FOLEY, Ala. — The City of Foley’s new public library will officially open to the public on Tuesday, August 4, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. marking the debut of a facility twice the size of the one it replaces.
The new 40,000-square-foot library, located at 230 E. Orange Avenue, replaces the city’s 1984-era building at 319 East Laurel Avenue, which closed to the public July 13 to allow crews to complete the move. Digital services remained available throughout the transition, and patrons were able to continue requesting items from other Baldwin County libraries for pickup at designated locations. The book drop at the former East Laurel Avenue site stayed open throughout the closure so patrons could return materials at any time.
“This new facility is much more than just a library — it is a community center designed to serve our residents for the next several decades,” city officials said.
The two-story building includes a STEAM/STEM Learning Lab dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts and math programming, along with the Foley Woman’s Club Sensory Nook, a specially designed calming space for visitors. The facility also features an auditorium and multipurpose room that seats 277 people, additional study rooms, and dedicated activity areas for children and teens. A second-story porch overlooks the Perry Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and the city’s dog park.
Following the ribbon-cutting, the library will host a scavenger hunt raffle and a bookmark contest running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special children’s activities are planned for 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the new Children’s Story Grove.
Once the move is complete, the city plans to renovate the former East Laurel Avenue building to serve as Foley’s new municipal Senior Center and administrative offices, expanding the range of services available to residents at that location.
Update (Aug. 1, 2026):
The details circulating ahead of the Foley Public Library’s Aug. 4 reopening—including the sensory room, STEAM/STEM lab, and 277-seat multipurpose room—are already reflected in this article; no additional new information has emerged.