Question: Do I need an internet provider (such as AOL) to access Yahoo? 

Answer: An ISP is what you use to access the Internet regardless of your targeted website. There are many of them, some free, some dial up, some highspeed (DSL or Cable).  If you are at school, work or the library, these usually have connections to the Internet so no additional ISP is required.
This question from the Yahoo Q&A forum is categorized in the topic: Family & Relationships