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.
Our telescope is 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 type of membership may also borrow a telescope, however they are not available to borrowers with reciprocal or temporary memberships. To reserve a telescope, please visit our catalog or call the Adult Information Desk at (269) 329-4544 ext. 1.
As part of our Library of Things, the telescope checks out for two weeks and can only be renewed if not on hold for another member. We are unable to reserve a telescope for a specific date, so please do not count on availability for a specific event. The telescope must be checked out and returned to the staff at the Checkout Desk during library open hours. You must sign a waiver and 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.