More than a century ago, a group of local women set out to provide books to the residents of a growing community. Their efforts laid the foundation for what is now the Foley Community Library, a 40,000-square-foot facility that opened its doors in August 2026.
The new $20 million library opened on Aug. 4, 2026, offering expanded resources and amenities for residents of all ages. The facility includes a sensory room, separate activity areas for children and teens, a STEAM/STEM lab and a large multipurpose room that seats 277 people. A second-story porch overlooks the Perry Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and the city’s Dog Park.
While the new facility represents the latest chapter in the library’s history, its origins date back to 1923, when members of the Foley Community Welfare Club, which later became the Foley Women’s Club, began working to establish a library for the community.
In May of that year, the club set a goal of collecting 500 books. Members were asked to contribute a book and encourage other Foley residents to donate additional volumes.
By September 1923, The Onlooker reported that club members had collected more than 300 books. The following month, the club reached its goal of 500 books and opened the library, with 50 residents paying annual subscriptions of $1.
The library’s first home was a space provided by the Foley Furniture Co., owned by the husband of club member Metta Christensen. Christensen served as the library’s first librarian without pay.
In 1927, the library moved to its first permanent home when Herman Dreis donated a small house on the south side of John B. Foley Park.
The Foley Women’s Club continued operating the library until 1957, when members asked the town to assume responsibility for the facility.
As Foley grew, so did the need for a larger library. The City Council approved an expansion of the original building, which included a new west wing and a central reception area and circulation room. The expanded library was dedicated on Nov. 18, 1962.
The building served as Foley’s library for the next 22 years.
In 1984, the library moved to a larger building next to City Hall. That facility was expanded in 2008 with the addition of a second floor and remained the library’s home until the opening of the new Foley Community Library in August 2026.
Today, the former library building at the intersection of North McKenzie Street and East Laurel Avenue serves as the Foley Welcome Center. Its reception area was once the library’s circulation room, while the original 1927 structure now houses offices on the east side of the building.
The city also plans to repurpose the former library building next to City Hall, which was vacated following the recent move. Current plans call for the building to be renovated for use as city administrative offices.
The Foley Women’s Club’s connection to the library continues through the new facility on East Orange Avenue. Before the club dissolved, members donated a portion of its remaining funds to the library. The donation was used to create the new sensory nook, which was named in honor of the Foley Women’s Club.
More than 100 years after its members began collecting books for the community, the club’s legacy remains a part of Foley’s library and its mission to serve residents.