Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Foley Community Library will expand its programs and services after the Foley City Council accepts several financial contributions. The donations and grants will fund education, staffing, and other public opportunities. Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the community members and organizations that stepped up to support the library. Library Director Kate Norris said the funds will enable the facility to expand its offerings for Foley-area residents.

The Foley City Council recently accepted contributions from the Friends of the Library, a private resident, and several grant programs. The Friends of the Library donated $7,000 to fund a temporary Saturday position. The council also approved a separate $5,000 donation from a resident to fund additional part-time staffing. The council also accepted a $5,000 Dollar General Youth Literacy grant to support the library's STEAM Lab.

The STEAM Lab focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Norris said the Dollar General grant will go directly to fund the lab's programming. The Alabama Humanities Alliance will also reimburse the library for a presenter booked at the facility. Those funds cover expenses associated with the contract signed with the presenter.

"We very much appreciate the Friends of the Library," Hellmich said. "They are an outstanding, cooperative group and they're very proud of the library. We are very proud of it too, and we appreciate everything that they do."

The Friends of the Library is a group of Foley-area residents who support the library each year through activities such as the organization's annual Book Sale and the operation of the Bookstore inside the library.

The Foley Community Library's new building on East Orange Avenue opened in August. The new 40,000-square-foot facility is about twice the size of the former site. Hellmich said that since opening, Norris and her staff have done an excellent job expanding community offerings, noting that she recently spoke with a group of residents about the library. 

"She did a fantastic job telling them about our library," Hellmich said. "It wasn't just about the facility. It's about the programs. The programs that they have are amazing that they have there. We have a great opportunity here with everything that they're doing."

Norris explained how the Alabama Humanities Alliance's contribution will work.

"The Alabama Humanities Alliance will actually reimburse us for a presentation," Norris said. "We booked a presenter. We signed a contract with them, and they will reimburse us for it."