FOLEY, Ala. — The Foley Public Library recently received the Gold Level Standard Award from the Alabama Library Association.

The Golf Level Standard Award, the highest level of achievement attainable by a public library in the state of Alabama, recognizes only a few public libraries across the state each year.

John Jackson, director of the Foley Public Library, said this is the first time the library has earned the distinguished honor.

“It means we are doing something right,” Jackson said. “It means we are getting support from the city council, our advisory board and the Friends of the Foley Public Library. It also means our community is well served.”

The award is based on standards for all public libraries in Alabama and includes facility, administrative, planning, budgetary, collection, public service and technology standards.

Jackson said the Foley library was one of five libraries that were given the Golf Level Standard Award, and another library won the Silver Level Standard Award.

“It is very small company we are in now,” Jackson said. “It really does set us apart from other libraries in the state as far as what we are able to offer our community.”

While this is the first time the library — founded in the 1930s — has won the award, Jackson said he is already thinking ahead to next year.

“Now that we’ve gone through the process and earned this high honor, we are certainly going to make a run at trying to earn two in a row,” Jackson said.

Additional information about the Foley Public Library can be found online at www.FoleyLibrary.org or by calling the front desk at (251) 943-7665.