Whether you’re diving into our curated booklists, attending a program, or participating in a Beanstack reading challenge, we want to hear your stories.
Share your #YakimaValleyLibraries story here.
| I grew up in an extremely large city and had a bit of culture shock moving to tiny Naches, WA. I didn’t know where I fit in, it was difficult making friends and I felt a bit out of place. Being a bookworm, I visited Naches library (and the wonderfully cultured Mrs. Katy, the librarian) and fell in love. The library has made Naches feel like home in so many ways. The children’s story time program is the highlight of my three year old’s week (and mine too!). We adopted our daughter Lovely last year, and she has gone through so much, recently being diagnosed with cerebral palsy among other major issues with her heart and breathing.
Story time allows our daughter to shine – she learned how to use scissors there at age 2, she learned how to dance (even though her right foot and right arm don’t work very well – nobody minds), she learned respect, patience, focus, reading skills, art skills (the crafts are her favorite!), and above all friendship. It has been therapeutic for her, seeing her skills develop and confidence boost to the sky. Thank you to all the librarians here in Yakima county. I also have friends who are Yakima librarians by day but karate gurus by night (Sydney, Katlyn, and Theresa). They’ve even supported me outside of the library to attain a black belt (another way of bringing me closer to the community)! The librarian staff are overwhelmingly supportive and honestly an integral part of our community and beyond. They are inspirational human beings and I hope the world continues to see and appreciate their super-hero powers. Thank you from the bottom of our heart! |
| La biblioteca la ha brindado a mi niño la oportunidad de maravillarse conociendo nuevos animales durante las presentaciones de especies exóticas y culturas lejanas. |
| I took my kids to story time at the library when they were babies and toddlers. We have used STEM kits, checked out movies and games to enjoy as a family, and participated in summer reading events and activities. We love the sense of community and helpful librarians. The Taylor Swift event was lots of fun! |
| The Yakima Valley Libraries have been an incredible resource for my family. I love taking my young kids to the library, where they can explore new books and participate in engaging programs. We’ve attended storytimes that spark their imagination and checked out books that have become bedtime favorites. The library is more than just a place to borrow books—it’s a space where we can learn together, discover new interests, and build a love for reading. The welcoming environment and helpful staff make every visit a memorable experience. Thank you, YVL, for being such an important part of our learning journey! |
| La biblioteca de Naches es la mejor desde que conocí ese lugar ha sido maravilloso, mis hijas les encanta ir, a conocer nuevos libros, participar en las actividades y la búsqueda de tesoro. Se ha vuelto nuestro lugar favorito. |
| The library has been such an asset for me and my family. My toddler is an AVID reader and together we read 20+ books a day – it’s great! One day I decided I’d take her to the library for the first time and it just happened to be right before story time, so we stayed. It was the happiest coincidence. I didn’t know what to expect or how it would go but the staff was so welcoming and helpful answering all my questions. I’m a stay-at-home mom so being able to take my girl somewhere with other kids, watching and listening to them engage in books and learning, while also meeting other parents has been a blessing.
I couldn’t be more thankful for our local library. Now, we make a point to stop by either the West Valley or Downtown location weekly to check it out. And each week our check-out stack gets bigger and bigger! I’ve also attended a beginner watercolor program that was so fun and informative that helped me tap into my creativity I had not explored since becoming a mother. I truly look forward to the next one. I make sure to tell all my family and friends – with kids and without – just how lovely the library is and how important it is to our community. There truly is something for everyone and we have found our “something” at our local library. Thank you for all you do for this community! |
| The library has always held a special place in my heart, both as a child and now as a parent. Growing up, it was a place where I could escape into the worlds within books, discovering new topics and learning things I never imagined. I would spend hours in the aisles, picking up books on everything from cooking to animals to history, always eager to learn more. The library provided me with a safe and inspiring space to explore my interests, foster my curiosity, and ignite my love of reading and knowledge. This is where I realized how books could transport me to different places and fuel my creativity.
Now, as a parent, I see the same magic unfolding for my 2-year old son. The library continues to be a place where we both learn, explore and create together. Storytime has been a particularly special experience for us where each week we get to hear stories, sing, dance, and create crafts together, making the most special memories. These moments fuel my son’s imagination and love of books, while also allowing us to connect. I cherish watching him immerse himself in the same joy I once found in libraries – the wonder of discovering new worlds and learning new topics. The library has been a constant source of inspiration for both of us. It’s a place where my son and I can share our love of stories and creativity, while also allowing me to reflect on my own childhood and the joy of learning that began there. |
| The Yakima Valley Library system, specifically the Toppenish Library, was the only metaphorical sports field I ever felt safe participating in, on, or at. The summer reading program, in the years 1990-1997, held an opportunity where I was freely allowed to express my learning in the summertime! Fifteen-minute chunks of reading bringing me closer to stickers?! I was all in. Some might think a sticker is a tiny reward or not something to work toward yet those stickers were better than crisp bills to me. Those holographic stickers were my currency of joy – from ages seven through thirteen!
School on the Yakama reservation felt oppressive, it was oppressive as bullying was rampant and we were mocked if we valued learning by hearing the constant commentary of, “stuck up/school girl” in the air, but the public library was a place where I could authentically and athletically shine in the most glorious of introverted ways – as a reader – and I earned the only trophies I had ever earned in my youth! Instead of sweating and bleeding on a gymnasium floor in my childhood, breaking my body down, my mind was nurtured and expanded as I read voraciously, building my senses up. I became addicted to books, and a book collector soon after, while I stopped checking-out books in favor of buying them, I never forgot about their magic, I created my own library! Currently, when I nanny or tutor and summer arrives, I take children to the local YVL to participate, and I call my family, off the reservation, to remind them to participate in the areas where they now reside. The library is magical, it is pure and simple. The library is a magical space, and it helps facilitate and build creative mind-athletes! I would not be me without the library in Toppenish, and the awards I was given to honor the athleticism my mind held! While I do appreciate the library at all times, in summer months- I am most reminded of the magic it holds…. and don’t worry, I remind EVERYONE around me! 🙂 |
| This was a couple yrs back but a kindness I will forever cherish. I was applying to work at a local school district and needed to use the library’s computer. For some reason the documents I uploaded kept erasing (multiple times). My then 9-month-old cried at full blast and my computer time was running out. The librarian added more time to my computer, was understanding about my upset baby, and helped me upload my documents. A couple weeks later I landed an interview. I got the job; it would not have been possible without free access to a computer and the compassion of a great librarian. The picture I will share is of the baby a couple years later enjoying the “accommodations” at the library as we have continued to visit our local library |
| As a child, my dad brought my sister and I to the library every summer to check out books and participate in the summer reading program. I have such found memories and can even remember how the library smelled. Magical times. Then years and years later, I had my first child and came back to the library for baby lapsit, then toddler time, then I participated in the BINGO winter reading and won a visit to the library to meet the staff and get a tour. It was so fun! A few years later I went to a party where my passion over books and libraries came out and someone there told me I should apply to be a sub. Today I not only participate in fun kid events the library offers like drop-in craft time and Dogman parties, but I also participate in adult events like trying a new recipe from the Recipe Club, learning to draw from an artist in Drawing Beyond the Basics, and I learned how to press wildflowers from a Master Gardner last summer from a class the library offered, and I also get to come work a few hours in the library every month. The library is still a magical place with so much to offer. |
| I was happy to teach weaving wa’paas at four different branches. It really opened my eyes to the different communities and the different branches who hosted my classes. I have always enjoyed reading and enjoy my local library in Harrah. The staff are friendly and helpful. I like the challenges and especially appreciated the seed exchange. |
| The Yakima Valley Libraries have given my after-school program students and home school students a creative space to express themselves and learn. Without the Libraries we wouldn’t have been able to offer our program continuation in our community. As [the founder] of Art Awareness Project, I want to say thank you to the Libraries for your kindness and willingness to us. |
| My daughter and I have been going to the West Valley Library for 3 years now. We started attending the toddler reading program that is held every Wednesday at 10am and 11am. She is now 4 years old and we still attend the storytime frequently. She loves that there is a themed craft that she is mostly able to complete herself. I now bring her and her little brother, who has been enjoying it since he was 4 weeks old. They have been able to bond and build a wonderful relationship at the library and at home singing the songs that they have learned. My daughter loves reading books every night for bedtime, choosing books each week that we can read, and discovering new adventures through the stories. The scavenger hunt is one of her favorite things to do each week and has made friends with the librarian Ms. Rebecca. Thank you for all your library has shared and done for my family. |
| I [have] been teaching my girls to love reading as much as I do. So, we go as often as we can. One of my girls has autism but I push her so can do the scavenger hunts that they have at the library. My 8-year-old girl loves scary stories, so she always gets two or three books (plus the books she gets at school). |
| My lifelong career began as a young boy after a successful door to door petition campaign to bring the Yakima Library Book Mobile to our neighborhood. Every week the in front of my house the Book Mobile would park, and the driver always brought new magic books just for me to read. Coming full circle, I had the honor to bring The Captain Squirrel Magic Show to several Libraries in the Valley, and I look forward to doing so again. |
| Our family attends the library at Buena. Juanita has been one of the greatest librarians we have ever met. She is kind, patient, always willing to help, and is very smart. My family has a routine of going to this library 2-3 times a week and every single time there is a very welcoming environment. We have an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old. Juanita has been very encouraging and has supported our family by finding scholarships books and books for our girls to enjoy. The library is a place where we can take the time to play, interact, read, support creativity and just spend that quality time together without thinking about what craft we need or materials we need. Materials are already put together and set at the table.
My 8-year-old has been learning how to use her own library card, how to be responsible, and how to check out and turn her books into the library. Both our daughters have enjoyed the scavenger hunts, the craft days on Thursdays, Movie days, and the coloring pages they can color. Our 8-year-old has also been learning how to use the computer in which the library has been able to support since we don’t have a computer at home. She is learning how to browse on google and print pictures of Lilo and Stitch to color. She is learning how to type and will at times play games as well. Juanita also asks us/lets the community help with planning future crafts in which my daughter enjoys in the planning process. Her eyes light up to be able to help with her support. Our 3-year-old has also enjoyed the computers for toddlers. She has been practicing on tracing with her finger letters, shapes, scribbles, squiggly lines, and numbers. She also enjoys greeting our librarian every day with a big hug and a hello. She enjoys doing crafts but likes to explore by cutting and gluing mostly. This has been a safe environment where she has been able to cut paper and leave a mess on the floor but then cleaning it up. By the library allowing this, it allows her creativity skills to be practiced and being able to practice on her motor skills. Our little one has been able to bloom here. Her communication skills have been getting better by asking the librarian or me what she needs for her craft. Both our daughters enjoyed the free yoga event. This was an opportunity for both our daughters and husband to learn about yoga. We plan on continuing to attend this library and can’t wait for the future crafts, free events, and how strong our relationship is growing with our daughters! Thank you to all the libraries for creating beautiful spaces for families to grow, learn, and be creative! |
| I hadn’t really done much with the library until I recently started taking my grandson to programs and [going to] programs myself too. I find the employees very kind and helpful. I have gone to a quilt class, Legos, Dungeons and Dragons, drawing, programs at Gilbert Orchards, live animals at the WV branch…and I’m sure I can’t recall the others, I’m really impressed. Keep up the good work, we appreciate you. |
| Being a move-in to WA state from Illinois in October, I looked to the library for a resource to gain a sense of community and learning about its history. I have gone to Naches Library several times for their take and make crafts. I enjoyed the idea that the times were open ended and through the take and make shared the craft activities with my granddaughter. The library personnel are extremely knowledgeable regarding community resources and events. Through them, I have been able to join a local hiking group, learn about free park passes available, given senior citizen resources, provided dates and books to read for the mystery book club, times that local women meet to knit/crochet, and many other useful resources which have helped make our relocation/transition to WA more meaningful and definitely heartfelt! Blessed with the Best! With appreciation for all you the resources you have provided to us! See attached photo of Holiday card I made at Library and extended the activity with granddaughters, who immensely enjoyed the activity! |
| In 2008, I found my first romance novel at the Union Gap Library. During my school years, I had issues with learning. I kept walking by a book that kept catching my eye. One day, I decided to check it out. I read the first page and put the book down. When I picked the book up a second time, I understood the story about love, heroism, and adventure. My mom commented that it was like a light bulb turned on in my head because my schoolwork improved. In high school, I survived my darkest days due to romance novels being my creature of comfort, my family. I am thankful to have a library to walk beside me and enrich my life till the end. |
| I have always enjoyed reading but working full time and becoming a mother made finding time to read really difficult. I downloaded Libby app and used my library card to start listening to audiobooks and fell in love with reading again! It has become an amazing hobby that is with me wherever I go and helped me connect with other readers! So thankful for YVL and their vast collection of audiobooks on Libby to help me live a thousand lives! |
| I grew up in Granger where there wasn’t much for a kid to do. I discovered the library which was walking distance from my home and a lifesaver! I learned to love reading, it opened up new worlds for me! I think my love for reading also helped me to do well in school, so I got an A.A., a B.A. & an MSW. I remember writing a paper once, on all the resources the public library offered, from newspapers, to movies, to a place to hold a meeting! When the public libraries went digital, there were more new worlds to explore & limitless topics to research! One of the most unusual things the library offered my creativity were the free garden seeds they gave away! Can you tell, I love the library? Well I do! |
| The librarian introduced me to Libby a while back and I am so grateful. At first, I just wanted audio books to listen to as I took my daily walk. But soon I discovered I could peruse my favorite magazines, check out books for my Kindle, find resources to help my granddaughter with college assignments and research new authors, topics, etc. Libby is my new BFF! Thank you, YVL. |
| I have been going to the library all my life. I remember when I was about 6 years old my mom would take me and my little sister to the library every other day. I remember that one of the librarians actually taught me how to read. She would sit with me for a while and go over words and how to pronounce them while my mom would look for books for me and my sister. |
| The Library has provided me the opportunity to discover my love for audiobooks. Reading has always been difficult for me, because my eyes don’t track together. So, finding stories that come alive through audio gives me a chance to build better habits and replace Netflix and Hulu with “reading”! |
| I started using Yakima Valley Libraries in 2024, as something to do with my 4-year-old son. We started (and still do!) go regularly to get new stories to read together. He also loves doing the kid’s scavenger hunt every month. When I was taking him, I decided to check out the cooking section. I have found so many new recipes that have become family favorites through using cookbooks from the library! Sometimes the internet is so overwhelming when it comes to finding new ideas, having a hard copy in a book is a nice change. These cookbooks have made it so much fun to try new things and actually makes cooking dinner enjoyable! |
| The library is my happy place. It allows me to escape to a different world from the moment I walk through the doors & open up a book. I feel inspired walking through the aisles & exploring all the different genres. I feel like I can become anyone & do anything when I immerse myself throughout the different worlds that exist inside of the library. |
| The library helps me find new book that help me become more creative, learn new things, and explore many new ideas that help me do better in life. |
| I love that using the library has given my children a place to learn to love reading. From the time they are tiny to teen years. All the summer programs have not only inspired reading in them, but all the science and arts summer programs you have put on gave us something fun and free to do in the summer to stay cool and be entertained. I honestly don’t know what we would do without the library and are very thankful for it. |
| I love the CD’s! It’s fun to listen to my favorite music for free. I also love doing the scavenger hunts, story time, and all the other fun things the library has for kids! |
| I have always been close to a Library, ever since preschool years. Lately what is the most satisfactory experience is the Book Club activity. I also have found a great service in finding an author who matches my reading interest, as when I was presented to Janet Evanovich novels. So, I wait expectantly a full year to read her latest book. I became her fan as to write her a letter that she answered by mail. If I can add a plus to the benefits the Library offers, it’s to be able to find any literature, in mostly different languages, in paper or eBook. Thus, I have read classics in Spanish, like “Cien años de soledad” and “Don Quijote de la Mancha”. |
| The library has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve even had my own library card since I was 6 years old. I vividly remember checking out books and completing reading challenges with my grandma as a child. The library was a part of my life in differently as I entered college, serving as a quiet place for me to complete my teaching degree. Now as a mother, the library is a place I have been regularly taking my son since he was less than a year old. He loves library Wednesday’s, where he gets to listen to stories and do a craft. Libraries serve as an integral part of our society, given everyone free access to so many necessities. I am so glad we have such an amazing group of libraries and hope they continue to be a part of our society for generations to come. |
| I take my grandson to get new books and to see the local events going on at the Yakima Valley Libraries; he loves getting new books and loves to read them in the kid’s area of our library. I also like coming here for my mystery books! |
| The library has brought out the creative side in me and my toddler daughter. We loved doing the time capsule event, such a cool idea. We also explored for the clues in the Halloween scavenger hunt, we love Halloween. We have also attended a few story times. I’m so grateful for the different events the library puts on. I am hoping to make it to a crocheting class in the future! |
| When we moved to Yakima, I had my library card before I got the Internet connected in our apartment. My kids have been raised in the library: attending storytime, special events, and STEAM days… checking out museum passes, board games, and movies… stretching our “you can only check out as many books as you can carry” rule to their maximum limit. Each summer we make it a goal to visit each library at least once. It’s been bittersweet to watch them move through the board books to picture books, then through the children’s chapter books, and now start slowly moving to YA and the rest of the library. They’ve truly grown up here and learned so many life skills.
But our favorite resource is the Libby app, which has saved my sanity on long car rides and bailed me out when I forgot to pack Harry Potter 5 on vacation (my kids did NOT want to wait to hear what happened next!). |
| I love the library because I’m a total bookworm, and the library is a place where I can get unlimited books for free. I’m so glad that the library is a place where I can get the books I love. I have found all of my favorite books there. |
| We use the Yakima Valley Library as our main source for new books to read! I have a 2-year-old who loves books and wants to pick up new ones frequently. YVL has always been open to us, and my son is ready to explore once we are there! It’s also been a great way for him to make friends! |
| Public libraries are one of my happy places. I love that it is accessible to everyone and that I can find almost any book I’m looking for. |
| My only grandma, Cassie, lived with my family for a time when I was 5. She is the one who taught me how to read and to write. I remember placing my two little fingers between words to make my work neat and legible. She taught me how to write my first and last name, my address, and phone number in order to apply for a library card. I applied and obtained my first library card at age 6! A few years later I was allowed to walk the 5 or 6 blocks to the local grocery store, Super Duper Grocery on 3rd Ave and Mead, to visit the Bookmobile during the summer, the big yellow bus that would come each week after school was out. I remember climbing in and taking in all the wonderful books and smells and wondering what treasures I would be going home with that day. No doubt there would be treasures. I loved the earthy smell, the texture of the pages between my fingers, and showing my very own completed card to be able to take my choices home. When I got home, I would gather supplies; a couple of blankets, clothes pins, pillows, and a snack if I could find one. I would go to the backyard; lay out a blanket, clothespin the edge of the other one to the fence and the pull out the blanket and secure it, and viola, a tent. I would crawl in, arrange pillows and read, and read, and read. Sometimes my friends would join me, that was cool too. Now that I am 70, I take myself and my grandkids to the library on 72nd Ave. We search the stacks, snuggle up in the chairs, and share treasures that we find. I also personally enjoy the seed packets and recipes that are offered each month. I hope that they will have fond memories of our library visits and share them when they are my age. |