The doors of the new Foley Community Library officially opened Tuesday, Aug. 4, welcoming hundreds of residents eager to explore the city’s new $20 million community resource.
The 40,000-square-foot library and community center marks the completion of more than three years of planning and construction. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project was completed under budget and described the facility as much more than a traditional library. “We have doubled the size of this library. It is now 40,000 square feet,” Hellmich said.
When Foley’s previous library opened in 1984, the city had about 4,500 residents; today, Foley’s population has grown to about 30,000. Library Director Kate Norris said the expansion had become a necessity. “We needed the space,” Norris said. “Before we moved, we were on top of each other. The last story time we had in the old facility, we had over 100 people.”
The new library features a sensory room, dedicated children’s and teen activity areas, the Children’s Story Grove, a STEAM-STEM lab, genealogy resources, and a multipurpose meeting room that seats 277 people, plus a second-floor porch overlooking the Perry Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and the city’s Dog Park.
During the ceremony, city leaders thanked library staff, architects, contractors, and state and federal partners for helping bring the project to life. White-Spunner Construction also donated a collection of children’s books to help fill the new shelves. Opening day included a scavenger hunt raffle and a bookmark contest.
The Foley Community Library is located at 230 E. Orange Ave. The former library building on East Laurel Avenue will be renovated for future municipal use.