Library to start loaning a new telescope

When the stars come out, patrons of the La Conner Regional Library will soon be able to see them much more clearly, weather permitting.

Library card holders can check out this telescope, thanks to a donation by the Island County Astronomical Society.

Bob Scott, president of Island County Astronomical Society, has donated, on behalf of the Astronomical Society, an Orion Starblast 4.5-inch reflector telescope to the La Conner Regional Library’s collection.

Astronomical societies around the country have been donating telescopes to local libraries, including in New Hampshire, Michigan, Massachusetts, Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, Florida, and now to the La Conner Regional Library.

The library telescope program began in 2008 in New Hampshire with two telescopes and two libraries and has grown to more than 80 libraries in New Hampshire alone. Last November Mount Vernon City Library was the first library in Washington to receive a telescope for loaning to its patrons. They currently have a one-year waiting list.

Scott will be at the library for a presentation on Thursday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the telescope and give an introduction to astronomy.

Cardholding residents who attend the program will be eligible to check it out first. Scott will draw the winning name at the end of his presentation. A waiting list will be generated from the remaining entries, and people will be able to come into the library to be put in a request as well.

The telescope will only be available to adult library card holders. It will circulate for two weeks. Adult borrowers will need to have valid ID as well as be a library card holder and must also sign an agreement form to take responsibility for the care, and return, of the telescope.

The Island County Astronomical Society has prepared the telescope for patron use by filling an accessory bag with a red light headlamp so as not to interfere with night vision, a guide to the constellations, and a set of easy-to-follow instructions.

Using the telescope is similar to using a point-and-shoot camera: start with the finding scope to point the telescope at a specific object, then look through the lens and focus on the moon, planets, stars or deep sky objects.