The Martz-Kohl Observatory participates in the Library Telescope Program, which places telescopes in local public libraries so that anyone can borrow a real telescope — free, with their library card — the same way they’d check out a book. The goals of the program are to foster scientific literacy, stimulate interest in astronomy, give people who have never looked through a telescope the excitement of discovery, and provide a lasting resource for libraries and the community.
🌟 Borrow a telescope from your local library — free with your library card. No astronomy experience needed. 🌟
🔭 How It Works
Participating libraries circulate telescope kits just like any other item in their collection — check one out at the desk, take it home, and start exploring the night sky. Observatory members have personally ruggedized each telescope to make it durable and patron-friendly, and have provided hands-on training for library staff so they can help you get started. Whether you’re a first-time stargazer or an experienced observer, the kit has everything you need.
🎒 What’s in the Kit
Each telescope kit includes:
- Orion StarBlast 4.5″ reflector telescope with zoom eyepiece
- Red flashlight (to protect your night vision)
- Planisphere — a rotating star map for your location
- Observer’s guide
- Moon map
- Manuals and setup instructions
⚠️ Important safety note: Never aim any telescope at the Sun unless you have a proper solar filter and have received instruction on its safe use.
📚 Where to Borrow One
The following local libraries currently participate in the telescope loan program, or will be joining soon. Check with your branch for availability — telescopes circulate just like books and may be checked out.
- Anderson-Lee Library — Silver Creek, NY
- Ashville Free Library — Ashville, NY
- Bemus Point Public Library — Bemus Point, NY
- Cassadaga Library — Cassadaga, NY
- Falconer Public Library — Falconer, NY
- Hazeltine Public Library — Jamestown, NY
- Kennedy Free Library — Kennedy, NY
- Mary E. Seymour Memorial Free Library — Stockton, NY
- Myers Memorial Library — Frewsburg, NY
- Randolph Free Library — Randolph, NY
- Sinclairville Free Library — Sinclairville, NY
- Warren Public Library — Warren, PA
💡 About the Program
The Library Telescope Program was launched in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. Since then, over 1,000 public libraries and science organizations around the globe have adopted it. The program at Martz-Kohl Observatory was started by member Corey Swanson, and has grown through the generous support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, private donors, and observatory members who have contributed both funding and hands-on effort to place telescopes across the region.
🤝 Get Involved
Are you a local library interested in joining the telescope loan program? Or an individual or group interested in funding a telescope for your community? We’d love to hear from you.