The whole Slab City experience for me was very "The Hills Have Eyes."…read more From a guy named Moth who lived in an old water tank (his bed suspended from the ceiling), to a pirate named Chase who invited me to jump on his trampoline, and to the guy in overalls smoking his pipe in his rocking chair while watching a bunch of girls dance to trance music...I would have to say Slab City was a surreal experience. However, I digress. This library earns 5 starts in my book for the following: 1 star - Very "modern" technology 1 star - Open 24/7 1 star - eery, creepy, mysterious, awesome--all at the same time 1 star - Gem in the middle of nowhere 1 star - Book collection

If you're heading out to The Slabs for a weekend you're most likely expecting some quirky, unique…read morelittle odd spots to see. This place is exactly that. It's charm comes not it's appearance, but in it's ... shabbiness. A makeshift library in the middle of the desert, created by practically just throwing whatever could be found together. The books are completely random, old tales left behind by some stranger, but that's what makes the treasure hunt of it so exciting. It's always open, and you're free to come grab any book you please - just return it, or replace it with some of your old books. There is something so refreshing about a place that's based on the idea of open community and sharing. Especially being a library, the little shack feels like it's full of it's own stories just as much as the books are. (This is coming from my visit in November 2012. Also, I believe this is the library in the Slabs, but some of the pictures posted are from the library within East Jesus.)

I did a long weekend trip to Palm Desert with the goal of visiting the Salton Sea. Originally, I…read moreplanned to loop the entire shoreline, but after talking with a ranger at the visitor center, I stuck to the east side and doubled back, which was definitely the right call. Our turnaround point was Salvation Mountain, right next to Slab City. Before going, I had read about Leonard Knight and the story behind the mountain, which honestly made the visit more meaningful. The dedication and message behind it are almost as interesting as the site itself. It is kind of amazing that the structure still stands today and is in such solid condition. The drive out was mostly fine, though hot and dusty, especially on a Saturday afternoon. I would recommend going earlier in the day if possible. The mountain itself looked better maintained than I expected. The colors were bright, and it was clear that ongoing work is being done to preserve it. I left a small donation since it felt like a meaningful effort to support. That said, it did not fully resonate with me. While I can appreciate the effort and story, the style of art and the surrounding environment did not quite click. If you are into outsider art or off grid communities, you will probably get more out of it than I did. The biggest downside is the immediate setting. Being next to Slab City definitely impacts the experience. The vibe felt a bit uncomfortable at times, and we did not stay long or continue on to East Jesus. Overall, I am glad I visited. It is unique, and the story behind it adds depth, but it is more of a one time stop for me than a place I would go out of my way to revisit. 3 stars.

Quirky fun is all I can say. About 90 minutes from Palm Desert. Just a strange experience but fun…read more I didn't reel it was inspired. Just the work of an obsessed man. Glad us was free. Then up the road is Slab City. Nothing worth mentioning there. Just ramshackle campers, burned out campers and various types of encampments. It was interesting once.

Interesting experience I felt really unsettled by it though. The welcome guy at the visitor center…read morewas very friendly and a nice guy. It was about 116 degrees when we went so we were the only tourists there and all the gift shops were closed. There was one guy you could clearly tell was high on something hard he was emaciated and didn't have a shirt was hanging out by the welcome center. The welcome guy was worried that guy was going to break into his trailer so he left in a hurry to make sure. I hope he and his trailer are ok. The art was cool but idk if I would recommend going there especially with kids or all female group like us.

How do you rate a place like this? I have seen YouTube videos about Slab City and knew when I was…read morein the area, I wanted to see it for myself. It is definitely a depressing place, in my opinion. I could never survive in a place with no water, electricity, sewage, etc. I know most probably live here because there is no other option. Some of the videos I watch people choose to live here because there is basically no laws, it's free, and nobody bothers them. **The docent at Salvation Mountain, right next to it, said the people who live in Slab City are never an issue with them and cause no problems. So there is a positive! 7/29/26

5 STARS - THE COOLEST LIBRARY IN TOWN! It May Be The Only…read moreOne In town but it is definitely worth a visit. Air conditioned and modernized! Winning. I had an event in El Centro not connected to the library. I also had a meeting. To avoid having a meeting in my car, I went to the El Centro Library. This library is next level cool! It's sleek, modern, and full of awesome gems--individual study nooks with its own charging hook ups, study rooms, open space layout, including outdoor seating. It may be silly to express but the vibe is relaxed, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The Mission Valley library in San Diego is tensed for no reason. And you have to watch & side eye nearby patrons. I reserved the study room for 2 hours. It was fully equipped! Television, whiteboard w/markers, sanitizer and ample outlets including USB's. The best feature is its accessibility features. From bathrooms to tables to door handles, if you have mobility challenges you'll do fine here. The doors won't slam on you, you can reach the sinks, desk clerk and computers without strain. Respectfully El Centro Library is lovely Please visit your libraries. We never want to lose this magnificent funding source of knowledge. "A library is a terrible thing to waste."

This new library has some pretty good workspaces to choose from. From desks to privacy pods they…read morehave options to get your work done. The building is kept clean and in good shape. During the hot summer months it's a great place to get your work done in air conditioning.

I happen to notice this building as I was sitting in a restaurant across the street. As I left the…read morebuilding I checked out the sign to see what it was. I reached my campsite and decided to read up on the library. The reviews were great so I decided to go the next day. Since I was visiting in the area I asked the librarian if they had any info what to do in town. She was very helpful and friendly. After pointing me in the direction to look for things to do in town. I sat and looked around the library and was admiring the architecture. It was a gloomy, windy and very wet day. But, being inside the library I didn't get that feeling. It was bright and open and with floor to ceiling glass windows it brought the outside beauty indoors. They had individual work rooms, meeting rooms, teens and youths areas. I decided to walk around and view the outdoors from the youth section. There the floor to ceiling windows opened up an entire room you can only look at from your chair. With the storm hovering above you could see Mother Nature in the works. What a grand room! So also in this area they had set up on the tables easels with canvas and paint supplies. I found out from the librarian that they sometime offer different art projects for anyone to do at no charge! So after my town adventures in the rain I returned to do a little painting of my own. In the two hours that I was there painting I also enjoyed the sound of the heavy rain tapping on the rooftop and windows. Watching the plants blowing in the wind and the dark clouds pass by. The library has a security guard just inside the front door. The entrance lobby is open and bright. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I would definitely return to the library if I'm in town. You should see for yourself what they have to offer.

Worth stopping by if you're in the area, or if you need a place to study, relax, take photos, or…read moreget out of the heat. They have a computer room which the public can access.

My second time here and it was as great as the first time walking in. This visit, parking lot was…read morequite full In the front section. Good for them. Plus it was nice to be in someplace cool as the desert is a scorcher at the moment. We had to return a book that was checked out the week prior. The staff are all amazing and the sweetest. Anyone you talk to is always ready to help with a friendly smile. Information desk are always the sweetest. Right from walking in, the welcome in and greeting was nice. I did pop into the book nook section and picked up a couple of books for purchase. Used booked for a great price. It's a smaller little boutique but I'm sure you can find some gems. Walked out with a couple of cool book for 4.50, not bad. Also I wanted to pick up some bread from the bakery/cafe next door but they were out of what I wanted. I like the concept of food there. Everyone is so respectful with each other by keeping quiet while inside the library. Common decency while someone is studying or reading. We picked up another book and headed on out. But... That's when I noticed the observation deck next door. There's a path that leads you to the front gate but it was locked. We didn't know if you needed a code or something till a gentleman that was there came out. Erik, I believe that was his name was the sweetest. He asked if we were the group that had an appointment for the tour. Well, we weren't but he did offered to show us a quick tour of it. The observatory is part of the library where it's open to the public from certain hour. You can make appointments for private tours which he was gracious enough to show us. They have telescopes that are brought out in the evening for viewing. It's all free to come check out. Inside has the main one that pretty massive. All are welcome to come check it out. If you like astronomy, this is a fun spot. He was the sweetest and explained so much to us in that short period. He sure knows how to get you interested in something. It's a cool place to bring little ones so they can see what's out there in the evening. Also, they have mini telescope that you can actually check out to view on your own. That's amazing as I've never heard of a place that would do that. The concept of an observatory next to a literary and it's free to check out is amazing. Nice way to bring people in and enjoy the planets and solar system. Erik was a doll. Don't know if he's the only one that does the tour or if it's a group thing. But worth checking out.

*No Ordinary Library*…read more We live in Rancho Mirage and experienced a major power outage that disrupted our service for multiple days. In the morning, prior to knowing the official extent and estimated length of the outage, wifey & I came here to charge devices, do some work via WiFi, and stay cool on a 100+ degrees day. Everyone here made us feel welcome and were very understanding of our situation. It's a beautiful and spacious library -- inside & out. There's a bunch of different sections to sit depending on your mood. There's also an outdoor patio that came in handy to warm up every now & then because the AC inside is extremely frosty. Instead of venturing out for lunch in the afternoon, we decided to stay here and share a sandwich at the Aspen Mills Cafe. We went with the Aspen: Tender oven-roasted turkey breast, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, avocado, horseradish, and light mayonnaise on cranberry spice bread. Side of potato salad and pickle. $13.95 If that sounds good to you? It tasted even better. All natural, fresh and filling. Marcela was manning the cafe. She's friendly and makes a mean tasty sandwich. Afterwards we both signed up for Rancho Mirage Library Cards. It's free for residents and doesn't expire for 2 years. Tho the power outage brought us here this time, we'll be back one day to enjoy the library even more.

I love libraries period. Big or Small! :)…read more This library just moved across the street. It was on 7th now it's on 6th across from the old City Hall. There is ample parking along 7th and Orchard. The Library large space with meeting rooms across the lobby. They have wireless internet - I actually saw someone outside at the tables having a virtual meeting. You have access to printing There were a couple kid events going on while I was there. It was really neat to see the kiddos engaged liked that! As far as books, It still on the smaller side as far as library's go. I mean for how big the space is, the selection does seem scarce. I would imagine availability is dependent on utilization. All in all it's a great library. The also have benefits outside of the walls too, like free passes to state amenities like parks, lakes, monuments, etc. For me, I think everyone should make of their public libraries. I highly recommend this library and any other library across the valley :)

The Coachella Library is seriously my favorite place to be ! My toddler loves to visit Ms Briana &…read morepick up some books almost every week. The staff has been so helpful and they're always smiling making it feel so warm. There are activities every week on Wednesday & the library is part of so many great programs ! There's a great selection for toddler books . It may be small but if we continue to support the library , I'm sure selection will increase ! Please come & check it out !

I recently attended a meeting here. It was what you'd expect from a library; quiet, spacious,…read morerelevant and accessible. A new(er) addition were the solar panels providing car shade from that sun, a win-win in my book! The Heritage Library nearby is awesome too as this one, but on larger scale. Take your pick!

Loved this library! They have outside seating where they even let us eat a pizza during our long…read morestudy day. No food allowed inside which is totally understandable and kept the place perfectly clean. Librarians were helpful and kind, and the parking lot had plenty of spots and solar panels! We loved it here for the couple of days we were visiting.

Cute pretty building first opened in 1919. Local public library's technological center. Great place…read moreto study, read and use computers. Pretty building. Newly renovated. Also has a nice room downstairs used for classes it seems. Open M-Th, 4-8p, and every other Friday. Closed weekends.