Foley prepares for move to new library

Foley prepares for move to new library

Work is nearing completion on Foley’s new public library-community center (above) and the improved roadway leading to the facility.
The Foley City Council approved funding to move the books and other material in the current library to the new building when that facility openz sometime early this summer.
Library Director Kate Norris said the cost of the move will be less than expected.
“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.”
During the transition to the new facility, some library services may be temporarily disrupted as materials, equipment and offices are moved from the current location of the library on East Laurel Avenue to the new site.
Work to improve South Chicago St., between Hwy. 98 and the new library on East Orange Ave., is also on schedule to be completed in time for the opening.
Improvements on South Chicago include walkways for pedestrians and green spaces with additional street trees. The work will be a streetscape project that will also calm traffic in the downtown area. The city will install brick pavers and columns similar to the improvements on Chicago Street at Heritage
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the improvements to South Chicago Street will complement the new library building.
“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,’’ Hellmich said. “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.”