Libraries, traditionally the hub of a community, have evolved with the times. Once the town square and keeper of all information, today the venerable Rancho Mirage Library offers everything from tot reading hour and electric vehicle charging stations to a state of the art astronomy observatory. The Rancho Mirage library is an exceptional example of a 21st century bibliothèque — and no surprise it is one of the top rated libraries in California. Dedicated to making lifelong learning available for all residents in the Coachella Valley, the Rancho Mirage Library is worth a visit, whether you are a local or a visitor.
Heavy on programming, the Rancho Mirage library boasts a dedicated staff of 46 plus another 50 volunteers. Closed for three months during Covid — and with all staff fully remunerated throughout — the team is back in full swing. The library is fine-free and offers everything from a virtual film club to shows free of charge. The robust offerings include a grant for every fifth grade class in the Coachella Valley to take a class trip to the facility. Library Director Aaron Espinoza said that beyond fostering access for all, they want the library to be the epicenter of culture in the Coachella Valley. He says if 10-year-olds come and enjoy the offerings, they will come back and bring their parents. 66 is the median age in Rancho Mirage, but the demographics are changing rapidly in the surrounding areas. Large print books are popular, but so are productions like the Little Mermaid, Maker Monday, Culinary Journeys, a library card design project and a variety of other community programs. The Book Nook, a volunteer-run bookstore that brings in $40K revenue a year, is the last remaining book store in Rancho Mirage.
I have a fondness for libraries. My father worked at the main NYC Public Library when I was little, and the majestic lions always beckoned. The Rancho Mirage Library has a different appeal: sleek, modern and spacious; it has a sanctuary feel. With floor to ceiling windows and desert mountain views, the welcoming vibe and comfortable design is impressive for a public library. With 40,000 square feet of internal space, there is plenty of room for the collection as well as exhibits, lectures, performances and events.
The day I visited, a compelling mineral collection was on display. Gems, geodes and colorful rocks from all over the globe, all part of the Joe and GiGi Roberson Mineral Collection. With a variety of different collection spaces, many of the hi-tech shelving structures are moveable and create large gathering spaces for events.
The pièce de résistance is of course the cutting edge observatory, built in 2018. Set against the desert backdrop, the architecture alone is a sight to behold. The very first publicly funded and operated observatory (in conjunction with CalTech and other Astronomy experts) is a research-grade facility intended for public use. More than 40,000 visitors have seen the stars through these telescopes. A recent lunar eclipse was also a big attraction. Pre-Covid, there were two tours a day and 14 stargazing events per month. With a staff astronomer, this facility is truly an asset to the community and a peak tourist attraction. The library and observatory are following state Covid guidelines, so make sure to check updates for scheduling so you can be sure to see the celestial show.
Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory
71100 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 341-7323
Library Hours
Monday – Tuesday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAYS
