New $20 million Foley Community Library now open

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Crowd of visitors exploring a modern library's open atrium with bookshelves, seating areas, and a staircase during an opening event.
The new Foley Library welcomed hundreds of residents during its opening on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. (City of Foley)

Foley’s 40,000-square-foot library and community center is officially ready to welcome readers and residents! The $20-million community resource opened its doors on Tuesday, Aug. 4, marking the completion of over three years of planning and construction.

According to Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich, the new facility is twice the size of the former. When the previous library opened in 1984, the city was home to roughly 4,500 residents.

Now, the Foley’s population has climbed to about 30,000 residents.

“We have the busiest library in Baldwin County. It is active and it is important to our community.”

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Foley Community Library, with a large group of officials and staff holding a blue ribbon before a crowd of attendees
The City of Foley celebrated the grand opening of their new community library on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. (City of Foley)

Here’s a quick run-down:

Keep reading to see what the new library has to offer!

What does the new Foley Library feature?

A librarian reads aloud to a large group of children seated on the floor in a colorful children's library, with two animal mascot characters nearby
The children’s area at the new Foley Community Library features a stage for performances! (City of Foley)
Children playing with LEGO bricks, toy trains, and colorful building toys at activity tables in a busy children's museum exhibit area
The Foley Community Library features a children’s area with plenty of toys. (City of Foley)

Foley’s library director, Kate Norris, noted that the additional space will allow the library to expand its programs, better serve residents of all ages and provide more opportunities for residents to connect with one another.

“We needed the space,” Norris said. “Before we moved, we were on top of each other. Now, there’s so much opportunity in this environment. We already offered a lot of programming. We now have the opportunity to offer so much more.”

Kate Norris, Foley Community Library director

The new and improved library features:

  • A sensory room
  • Dedicated children’s and teen activity areas
  • The Children’s Story Grove
  • A STEAM-STEM lab
  • A multipurpose meeting room (seats 277 people)
  • Second-floor porch overlooking the Perry Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and Foley’s dog park
Ella Walton
Ella Walton
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