Part one of a two-part series on the Foley Public Library

If you have not visited your local public library lately, I would suggest making that trip today. If you are already a patron of your community’s public library, then you are already aware that the library has evolved, and done so in dramatic fashion. And, in turn, you are probably already familiar with the immense variety of services that can be found through interaction with your favorite librarian.

On the other hand, if you have not been in a library since you graduated from high school or college, then read on — I hope you will be inspired to take a trip to the stacks.

Normally I do not digress within this column to inject my opinion or to discuss a chapter from my life. However, this week I will make a much needed exception as a means of providing context to what follows.

Recently, I made the transition from the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History to the Foley Public Library as the director. Now, as in years past, I have made extensive use of the library in researching topics for this column and for my personal research. As a result, I have maintained an awareness of the general resources available.

Now, as the new director of the Foley Public Library, my awareness has been raised to a new level with a renewed appreciation of the materials available to the user and the expertise of the staff that provides assistance at the facility.

While most libraries provide general services that are the foundation of their existence, each facility is unique and offers services, events and community involvement that caters to their specific region. The Foley Public Library excels at understanding the needs of the community and designs services that meet those needs. The library offers books, both in print and electronic formats, newspapers, magazines, computer access, and historical/genealogical research.

What you may not know, however, are some of the fun, informative community events that take place in the Foley Library. The month of February alone features myriad activities that can be enjoyed by all age groups. Three events in particular should capture the imagination of both local residents and our many winter guests.

The first event, initiated by Melanie Schieders, Foley Public Library’s head of circulation services and interlibrary loan, is the Quiz Night at the Foley Library.

The fun-filled night will feature a transformed library meeting room fashioned to resemble a British pub, complete with candlelit tables and plenty of pretzels, peanuts and “crisps.”

The event will feature quiz questions asked in an initial round lasting for approximately one hour. At the end of the opening round, the leading tables will continue on until a winner is named. The winning table will receive cash prizes, and there will be door prizes awarded throughout the night.

Next week, we will examine the library's Geocaching event as well as the Annual Friends of the Foley Library Book Sale.

If you go

WHAT: Foley Public Library's Quiz Night

WHERE: Foley Public Library, 319 E. Laurel St.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Melanie Schnieders at 251-943-1031