If you haven’t noticed, libraries nowadays are starting to lend out some pretty cool things.
No longer is the list of borrowable stuff limited to just books and VHS movies. Of course you can still get that stuff – it is a library after all – but at the Concord Public Library, you can check out things like DVDs, books on tape or CD, museum passes, holiday items and even Kindle ebooks.
But all of that pales in comparison to the new Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch Astronomical Telescope that will soon be available to members in our fair city by simply presenting your library card at the front desk. It will really be that easy.
“It seemed like a cool idea,” said Deb Baker, adult services manager at the library.
The library received the telescope on Wednesday from members of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society – a non-profit group with members that obviously really enjoy looking at the moon, planets and constellations – as part of the society’s Library Telescope Program that began back in 2008. And while it may have taken Concord a little time to get on board with the program, it certainly was worth the wait. Because now, Concord will forever be known as the recipient of the 100th telescope in the program’s history. Only appropriate that the state capital gets a pretty sweet distinction.
“They got the luck of the draw,” said Peter Smith, chair of the library telescope program.
After learning about the program from fellow book enthusiasts (also known as a librarians), Baker gave the society a call to inquire about a telescope.
“Everyone had reported that their patrons enjoyed it and had no problem using it,” Baker said.
But the society only does three builds a year where they modify the Orions for a more user friendly feel, so Concord had to wait until the Sept. 21 modification day for its to be constructed. With that day now in the rear view mirror, the CPL didn’t have to wait any longer for its new flashy piece of lendable equipment.
“We’re honored to be the 100th recipient,” Baker said. “It’s neat to be a part of the milestone.”
The tabletop telescopes, which cost about $325 before the modifications, are funded by grants and donations, but Concord actually paid the bill for its star gazer. During the modification party, a new zoom lens (that allows you to see five full moons across) and view finder are installed so there’s no need for any switcharoos.
“Most of the neat things to look at are very big and this gives you a big field of view,” said Marc Stowbridge, creator of the program.
One of the society’s members made a moon map that is attached to each telescope so you can reference and tell exactly what you’re looking at. And the nifty pouch on the side houses a head lamp, an Audubon Society pocket guide to constellations and a laminated instruction manual complete with a portion of Robert Frost’s The Star-splitter.
And soon you will be able to take it all home to check up on that moon condo you put a down payment on. That is after the library hosts its “Meet the New CPL Telescope” night on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. The N.H. Astronomical Society will be on hand to offer sky watching tips and demonstrate how to use the telescope. You can even bring you own for some expert advice.
Once the telescope is available, library card holders 18 years or older may check it out for one week and renew it for another week if there’s no waiting list, but it’s safe to say there might be one for a little while.
“We don’t know what to expect,” Baker said.
For more on the astronomical society, visit nhastro.com.
