The Yachats Public Library was established by Ordinance 36 in November 1973 stating "The City of Yachats does hereby establish a public library to be known as the 'Yachats Public Library' to be operated and funded by the said city and to be used for the educational and cultural benefit by the citizens of the said city in accordance with the rules and regulations of the said library."

It is the role of the Library Commission to make recommendations to the City Council which ensure the smooth operation of the library. The Commission coordinates Library activities according to City Ordinances, and under the financial conditions set forth in the annual budget.

As set out in the ordinance the Commission is to operate and manage the Yachats Public Library; formulate rules, regulations and standards for operation of the Library; receive gifts, grants, bequests and devises to carry out the purpose of the library; prepare and submit to the Budget Officer an annual budget which will be forwarded to the Budget Committee.

The Commission works cooperatively with a diverse public and volunteers so that citizens have a satisfactory impression of the Library, and assists Librarians in soliciting donations and gifts for the Library.