LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Free Public Library will expand its telescope lending program to reach more people who want to learn about space.
The program will expand to all library branches.
It started in 2018 with just four telescopes donated by the Louisville Astronomical Society, meaning people would get on the waitlist up to six months out. City leaders said those telescopes were checked out more than 400 times.
With this expansion, there are now 19 new tabletop telescopes and 19 sets of binoculars for each library branch.
"Not just kids, but a lot of people have never had the opportunity to experience those up close and personal and see the rings of Saturn, so this really creates better access to the full range of experiences for everybody in our community," said Heather Lowe, LFPL executive director.
Each telescope kit comes with constellation guides, headlamps and carrying cases. They're designed to be easy to use and accessible for all ages. Binocular kits include birdwatching and night sky guides.
The expansion was made possible through a $35,000 grant from Genentech.
To learn more about the program, click here.
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