Our goals are to help foster scientific literacy, to stimulate interest in astronomy, enable people who have never looked through a telescope the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery and to provide a valuable asset for the library. Placing the telescopes in local public libraries instead of schools allows greater general access to the scope since they can be put into circulation just like a book. The Library Telescope is a pretty self-contained kit that one can carry by tucking it under one’s arm. The LTP allows people to use a high quality, low frustration telescope without having to purchase one, though many have gone on to buy their own telescope after experiencing the wonders of the night sky.

The Program was started in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and quickly spread across the state. The program is now in over 600 libraries in over 44 states across the United States and in several foreign countries.

The easiest way to find an amateur astronomer to help the Library with the program in the USA is to find a local astronomy club: Find an Astronomy Club - USA

If you can’t find an astronomy club close to you, find the nearest one. It may have a member relatively close to you.

The skills needed to “run” a LTP are well within the grasp of most non-astronomers. The telescope and operating instructions are designed to allow a novice to be successful in a short amount of time. Plus, there are many resources on the web for learning how to use the telescope and find fascinating things to view. For more technical issues, please Contact us.

There is a lot of information about the Library Telescope Program at on this website.  

• Sky and Telescope:  Download article
• The Library Telescope Facebook Page: View Facebook Page
•  Library Telescope YouTube channel: View YouTube Channel

 Additionally, you can download this one-page flyer that can be used as an introduction to the program: Download Flyer