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.
The Telescope
High Point Scientific supplies for Library Telescope Program
The Library Telescope Program is excited to introduce High Point Scientific as the sole supplier of customized optical astronomy equipment in the continental USA for LTP's popular library checkout program.
High Point Scientific will create a customized, easy-to-use tabletop telescope specifically designed for libraries to purchase and use in their respective checkout programs. Additionally, HPS will produce and host promotional videos and educational content on their website and support the program with targeted marketing campaigns. The tailored telescope will take several months to design and produce, with the new model expected to be available for purchase on the HPS website starting in March 2025.
A limited supply of an interim model (see image left) is available for purchase on the HPS website.
Orion Telescopes Ceases Operations
For those wondering what happened to the Orion Starblast which has been the primary telescope used by LTP since inception in 2008, Orion Telescopes ceased operations according to Sky & Telescope (see this Sky & Telescope article).
LTP has been also informed that the Zhumell line of telescopes is being discontinued. The Zhumell Z114 was regularly used by LTP as a backup the Orion Starblast. High Point Scientific purchased the remaining stock of the Zhumell Z114 for shipping to libraries .
Launched in 2008
Public libraries and science organizations from around the globe are adopting the program.
Library Telescope Program
has expanded as non-profit!
The Library Telescope Program has expanded as non-profit and has applied for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Already we have signed an agreement with High Point Scientific in New Jersey to supply our program with custom-developed telescopes. Stay tuned for more developments!
Press Releases
Exciting developments are on the horizon!
Upcoming Events(Eastern Time/UTC - 6 hrs)
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2025 Program Theme Ideas
- April: Citizen Science Month
- April 21 – 28: International Dark Sky Week
- May 3: Astronomy Day
- April 28 - May 3: Astronomy Week
- September 27: Astronomy Day
- September 22 – 28: Astronomy Week
- September 28 – October 4: Intl Library Telescope Week
- October 4: International Observe the Moon Night
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. 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 of each year.
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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