Gateway to the Universe.
Libraries are becoming more than just books! Many public libraries offer a program that allows
patrons to checkout a telescope or binoculars for FREE!!
The Concept
The library telescope program places telescopes in local public libraries instead of just schools, allowing greater general access to the scope since they can be put into circulation just as a book.
Where applicable, a local Club member acts as a foster parent to the scope. He or she will periodically clean and adjust the telescope, and act as a local astronomical resource to the library patrons. Additionally, a library member or student from a local school could be engaged as an apprentice astronomer to provide needed care to the scope.
Orion Telescopes Ceases Operations
We are sad to learn that Orion Telescopes has apparently ceased operations. Sky & Telescope reported the story which has been confirmed by our sources. Our task force is actively seeking a replacement for the Orion StarBlast which has been the foundation of our program since inception. We are making progress on a replacement solution and hope to announce our results soon.
In the meantime, many of our task force members have purchased the Zhumell Z114 over the years. The Zhumell Z114 is very similar to the Orion Starblast. The modifications to make the telescope more patron friendly and more durable are nearly identical to the pre-2023 model of Orion Starblast. Even the hardware and mirror modifications are the same. The primary difference is the Zhumell Z114 is black, instead of Teal, and has slightly shorter base making it lighter. The telescope dust cover already has a "moon port" which saves a small amount of time of adding this feature.
According to our sources, Celestron owns the Zhumell license and is phasing out the Zhumell brand. While this is bad news long term, it is good news short term as Zhumell Z114 can be purchased a clearance prices. To purchase the Zhumell Z114 at clearance prices, please use this link: https://www.celestron.com/products/zhumell-z114-portable-altazimuth-reflector-telescope
Launched in 2008
Public libraries and science organizations from around the globe are adopting the program.
Upcoming Events(Eastern Time/UTC + 5 hrs)
| 21 Aug 2024; 09:00PM - 09:30PM Learn about International Observe the Moon Night |
2024 Program Theme Ideas
- April – Citizen Science Month
- April 2-8 – International Dark Sky Week
- April 8 – Total Solar Eclipse
- May 18 - National Astronomy Day
- September 8- 14 - International Library Telescope Week (flyer)
- September 14 – International Observe the Moon Night
- October 12 - National Astronomy Day
Must See Stuff
Astronomical League
The Astronomical League is a great supporter of the Library Telescope Program.
The Astronomical League offers an opportunity for Astronomy Clubs to get a FREE library telescope for their local library.
FREE telescope giveway to Astronomy Clubs
The Astronomical League is giving away up to eleven Library Telescopes!
Through the vision of the Horkheimer Charitable Fund, the Astronomical League again offers a free Library Telescope to a lucky Astronomical League club in each of the ten AL regions and to one Member-at-Large.
The Library Telescope consists of an Orion 4.5 inch StarBlast Dobsonian (or equivalent) and a Celestron 8-24 mm zoom eyepiece (or equivalent), and a name plate commemorating the late Jack Horkheimer. The value of this opportunity is approximately $300; the potential of the program is enormous.
The Library Telescope Program was initiated by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society in 2009. Clubs donate an easy-to-use, portable telescope with quality optics and a sturdy mount to their local library. Patrons can then check it out as they do books. Full details of this wonderful program can be found at https://www.astroleague.org/content/library-telescope-program
The winning entries for each Astronomical League region and for the MALs will be drawn and announced at ALCon 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The telescope, eyepiece, and accompanying commemorative plate will be shipped to the winners in the weeks following ALCon.
Entry deadline: The entry forms must be received by the Astronomical League national office by June 30, 2023.
Thank you to the Horkheimer Charitable Fund and Orion Telescopes for making this wonderful program possible!
Astronomical League Testimonial
February 9, 2023
I would like to publicly acknowledge the outstanding success of the Library Telescope Loaner Telescope Programs that have swept the country in the last few years.
What started out as a small project in a New England state has greatly expanded to various locations across the country.
Whether it was a massive project in a larger metropolitan area like St. Louis, or a smaller project in Omaha, the common goal of the programs remains the same: to allow library patrons to check out telescopes that are already setup for convenient use, without the expense and extra burden of buying a telescope and setting it up.
The Astronomical League has reinforced these many efforts by annually awarding a library telescope to one of our member societies in each of our regions, plus one Member-at-Large. This program is handled by an application process where the club identifies a library that desires the service. The telescope is then shipped to the library with the full support of the local astronomy society that works closely with the designated library in implementing the program.
I strongly recommend these important programs that allow children as well as adults the opportunity to view the night sky, many of whom would never have this opportunity without these Loaner Telescope Programs.
Carroll Iorg, President
Astronomical League
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