As construction continues on the new Foley Public Library on East Orange Avenue, city officials are moving ahead with plans to transform the existing library into a municipal Senior Center with improved accessibility for older residents and those with disabilities.

The Foley City Council recently approved funding for access improvements at the current library building west of City Hall. Once the new library opens in the spring of 2026, the existing structure is slated for renovation, with its ground floor converted into a Senior Center and the second floor repurposed for city administrative offices.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the planned upgrades are critical as the building transitions to serve a growing senior population.

"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 in regard to the sidewalk and, possibly parking. We have to make this very accessible and very well lit."

Relocating the Senior Center to the current library will significantly expand space for activities. The existing Senior Center offers about 7,000 square feet, while the library's ground floor provides roughly 14,000 square feet, effectively doubling the available area for programs, gatherings and services.

Meanwhile, the new Foley Public Library will span approximately 40,000 square feet and is designed to serve residents of all ages. Plans include a sensory room, separate children's and teens' activity areas and a large multipurpose room with seating for 277. Additional features will include a STEAM-STEM lab and spaces for specialized programming, including activities for individuals with special needs.

City leaders view the paired projects as a long-term investment in public services, aiming to modernize library offerings while creating a more accessible, centralized home for senior programs.

The new Foley Public Library is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026. More information about the library can be found at www.GulfCoastMedia.com.