Making extensive changes to a public building requires vision, planning, and money. It can be a challenging process with more needs and ideas than money. Library Board members and administrators had to figure out which changes needed to happen and which changes would be nice, but not absolutely necessary. To do this they inspected the building, then gathered input from the public and staff members. The result was a three phase plan with intertwining goals and timelines.

Phase I. Early in the process the trustees and administrators learned that the failing mechanical systems in the building would have to be replaced immediately.

Phase II. The next step was finding room to accomodate the staff and equipment required to run the library. Phase II converted the basement Auditorium into a modern office.

Phase III. The top priority was moving the public restrooms from the basement to the main floor. Increasing the number of public computers and relocating the public service desk were also identified as high priority goals.

Follow the links below to learn how the Yakima Valley Libraries Board of Trustees, the library administrators and library staff members worked together to renovate Yakima Central Library.