Hayner Library Outlines Move Options at RBGA Ambassadors Meeting
Board leaders shared relocation plans alongside updates on library use and community services, offering a look at the decisions ahead for the Alton institution.
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ALTON — Maintenance problems and a lease expiring at the end of 2028 are prompting Hayner Public Library to explore a new facility, with officials outlining relocation options Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at a River Bend Growth Association Ambassadors meeting at the library.
Library officials are considering combining the downtown and mall libraries under one roof, excluding the historical library, or constructing a facility solely to replace the mall location. Library Board President Kevin Botterbush and Treasurer Kerry Miller attended the meeting, and Executive Director Mary Cordes provided an update on library programming.
A combined facility would cost an estimated $25 million to $30 million. A building replacing only the mall location would cost less, though officials did not provide an estimate for that option.
The library pays $20,000 a month in rent at the mall. Maintenance concerns discussed at the meeting included cooling problems and a nonfunctioning escalator that mall management does not intend to repair. The mall has known about the library’s plans to move for two years.
Potential properties are being explored along Godfrey Road, Alby and Homer Adams. The library is hiring a construction manager and aims to acquire property by late spring while proceeding cautiously.
Planning also includes a search for an architect and infrastructure work that could add about $500,000 to the project. The weight of books and the infrastructure required to support library space were cited as considerations when evaluating buildings, library officials said. Renovating an existing building was described as typically more costly than building from scratch.
Potential funding sources include fundraising, grants and city funding, library officials said. The library is seeking expertise and contacting brokerage firms. Tax increment financing funds could be an option if the facility is within a TIF district.
The meeting also highlighted library use and services. Figures presented included 80,000 visitors to the mall location and 115,000 visitors overall, though no reporting period was specified.
Current offerings include a seed library, a library of things and a Halloween costume swap. The library is seeking additional offerings for cardholders and community members. An upcoming service and app were described as tools to help people with limited or no vision navigate library locations.
In other updates, RBGA reported adding nine members in September, bringing its total of new members for 2026 to 43. A member appreciation event is scheduled for Oct. 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., with informational booths still available.
Party on Broadway has an open house and ribbon-cutting scheduled for Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. A community update featuring West Star Aviation is scheduled for Oct. 22 at noon.
Jane's House is the RBGA nonprofit spotlight for October 2026.
Note: Grace Schwarte also contributed to this story.
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