Origins and Background
The Library Telescope Program began in 2008 when Marc Stowbridge of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society introduced the concept of lending telescopes through public libraries.
In 2013, the Western Montana Astronomical Association (WMAA) placed Montana’s first checkout telescope in the Missoula Public Library. The telescope has been checked out more than 200 times and inspired other Montana libraries to begin offering telescope lending with support from WMAA and the spectrUM Discovery Area.
In 2013, the Western Montana Astronomical Association (WMAA) placed Montana’s first checkout telescope in the Missoula Public Library. The telescope has been checked out more than 200 times and inspired other Montana libraries to begin offering telescope lending with support from WMAA and the spectrUM Discovery Area.
The Big Sky, Bigger Dreams Project
In 2025, the University of Montana’s spectrUM Discovery Area received a NASA TEAM II STEM Innovator award to launch the Big Sky, Bigger Dreams project. This two-year initiative aims to provide telescopes to all Montana public libraries, branches, and seven tribal college libraries, expanding access to hands-on science exploration statewide.
The Montana State Library supports this effort through distribution, communications, and virtual programming.
The Montana Space Grant Consortium assists with statewide astronomy events through its affiliate network.
The Montana State Library supports this effort through distribution, communications, and virtual programming.
The Montana Space Grant Consortium assists with statewide astronomy events through its affiliate network.
Support from the Library Telescope Program
The Library Telescope Program (LTP) worked with High Point Scientific to provide a telescope model designed specifically for library circulation, informed by thousands of checkouts since 2008. spectrUM collaborates with the LTP to create resources that ensure long-term sustainability for Montana libraries.
The Library Telescope Program also trains volunteers called Ambassadors to help libraries support patrons and maintain telescopes. Volunteers apply on a rolling basis and complete background checks and training before assisting.
The Library Telescope Program also trains volunteers called Ambassadors to help libraries support patrons and maintain telescopes. Volunteers apply on a rolling basis and complete background checks and training before assisting.
