The Future of the Palm Desert Library
Please Note: The Palm Desert Library is currently closed for remodeling. The library will reopen on July 1, 2024. Please visit our new little free libraries across the City or the bookmobile for library services.
The City of Palm Desert Embarks on an Exciting New Chapter
During the months of May and June, the Palm Desert Library will undergo a light interior refresh to improve the library's customer experience. While the environment will change slightly, the quality of customer service you have come to expect will remain.
- VISION: A Palm Desert where everyone belongs and is filled with promise, progress, play, and prosperity.
- MISSION: The Palm Desert Library nurtures community well-being through social, cultural, and learning experience.
- WE VALUE: Curiosity, Discovery, Exploration, Imagination, and Health & Happiness
What’s Happening
While the building is remodeled, there are multiple ways to engage with the Library. Several upcoming programs and events are also available for all to enjoy.
One Book – One Palm Desert. Join us at UCR – Palm Desert on Tuesday, June 18th, for an evening with Susan Orlean, who will be in conversation with Tod Goldberg about her book, The Library Book. The Library Book recounts how the Los Angeles Public Library overcame adversity after a fire devastated their building in 1986. The program begins at 5:45 p.m., followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the event through Barnes & Noble.
- Please register for the event at www.palmdesertreads.org
- For a flyer of the event, please click here.
Other Programs
Storytime at the Shops (by Macy’s, 1st floor)
Summer Reading Challenge – Adventure Awaits!
Come Find the Bookmobile
and learn more about the library! | Library Cards - Coming Soon
Little Free Libraries The following locations have a little free library (as of 5/3/2024):
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Ways to Get Involved With the Library
Library Advisory Committee Application
This new committee will provide input on the Library’s programming and space planning, monitor performance indicators, activities, and outcomes, and help connect the Library staff with community groups. For more information about this committee or for an application to become a committee member, please visit the City of Palm Desert website.
Survey
Take a few moments to share your thoughts on a new Palm Desert Library by completing this brief survey: Library Community Survey. The survey has an area to submit questions, concerns, and ideas. Please call (760) 776-6460 to request a paper copy of the survey to be mailed to you.
Program Recommendations
If you have a program recommendation, please submit your ideas here.
During the Remodel
When will the transition happen?
Beginning July 1, 2024, the City of Palm Desert will operate the former County-operated public library, located at 73-300 Fred Waring Drive on the College of the Desert campus, as a municipal library. Palm Desert will join Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage as the only Coachella Valley cities with independent libraries.
Will the Palm Desert Library close during this transition?
Yes. From May 1 to June 30, 2024, the library will close for a physical space “refresh" and transition of services. Online services will remain available from the County. You will still be able to use your Riverside County Library System card at other nearby County libraries during this time (e.g., La Quinta, Cathedral City, etc.).
The Future of Palm Desert Library
Will I have access to the services we enjoy now?
Yes, you will continue to have access to the library services you currently enjoy. Over the next few years, the City-led library will maintain services at the existing Palm Desert Library location. Additionally, the long-term plan will guide the future library strategy, ensuring the provision of services and programs for a broader community.
May I still borrow books from other libraries?
Yes, within 60 days of opening, the City of Palm Desert plans to join a consortium of over 400 public and academic library outlets that share their books with one another. If Palm Desert does not own an item you are looking for, you can request it via the library’s catalog from one of the other libraries, and it will be delivered to the Palm Desert Library for you to pick up.
You will still be able to use your Riverside County Library System card to borrow items and pick-up at nearby County libraries.
Will there be a brand-new Palm Desert public library in the future?
The city has initiated plans to construct a new public library within the next 3-5 years. Meanwhile, the current location will serve as a pilot for testing the future of library services in Palm Desert under the concept called "Library as Laboratory." This concept transforms the traditional library into a dynamic hub for hands-on learning and exploration. It fosters experimentation, learning, and creativity, providing diverse resources and collaborative environments for all ages. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
What if I have questions?
If you have other questions you may email libraryinfo@palmdesert.gov
Background & History of the Palm Desert LibraryThe Palm Desert Library opened at the Portola Community Center in 1962 and remained operational at the facility until 1996. Since its inception, the County of Riverside has managed the library. However, the County contracted out its library services, first to the City of Riverside and later to a company, now known as LSS. In 1996, the library was moved from the Portola Ave. location to its current location on the College of the Desert campus. The new library was established in partnership with the City of Palm Desert (City), the County of Riverside (County), and the Desert Community College District (College). The facility includes 40,000 square feet, which is divided into a 20,000-square-foot City library and the remaining space for a College library (unoccupied since January 2020). There is some shared space (joint-use area) as well. In 2023, the City of Palm Desert started investigating a municipal-run library alternative. |
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