Seaford Public Library’s telescope program is stellar

The Wantagh and Seaford libraries are allowing patrons to get a glimpse of the stars by lending them the use of a telescope.

Library members can borrow giant Jenga and pickleball sets for up to a week through the “Library of Things.” But one of the most popular and useful tools is the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector, a compact yet capable telescope that is ideal for beginners or experienced astronomers.

Frank McKenna, director of the Seaford Public Library, said that since the program included the telescope, it has been one of the items patrons have checked out most often.

“The patrons are beyond the moon with our telescope program and enjoying seeing the planets and the stars,” McKenna said. “It’s a very popular program. We have a 38-week wait for the telescope, and they were extremely pleased that the library has offered this program.”

Lynbrook resident Tom Lynch first introduced the telescope to the library. Lynch is a member of the Library Telescope Task Force, an international group of amateur and professional astronomers who provide libraries throughout the country, and the world, with telescopes to inspire and develop the next generation of stargazers.

Since 2015, Lynch has been sharing that passion with Nassau County libraries, helping them purchase and maintain simple and easy-to-use telescopes that are lent to cardholders, just like books.

A self-described amateur astronomer, Lynch, 66, is a retired accountant who works with the International Library Telescope Program. Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society launched the program in 2008, and its popularity caught on in other states, countries.

Lynch, who’s also a member of some local astronomical organizations, decided to join the initiative and help libraries in Nassau County obtain telescopes.

In 2021, Lynch reached out to McKenna about the telescope program, and after McKenna discussed the idea with his library staff, he invited Lynch to the library to demonstrate what the telescope could do.

Over the past eight years, Lynch has helped 15 Nassau County libraries obtain telescopes — including the Wantagh Public Library, Bellmore Memorial Library, and the North Bellmore Public Library.

“We have 19 people who have it on hold,” Ida Zaharopoulos, who’s in charge of reference for Seaford Library, said. “They can’t believe that the library has the telescope to lend them out, especially families and young children. They love the telescope and they can see the night sky.”

The library’s telescope is easy to operate and perfect for beginners. Depending on a library’s preference and budget, additional attachments are available to enhance a user’s experience.

Lynch often runs astronomy-themed classes at these libraries for children and families. Lynch has held two classes already at the library, discussing how to use the telescope, and will return in the fall for another tutorial and night of stargazing.