Foley is preparing to break ground on a new library and community center that will double the size of the city's current library and provide residents with a modern space for learning, gathering and recreation.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. The event will take place at the new library site, 230 E. Orange Ave., adjacent to the Foley Dog Park.

The planned 40,000-square-foot facility will be a two-story building designed to serve as both a library and community hub. The ground floor will feature a dedicated children's area with computers and an activity room for storytimes and other programs. A multipurpose room, which can function as a meeting space or auditorium, will also be part of the first floor.

The second floor will house the adult section, computer labs and additional study rooms — offering more private spaces for work and research than the current library. Teens will have their own separate area, and plans include a STEAM-STEM lab for science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs.

The community center aspect of the facility is expected to bring new opportunities for residents, including spaces for special-needs programs and other activities tailored to meet diverse community needs.

The new library will replace the existing facility near City Hall and marks a significant investment in Foley's educational and recreational resources.