-800-613-3163. Please be sure to identify the classes into which you wish to enroll.
Parents, students, teachers! Come join us for 15-minute tutorials on Hayner’s electronic resources. Learn to navigate and search in Hayner’s online resources, learn the basics to download eBooks to eReaders, and find free apps for some of the databases. Pick up a lot in a little bit of time!
The Genealogy & Local History Library’s newest history display was set to debut near Earth Day this year, which inspired me to choose The Nature Institute as my topic. The Nature Institute (TNI) is a nonprofit land conservation and environmental education organization based in Godfrey, Ill. Much of the land that is now part of TNI was owned by businessman and philanthropist John M. Olin. At first I planned to incorporate information on Olin into the Nature Institute display, but it quickly became apparent that there was enough material to create a whole display on Olin himself. Olin expert and local radio host Larry Reid was coming to give a talk at the library in April, so the timing was perfect.
Love to read, listen to books on CD, watch movies, but don’t have transportation to the library? Or are you going to the hospital and need something to read while you recuperate? Well, it can be accomplished by taking advantage of the Hayner Public Library Delivery Service.
Did you know that you can check out fishing poles at Hayner Library? The library has partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to provide fising poles to our patrons. The fishing poles can be checked out from the Downtown library; all you need is your library card! Fishing packs are also available (while supplies last); the fishing packs contain a bobber, hooks, weights, a hook remover, and fishing literature. For more information on checking out a fishing pole from the library, please call 462-0677. 
The Hayner Public Library District, in partnership with the North Alton–Godfrey Business Council, Lewis & Clark Community College, Liberty Band, and McDonald’s Restaurants, will provide sponsorship for the “Expressions—a Musical Experience” (formerly, Jazz in the Park) Concert Series to be held May through September, 2013.
This novel taps our fascination with the explosive power of recently rediscovered ancient texts and dark conspiracies. Protagonist Mariah Lyons’s introduction to these engulfing mysteries is a letter written by Dr. Richard Callahan, her now-deceased biblical scholar father. It contains a translation from a 2,000-year-old papyrus that appears to be a letter from Jesus himself. This monumental discovery leads to other, more personal revelations: Was her father murdered for this invaluable document? Is her own life in danger because of what she now knows? One of Clark’s best mysteries in years.
The daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally lets loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that follow change her life forever. This is the best stand-alone novel Roberts has written in some time. Well worth the honor of her 200th publication!