FOLEY — City officials, library staff and residents celebrated the opening of the new Foley Community Library on Tuesday, marking the completion of a $20 million project that doubles the size of the city's public library and expands services for the growing community.

The new 40,000-square-foot library at 230 E. Orange Ave. replaces the city's previous building, which had served residents since 1984. The facility includes a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics lab, or STEAM lab, along with dedicated children's and teen spaces, a sensory room, a 277-seat multipurpose room and a second-story porch overlooking the Perry Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and the city's dog park.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors toured the building, participated in activities throughout the day and explored the library's new amenities.

Library Director Kate Norris thanked city leaders, staff, contractors and community partners who helped bring the project to completion.

"We have always considered ourselves the hub of the community," Norris said. "I know that we will continue to be and only grow and be better."

Norris said the support shown during the move from the old building reinforced the staff's connection with the community.

"As we were leaving the old library, all I could say was, 'I feel the love,'" she said. "Our team felt the love from all of you."

Norris also praised Foley-based mural artist Banks Compton for transforming the children's department and thanked White-Spunner Construction and Watermark Design Group for their work on the project.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich credited cty council for supporting the project from its earliest stages.

"They brought into the vision," Hellmich said. "They made sure we had the funds, and without the city council support, this wouldn't be here."

Hellmich said the expanded building will help meet the needs of one of Alabama's fastest-growing cities while providing additional gathering space for residents.

"This is a building that will be the hub of our city for years to come," he said.

The former library building adjacent to Foley City Hall has closed and will be renovated for future municipal use.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.