Free Telescope Check Out Program

ST. LOUIS CITY AND OTHER AREA LIBRARIES PARTNER WITH ST. LOUIS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY TO OFFER FREE TELESCOPE CHECK OUT PROGRAM

 

The St. Louis Public Library, along with St. Louis County, Kirkwood Public, and University City Libraries, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS).  Beginning November 10, the Library Telescope Program will enable patrons age eighteen-years or older with a valid library card and state ID to check out a telescope for seven days.

In one of the largest rollouts since the program's 2008 inception by Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, SLAS will provide a total of seventeen Orion Star Blast 4.5" telescopes to the participating St. Louis area library systems,three of which will be donated.  Each telescope is modified by SLAS to be more durable and patron-friendly and is equipped with everything needed to explore the night sky: user manual, constellation guide, Moon map, lens cleaner, night light, and a storage pouch. SLAS will provide the libraries with on-going educational support and telescope maintenance.

Throughout the year, St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library Branches and the Kirkwood and University City Libraries will also host star parties where the public can gather to view the wonders of the universe through telescopes.

"Imagine being able to look up at the night sky and see the surface of the moon, constellations, or planets with your children. What a great way to inspire a sense of wonder and instill the love of learning," said Patty Carleton, St. Louis Public Library's Director of Youth Services. 

St. Louis Astronomical Society President Jim Small notes, "SLAS is excited to bring the Library Telescope Program to the St. Louis area. The program will allow library patrons to enjoy their own experience of the night sky without the expense of purchasing a telescope. It is a great extension of the work we already do with star parties and other events for the St. Louis Science Center, Gateway Arch, YMCA, and regional communities, schools, and park systems."

This collaborative effort is a perfect match for the mission of public libraries—to provide learning resources and information services that support individual, family, and community life.

For details, call 314-539-0384.

The St. Louis Astronomical Society is a state chartered non-profit educational organization, devoted to the interest and advancement of the science of astronomy. The group holds public star parties, demonstrations, meetings, presentations and discussions, all free of charge.

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