Promoting your Library Telescope Program is essential for its success. Use social media, news outlets, and in-library signage to spread the word and generate interest.

1)      Hosting Your First Star Party

Kick off the program by hosting a star party. Partner with an amateur astronomer to guide the event. The primary goal is to teach attendees how to use the telescope and navigate the night sky. For more information, see this video.

Promotion to library patrons should follow normal library procedures, including scheduled patron training and events (like star parties) listed in the library’s calendar of events, newsletters, and Facebook page. Many libraries have successfully promoted Library Telescope events in local newspapers and on local Facebook community pages.

Positioning the Library Telescope where it can be seen (but not touched) can generate interest in the program. Some libraries place the telescope on a shelf behind the check-out counter when not in use, while others create a poster of the telescope and display it in a highly visible area of the library.

Well-publicized initial events can make the Library Telescope Program extremely popular among library patrons. Some libraries name their Library Telescope in honor of prominent local citizens or donors, making the telescope “special and personal,” which encourages people to respect it as a community resource.

Many astronomical clubs enjoy holding public sky watches. Contact your local club to set up a date. Scouts, homeschoolers, and local schools are often enthusiastic participants in sky watches and can help spread the word about the library’s activities.

View this webinar entitled "Hosting a Library Star Party under Light Polluted Skies" (skip to 8:47 on timeline):

2) Program Themes

Themed events can spark interest in the library telescope program.  

Visit our program theme page to get ideas for program themes:  Visit page