DECEMBER 2025 - Library Progress and Updates: Have you visited us at our new Rimrock Library?

Many of you have, and we are so glad to see you. In October, our most recent full month of statistics, we welcomed 4,322 visitors, compared to 13,127 last October. While this year’s numbers are understandably lower as we adjust to a smaller temporary location, we are excited to see steady growth as more of you discover and return to Rimrock.

As a self-proclaimed data nerd, I love diving into the numbers to understand what is working and where we can improve. While many metrics are naturally lower this year, we saw an impressive 26% increase in checkouts of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. We also welcomed 173 new library cardholders in October. Welcome to all our newest members!

One statistic that stood out to me was the circulation of our physical collection. At Rimrock, we have space for about 15,000 items on our shelves, and they are currently full. (The remainder of our collection is safely in storage during construction.) In October, our physical items circulated 10,651 times, which means our collection had a remarkable 71% turnover rate, a huge jump from last year’s rate of about 20% when we had nearly 100,000 items available.

To be clear, a 71% turnover rate does not mean every item checked out once: it is simply a helpful way to compare usage month to month. Popular collections, like Hot off the Press or new DVD/Blu-ray releases, often circulate multiple times in a single month. A strong turnover rate tells us that we are offering the right materials in the right quantities, even in a much smaller space. Thank you for continuing to visit, browse, and discover great things to read and watch.

Construction Progress at the Main Library:

Former Story Room → Future Create Space

Low ceiling lights have been removed to reveal a more industrial ceiling, while the original wooden soffits, an architecturally significant feature, have been carefully preserved.

Main Atrium

Ceiling tiles have come down as crews prepare for upgrades to air conditioning, fire sprinklers, and electrical systems.

Old J.C. Frey Building

The paneling and storage closet have been fully removed, opening the space for future transformation.

Join the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation as they work toward their fundraising goal for the new Main Library. Naming opportunities are available, and you can explore them on the Foundation’s Next Chapter website: https://nextchapter.pslibraryfoundation.org/