Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory

We were very impressed with the library offerings- and the separation of areas of interest, as well as meeting rooms and the awesome observatory! We attended the observatory tour, which was very interesting, unfortunately we couldn’t make the planet viewing.

The observation night was beyond what I expected! I loved how well managed it was. The staff made it seamless, and they were so knowledgeable on all my questions. Will definitely be coming back for another event!

I always have a wonderful experience at the Rancho Mirage Library. The staff is consistently kind, welcoming, and truly understanding—especially toward my son who has autism. You can really feel that this is a Certified Autism Center just by how respectful and supportive the staff are. They treat everyone with patience and genuine care, and I’ve seen both children and adults on the spectrum here being welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the space. The children’s area is fantastic. There are plenty of toys and activities that help build skills while keeping kids engaged and happy. My son especially loves the fish tank at the entrance of the children’s section—such a calming and fun touch. The library also has many comfortable areas to sit, read, or learn, and the café is a great bonus. I highly recommend the Rancho Mirage Library for families, especially those with children who need a more understanding and sensory-friendly environment. It’s clear that the staff truly wants families and children to feel at home here.

It's a great place for events of many kinds. I have never used the library or visited the observatory, but I have gone there for lectures, performances, and live events like today's taping of Larry Mantle's AirTalk Live show, part of the 40th anniversary tour of that great KPCC/LAist program.

MODERN AND BEAUTIFUL! My, am I a sucker for libraries, especially ones that have an observatory! It warms my soul to see the wonderful opportunities this library provides for children to explore the stars and enjoy wonderful books. The Rancho Mirage Library is quite big with dedicated sections for kids, teens, and adults. The library even has a CAFE! Yes, they serve warm coffee and yummy treats for a cozy reading session. I had the pleasure of visiting the library today as I'm a freelance writer and they had EXCELLENT WiFi and spaces for online work. There's plenty of comfy seats with cushions that make you melt into them. I felt totally zen and relaxed. I even had access to an outlet to plug my laptop! The library has clean restrooms, an outdoor courtyard, large category based sections of books, movies and large print works and a wonderful book nook. Also, there's a trendy art display that really sets the fun ambiance. The staff at the check-out desk were really polite and helpful! I'll definitely recommend this library! All people of all ages will enjoy this spot. I noticed they have great programs for kids! Note, since kids love this library I'd steer clear from the children's area as they get loud. Therefore, if there's a table near the area I wouldn't recommend sitting there. The good thing is there's plenty of other places to sit! What are you waiting for? Come for a visit!

The observatory is so beautiful and we had such a great time with Randy our tour guide! He is so knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. I would highly recommend this it was super awesome

Probably the best library in the desert (I haven’t been to La Quinta). The best library I’ve ever studied in. Perfect lighting with huge picturesque windows. A quiet study room if you want more silence. Group study rooms that are well insulated. There is a small gated courtyard in the middle of the library if you need some fresh air. What more can a girl ask for?

Wow! This place is amazing. I had no idea it was here. First of all there’s no fees, you can rent the books as long as you want with auto renewal, no late fees, etc. they rent telescopes out! Amazing! The library is so beautiful you feel like your stepping into an art gallery and kind of are. Everyone is friendly, helpful, patient and there is lots to do here. They have a coffee shop with food, programs for children’s all the way to adults where you can win cool stuff! It’s worth it.

We visited the Rancho Mirage Observatory for OPENight, which happened to fall on International Observe the Moon Night, and it was extra special since the moon was full! The experience was absolutely fascinating. We got to look through the telescopes and see incredible lunar details up close. It's amazing looking at the craters with such magnification. A huge shout-out to the volunteers who made the evening so enjoyable -- they were informative, kind, helpful, and fun, answering all our questions and sharing their knowledge enthusiastically. You could really tell they love what they do. Such a unique and memorable experience, we'll definitely be back next time we're in the area!!

This review is for OPENights, which we enjoyed very much. My boyfriend and I stayed in the area for a few days and going to this free event was a must for me. Astronomy has been a lifelong interest of mine (more so when I was a kid) and I hadn't looked through a telescope in a very long time. Being there was exciting for me and I loved that phones had to be put away. The docents and staff were pleasant and very informative. The red lighting was a such a cool vibe. We looked through four telescopes and observing the binary stars was my favorite for this visit. They had a sparkling jeweled look to them. It wasn't too busy when we went on a weekday night. We were part of the second group that went up the ramp after a short wait. Next time we're in town, we'll stop by during the day to take a tour of the observatory as well as enjoy the library. I'm sure we will attend OPENights again, too.

Beautiful library and experience. Lots to learn about and cool setup. My favorite was the exquisite rock collection.

Beautiful library with clean and well kept book collection, beautiful art collection, little aquarium, plenty of printers, and next door to the observatory. There's a quiet study room and a coffee shop as well for those who want a good place to study.

This is the best library I've ever been to. The staff is nice & welcoming, the spaces for patrons are top-tier, the events are award-winning, and they clearly make an effort to make everyone who walks in the front door feel comfortable being there. Their book drop has a conveyor belt, the info desk has a Chihuly exhibit, and the lobby has a little robot short-story machine. Plus, what local library has an Observatory attached to it? I haven't done a deep dive, but I'm guessing none. RMLO: a hidden jewel at the heart of the Coachella Valley.

I typically will visit the main library of the city I'm visiting, but instead of going to the Palm Springs Library, I ventured down the road to Rancho Mirage. The Rancho Mirage Library is an absolute gem! From the moment you see it, you're struck by the stunning architecture--it's a beautifully designed space that is both modern and inviting. The library is incredibly spacious, allowing for a peaceful and comfortable experience whether you're reading, studying, or exploring its extensive collection. Everything is meticulously maintained, making it a clean and welcoming environment. There is also a used bookstore, a gem collection and a cafe inside. While I didn't visit the attached observatory, its presence adds a unique and exciting element to the library. This is truly a fantastic community resource and a wonderful place to spend time!

MODERN AND BEAUTIFUL! My, am I a sucker for libraries, especially ones that have an observatory! It warms my soul to see the wonderful opportunities this library provides for children to explore the stars and enjoy wonderful books. The Rancho Mirage Library is quite big with dedicated sections for kids, teens, and adults. The library even has a CAFE! Yes, they serve warm coffee and yummy treats for a cozy reading session. I had the pleasure of visiting the library today as I'm a freelance writer and they had EXCELLENT WiFi and spaces for online work. There's plenty of comfy seats with cushions that make you melt into them. I felt totally zen and relaxed. I even had access to an outlet to plug my laptop! The library has clean restrooms, an outdoor courtyard, large category based sections of books, movies and large print works and a wonderful book nook. Also, there's a trendy art display that really sets the fun ambiance. The staff at the check-out desk were really polite and helpful! I'll definitely recommend this library! All people of all ages will enjoy this spot. I noticed they have great programs for kids! Note, since kids love this library I'd steer clear from the children's area as they get loud. Therefore, if there's a table near the area I wouldn't recommend sitting there. The good thing is there's plenty of other places to sit! What are you waiting for? Come for a visit!

Ventured out from Riverside to find some peace. A great little library with many quiet study rooms. It is helpful to check with the info desk to reserve a private room. I made a mistake of not doing that but they were nice enough to let me stay since it was not busy. Lots of parking and there is a cafe inside. I'd definitely return in the future.

This is hands down the best library in the Coachella Valley. The staff is polite and helpful. The events are interesting and exciting. The architecture is amazing. This is a hidden gem.

As someone who is a lifelong lover of libraries, an avid library card collector and a professional library, I was excited to visit this library since it is not only a beautiful, there is also an observatory located on the lbirary property. Upon entering the front of library, I was immediately attracted to their Book Nook bookstore as well as the their coffee bar which provides sandwiches as well as muffins, and loaves of bread for sale. As I walked further into the library, I enjoyed seeing a large children's room, a well organized space for newspapers and magazine, and a clearly defined quiet study room. Two cool items currently available for to check out are a telescope and state park passes. My favorite areas of the library included the various items on display including a multicolored ram, a collection of gemstones, the President Gerald Ford and Mrs. Betty Ford collection which contains items from their personal library and a bust of Gerald Ford, and a short story dispenser which allows you to press a button and recieve a short story or poem which options for children, adults, or in Spanish. After visiting the library, I was able to visit the observatory and was impressed by the amount of detail used in planning the space including having metal sheilds installed around the lights in the parking lot as a way to prevent excess lights from impacting views seen from the Observatory as well as having the type of building material used in proximity to the telescope. After visiting the library as well as seeing the large telescope in the Observatory, I can't wait to return to the library to check out the bookstore as well as bring my hubby to the one of their free observation public exploration night which allows the public to look through the big telescope as well as ask questions from astronomers and volunteer docents.

Probably the nicest library you'll go to! They have a cute section for kids only with a ton of different reading levels and activities. A great option for when it gets really hot outside in the desert heat

It was my first time going the library I asked for a tour I like how there was an exhibit of the minerals i explored a touch screen it shows Space Mars Mercury if u sign up for the raffle u have to read a few books and you can win gifts like a beach bag it's also pre stuff my favorite one was Adult Lego and golfing

Every time we come to Palm Springs we come to the observatory. Staff is very knowledgeable and relaxed and their choices of viewing are always interesting!

I've taken my kids to the RML since they were little pop Tods in mid 2000s. They are now young adults. It's the best library in the desert! They offer great reading programs and lectures. It's a beautiful place to spend a short time or a good portion of your day. I now spend time there to study my new vocation at least twice per week. Especially when I need quiet time with no distractions. If you arrive early enough, you can grab a delicious sandwich at Aspen Mills bakery inside the library. They also offer sweet baked goods and bread in many flavors. Let's not forget the book nook bookstore! They always have a great selection of used books on the cheap! I have yet to check out the observatory. One of these nights! Anyway, you'll love this place.

The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory was the perfect ending after having a nice dinner in Palms Springs! Its about a 10-15 min drive from downtown and well worth the drive. They are not always open every weekend so give them a call to check out the schedule. The staff there are knowledgeable and friendly and will answer all your questions of what exactly you are looking at. Love how it's not crowded and lots of parking! We saw Orion, Jupiter with its moons and a butterfly galaxy! There are two parts to this tour: the main huge telescope and smaller telescopes on another deck... Highly recommend you check this place out!

We came here for the observatory tonight and it was amazing. Not only was it free but the knowledge they all have was pretty incredible. We took our kiddo who's obsessed with nebulas and got to see two of them plus Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus (fav planet since a baby), Orion's nebula was visible and so was an open double cluster. They are really great with kids there. We love the library too, but since we don't live close we don't get to go as much as we'd like to.

As a freelance writer, I like to switch up my workspace every now and then. Love coming here to work. The atmosphere is quiet and clean with plenty of natural light. There are individual meeting rooms where I like to retreat if I'm working with another WFH friend. Nice being able to catch up while staying productive! Wi-Fi is reliable and fast, and there's ample parking as long as there isn't an event going on. I've been to other libraries in the valley and this is my favorite one!

Spacious, well lit, and very comfortable for people. It also has a mini cafe which is very good! I love coming to this library!

They were trying to offer me viagra pills at this location. I guess they brought them in across the border. It wasn't right for them to offer that to me or my friends. I have a lot of concerns with the drugs that the staff members use at this library. It is entirely unacceptable. Again they did try and sell me viagra pills to me and my friends. I was in the bathroom when they did walk in and attempt to sell me viagra pills.

My car battery died, and while it was the middle of the day. The staff didn't offer to wait with me or assist me at all. They just told me to call AAA, which I can't afford. I assumed a public place could atleast show a small concern for a member of the community. We're encouraged to ask for help but constantly ignored. Thanks for nothing! Mind you I literally have jumper cables, it would've been as easy as one of them taking a 10 minute break.

Or only is the library full of excellent resource, anyone with a CA drivers license can get a card for free. Aspen Mills, the local bakery, as a cafe with sandwiches and others baked goods inside. I tried the chicken Cesar salad and really liked it! All the library and cafe staff are nice

Today was my first time visiting this library even though I'm a longtime-local. It was Super Tuesday so there was a bunch of foot traffic coming in to vote. The library was still peaceful and quiet, given how spacious it is. The Aspen Mills Cafe inside is a nice space, with yummy sandwiches and baked goods. Staff was helpful, other visitors were respectful, and I look forward to coming back to explore all of the library's offerings, including the observatory.

So... I didn't actually go to the library... Next door is the Rancho Mirage Observatory, they share a parking lot. The library looks new and very nice. The observatory has different nights that you can come and look out the big telescope for free- check it out!

Beautiful library--architecture of the building with high ceilings was beautiful. Loved the separate rooms--children's room, computer lab, quiet room, and main popular library area. The children's room had a separate play area with stuffed animals, puzzles, toys, and art. The library had a display case with gems. The front desk had a tubful of yoyos for free for kids. The library was even selling $t10 tickets to get appetizers for $4 at select restaurants as a fundraiser. We also got a free tour of the observatory (held at 9am and 3pm Tues thru Sat). It was just the 3 of us with Dennis, our docent, who took us inside to see the observatory, showed us the microscope, and told us about its history and facts. I can see why this place got upstanding reviews on TripAdvisor!

The library is clean and beautifully decorated. The selection of books and other forms of media is excellent. However, my recent experience with the front desk staff was disappointing. Being new to this particular library, the person at the front desk assumed I would know what he needed when I requested the books that I placed on hold the night before. Unsure, I was waiting for him to ask me for my name. Instead, he rudely pointed to my library card that I set on the counter in front of him for checkout. Rather than pick it up or ask nicely, he just laughed at me, expecting me to hand it to him. I found his behavior very rude and unprofessional.

Went to this library with some students and was treated very rudely. A gentleman that works there said that I couldn't be there because I was paid to help these students. He said that this is a city library not like the county libraries and that the city library doesn't allow people paid to assist students. I told him we would not be coming back.

The Rancho Mirage public library is a great resource location for personal,family,business and academic applications. It is a very comfortable environment for studying and research and is a very family friendly. Plenty of study and seating available with plenty of free parking as well.

I love libraries, and this is one of my favorites. Mega abundance of natural light. Airy layout with desert landscape outside the many windows. Wonderful collection of books. Events year-round, including an annual used book sale that is not to be missed. Used book sales/stores are my addiction ....) If you're in the area with time to kill and also love libraries, take a few minutes to stop in this one. Hope you'll love it just as much as I do. (Can't believe I outed myself as a library nerd as well as my addiction. UGH.)

Really friendly staff. As a retired librarian, it is a calling to check out libraries wherever travel takes me. This one was especially intriguing as it has an observatory on the property! I had to stop in and learn its story. That's not all this library has: a wonderful (and large!) display of beautiful minerals, special exhibit of writings by Herman Wouk, and some of Gerald and Betty Ford's book collection, and more. In non-Covid times, this library even has a little cafe, a branch of Aspen Mills, as well as a previously-owned bookshop. The librarian told me that in non-Covid times, they regularly have concerts and lectures, and several times a week, an astronomer takes whomever is interested into the observatory to see the sky. How cool is that!

Community's treasure. I enjoyed the Observatory and Library as well as the newly added telescope rentals program. Only complaint is not extending the computer rental for more than an hour per day and being told lame excuse that if that was granted nobody would ever leave. To that I say baloney! Less crime on the streets and more access and activities to the library resources including more computers and accessibility to it. Other than this complaint it is a fabulous place.

Such a great library!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact you can check out a TELESCOPE for a week!!!! Sooooo coool!!!! I have yet to experience the Observatory! That's coming soon for my son and I!

My favorite public library thus far! (How incredibly nerdy of me!) but I've been to the Palm desert and Palm Springs libraries and the Rancho Mirage one is not only the cleanest, but has several designated areas for quiet work and study, which is super helpful when important tasks need to be completed! The staff is helpful, and the coffee shop inside is an added perk!

Staff incredibly nice a lot of good things for kids and adults it's a good place to hang out and read books and browse on computers would not recommend more

Very friendly and helpful staff and a great kids section, complete with several activities and lots of toys to keep them entertained for a solid hour (or more). We took our 3 and 5 year old on the free observatory tour (every weekday at 3:00, no reservation required) and they both loved the video projected into observatory dome. The evening viewing of the stars was also great - really well done, super informative, very nice staff and volunteers. Highly recommend both!!

Really enjoyed my first time visiting this library. There is a telescope lending program that is so great. I've never experienced a library like this. I attended a poetry reading tonight (so creative, The Wordkeepers) with an incredible jazz harpist, Lori Andrews, playing before and after. Highly recommend this place...next time I'll stay late to experience the observatory. Great desert "hang".

One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, with a great layout to read a book in the many nooks and crannies. Sadly, they have ancient computers and don't Defrag or clean up files. So, they run very slowly and get jammed up all the time. Wait, It gets better, I looked up and there was many updates to windows 10. Assign someone to clean the files on each computer at night or you can problem the computers to do that daily at 2 am.

Why do I like this place? It helps my mind wander freely and I often feel very young again for brief moments for as long as I am there, but without the distracting awareness that this just happened, and is gone or the absence of those long gone as well. Instead I always leave happier than when I arrive, in part because it is full of friendly ghosts that welcome you back to a world of culture, ideas and beauty without obsession for superficial nationality reliant on a shared currency of ideological quid or quo ~ I 'm confident you understood that since your interests prompted you to reading a review of a public library. Being that it is in RM, the library has a beautiful sense of place (check out my snaps). For those visitors that become card-carrying member in a community this small, our recognizable faces is enough for the staff to checkout your media selection, even if they still have to blindly scan each one. Check it out yourself. TIP for your visit: Don't be scared by the sculptures on the approach and bus your table in the café.

I've been a member of this library for nearly 10 years when I lived closer to this branch it is the only public library in the Coachella Valley that doesn't have a public school within walking distance that is a plus The staff is always been friendly and courteous when approach with courtesy Their Book's selection is average There seating is above average I am deducting 1 * for the computer room particularly the printer operation, it seems to be a different procedure to print copies and pay for them every time I go in, the staff will assist you but they seem slightly annoyed by doing this They also have a snack bar that serves coffee drinks and sandwiches I don't think it gets much business I've never eaten or purchased anything to drink from them I don't think they make specialty coffee drinks but I'm unsure Parking is ample and it is a very short drive to shopping and dining in the area

I was reminded again on Friday how special the RM Library is. Although I have all the computer resources at home to do things, I often go to the Library to have less distractions and enjoy the beauty and peace of the place. When I went to complete my taxes on Turbo Tax (on a REAL DESKTOP), this place never disappoints. It was quiet and I axcomplished what was needed. The information people also extended my 60 hour limit on the computer without any issues. The overall experience is great! They have a full current and historical supply of books, paperbacks and Videos. Their online site is great and you can reserve hard copies in advance, as well as get online downloads of many Titles. I look forward to checking out the new Observatory as well as other events they hold throughout the year. Excellent community location. You will not be disappointed!

This is the best library in Southern California I've ever been to. Everything is so well thought out. In addition it has an Aspen Mills cafe inside as well. Beautiful views, plenty of workstations. Private quiet areas, children's room, and computer room. Plus they have added a very impressive observatory. How many towns can claim that they have this? I appreciate the commitment of the town to provide such a gem. I'm very proud of this library and also enjoy their displays, events and art installations. My new favorite is the Harpo Marx display. Something very unique to our area. This makes it even more special.

I had to review this place because it was such an unexpected joy to come across such a lovely library while on vacation. We saw it while driving elsewhere, and decided to stop in on a day when we were planning to just browse around the area. This is a really beautifully designed library, top to bottom. There was a great gem collection display, lots of interesting photos and art work, two special book collections that we could see, lots of really cool seating options, AND they had a book sale that day where you could get a big bag of books for $3.00. We each found a cool handful of books, paid $5.00 because we didn't quite fill two bags. If you're in the area and enjoy reading books or magazines or just investigating new sights, this is a really wonderful free place to visit. They seem to have a sandwich shop that is open at times as well as some sort of gift shop, they were closed at the time we went.

The study tables on the north end of the library facing the wash are really dirty. I mentioned this to the front on 2 separate occasions and still no results. I have to use sanitizing wipes prior to use. Its filthy. Other than that, a beautiful library. Very quiet, cozy and a great location. I would just appreciate it if the staff kept up w the cleanliness.

I love this library. So clean, well organized and peaceful. My toddler loves story time and the little back play area for kids. However, it can get very crowded and they allow much older kids into the play area and it gets hectic for the little ones trying to play. Still, a good place to escape the summer heat and enjoy some down time indoors. We love the books and the other kids are always pretty respectful. Thanks Rancho Mirage library and staff!

Terrific public library. Well stocked with brand new books and movies. Their public programming for children and adults are some of the best library programming I have seen throughout the country. It is a true pleasure visiting this location, as well as their beautiful new space observatory.

Best library in the valley. It's privately funded so that makes a huge difference in the quality as compared to county funded libraries. Lots of room and quiet work areas. I love that they contribute to energy conservation in the stacks. The overhead lighting is motion sensored and shuts off quick if no movement is detected. Makes me feel fancy too when i'm walking down the aisle to the back. the lights come on like a domino effect! haha. RM Library has a extensive dvd selection and a pretty fair amount of music to listen to. It's very clean, organized, and lots of windows to let the sun shine in. The staff is friendly and very helpful. They have a great self check out feature at the counter. Super easy to be in and out on my lunch break. They also have a used book store, cafe, and conference rooms in the same building. There are some really great online features too! For the RML website itself, you can browse for books in the comfort of where ever you are, put um on hold, and they'll email you when it's ready for pick up. That's much easier for me since I'm always on the go. RML members also have free online access to a emags and for those independent movie fans (like myself) free membership to indieFLIX!!! :) Definitely as good as it gets!

My Favorite Place to Come and Read a Book with plenty of help with my Disability . Everytime I come here there super nice and help me find books I'm looking for , .

This is a GORGEOUS library and has MUCH to offer...the only fault I find is that the employees are sometimes sour and don't seem very excited about helping; maybe they have been at the job too long and are bored. Often I have difficulty finding a particular genre and they seem annoyed if they have to get up and actually help me go look and find something. Also, some of the events are not run well at all...I wish I could help them make those much more likable and easy to navigate,etc., For sure it's a superlative physical plant and lovely to look at. They have abundant and superior parking available! Probably a lot of local philanthropists have donated to make it so outstanding; kudos to them for sharing the wealth and the joy!!! The statuary, etc., displays, availability of local newspapers, etc., is useful and the coffee place is a nice addition if you want it..

My favorite place to be when I'm off from work. The library is very clean. There is a café and a small newsstand with brochures about the city of Rancho Mirage, local newspapers (e.g. The Desert Sun), driving, and places to dine. There's a children's section with an aquarium, an area where you can rent DVDs, and a computer room when you first walk in. Unlike the Palm Springs library, there are individual desks where you can have your own personal space. You'll feel very comfortable at this library because there's adequate lighting, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for laptops and smartphones. So if you're looking for a quiet place to read or study, I would highly recommend going here!

I about fell over when I saw their selection of audio books, cds, and dvds... so much so that I haven't hit the book stacks yet. You do NOT have to be a rancho mirage resident to use it. I have a Riverside county card, they said I had to apply for their card but it was quick and painless. Great staff- super friendly. 25 item limit- but 10 dvds at a time. The items not classified as new had a 6 week checkout, and the new ones had a week check out. I cant wait to go back and try their cafe and check out their book sale room!