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Guideline #1 - Getting Started
The Library Telescope Program has found success in many libraries worldwide, continuously refined based on the experiences of libraries and volunteers who support it. By following the steps in this guideline, you can benefit from this collective knowledge during your planning process.
1) Wealth of Library Telescope Information
If you are advocating for your board or community to adopt the program, there is a wealth of information available both on this website and across the internet. You can check it out:
- Sky and Telescope: Download article
- The Library Telescope Facebook Page: View Facebook Page
- Library Telescope YouTube channel: View YouTube Channel
Additionally, you can download a one-page flyer to introduce the program: Download Flyer
2) Important Recent Changes - Telescope Supplier
As you search for information about the Library Telescope Program, it's important to be aware of recent changes to the program. Here is a brief look at the history of the suppliers that have provided telescopes for the program.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars - 2024 closing
From 2008 until late 2024, Orion Telescopes was the primary supplier for the Library Telescope Program, with the Orion Starblast 4.5” tabletop model. This consumer model required modifications to meet the program’s demands for durability and user-friendliness. Volunteers dedicated several hours to each telescope, adding a Zoom eyepiece, ropes, special screws, camera bags with accessories, stickers, and more.
On July 9, 2024, according to an article in Sky & Telescope, Optronic Technologies, Inc. (dba, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars), closed its doors permanently. Since then, the company has moved to liquidate its inventory.
Zhumell – 2024 phase out in USA
Library Telescope Program often relied on the Zhumell Z114 as a backup model. However, Celestron announced in 2024 that it was phasing out the Zhumell brand in USA and putting all remaining stock on closeout.
Bresser
Particularly in Europe, after Orion Telescopes & Binoculars ceased shipping internationally, the BRESSER 5” Dobson tabletop telescope was chosen by several libraries for use in the Library Telescope Program. Bresser is based in Europe making shipping less of an issue.
Other Brands/Products
For a variety of reasons such as price or preference, some libraries have selected telescopes other than the Orion Starblast, Zhumell Z114, or the Bresser Messier 5” Dobson for their Library Telescope Program. The Library Telescope Program applauds any effort to make telescopes available to patrons for checkout like a book.
High Point Scientific
The closing of Orion Telescopes & Binoculars and phaseout of the Zhumell brand in the USA led the Library Telescope Program to seek a new supplier for USA libraries. Fortunately, on November 27, 2024, an agreement was reached with High Point Scientific, a New Jersey-based seller of customized optical equipment. High Point Scientific will supply affordable telescopes that have been already modified to meet the specifications of the Library Telescope Program. This is excellent news for libraries and volunteers, as they no longer need to manually modify the telescopes for the program. Libraries can now directly purchase a ready-to-go telescope to start their Library Telescope Program. You can view the press release here.
3) Stay Updated - E-Newsletter and Social Media
The Library Telescope Program has many plans on the horizon. Please register to receive our e-Newsletter and Follow us on social media to learn about the latest news and developments.