NEVADA CITY, Calif. — The Doris Foley Library for Historical Research is marking 118 years as a cornerstone of Nevada County’s history. To honor its enduring legacy, the library will host a full day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, featuring presentations, live music and opportunities to explore local history. Admission is free and open to all ages.
A Day of Celebration
The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with remarks from County Librarian Nick Wilczek and Branch Manager Laura Pappani, who will reflect on the library’s history and its role as a community treasure. At 11 a.m., local historian Gage McKinney will highlight key moments in Nevada County history, including the library’s namesake, historian Doris Foley, and the renowned Cornish Carol Choir, which marks its 150th anniversary this year. Following the presentation, guests can enjoy light refreshments, explore the library’s unique collection, try a scavenger hunt or browse the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries Book Sale, held in the library’s lower floor from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The afternoon continues at 1:30 p.m. with a presentation by historian Dom Lindars about the Nevada County Historical Archive, a collaborative project uniting resources from the Doris Foley Library, the Nevada County Historical Society, and the Truckee-Donner Historical Society. The celebration concludes with a 3 p.m. live performance by local band Highwater & The Kin, featuring a song inspired by a visit to the Doris Foley Library.
“We’re so excited to highlight our local history and celebrate the people who keep it alive,” said Brittany Blake, library technician. “Our area is incredibly lucky to have not one but two continuously operating Carnegie libraries, and celebrating this gem of our library system is a real pleasure.”
Event Details
What: Doris Foley Library’s 118th Birthday Celebration
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Introduction at 10:30 a.m., presentations at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., live music at 3 p.m.
Where: Doris Foley Library for Historical Research, 211 N. Pine St., Nevada City
Audience: All ages
Admission: Free
A Legacy of Local History
The Doris Foley Library for Historical Research is the non-circulating branch of the Nevada County Library system, housing materials ranging from probate records and newspapers to maps and archival collections. The library’s Romanesque Revival style Carnegie building was completed in 1907 at a cost of approximately $10,000. Originally known as the Nevada City Library, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains owned by the city. On dedication day, Oct. 4, 1907, the Daily Transcript reported the library was “thronged with people, including many from Grass Valley” who gathered to hear music, speeches, and Mayor Chapman’s reminder that public libraries are “an essential aid to good citizenship.” The branch served as the county’s central library until the opening of the Madelyn Helling Library in 1991. In 1997, the Nevada City mayor declared May 17 as Doris Foley Day of Honor, renaming the branch in recognition of the beloved local historian. Today, the library remains dedicated to preserving materials such as manuscripts, photographs, diaries, business records, official reports, maps, and personal papers that document Nevada County’s history.
“Our area’s history is kept alive by places like the Foley,” Blake said. “It’s not just about the collection, the building itself holds so many memories. It’s a very special place.”
More Information The Doris Foley Library for Historical Research is located at 211 N. Pine St., Nevada City, and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this and other free library programs, visit https://nevadacountyca.libcal.com or call (530) 265-4606. To learn more about the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries and their monthly book sales, visit ncfol.org or call or call 530-273-4117. Don’t forget to follow Nevada County Library on Instagram and Facebook for the latest program updates!