Explore the Universe with a Telescope Kit from Your Local Library

Posted on October 17, 2018

by Amber B

Telescope Kits

Have you heard about our telescope kits?

Interested in borrowing a telescope kit? Here are a few helpful details:

Kit Contents

Included in the telescope kit is the Orion Star Blast telescope, with a 4.5″ aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio which provides detailed views of solar system targets such as the Moon and planets. With the Orion Star Blast telescope, it’s also possible to view celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters, and the telescope can be assembled in a few minutes. This is a great compact telescope designed for beginner level astronomy enthusiasts. The kit also includes:

  • Two Explorer II 1.25″ Kellner telescope eyepieces (17mm and 6mm)
  • EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming
  • Eyepiece rack
  • Collimation cap
  • Starry Night astronomy software
  • Carrying case

Reserving a Kit

Reservations can be made by contacting one of the following branch locations:

  • Kent
  • King Road
  • Oregon
  • Point Place
  • Sanger
  • Sylvania
  • West Toledo

Borrowing a Kit

  • Loanable for 7 days
  • Can be renewed twice
  • Check out with adult or juvenile library card
  • Must be checked out and returned to the same location during library hours (do not place in dropbox).

The Orion Star Blast telescope kits make it possible explore the universe from your own backyard.

The telescopes were generously donated by the Toledo Astronomical Association.

Astronomy, Stargazing and Telescopes .. Oh My!

Books for Kids
Star finder! : a step-by-step guide to the night sky / foreword by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock ; editor, Sarah MacLeod
Night sky / Stephanie Warren Drimmer - National Geographic Kids book from 2017
Stars and galaxies / by James Buckley, Jr
Looking up! : the science of stargazing / by meteorologist Joe Rao ; illustrated by Mark Borgions
What we see in the stars : an illustrated tour of the night sky / Kelsey Oseid
Astronomy for Kids: 26 Family-friendly Activities about Stars, Planets, and Observing the World Around You by Michelle Nichols - eBook
Stargazing by Alex Kuskowski - eBook
Discovering the universe / Giles Sparrow

Books for Adults

Astronomy : a visual guide / Ian Ridpath ; additional contributors, Giles Sparrow and Carole Stott - DK book from 2018
The New Astronomy Guide: Stargazing in the Digital Age by Patrick Moore
Complete Guide to Stargazing by Robin Scagell
The Astronomy Book - contributors, David W. Hughes, Robert Dinwiddie, Penny Johnson, and Tom Jackson (DK Publishing)
The Stars: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Cosmos by Robert Dinwiddie, David W. Hughes, Geraint Jones, Ian Ridpath, Carole Stott, and Giles Sparrow; Consultant, Jacqueline Mitton (DK Publishing)
Eyes on the Sky: A Spectrum of Telescopes by Francis Graham-Smith
101 Objects to See in the Night Sky by Robin Scagell
Stargazing Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy by Paul E. Kinzer

Related Astronomy Websites

How to Enjoy Your New Telescope: Advice for Beginner Skywatchers – Space.com

How to Use A Telescope: 16 Essential Steps to Loving the Night Sky – Love the Night Sky

Seeing and Transparency Guide – The Astronomical League

Orion Star Blast Telescope Review and Summary – Astronomy.com

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope – Telescope.com

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