Frequently Asked Questions
Manage My Account
REMINDER: If you have a card, you have online access. Library cards use the card number as the login/username and default to the last 5 digits of the card number as the PIN/Password.
To check out materials from the Library, you need to obtain a Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory card. Most California residents can get a card at no cost; there is a fee for out of state patrons and for California residents from communities not participating in the State of California Universal Borrowing Program.
To receive a library card at no charge:
A person possessing a valid California ID containing their current mailing address requires: The California ID only. A valid California ID with an outdated address, Military I.D., or Green Card requires: The ID AND one of the following: A utility bill, check book, or bank statement showing their current mailing address.
An out-of-state ID (PROPERTY OWNER, LEASING OR RENTING) or US Passport requires: The out-of-state ID or US Passport AND one of the following: A property tax bill, homeowners insurance, homeowners association bill OR A rental or lease agreement showing a term of 5 months or longer.
If none of these apply, a card can be purchased: $10 for a 1 month card, $30 for 6 months or $45 for 12 months
Your Library card and PIN grant you access to many different accounts and services. These instructions pertain to your library account with our cataloging system, where you are able to change your PIN number, see your current checkouts, renew items, check the status of holds, suspend and cancel hold suspensions, and check for fines.
You are able to access your account by clicking on “Login”, then entering your library card number and PIN.
By default, your PIN is the last 5 digits of your library card number. If you’ve forgotten your PIN or would like to change your PIN and are unable to do so online, we welcome your call to us during our operating hours. We are happy to serve you.
Click on on the far right of the navigation bar above. Type in the title, author or keyword and press enter or return. At this time the library catalog system will open in your browser. Find a title listed in Search Results and click on Place Hold (listed on the right-hand side).
You can also place a hold on multiple items by clicking the checkbox of each item then clicking on Place Hold under the Select an Action menu.
Enter your library card number and pin # (usually the last 5 digits of your library card number) and click Place Hold. The title is now on hold for you.
Click OK to return to the catalog. You will receive an email or a phone call when the item is ready for you.
The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory has gone fine free! There are still fees for lost or damaged materials. Fees can be paid at the Checkout Desk with cash, check, or a credit card. Patrons who have outstanding fees over $10, or long overdue items, will be blocked from borrowing any additional items or accessing online materials. For more information please contact the Library at (760) 341-7323.
Download/Stream
We offer Digital Magazines through cloudLibrary.
We offer eBooks and eAudiobooks through Overdrive.
Contribute to the Library
The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory Foundation welcomes your support for its fundraising efforts. Click here to make a donation. For more information, please visit the Rancho Mirage Library Foundation webpage.
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Library, please take a look at our volunteer page and fill out the volunteer application.
Use Library Services
Need information? Want suggestions for what to read next? Ask a librarian. Whether you need to know the average October rainfall in London or the name of a writer who might please readers who like John Grisham, librarians are happy to help. Ask at the Information Desk, over the phone or via email.
It’s simple. You can visit the library, or send us an email (librarian@ranchomiragelibrary.org), or call 760-341-7323.
We are not currently offering this service, but hope to resume it in the future.
Call our reference desk at 760-341-7323 to schedule an appointment.
Black & White printing costs $0.10 per page, and color is $0.25 per page. Contact us at 760-341-7323 to learn more.
Our mobile printing services can be accessed here.
Library Policies
Welcome to the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory website! This site is newly redesigned and full of information along with links and portals to electronic content in a broad array of subjects. The site offers a feast of content in too many subjects to list, but while doing so it also helps you find what you need quickly, including our extensive programming schedule, the books and media in our collections, and how to check your library account. We hope you enjoy the new website and that it makes your access to the Library even better. Please do not hesitate to call us at 760-341-7323 or send us an email.
Aaron Espinosa, Library Director