Celebrating 50 Years of the
Ygnacio Valley Library
A Living Legacy: The History of the Thurman G. Casey Memorial Library
Nestled in the Ygnacio Valley area between Concord and Walnut Creek, the Thurman G. Casey Memorial Library (also known as the Ygnacio Valley Library) stands as a testament to community spirit, civic partnership, and enduring legacy.
The library’s story begins in 1968, when a growing number of residents in the Ygnacio Valley recognized the need for their own local branch. In response, the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library was formed, uniting community members around a shared mission: to bring library services to this expanding part of Contra Costa County.
One of the most pivotal moments came in November 1969, when Nellie G. Casey, widow of prominent local figure Thurman G. Casey, answered a call for support made by then–Walnut Creek City Manager Ralph Snyder. In a generous and heartfelt gesture, Nellie donated 1.15 acres of land, once a walnut orchard, for the sole purpose of constructing a library in her husband’s memory.
With the land secured and momentum building, the project became a collaborative effort between Contra Costa County, the City of Walnut Creek, the City of Concord, and the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library. The library’s design was entrusted to the architectural firm Lyons and Hill, and in July 1964, ground was broken for what would become a 13,500-square-foot facility.
After years of planning and construction, the dedication ceremony took place on September 13, 1975, with Congressman George Miller Jr. delivering a commemorative address. Just two days later, on September 15, 1975, the library opened its doors to the public for the first time. Living next door to the library until her passing in 1978, Nellie Casey remained a committed patron and benefactor, offering generous financial contributions both directly to the library and to a specially created Memorial Library Trust Fund.
Over the years, the library has continued to evolve. In 2004, a joint effort by the City of Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County Library led to a major interior renovation, modernizing the space while honoring its original character. In August 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the library temporarily closed its doors and was repurposed as a testing site, serving the public in a new and vital way. On February 7, 2022, it proudly reopened, refreshed and recommitted to its role as a cornerstone of the community.
Today, the Thurman G. Casey Memorial Library is more than just a building; it is a living legacy, shaped by the dedication of its founders, the generosity of its donors, and the ongoing engagement of the community it serves.
Come celebrate with us!
