Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory

We arrived just after 6 PM and were met by several very friendly volunteer hosts. 4 telescopes set up for the evening night sky viewing. Able to see Andromeda cluster, Saturn and Jupiter. Great for families and budding scientists. Well worth the trip. No cost for viewing.

After living for more than 2 years in the Valley I wonder why it took me so long to get the observatory tour. It was simply fascinating.

Truly an immersive experience inside the dome.
Highly recommended if you’re into astronomy or a science geek.

Tours are available on Tue, Wed & Thu at 3 pm.

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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?

This was a great library to find! There are many libraries around to choose from however we found this one the best so far! We are homeschooling our kids and the Wifi here is super fast and they have a couple of study rooms you can use-book 2 hour windows.

Everything was very clean (including the bathrooms) and appeared organized. Staff was super friendly and happy to help - lots of staff around if you have any questions.

The displays within the library were neat to look at (lots of different gem stones etc.

A great experience. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. There's plenty of free parking the tour is from 3:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday and it's free. We also got to see a 5-minute movie that was shown on the Dome where the big telescope is. I'll have to come back some Thursday night so I can look out of the telescope. That's next on my list. I'm from out of town this was just a short visit today and it's something I've been wanting to do is take the tour.

This library is not part of the county system and once you enter the doors you'll realize why it is a wonderful campus full of books,cool, a fish tank. I have not seen anything like it ever and I've been to some good libraries.... Knowledge is power go read a book!!!!

Such a beautiful location and library! I couldn't believe how big it is. Unfortunately the observatory was closed for a few days because of maintenance, but we will definitely be back when it's complete!

Went for the observatory a while ago. The presentation was well done, the telescopes that were available were in very good shape, and the observatory tour was great.

Really cool observatory! Took less than an hour but we saw some amazing astronomy and learned a few things as well. 😉

Brought my grandkids to the library, great place for kids and very helpful librarian

Went to the observatory and looked at the stars, planets, and the moon with my fiancé, it was a spectacular time and everyone there was full of knowledge with no hesitation to share.

This is an amazing library. The staff were so kind and helpful. I needed access to a computer and printing availability. They went above and beyond to assist me.
I found the Book Nook on my way out, the donated book store. What marvelous and fun volunteers work in there. Was so fun to gain info about the area, the library and programs from them. Will be joining the library for next season!!

Very cool art exhibit going on while we were there

Fantastic, knowledgeable astronomy staff. Enjoyable evening for all.

Thanks for sharing the stars with us.

Best library in Coachella Valley! Tons of books covering a kinds of topics. If you are local, I recommend getting a card here. Note: it is separate from the Riverside County library system!

Absolutely wonderful layout and plenty of amazing studying/reading areas. This is how a library should look and feel!!! Major Kudos to the designers.

Astronomer Eric entertained and educated the hundreds of people who showed up to see the green comet last night. We waited in line for over an hour and he did exactly the correct thing. He shared his enthusiasm. Wore a headset so we could hear and pointed out constellations with his laser pointer. He was the highlight of our trip to Palm Springs and we are grateful for his commitment to excellence. Give that man a huge raise! 👍👍👍

It's a true jewel in the Desert... Small but very modern and expensive facility. Great tour! I will be back at night to enjoy the sky...

An amazing facility that hosts book presentations & signings, as well as the Rancho Mirage Writers' Festival (already sold out for 2024--a week after '23 wrapped up!) Tour their gemstones collection, and soon a Chihuly glass exhibit. This in addition to books for all ages, periodicals and computer stations. [Note: Google maps misdirected for this...continue east on CA-111 past the Thunderbird complex to Library Way.]

What an amazing place. Library is well stocked and full of knowledgeable and pleasant staff. The place is clean and well presented. The observatory is yet on another level. The main telescope is a piece of art and cutting edge at the same time. There are 4 other smaller telescopes. Everything is wheelchair accessible. Go on a tour of the observatory at 9am or 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.