Yakima Central Library
🏢 Yakima Valley Libraries · Yakima, Washington
Yakima Central Library
Yakima Central Library has anchored public library service in the heart of downtown Yakima for over a century, now serving as the flagship of a 15-branch Yakima Valley Libraries system that reaches more than 243,000 residents across Yakima County.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 102 North Third Street, YAKIMA, WA 98901
Phone: +1-509-452-8541
Website: yvl.org
Plus Code: 84RXJF3W+RC (YAKIMA, WA)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Yakima Central Library
Library service in Yakima traces back to 1889 when the Women's Christian Temperance Union opened a public reading room; Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000 for a permanent building in 1903, and the Carnegie Library was dedicated in 1907. The city and rural district libraries merged in 1951 to form what is today Yakima Valley Libraries. A major renovation of the Central Library was completed in 2012, modernizing the building while preserving its role as the system's largest branch. The library offers bilingual English-Spanish staff and materials to reflect the county's significant Latino community, along with a citizenship corner, career center, legal research access via Westlaw, and a Library of Things lending program for equipment and tools. The Yakima Memory digital archive preserves the region's history, and the library's mobile library service extends access to underserved areas throughout the county.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Downtown Yakima landmark in continuous operation for over 100 years
- Largest branch in the 15-location Yakima Valley Libraries system (serving 243,000+ residents)
- Bilingual English-Spanish staff and collections reflecting the county's diverse community
- Library of Things: borrow tools, equipment, and specialty items alongside books
- Citizenship corner, career center, and Westlaw legal database access on-site
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Yakima Valley Libraries cardholders enjoy free access to AskWA — Washington's statewide virtual reference service — plus eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video.
📚 Services
- Bilingual English-Spanish service and collections
- Library of Things (equipment lending)
- Career center and job-search resources
- Citizenship corner and immigration resources
- Westlaw legal database access
- Computer access and free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Mobile printing service
- Interlibrary loan
- Northstar digital literacy certification
- Test proctoring
- Mobile library service
🎸 Programs
- Toddler Time and early literacy story times
- LEGO activities and STEAM programming for children
- Homework help for students
- Gaming events for teens
- Reading challenges and adult book clubs
- Spanish-language programs and community events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Washington
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Yakima Central Library provide services in Spanish?
Yes. The Yakima Central Library maintains bilingual English-Spanish staff and holds a substantial Spanish-language collection to serve Yakima County's significant Latino community. Spanish-language programs and outreach services are also offered throughout the year.
What is the Library of Things at Yakima Central Library?
The Library of Things lending program lets cardholders check out tools, equipment, and specialty items — not just books. Items available have included telescopes, musical instruments, power tools, and kitchen gadgets. Visit yvl.org or call 509-452-8541 for the current catalog of available items.
Is Yakima Central Library open on weekends?
The Central Library is currently open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Several other Yakima Valley Libraries branches may have different schedules — visit yvl.org for system-wide hours.
How old is the Yakima Central Library building?
Library service has been in downtown Yakima since 1889, and the original Carnegie Library — funded by a $10,000 Andrew Carnegie donation — opened in 1907. The current building underwent major renovations completed in 2012. The Central Library has served the community from its downtown Third Street location for well over a century.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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