The Cincinnati Public Library is a community institution known for offering more than just books — from vinyl and DVD rentals to its in-house MakerSpace and services like free meals for kids.
Now, budding astronomers have the chance to check out telescopes from five different branches.
Cincinnati Observatory Astronomer Dean Regas wants to "offer the stars to library cardholders," according to a press release. He donated 10 small-but-powerful Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch scopes to the library, which people can check out for a period of three weeks using their cards (as long as they're in good standing and owe less than $10 in fines).
With them, viewers will be able to see craters on the moon, planets and star clusters.
“My hope is that people will be inspired by their views through the telescopes and the universe,” said Regas in the release. “I wished I had this at my local library growing up. Everyone should be able to explore the universe like this with friends and family.”
The telescopes are available to borrow from — and must be returned to — the following branches:
- Avondale Branch Library
- Elmwood Place Branch Library
- Madisonville Branch Library
- Pleasant Ridge Branch Library
- Westwood Branch Library
The library has also created an online reservation system for people to check scope availability and reserve one. Make sure to select "Cincinnati Observatory Telescope" in the dropdown menu.
Staffers will train you on how to use your telescope when you pick it up. Each comes with two eye pieces, an Orion EZ Finder II Reflex Sight, a star chart and two of Dean Regas' books.
Watch Regas' instructional video below to learn how to use the scope.Sign up for our weekly newsletters to get the latest on the news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.
