Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Library project receives a significant boost as the Friends of the Foley Library donate $40,000 to help purchase equipment for the new building. The funds come from the group’s recent record-setting book sale. Library leaders say the gift will help them better serve families, students, and other residents. Supporters note that the donation also demonstrates how much the community values its public library.

The donation comes after the Friends’ annual book sale, their biggest fundraiser of the year. The 2026 sale attracted a larger crowd than previous events and raised more money than ever before. Group members said there were more books available and received strong support from residents across the area.

“This year’s book sale has been our most successful sale ever,” Friends President Taylor Johns said. “We had more books, a larger crowd, and raised more money than ever before!” Library staff said the success of the sale reflects months of planning and work by volunteers who sort, price, and sell donated items to help the library.

Library Director Kate Norris said the Friends’ support makes a big difference as the new library takes shape. “Our friends are an amazing organization, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do for us,” Norris said. “Over the years, they have purchased shelving, new technology, helped fund staffing, and so much more. We plan to use this money to purchase digital signage in the new library and invest in new technology for our dedicated STEAM/Learning Lab.”

The new library is now under construction at the intersection of East Orange Avenue and South Chicago Street in Foley. The two-story facility will have about 40,000 square feet, roughly twice the size of the current library, which opened in 1984 and was later expanded. Plans call for a sensory room, separate activity areas for children and teens, and a large multipurpose room that seats 277 people. The center will also host programs, including special-needs activities and STEAM events focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

In addition to the annual book sale, the Friends of the Foley Library operate a bookstore inside the current library. The shop is open daily to the public and offers donated books and other items at low prices. Proceeds from the bookstore go directly to library projects and programs, helping fund enhancements that regular funding may not cover.

Johns said the Friends are always looking for new members and volunteers to support the Foley Public Library. “We would love for anyone who is not currently a member to join us,” she said. “The Friends is a very active organization that has many ways for you to plug in, be active, and support a great cause.” The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit group that works to strengthen the library’s role in the community and ensure services keep up with local needs.

For more information about the Friends of the Foley Library or to become a member, residents can visit the Foley Public Library or visit foleylibrary.org.