PORT TOWNSEND — Along with books, movies and other media, Port Townsend Library patrons now can check out a telescope for a week of examination of the night sky.
“Now that we have a telescope available, the sky is the limit for the library,” said Melody Sky Eisler, director of the library.
The telescope was given to the library at 1220 Lawrence St., in September.
The benefactor is Marc Stowbridge of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, which has donated more than 100 telescopes nationwide to public libraries to help fulfill their educational mission, Eisler said.
Stowbridge is a lifelong friend of Port Townsend residents Rob Peck and M.J. Peck, Eisler said.
The telescope began circulating in November after the staff attempted to make it more user friendly by tethering all the removable parts to the scope so they don’t get lost.
Along with the unit itself, patrons get a carrying case, a detailed manual and a red headlamp so they can read the instructions in the dark.
The telescope, a 4.5 inch Orion StarBlast that sells on Amazon for about $200, is loaned for a week at a time to those older than 18 who have a library card and sign a document accepting responsibility for its welfare.
“This is like anything else from the library. If you damage or lose it, you are responsible for its replacement or repair,” Eisler said.
Eisler doesn’t think damage will be an issue.
“They have been used by libraries across the country and are still in great condition five years later,” she said.
About six families have checked out the telescope so far.
Three people are on a waiting list.
“You get on the waiting list. Hopefully it will be during a week when there is a clear sky,” Eisler said.
Library Assistant Shilah Gould was one of the first to borrow the telescope, using it with her three children, who are 15, 13 and 9.
“It was a lot of fun for them,” she said.
“The moon was nearly full and super-textured. We didn’t realize how much we’d be able to see.”
Eisler hopes that patrons will use the telescope to host star parties where small groups can spend time interpreting what they see in the sky at a particular time.
Instructions for hosting such an event are included.
“Having this here enhances the vision of public libraries and shows that we are the perfect place to share telescopes,” Eisler said.
The telescope isn’t the only unconventional item available for loan from the library.
Library patrons can now borrow dolls and robots, fiber arts, games and projectors.
An acoustic guitar is to be made available soon.
To reserve the telescope, go to tinyurl.com/PDN-Scope.
For more information, see www.ptpubloclibrary.com, call 360-385-3181 or visit the library.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.