Rancho Mirage Library's Art... Oh My!

This is certainly a library like no other! Libraries, traditionally the hub of a community, have evolved with the times. The Rancho Mirage library is an exceptional example of a 21st century bibliothèque — and no surprise it is one of the top rated libraries in California. Dedicated to making lifelong learning available for all residents in the Coachella Valley, the Rancho Mirage Library is a must, whether you are a local or a visitor.

This places is sleek, modern and spacious. With floor to ceiling windows and desert mountain views, the welcoming vibe and comfortable design is impressive for a public library. With 40,000 square feet of internal space, there is plenty of room for the collection as well as exhibits, lectures, performances and events. Super interesting tidbit: the Book Nook, a volunteer-run bookstore that brings in $40K revenue a year, is the last remaining bookstore in Rancho Mirage. Wow.
How many libraries do you know that have a Chihuly? The Persian Tower, created by renowned American glass artist Dale Chihuly, stands nearly 10 feet tall and consists of 18 pieces of blown glass on a steel base accentuated by another 13 pieces mounted on the wall. The unbelievable installation was made possible through the incredible generosity of donors Lorraine G. and Donald R. Fair.

"Chihuly’s Persians are a celebration of wild symmetry and swirling patterns of color. First exhibited in 1986 as part of his exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Palais du Louvre in Paris, the dramatic forms are presented on pedestals and in compositions mounted on walls and suspended from ceilings in the form of chandeliers and towers. Displayed in museums and galleries around the world, Chihuly’s installations have captured the imagination of art enthusiasts and the general public alike. His ability to transform glass into breathtaking, larger-than-life creations has made him a celebrated figure in the world of contemporary glass art." I never thought I'd have the opportunity to see one at a public library. Wow.

This was another first... a Short Story Dispenser. This stand alone kiosk delivers fiction to the public, while breathing new life into the art of storytelling. It is a creative and innovative way to boost reading for fun, encourage creative idleness and improve waiting experience. The Dispensers are connecting readers across countries and cultures by publishing contemporary short stories, free of charge, at the push of a button. There are more than 300 Dispensers installed around the world from San Francisco to Melbourne, Hong-Kong, Paris, London and Philadelphia… and in total more than 5.6 million readers have enjoyed fiction on the fly, for free! Hmmm, I see a travel theme forming.
What I was very excited about was L.A. Marler's Photo-Based Mixed Media Art: Iconic Visual Vocabulary.
"L.A. Marler’s authentic style has led to exhibits, art collections, and events that have integrated history, education, and entertainment. She was raised in a St. Louis family that collected, sold, and repaired typewriters. These machines and vintage cameras are part of her personal history and became part of her visual expression. She is inspired by vintage America, pop art, and digital technology and has been successful in commercial graphics, publishing, and printing for over twenty years.
One of her career highlights was when actor Tom Hanks added Marler’s artwork to his collection and gifted her with a signed Olivetti from his own typewriter collection. I've blogged about his collection before. How awesome. The letter reads,
04.04.22
Louise---
I was at home, doing some typing of my lines for work later this week, putting them on note-cards and then in a pocket notebook so I don't have to carry around a full script. I was also getting a Covid test. As the Tester was leaving, I went back to typing. She was thrilled to hear the sound, once more, of a typewriter hammering words into paper.
Good for you getting an Olivetti Valentine. Those can be finicky, but are classics. Get it working!
I'll away from the office for a while, but will send you another machine - I'm clearing out the chaff. You'll get one that works well enough.
Throw deep,
Tom Hanks








I want to end on this piece, Tell your story. I hope that's what I'm doing when I create these web tales for you to read. I'm telling you my story. I would love to hear yours, too.

Walter Savage Landor said it best, "Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library."

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