Borrow a Telescope
Explore the night sky with a telescope! Telescopes come with instructions and hints on where to look for various constellations.
Any adult library cardholder can check-out a telescope. Only SLCL cardholders can place a hold for a telescope.
Requests for a telescope can be made at the circulation desk or by calling 314-994-3300.
The Borrow a Telescope program is made possible by donations from the Astronomical Society and the St. Louis County Library Foundation.
Telescope Components
- 4.5 Reflector Tabletop Telescope
- Laminated quick start guide (8.5” x 11”)
- Fanny pack, includes:
- Headlamp
- National Audubon Society Pocket Guide
- Laminated instruction manual - flip guide
- Black tote to house all above items, with red lid attached by metal rings
(See photo inside tote demonstrating how to correctly place the telescope in the tote.)
Loan Period: 21 Days (Renewable up to 3 times if there are no active holds)
Resources, News, and Sky Events
- Library Telescope Program
- NASA: What’s Up Video Series - Monthly Skywatching Tips
Sky Charts
- Stellarium Web: Free open source planetarium showing a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
- SkyMaps: The Evening Sky Map - monthly map and guide to the night sky suitable for all levels of skywatchers
- Astronomical League: Night Sky Tools - monthly “Navigating the Night Sky” maps and other useful information - in English and Spanish
User Guides & Tutorials
- Telescope User Guide
- How-To Videos (courtesy of High Point Scientific)
Please note that the Library’s telescope model differs slightly from the model featured in the above Telescope User Guide and How-To Videos, particularly the Red Dot Sight Finder. While most features are the same and instructions can be applied to both models, please see separate instructions below for the Library model’s No Battery Finder, which is a modified version of the Red Dot Sight Finder featured in the videos and manual above.
Partners
St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS)
SLAS is devoted to the interest and advancement of the science of astronomy. Our mission is to promote that interest and encourage people of any age to look up at night, and learn about amateur astronomy. SLAS is active in the community providing support to parks, schools, and science institutions.
- Calendar of Events
- Newsletter Signup
- Contact Us - fill out this form for help with your astronomy or telescope-related questions!
St. Louis Science Center (SLSC): McDonnell Planetarium
SLSC is one of few free nonprofit science museums in the country - the campus features hundreds of interactive experiences, including the iconic James S. McDonnell Planetarium.