In 2012, the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society generously donated an Orion Starblast 4.5” reflector telescope to the Portage District Library’s collection. Patrons are able to check out the sturdy tabletop telescope and gaze at the stars and planets from home.
Telescopes are available to adults who are Portage resident cardholders. Educators, business owners, and individuals or families that have purchased or otherwise been provided with a resident card may also borrow a telescope. To reserve a telescope, please visit our catalog or call the Adult Information Desk at (269) 329-4544 ext. 1.
Telescopes circulate for one week. They are not renewable. Telescopes cannot be reserved for a specific date. They must be borrowed at the Adult Information Desk and returned to the Adult Information Desk during library open hours. You must show a photo ID that matches your library card to borrow a telescope.
Each telescope has an accessory bag with a red light headlamp (so as not to interfere with night vision), a guide to the constellations, a Stellarium Planetarium Software CD, a laminated moon map, and a set of easy-to-follow instructions.
Using the telescope is similar to using a point-and-shoot camera: start with the finding scope to point the telescope at a specific object, then look through the lens and focus on the moon, planets, stars, or deep-sky objects.
Resources
The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society has created some resources to assist you with your astronomy experience.
User’s guide for looking at the moon
The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society is a volunteer nonprofit organization that promotes stargazing and astronomy by sponsoring programs like Public Observing Sessions and Star Parties.