Library Telescope Program is “Off the Ground”
August 2017 :
Back in January, Skyscrapers' President Steve Siok challenged us to get a Library Telescope Program “off the ground in Rhode Island.” At a weak moment during the February Board of Directors meeting, I accepted his challenge and embarked on an exciting adventure.
I proposed a pilot program working with three libraries within Rhode Island. Steve and Kathy Siok donated the funds to purchase and modify telescopes for North Kingstown Free Library and East Greenwich Free Library. I donated funds for a telescope for Cross' Mills Public Library in Charlestown.
With funding in hand, I got started. I spoke with John Root, of the Aldrich Astronomical Society about their program. I corresponded with Pete Smith, of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, about the origins of the Library Telescope Program, and the details of the modifications made to the telescope to make it more durable and user-friendly. I ended up working closely with Ron Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomers and purchased three Orion StarBlast 4.5” telescopes from Cornerstones of Science of Brunswick, ME.
Then, I proceeded to modify the telescopes. Each telescope got a zoom eyepiece, and the thumbscrews holding it in the focuser were replaced by socket head screws to make tampering more difficult. Thumbscrews for collimating the primary mirror were removed and replaced. The button-battery for the finder scope was replaced with a AA battery pack. Lanyards were added to the dust covers. Safety and informational decals were applied. And, a bag was attached to each scope to stow the instruction manual, a constellation guide and a red light headlamp. The total cost of each modified telescope package came to around $350.
I am happy to report that Steve Siok and I delivered the first telescope to North Kingstown Free Library in early July. The second telescope was delivered to East Greenwich Free Library a week later. The enthusiasm by the staff of both libraries was exhilarating. The third telescope is ready and will go to Cross' Mills Public Library in early August. Steve will work with the library staff at North Kingstown and East Greenwich to care for and promote the library telescope. I will do likewise for Cross' Mills. So, I think it's safe to say that we are “off the ground.” But, there is more to do; we now have to “fly the plane.”
Update: Just as we were preparing for delivery of the second telescope, I was contacted by Coventry Public Library about two telescopes they had just purchased. Having heard Francine Jackson speak about the Library Telescope Program at a RI Library Association conference, they were aware of modifications being made to the telescopes. Immediately following our meeting with East Greenwich, I met with the librarian in Coventry about modifying their telescopes. We agreed that the library would purchase the materials needed to modify and outfit the telescopes (at a cost of about $150 per scope), and Skyscrapers will provide the necessary consumable materials and modify the telescopes as a donation to the library. One telescope will reside at Coventry Public Library on Flat River Road and the other at Greene Public Library on Hopkins Hollow Road. If you would like to be the mentor for one or both of these telescopes, please contact me.
