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An Orion StarBlast 4.5 inch Astronomical Telescope may now be checked out with your library card from your local Greene County Library. (Illustration by Matt Minde)
Greene County Public Library to loan telescopes
- Published: December 3, 2017
The Greene County Public Library is circulating more than movies, music and books — library patrons can now check out telescopes using their library cards.
The telescopes were provided by the Miami Valley Astronomical Society, or MVAS, of Dayton. Part of the mission of MVAS is to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy astronomy.
“Our goal is to stimulate an interest in astronomy, help foster scientific literacy, and enable people who have never looked through a telescope a chance to experience the fun and excitement of astronomy,” said Jim Ventling, secretary for MVAS. The society selected the StarBlast 4.5 inch Astronomical Telescope for the libraries because it is easy to use and robust.
“The telescope is lightweight and of manageable size, but has a relatively large optical tube. This means that the moon and deep sky objects will show far more detail than one could see with the common beginner’s telescope,” Ventling explained.
Along with the new telescopes, patrons can look forward to increased programming involving the starry skies in the coming months. The Beavercreek Community Library plans to hold a moon gazing class in early March, as well as a program in August to view the Perseid meteor shower.
The Yellow Springs Community Library is one of five in the Greene County Public Library system to have telescopes to loan, along with Cedarville, Beavercreek, Jamestown and Fairborn. In order to check out a telescope, patrons must visit one of these locations, fill out a short agreement form and receive a brief training on proper care for the telescope. Loan periods are seven days and are not eligible for renewal.
For more information, visit the library’s website at http://www.greenelibrary.info.
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