June 2023

I just glanced over at some decals that I printed earlier today for the Library Telescope Program (LTP) and my subject for this message came to me.

I am certain that most are not aware of the Library Telescope Program. Started in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, this program has spread world-wide (https://librarytelescope.org). The LTP 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. Skyscrapers became involved in this program in early 2017, when our now 1st Vice President, Russ Chaplis, shared details with us based on his experience with the Aldrich Astronomical Society.

The library telescope lending program uses a variety of telescopes including the Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch Astronomical Telescope, which is used locally. The telescopes are easy to use, robust, and are typically modified to make them more durable and patron friendly.  The telescopes are of manageable size, but have a relatively large optical tube. This means that the Moon and deep sky objects will show far more detail than one could see with the common "beginners" telescopes. They provide a large field of view that allows the object to stay in the eyepiece longer. 

Skyscrapers began with donating three telescopes to RI libraries: East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Cross’ Mills in Charlestown. We have facilitated the purchase of telescopes and/or modified telescopes for five libraries (Coventry, Newport, Tiverton, Warwick and Westerly). And, we were awarded two telescopes by the Astronomical League which were donated to libraries in North Scituate and Woonsocket. I currently have a second telescope for Newport at my home for modifications. Newport purchased the telescope and Skyscrapers is donating the modifications and enhancements.

The goal of the Library Telescope Program is to foster scientific literacy, stimulate an interest in astronomy, and provide people—who have never looked through a telescope—with the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery. If your public library does not have a telescope available to borrow, encourage them to add one to their catalog. They can contact me (lbergemann@aol.com) for more information.

Clear skies,
Linda