Work is nearly finished on Foley’s new public library-community center and the improved roadway that will lead visitors to the facility.

Foley City Council recently approved funding to move books and other materials from the current library on East Laurel Avenue to the new building on East Orange Avenue once construction is complete later this year. Library Director Kate Norris said the move will cost less than anticipated.

“It did come in under bid,” Norris said. “This is a part of our planned project funding this. But with the bid that came in, we don’t need to appropriate as much as we thought.”

The library is expected to open in early summer. Some services may be temporarily disrupted during the transition as materials, equipment and offices are relocated to the new facility.

Construction on South Chicago Street, between U.S. 98 and the new library, is on schedule to finish in time for the library’s opening. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the street improvements will complement the new building and enhance the downtown area.

“Our new project on South Chicago Street is almost complete,” Hellmich said. “It is the entrance to our library. It’s going to be a beautiful street with landscaping. It’s part of our Streetscape Program downtown. Since 2008, we’ve been continuing to upgrade these streets, to modernize them, add parking, curbing, drainage and lighting to make it pedestrian friendly. We’re going to keep working on those types of improvements.”

The streetscape project includes walkways for pedestrians, green spaces with additional trees, brick pavers and decorative columns similar to those installed on Chicago Street at Heritage Park. Foley is also coordinating with Riviera Utilities to add decorative lighting along the corridor, which will help calm traffic and create a more inviting entrance to the new library.