Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory

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]

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
Completed	January 2006 (library), March 2018 (observatory)
Inaugurated	January 8, 2006 (2006-01-08)
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

History

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

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

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]