Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — City leaders in Foley are planning major changes to the current public library building. The work is meant to improve access for older adults and people with disabilities. The building will later become the city’s Senior Center. The plans are tied to the construction of a new library.

The Foley City Council has approved funding to improve access at the library building just west of City Hall. At the same time, a new Foley Public Library is rising on East Orange Avenue and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.

When the new facility is complete in 2026, the city plans to renovate the existing library. The ground floor, which has about 14,000 square feet of space, will become the municipal Senior Center. The second floor will house city administrative offices.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said improving access for people with disabilities will be especially important once the Senior Center moves into the building. He said better lighting and safer walkways will help older residents feel more comfortable using the center.

“It's going to become more important,” Hellmich said. “Once we convert this to a Senior Citizens Center, we need to make sure that it's perfect, front and back.”

“We'll be making some changes to the outside of the building regarding the sidewalk and, possibly parking. We have to make this very accessible and very well lit.”

Moving the Senior Center to the current library will double the space available for activities for older adults. The existing Senior Center now has about 7,000 square feet. The first floor of the library will provide about 14,000 square feet.

The new library facility under construction will be much larger, with about 40,000 square feet of space. Plans call for a sensory room, separate activity areas for children and teens, and a large multipurpose room that can seat 277 people.

Other features planned for the new Foley Public Library include a STEAM-STEM lab and spaces for programs such as special-needs activities. City officials say these additions will help the library and future Senior Center serve residents of all ages for years to come.