This is not about the deficit, Afganistan, the health care debate. This is about a jewel in our desert — the Rancho Mirage Public Library. Has the recession put you on a budget? Here's a savings plan for your entertainment and enlightenment.

The library has 95 computers, 35 with Internet access and 1,000 free programs a year. Available are 5,500 audio books, 11,000 movies, 5,000 music CDs from opera to jazz, 73,000 books, 18,700 children's books, 800 books for teens, subscriptions to 212 magazines and a new Spanish book section. Such a world of wonders, and it's all free. The book store sells donated books at bargain prices; 52 volunteers aid in many services for the library.

Library cards are available to anyone with a California driver's license or similar ID. A small charge for out-of-state renters.

As the very first volunteer at the “old” library and former president of Friends of the Library, I am proud of this marvelous asset for our desert communities.

Sally Contant
Rancho Mirage