Public Libraries in Yakima County, Washington

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📚 County library guide

Public Libraries in Yakima County, Washington

Yakima County, Washington is served by Yakima Valley Libraries — a 15-location system founded in 1951 that serves over 243,000 residents across 4,296 square miles, the second-largest county in Washington State.

💡 Looking for a specific service in Yakima County? libraries with study rooms · printing, copying & fax · a Library of Things.

📚 About Yakima Valley Libraries

Yakima Valley Libraries is the public library district serving most of Yakima County. Library services in the valley trace back to 1889, when the Women's Christian Temperance Union established a reading room; a rural county district formed in 1945, and city and rural libraries merged in 1951 to create the current countywide system. Today YVL runs a Central Library in downtown Yakima plus 14 community libraries in annexed cities such as Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish and Union Gap, contracting cities including Granger, Mabton and Naches, and unincorporated communities like Buena and Terrace Heights. In 2025 the system welcomed over 402,000 visitors and circulated more than 849,000 items. The City of Grandview operates its own independent library outside the YVL district.

📱 Free digital access with your card

A free Yakima Valley Libraries card unlocks ebooks and audiobooks through Libby and on-demand titles on hoopla. Washington cardholders can also use AskWA (askwa.libanswers.com), a cooperative of more than 50 Washington public and academic libraries offering free 24/7 chat and email reference staffed by local librarians — available from home with your card.

Yakima County library branches — 5 verified

Each branch below is verified on its official page with address, hours and services. Browse the full Washington directory for more.

Yakima Central LibraryYakima, WAFlagship downtown branch — 102 N. 3rd Street →Richard E. Ostrander West Valley Community LibraryYakima, WAWest Yakima neighborhood branch →Southeast LibraryYakima, WASoutheast Yakima neighborhood branch →Terrace Heights Community LibraryYakima, WATerrace Heights unincorporated community branch →Buena Community LibraryYakima, WARural community branch in Buena →

❓ Frequently asked questions

How many public libraries are in Yakima County?

Yakima Valley Libraries operates 15 locations: a Central Library in downtown Yakima plus 14 community branches across the county, from Selah and Union Gap to Naches and Mabton. This page lists the branches we have individually verified; the City of Grandview also maintains its own independent library outside the YVL district.

Where is the main library in Yakima County?

The Yakima Central Library is the system flagship, located at 102 North 3rd Street in downtown Yakima. It is the largest YVL location and the administrative hub of the district.

Who can get a Yakima Valley Libraries card?

A card is free to anyone who lives, works, owns property or attends school within the Yakima Valley Libraries district. Bring a photo ID and proof of address to any branch to sign up.

Does Yakima Valley Libraries have ebooks and audiobooks?

Yes. With a free YVL card you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks on Libby and stream on-demand titles through hoopla. Washington residents also have access to AskWA, the statewide 24/7 librarian chat service.

Is “Yakima County Library” the same as Yakima Valley Libraries?

Yes. Yakima Valley Libraries (YVL) is the official name of the public library district serving most of Yakima County, Washington. It is sometimes informally called the Yakima County Library or Yakima Valley Regional Library, reflecting its origins in the 1951 merger of city and rural library systems.

Last verified September 2026 from official library sources. Hours & services can change — confirm on each branch’s page. By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com