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Category: Library News

Created: Monday, 23 March 2015 14:43

Beginning June 1, 2015, you can check out an Orion StarBlast 4.5" Reflector telescope from either the Hayner Downtown Library or the Hayner Library in Alton Square Mall. The library, through an agreement with the St. Louis Astronomical Society, acquired two of the telescopes in May.

Supplementing the library's purchase, two Alton astronomers and St. Louis Astronomical Society members, Mr. Eddie Agha, staff astronomer at The Nature Institute, and Mr. Steve Sands, staff astronomer for the Watershed Nature Center, have each purchased a telescope to donate to the library collection, as has Ms. Patti Brown, Education Director at The Nature Institute, bringing the total number of available telescopes to five.

Each telescope captures the equivalent amount of light of 250 human eyes. Each has a zoom eyepiece, which gives a range of magnifications from 20 power to 60 power and provides a large field of view spanning from one degree to over two degrees. You will be able to obtain clear observations of the craters on our Moon, Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings, and the brighter star clusters and nebulae.

The telescopes may be checked out for up to seven days by adult Hayner Library card holders. A picture ID must also be presented. A refundable $50 deposit is required for checkout. The telescopes come with a learning kit and everything you need to start your stargazing adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors and night skies with your family and friends.

Also, to further your astronomical adventures, you can attend a free stargazing program offered by The Nature Institute in Godfrey, Ill., on the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 p.m. More information can be found at www.thenatureinstitute.org.

Click here to view a list of stargazing books available in the Hayner Library collection. 

Telescope Workshops Available

Executive Director Bernadette Duvernoy is proud to announce a partnership between The Hayner Public Library District and The Nature Institute Astronomy Association. The Association will host astronomy workshops and activities every third Thursday in the Talahi Lodge at The Nature Institute at 2213 South Levis Lane, Godfrey, Ill.

Starting July 16 at 8:30 p.m., the public will now have a chance to learn more about constellations, stars, the moon, and many other aspects of astronomy. Be sure to come to the library and check out some books to brush up on your knowledge.

Please note that the workshops are subject to time changes because of sunset. Call 1-800-613-3163 today to reserve your spot.
Ms. Duvernoy would also like to thank Eddie Agha, Steve Sands, Patti Brown, the St. Louis Astronomical Society, and all their volunteers for all their hard work and for donation of the library's telescopes.