The Foley Community Library’s roots trace back to May 1923, when members of the Foley Community Welfare Club—which later became the Foley Women’s Club—began working to bring books to the local community. Setting an initial goal to collect 500 books, members reached their target by October 1923 and opened the town’s first library inside Foley Furniture Co., where club member Metta Christensen served as the first unpaid librarian. As Foley grew, so did the library: moving to a donated house at John B. Foley Park in 1927, transitioning to municipal management in 1957, expanding its facilities in 1962, and relocating next to City Hall in 1984. Before the Foley Women’s Club dissolved, members donated their remaining funds to the library, creating a sensory nook that honors the founders’ enduring legacy.
To keep up with local population growth and meet the demands of the digital age, the library opened a new $20 million, 40,000-square-foot facility on East Orange Avenue on August 4, 2026. This modern, rebuilt structure significantly expands the library’s capacity and replaces the 1984 City Hall location. Outfitted with modern resources and technology, the facility features a STEAM/STEM lab, dedicated activity spaces for children and teens, a sensory room, study areas, and a 277-seat multipurpose auditorium. These upgrades ensure the library can deliver physical collections alongside digital services and interactive learning opportunities for generations to come.
Beyond expanded collections and technology, the new facility serves as a vibrant community hub. The library offers engaging events for children as well as adult education programs to foster continuous learning. Its meeting spaces allow local residents to gather regularly for informative sessions and hear directly from local authors, strengthening community connections in Foley.
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