Libraries in the Yakima Valley Before Carnegie
The record of library services in the Yakima Valley began in 1889 with the establishment of a reading room sponsored by the Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in North Yakima. Within two years, lack of funding forced the closure of the reading room. In 1894 the Yakima Library Association was formed and they used the reading room books to establish a “circulating library,” which relied on paid memberships to support services.
This pattern of women’s groups pursuing civic improvement through library services was echoed repeatedly throughout Yakima County. A few examples:
In 1908, the Wapato Ladies’ Club held box socials, card parties and dances to fund the beginning of the Wapato Public Library.
In 1911, Granger Library Club opened the Granger Library.
The Mabton Ladies Civic Improvement Club established Mabton Library in 1914.
Toppenish library services began in 1912 as a project of Mary L. Goodrich, for whom the present library is named.
Sunnyside library services began with Mrs. Joseph Lannin, who maintained a reading room until the Sunnyside Carnegie Library opened in 1911.
The Woman’s Club of Selah Valley initiated Library services in that community in 1934.