Ellensburg Public Library
🏢 City of Ellensburg · Ellensburg, Washington
Ellensburg Public Library
Ellensburg Public Library opened in January 1910 after Andrew Carnegie granted $10,000 to bring a public library to the Kittitas Valley — and though the original Carnegie building was replaced in 1968, the library continues to occupy the same 209 North Ruby Street address, now housing a Northwest history archive alongside modern digital resources.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 209 North Ruby Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone: (509) 962-7250
Website: ci.ellensburg.wa.us
Plus Code: 84RXXFV4+J5 (Ellensburg, WA)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Ellensburg Public Library
The story of Ellensburg Public Library begins with a $10,000 Carnegie Foundation grant. The city purchased the Ruby Street land from Katharina Murray for the sum of one dollar, and the Carnegie building opened on January 20, 1910 — Mrs. John B. Davidson served as the first librarian, and patrons who attended the opening were asked to donate a book, with nearly 400 received that day. The original Carnegie structure stood until 1967, when it was demolished to make way for a modern facility. The current library opened on June 30, 1968 under head librarian Patricia Dalglish, housing 30,000 volumes at the same historic address. Today the library is a department of the City of Ellensburg, serving students, ranchers, and Central Washington University faculty and families who call the Kittitas Valley home. The Northwest & Local History Archives hold hundreds of books, photographs, and community organization records documenting the region since the 1870s. Free public computers, Wi-Fi, a copier/printer, and streaming platforms complement the print collection for a fully modern library experience.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Carnegie library origins — opened January 20, 1910 with a $10,000 Carnegie Foundation grant
- Land purchased from Katharina Murray for $1.00; patrons donated nearly 400 books at opening
- Current building opened June 30, 1968 on the same 209 N. Ruby Street address
- Northwest & Local History Archives with hundreds of photos, books, and community records
- Serves Kittitas Valley residents including Central Washington University community
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Access eBooks, streaming video, and Washington research resources free with your Ellensburg Public Library card:
📚 Services
- Free library card (Ellensburg & Kittitas County residents)
- Free public computer workstations (1-hour limit) & Wi-Fi
- Copier/printer — black & white, $0.10/page
- Northwest & Local History Archives
- Interlibrary loan
- Reference assistance (phone: 509-962-7228)
🎸 Programs
- Youth story time and children's programs
- Teen programming
- Adult programming and community events
- Northwest history research sessions
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Washington
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Ellensburg · Browse all Washington libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Carnegie origins of Ellensburg Public Library?
In the early 1900s, Ellensburg received a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation on the condition that the city provide the building site and commit at least $1,000 annually to library operations. The land at 209 N. Ruby Street was purchased from Katharina Murray for just one dollar. The Carnegie building opened January 20, 1910, with nearly 400 books donated by opening-day patrons. That original building was replaced in 1968 by the current structure on the same site.
What does the Northwest & Local History Archives hold?
The Ellensburg Public Library's Northwest & Local History Archives contain hundreds of books, historic photographs, and organizational records documenting the Kittitas Valley and broader Pacific Northwest. Materials include minutes, notes, and agendas from local community clubs and organizations dating back to Ellensburg's early settlement in the 1870s. Researchers can contact the library at (509) 962-7250 to make arrangements.
Can I access streaming video through Ellensburg Public Library?
Yes. The library provides free access to Kanopy, a streaming platform with acclaimed independent films, documentaries, classic cinema, and educational content. Access it through the library's website at ci.ellensburg.wa.us/148/Online-Information-Resources using your free Ellensburg library card.
What is AskWA and how do Ellensburg residents use it?
AskWA is a statewide virtual reference cooperative involving more than 50 Washington public and academic libraries. It provides live chat and email reference service staffed by professional librarians — available anytime at askwa.libanswers.com. It's free for all Washington residents and does not require a library card.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
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