Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory
| Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Former names | Rancho Mirage Public Library |
| General information | |
| Location | 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California |
| Coordinates | 33°44′54″N 116°25′16″W / 33.74833°N 116.42111°W |
| Completed | January 2006 (library), March 2018 (observatory) |
| Inaugurated | January 8, 2006 |
| Client | City of Rancho Mirage |
| Height | For Observatory dome only (22’6” per SeaWest Observatories) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle (Library); Narkweather Architects (Observatory) |
| Main contractor | Sea West Enterprises (Observatory) |
| Website | |
| RanchoMirageLibrary.org | |
Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory is a public library and science education complex in Rancho Mirage, California. It has been called a "cultural oasis" in the Coachella Valley.[1] Additionally, the Book Nook is a volunteer-run bookstore inside the library's building and is the last remaining book store in Rancho Mirage.[2]
History
[edit]Originally opened in 1996, the current library has operated at its present site since January 2006. [3] The library building spans 40,000 square feet and features floor‑to‑ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges.[4]
The library saw a three-month closure during COVID‑19, but maintained full staff pay and resumed robust programming afterward.[5]
In April 2025, the City hosted its first-ever Earth Day Celebration on the library grounds, including e‑waste, shredding, sustainable food demos, and children’s craft stations. [6]
Observatory
[edit]The Observatory was opened on March 25, 2018,[7] and recently celebrated its 7-year anniversary. It was funded by a “use-it-or-lose-it” state education grant, approved by the Rancho Mirage City Council, inspired by community input.[8] It features a 22′ 6″ Ash dome housing a PlaneWave CDK‑700 research‑grade telescope with remote-control capability.[9] The Library and Observatory hosts regular viewing parties and daytime observatory tours.[10] And regular free OPENights (Observatory Public Exploration Nights) are held every Thursday and Saturday, with no registration required.[11] Daytime Tours are held Tuesdays–Thursdays at 3pm, with family-focused tours on Saturdays, all free and open to all ages.[12] The Library Telescope Program allows library members to check out portable Orion Star Blast telescopes (around 30 in the collection) for personal use. [13]
In popular culture
[edit]The library also hosts the popular[14] Rancho Mirage Writers Festival every year.[15] The RMWF has featured dozens of major authors like Dave Barry, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fran Lebowitz, James Patterson, George Saunders, Zadie Smith, Jerry Brown, Sally Field, Tom Hanks and Mike Reiss.[16]
The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory was featured as a stargazing date location in the 18th season of The Bachelorette.[17][18]
References
[edit]- ^ "Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory a great desert community boon". The Desert Sun.
- ^ Mead, Darya (March 1, 2022). "The Stars Align at the Rancho Mirage Library". Desert Magazine. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library - 2006 - Rancho Mirage, CA - Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious on Waymarking.com". www.waymarking.com.
- ^ Mead, Darya (March 1, 2022). "The Stars Align at the Rancho Mirage Library". Desert Magazine. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Mead, Darya (March 1, 2022). "The Stars Align at the Rancho Mirage Library". Desert Magazine. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Nguyen, Gavin (April 22, 2025). "City of Rancho Mirage hosts first Earth Day Celebration at library". KESQ. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "Observatory – Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory".
- ^ "Rancho Mirage observatory temporarily moves stargazing online". The Coast News Group. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "Rancho Mirage Observatory". Sea West Observatories. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Grant, Anthony (June 6, 2018). "Rancho Mirage Observatory Brings Starry, Starry Nights to the Desert". Palm Springs Life.
- ^ Ghazawi, Sarah (March 19, 2025). "The Rancho Mirage Observatory nears 7th anniversary of promoting science education". The Chaparral. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Ghazawi, Sarah (March 19, 2025). "The Rancho Mirage Observatory nears 7th anniversary of promoting science education". The Chaparral. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Alcocer, Jodeci (April 24, 2024). "Rancho Mirage Observatory opens a portal to the universe". The Chaparral. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "Rancho Mirage Writers Festival transforms local library into literary powerhouse". February 2, 2023.
- ^ "FAQs".
- ^ "Past Festival Writers". www.rmwritersfest.org. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
- ^ "How to recreate the local dates from this season of 'The Bachelorette'". The Desert Sun.
- ^ "Popular reality show reportedly filming in the Coachella Valley". July 9, 2020.