The Future of Naches Public Library Hangs in the Balance: UPDATE!

UPDATE ON NACHES LIBRARY!

The Naches Community Library is set to remain open for 3 more years, after a 3 contract was approved, with overwhelming support from supporters from the valley. The Library will continue with the same hours of operations. More details here.

Original Story Below:

Eliott Reyna via Unsplash

A tough decision is up ahead for the Town Council of Naches. To keep their long-standing Naches Public Library, or to let it close.

While the Yakima Valley Libraries are hosting some fun Friday Nights with Books & Bites (read more about that here), their branch at 303 Naches Ave. is facing an uncertain future. Will the town choose to keep it open?

Will the town be able to afford to keep it open?

Growing up and living in Naches from the early 80s till around 2005, I've visited that library many times throughout my youth. If I wasn't able to find a book in my school's library, I was able to get it at the Naches library (and the few times they didn't have it, they were able to get it within a week from Yakima Valley Library's amazing network). So when my father told me this news, my heart dropped.

Annie Spratt via Unsplash

I've said it many times, how the library is one of the last precious gems we have in our society. Where you can go and access the world of information, for free. But that's the kicker, it's not free. Libraries cost money, power, building maintenance, staffing, supplies, etc., and these things are funded by taxpayers.

That's where it hurts me, I love the Library system so much, but I hate taxes, and increased taxes, especially when the government (as a whole, not necessarily Naches) doesn't have the best track record with decisions on how to properly spend the dollars from the city residents.

tsm/Timmy!

The Yakima Heard-Republic has a great breakdown of the cost/spending with the library, and while I believe the amount that is asked is a great deal, it's up to the Town Council to decide soon.

If you are in favor of keeping the Naches Public Library open, there is an online petition up at Change.org.