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Maine Libraries Receive Telescopes and Training: Seeing Things Differently at the Library

By August 13, 2015Library News

Recently, fifteen librarians received training on how to view the night sky and on using a telescope. Why? Well, from a few different grants and an anonymous donor, Cornerstones of Science was able to award Orion StarBlast Reflector Telescopes to libraries based on their submitted essays and on their current science activities. Over thirty applications were received and ten libraries selected. Being awarded the telescopeĀ  was just one part of the package of astronomical resources and support each library received.

The Orion StarBlast Reflector telescope is modified by Cornerstones with the help of Southern Maine Astronomers. The telescope is ruggedized and made more user friendly so that it is a loanable scientific tool. The telescope is part of the STAR program (sharing Telescopes and Astronomy Resources) and part of Cornerstonesā€™ Loanable Scientific Tools Initiative.

Click here to read more and to see the list of libraries awarded telescopes!

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Telescope training at the Bangor Public Library in May with Southern Maine
Astronomer Ron Thompson and four librarians from around Maine.

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Telescope training at Auburn Public Library with ten librarians and a few library
board members from around Maine.