Genealogy and Local History Library Thursday, October 8, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Patrons ages eighteen and older are invited to join us as we discuss the history of Hayner Library, Alton’s hauntings, and talk “Ghosts 101” with the gang from Alton Odyssey Tours. After the presentation, guests are welcome to stay and do some […]
Branching Out 2026 Genealogy Classes At the Genealogy & Local History Library Thursdays, October 8 and 15; November 12 and 19; December 10 and 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. On the second Thursday of each month, library staff present a discussion of a genealogy research topic. On the third Thursday of the month, […]
Genealogy & Local History Library Saturdays, October 3 and October 17, 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Two session workshop) 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 […]
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! […]
Art in the Afternoon: Mary Frances Judge Genealogy & Local History Library Monday, September 14, 2:00 p.m. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mary Frances Judge now calls Alton home. Judge is an artist with a timeless perspective, piercing vision, and a compassionate spirit. Her paintings fascinate with their rich textures and color, and grab viewers’ […]
Visions of the Alton Piasa – Dr. Mark J. Wagner, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, SIU Carbondale Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall Performance Room (Upper Level) Thursday, September 10, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The “Alton Piasa,” or “Piasa Bird,” was a very large Native American painting located on the Mississippi River bluffs near Alton, […]
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! […]
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 […]
Ghosts Next Door – The Lemp Mansion Genealogy & Local History Library Thursday, August 13, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Join us for the next installment of our ever-popular Ghosts Next Door program, where we will discuss the history and hauntings of the Lemp Mansion. Each Ghosts Next Door program will focus on a different […]
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 […]
Due to the limited accessibility of our facilities, the Downtown Library and Genealogy & Local History Library will be closed on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Businesses near our buildings are holding events on this date that limit our ability to access and operate library facilities. Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall will remain open for […]
Join us at the Genealogy & Local History Library Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This presentation introduces the Family Roots Pilot Program, which supports individuals as they engage with family history and kinship through genetic genealogy. It explains why people turn to DNA and what it can mean to bring genetic information […]
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