Library services in the Yakima Valley began in 1889. Citizens in one small community hoped to enrich their lives by providing a public reading room. In time, that same hope spread throughout the valley. Growing towns that established schools and libraries boasted of the culture and education they could offer new settlers and investors. Those early libraries were the seeds that became Yakima Valley Libraries. You can follow the story as reported in the local papers and historical documents by clicking on the links below.
2000’s
2015 – Sunnyside Community Library remodel.
2015 – Selah Community Library purchase of building.
2012 – The Richard E. Ostrander West Valley Community Library opens August, 13, 2012.
2012 – Yakima Central Library major remodel completed
2011 – Groundbreaking for new West Valley Library
2011 – Yakima Valley Library Awards Building Contract to Blew’s Construction
2011 – Invitation to Bid September 7, 2011
2011 – Proposed Project Schedule June 6, 2011
2011 – Questions for West Valley SOQ, January 12, 2011
2010 – Selah Library moves to newer, larger building at 106 S 2nd Street.
2006 – Yakima library annexed to regional library
2005 – Selah City Library joins with regional library
2004 – Sunnyside Library annexed
2001 – Toppenish library annexed
2000 – Wapato library moves to new location
1900’s
1994 – Libraries provide public Internet access
1973 – Selah City Library established
1977 – Library opened in Mabton
1968 – Wapato Library merged with Yakima Valley Regional Library
1964 – Carnegie Library in Sunnyside is demolished and replaced with new building.
1961 – Library in Toppenish organized
1959 – New regional library building dedicated in Yakima
1958 – Library opened in Moxee
1951 – Rural and city libraries merge to form The Yakima Valley Regional Library.
1942 – Wapato City Library relocates
1917 – Carnegie library in Yakima remodeled
1911 – Why towns supported a library
1911 – Carnegie Library at 621 Grant Street in Sunnyside is dedicated.
1911 – Library opened in Wapato
1910 – Speaking on behalf of the public, Board of Trustees directs librarian to buy more fiction.
1907 – The Carnegie Library in Yakima dedicated. Bessie C. Hall was librarian
1904 – Yakima passes an ordinance to finance library services with public tax monies.
1903 – Andrew Carnegie donates $10,000 for the construction of a free public library in Yakima.
