Telescope to Borrow at the Oliver Wolcott Library

LITCHFIELD, Conn. - Aug. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- The Oliver Wolcott Library in Litchfield has partnered with the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club to purchase a telescope for patrons to borrow! Patrons of the Oliver Wolcott Library may borrow the telescope free of charge for two weeks. When checking out the telescope, a bag that contains information on how to use the telescope, a star map for the current month and other helpful information, a planisphere, a red light flashlight and three astronomy books are included. The Library and the Astronomy Club worked together to select these essential items so that the budding as well as intermediate astronomer would have everything they need at their fingertips to enjoy stargazing.

The Library and Astronomy Club selected the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope because of its design for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts, and its compact size makes it easy to transport and use. The substantial 4.5” aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio provides bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets, as well as wide-field celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters. The stable tabletop base provides smooth altazimuth motion for easy manual tracking of celestial objects.

The idea for libraries lending telescopes began in New Hampshire. The Oliver Wolcott Library is proud to join only a handful of libraries in the country currently offering this popular program.

“The Oliver Wolcott Library is always looking for innovative ways to engage, inform and enlighten the community. We are absolutely delighted to offer our patrons the opportunity to borrow this telescope and ignite an interest in astronomy. We hope people will borrow the Orion StarBlast Telescope and discover how fun astronomy can be!” said Ann Marie White, Library Director.

“Public outreach is a major element of the mission of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club. We're delighted to partner with the Oliver Wolcott Library to bring our favorite hobby to more people. We also encourage people to attend our monthly star parties where they can share in the comradery of enthusiasts while enjoying a night of viewing the endlessly fascinating objects in our night sky”, said Denis Williamson, Secretary of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club.

The library and the club have also planned a series of talks to aid in the mission of outreach and interest in astronomy, and promotion of the new telescope. The talks will take place in the Jamie Gagarin Community Room at the Oliver Wolcott Library and will begin at 7 PM. The first talk is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 on the Introduction to Astronomy with Denis Williamson, and a second talk is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4 about Pluto with Pete Kandefer.

“Astronomy is more than just stargazing, and we are also very pleased to bring a series of Astronomy-related talks to the Oliver Wolcott Library” said Williamson.

The Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club, founded in 1957, promotes the enjoyment and pursuit of astronomy with regular meetings and public events. The club hosts regular Friday evening star parties at White Memorial in Litchfield and does star parties for civic organizations and scout groups on request. For more information about the Club, visit their website at www.lhastro.org

The Oliver Wolcott Library is located at 160 South Street in Litchfield, and is open seven days a week. For more information about the library or the telescope program, ask a library staff member at your next visit, call 860-567-8030 or visit their website at www.owlibrary.org.