The library system's collection includes public access to books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials, in both Spanish and English.

The Yakima Public Library was constructed in 1904, primarily using $10,000 grant donated for that purpose by Andrew Carnegie.

Over the next decade, the rural cities of Zillah, Union Gap, Granger, Naches, Mabton, unincorporated Buena, joined the burgeoning library system.

Moxee and Harrah joined in the 1980s, followed by the City of Toppenish, and the establishment of the Southeast (Yakima) branch in the 1990s, completing the current 17-branch system.

[3] The Yakima Valley Libraries Mission Statement, adopted August 24, 1999, states: Yakima Valley Libraries supports lifelong learning and an informed citizenry by providing free, open, and full access to a vast array of ideas and information.