Programs for Children and Families

Programs for
Children and families

observatory

Our world-class public Observatory is providing young people in the Coachella Valley with unprecedented
opportunities to explore their universe. Opened in early 2018, the Observatory features a 700mm PlaneWave
Instruments CDK 700 telescope that can observe objects over 50 million light-years away. The facility’s Cosmic

Office, viewing deck, and four auxiliary telescope workstations provide an incredible array of
additional tools and learning opportunities.


In addition to regular stargazing parties and educational lectures by the City Astronomer, future opportunities
will include solar telescope and astrophotography programs. Daily tours also provide all visitors the opportunity

to learn more and ask questions about the facility.

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Connecting Children to the Stars

is a field trip opportunity providing 5th grade Coachella Valley schoolchildren— both public and private—a visit to the Rancho Mirage Observatory.
Made possible through a grant from Anderson Children’s Foundation, the program will solicit and accept applications from Coachella Valley
teachers and school administrators to fund the costs of transportation associated with a visit to the Observatory.

The goals of the program include: Made possible through
• Provide a tour and astronomy program for 5th grade Coachella Valley students a grant from Anderson
• Demonstrate the operation of a state-of-the-art observatory telescope under the guidance of a Children’s Foundation
professional astronomer.
• Provide an “away from classroom” experience in a beautiful, fairly complex and unusual
learning environment.
• Encourage student imagination, humility, connection and curiosity within the universe.

How to schedule a tour: Tours include a tour of the state-of-the-art Observatory and of the Library. Students will be able to check out materials
if allowed by teachers. If you would like your students to get a free library card, we will provide a library card application for the students to
turn in prior to the field trip. Applications will need to be completed and turned in prior to visit, so that library cards can be ready on the day of
the visit. Also, please let us know if you need a place for your students to eat lunch. Please contact our Children’s Librarian, Valentine Llort at
(760) 341-7323 or at [email protected] to schedule your Library campus tour. Tours are scheduled based on availability and
previously scheduled tours. Please expect a response within 2 to 3 business days with a confirmed tour time.

Reimbursement: Please send an email to Valentine Llort at [email protected] with transportation expenses incurred and
your reimbursement will be processed.

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Family Night Family Nights sponsored by:
Grace Helen Spearman Foundation
Monthly Family Night programs run from 5:30–7:00 p.m. and include fun and
educational activities, celebrations, and crafts for the whole family.

November 7, 2018 December 5, 2018 January 2, 2019 Photo: laurenbeth93
Sand Art — Create a piece of sand art. Book Ornament Night — Join us as we Terrible Art Night — Use supplies from
Come layer different colors of sand to make make papier-mâché ornaments using old, February 6, 2019
our supply closet to create a terrible Sew Your Own Sock Monster — Use
your own beautiful creation! recycled books. piece of art. Recycled materials and
canvas will be available for you to create plastic needles, thread, socks and
stuffing to make your own monster.
your own masterpiece. Various designs will be available. One

sock per child.

March 6, 2019 April 3, 2019 May 1, 2019 June 5, 2019
Magic Tree House Party — We will be Sharpie Tie Dye — Ever want to tie dye Mythology God/Goddess Night — Summer Reading Club Preview Night —
celebrating all things Magic Tree House! a bandanna? Use Sharpies and rubbing Interested in mythology? We will be
Come dressed for your favorite Magic alcohol to create something beautiful, then learning about all things mythological. Join us to learn more about this year’s
Tree House adventure! Games, crafts and watch your design come to life as it bleeds Games, crafts and activities for all — theme — Reading Around the World! You’ll be
activities for all — costumes are optional. able to pick up a copy of the 2019 Summer
through the bandanna! costumes are optional. Reading Club booklet with additional details
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and a schedule of daily activities.

Tiny Tot Design It • Make it
Storytime
A monthly program that sparks creativity and imagination with STEAM/STEM projects
Ages up to 3. Tuesdays at 10 am (recommended for ages 5+). Join us from 4-5 p.m. on the Fridays listed below.
and Wednesdays at 10 am.
• November 16, 2018 — Create a self-driving toy car maker bot.
Lively songs, fingerplays, action • December 7, 2018 — Learn about mixing & more as you build a homemade lava lamp.
rhymes, and stories followed by a • January 18, 2019 — Build your own tri or double fidget spinner.
• February 15, 2019 — Make a spinning top using a recycled CD and a marble.
coloring activity. • March 15, 2019 — Create a masterpiece by combining magnets and paint.
• April 12, 2019 — Construct a catapult for a Peep!
Preschool and Me • May 10, 2019 — Engineer a sea-worthy vessel for a Cork Raft Building Challenge.
Storytime • June 7, 2019 — Design Perler bead art that is out of this world and prepare for our
Summer Reading Club.
Ages 3-5. Thursdays at 10 am.
Additional monthly programs for youth include LEGO Club, Kids Book Discussion 5
Engaging stories, songs, and active Groups, and Teen Nights. Visit our website or stop in to learn more!
rhymes captivate the imagination.
Coloring sheets and simple crafts round
out the themed Storytime experience.

Summer Reading

Reading Around the World — June 10 to August 2

Everyone is invited to join us as we explore all seven continents during the Library’s eight-week Summer Reading Club in 2019
(even grown-ups)! With themed programs every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., patrons can enjoy summer fun and learning
through science projects, activities, crafts, and more. Each Tuesday features The Big Show with a special guest performance!

When signing up to participate in the Summer Reading Club, patrons will be given a reading log to keep track of their minutes. As

participants complete logs, they will earn raffle tickets they can enter to win great prizes at the end of the summer.

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Databases

Learners of all ages can take advantage of free access to the Library’s collection of high-quality online databases and educational resources.

Brainfuse kanopy Credo OverDrive & RBDigital Mango
Flashcards, diagnostic Access to reliable sources, eBooks & eAudiobooks for Access to learning tools
tests and even live KIDS for dozens of languages,
facts, and information children and families.
tutoring help! Kanopy Kids available from anywhere. including Pirate!
Stream PBS Kids
programming, award
winning films and more.

The Joe and Gigi Roberson Mineral Collection

On permanent display thanks to the generosity of donors Joe and Gigi Roberson, these
extraordinary specimens provide a wide breadth of learning opportunities. Our youngest
visitors can explore simple concepts like shape, color, and texture. More advanced students
can dive into the scientific and geological aspects of the collection. Through their beauty these
gorgeous rocks evoke a sense of wonder that can spark an interest in looking further and
exploring more — ultimately resulting in the development of a passion for lifelong learning.

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Library Hours

Monday – Tuesday Thursday – Saturday
9 am – 6 pm 9 am – 6 pm

Wednesday Closed
9 am – 8 pm Sundays

71-100 Hwy 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 • Tel: (760) 341-7323 • Fax: (760) 341-5213
[email protected] • www.ranchomiragelibrary.org