Our Daily Show With CJ! Ft: Alton Elite, Hayner, Bi-State Development, and More!
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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is hoping to build a new library building. Executive Director Mary Cordes and Board of Trustees President Kevin Botterbush stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to answer a few questions about this process.
Cordes and Botterbush explained that the library district’s current buildings have always had their issues. Currently, the library district consists of the Downtown Library and the library in the Alton Square Mall. Additionally, the Genealogy and Local History Library in downtown Alton will always belong to Hayner and will always serve as a library, Cordes and Botterbush assured.
Cordes explained that the Downtown Library and the Alton Square Mall Library have presented several problems over the years. The idea of building a new facility to house the library, instead of using two buildings that don’t work as well, is “exciting.”
“We’ve always had to work for the building. The building has never worked for us,” Cordes said. “We’ve made it work. But now, it is exciting to think, what could we do for the community?”
Botterbush noted that this is a conversation now because the library’s lease at the mall expires in four years. Currently, Hayner pays $20,000 a month to rent this space at the mall, and they are responsible for all maintenance and utility costs.
Hayner also rents space on the top floor of the mall for their performance room, where they host many programs. This often presents accessibility issues, especially as the mall’s escalators have been broken since May.
Cordes and Botterbush are excited by the idea of having all Hayner programs and resources in one space. They also noted that this would minimize the duplication of services and free up more staff to offer programming and one-on-one support.
They shared that they have fielded several questions about whether the district can renovate an existing building. But according to the consultant they are working with, this would actually cost more in the long run.
A normal building requires 40–50 pounds per square foot of load capacity. A library, filled with heavy books, requires 150 pounds. Cordes explained that retrofitting a building to accommodate the library would require a lot of “cost-inefficient” renovations.
Looking ahead, the district is studying where the best location would be. Botterbush shared that “nothing is off the table” as they consider building the new library in Alton, Godfrey or Foster Township, all three of which are served by Hayner.
He added that their next step is to hire an architect or design-build firm, with plans to make that decision by January. They will then begin evaluating land throughout the district’s service area.
By Spring 2026, Hayner will come to the public with their plan. Botterbush also emphasized transparency throughout this process, noting that the Board hasn’t once gone into executive session during these discussions.
Cordes, who is celebrating her 30th anniversary with the library this week, voiced her appreciation for everything the library contributes to the community. Botterbush has served on the Board for 40 years, and he echoed her. They ultimately want to create a space that benefits their patrons and “fantastic” staff members.
“What can we do to make this better for the community?” Botterbush added. “Right now, we’re limited because of the space constraints that we have. This would allow us to dream big and to do other things that we don’t have the ability to do now.”
For more information about The Hayner Public Library District, including their services and resources, visit their official website at HaynerLibrary.org.
