Library Telescope

06/04/2026

We had a great Library Telescope kick off night with the Mounds Public Library in Mounds, IL this week. Check out some of the pics the police and fire departments blocked off 1st street for us!

05/30/2026

Programming IDEA - straight outta our June What's Up Newsletter (not getting the newsletter you say? Drop us a note and we'll add you to the list)

Here's a fun Library Telescope CHALLENGE - this June package together Carl Sagan's novel Contact and/or the 1997 film Contact starring Jodie Foster as a check out bundle with your telescope and challenge patrons to find VEGA in the summer sky! Details below.

It's a great way to get kids and adults alike off their screens and out under the stars this summer!

05/23/2026

The Big Skies in Big Sky Country just got a whole lot closer!

✨🔭 UM has teamed up with NASA to bring telescopes to libraries across Montana. People across Big Sky Country will now be able to check out the telescopes to enjoy Montana’s amazing night skies.

Nick Wethington leads UM’s Big Sky, Bigger Dreams initiative. It was his dream to bring the joy of astronomy to rural areas of the state.

“Librarians believe that everyone should have free access to knowledge and resources,” he said. “A telescope that you can check out for free just like a book is a perfect crossover!”

Read the full story: bit.ly/UMteleNick

05/23/2026

🔭 Have you looked up lately?

Even a few minutes under the night sky can reveal amazing things — bright planets, star clusters, satellites, and constellations.

You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy astronomy - you can Check Out the Universe at your local library. Visit https://librarytelescope.org/locations/world to find a location near you.

Tell a friend!

05/01/2026

Check out this awesome permanent display idea from our friends at Springfield-Green County Public Library in Springfield MO. What a cool way to get some attention to their Library Telescopes!

Check them out at https://www.thelibrary.org/

04/12/2026

Enjoy this video from the Library Telescope Program’s booth at the 2026 Northeast` Astronomy Forum (NEAF). Huge thanks to volunteer Rich Dollish for coordinating the booth and to the members of the Library Telescope Task Force who helped support it throughout the event.

04/01/2026

Who's ready to go to space?!? Today is the day! Good luck to the Artemis II crew!

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/