233 Library Telescopes and 140 Binoculars
(223 telescopes and 140 binoculars available for public checkout!)

Don't have a telescope in your Library?  Contact us to learn more.

Introduction

The Library Telescope Program of Metro St. Louis seeks to foster scientific literacy, stimulate an interest in astronomy and provide people who have never looked through a telescope the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery. The program takes advantage of the public library system infrastructure to place telescopes in local public libraries for circulation just like a book. The St. Louis Library Telescope Program offers a "Public" checkout program for the general public and an "Educator" checkout program available only to qualified educators.

 

1) Library Telescope Program (223 telescopes available for public checkout)

Library TelescopeOur program for the general public to checkout a telescope like a book was launched locally in November 2014 and has proven widely popular. St. Louis area library patrons report finding the telescopes easy to operate and are excited by the amazing views of our solar system and the stars. We get many "wows" when viewing the "Moon" or "Saturns rings" for the first time. Library patrons can get training on how to use the telescope from amateur astronomers at the many "star parties" held each year in area libraries. View our St. Louis Astronomical Society calendar of events. The telescopes are widely disbursed in more than twenty participating St. Louis area libraries. Several libraries have at least one telescope available in each of their branch locations. Library patrons age eighteen-years or older with a valid library card are able to check out a telescope for seven days. The popularity of the program means Missouri Libraries patrons may find themselves on a library "waiting list" to get the telescope. But most find it is worth the wait.

The Library Telescope Program has modeled its program based on a design by Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and uses the Orion StarBlast 4.5" Reflector Telescope as its foundation with each telescope modified by amateur astronomers to make it more patron friendly and durable. Telescopes are equipped with accessories to help library patrons explore the night sky, including a user’s manual, constellation guide, Moon map and night light. The New Hampshire design has proven both functional and durable. Amateur astronomers partner closely with the libraries to provide training for their staff and assist with equipment maintenance.

 

2) Exclusive "Educator" checkout program (10 telescopes available)

For information about the "Educator" checkout program, please click here.

 

3) Binocular checkout program (140 binoculars available)

For information about the binocular checkout program, please click here.

 

Participating Libraries

Library Telescope Program (233 telescopes):

  • Missouri Libraries - 180 telescopes available for public checkout
  • Illinois Libraries - 43 telescopes available for public checkout
  • Educator checkout (Missouri only) - 10 telescopes for educator only checkout

Binocular Program (140 binoculars)

 

Our Partners

The St. Louis Library Telescope Program would not be a success without the cooperation of its many partners. The St. Louis Astronomical Society would to thank the executives, staff and patrons of St. Louis area libraries for making the St. Louis Library Telescope Program a success. We also like to thank the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois, Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, Illinois University Edwardsville, Jefferson College, Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers, River Bend Astronomy Club, Southeast Missouri State University, Springfield Astronomical Society, and, of course, the generous support of members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for making the rapid expansion of this program possible.