What began as one California woman’s love for reading more than a century ago turned into a massive donation to the Fresno County Library and a chance for other readers to appreciate rare literature.

On Tuesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors will vote whether to formally recognize Fred McNairy — husband of former Fresno County Supervisor Judy Case McNairy — for his donation of rare books valued at $26,210.

The books will become part of the Heritage Room at the library’s Central Branch in downtown Fresno, which is closed while undergoing a major renovation.

McNairy told GV Wire the book collection, which includes several first editions from authors such as John Steinbeck, Frank Norris, and photographer Ansel Adams, came from his grandmother, Pauline Nordstrom, who loved California history.

“A voracious reader her whole life, she loved California history. So, she just collected books,” McNairy said.

Kingsburg’s Network of Well-Read Women

With the need to move and downsize, McNairy spent most of 2025 cataloging the hundreds of titles his grandmother accumulated over the years. Born in Los Angeles near the end of the 19th century, Nordstrom eventually moved to Kingsburg, where she worked as an English teacher and librarian.

When the effects of the Great Depression and her husband’s alcohol use began to affect the family, McNairy said she turned to books, never paying much for the titles but eager to explore.

“She had a circle of lady friends in Kingsburg. Kingsburg had a lot of very intelligent women who were housewives but also were educated and loved to read,” McNairy said. “She’d hear from word of mouth about different books. When it came out, you could buy it for a dollar.”

The catalogue lists an illustrated first edition of John Steinbeck’s “The Red Pony,” a first edition of Ansel Adams’ “Yosemite Valley,” 1912 printings of John Muir works, and several first editions by acclaimed author and journalist Frank Norris.

A majority of the titles focus on early California history.

Library Will Decide How Best to Make Collection Available

A spokesperson from the library thanked McNairy for the donation.

Right now, the spokesperson said, some items are available for in-person research. Others that are “particularly rare” may be preserved for display.

“As we curate the collection, we will determine the best way to make these materials available to the public while ensuring they are properly preserved for future generations,” the spokesperson told GV Wire in an email.

McNairy said having his grandmother’s books at the library would honor her, especially given her work with the library.

“She would be very happy the library houses her collection,” McNairy said.