CARIBOU, Miane — The Caribou Public Library has received a Richard Schueller Memorial Telescope from Cornerstones of Science as part of its Library Telescope Program.
“We received this due to the work we’ve been doing with STEM programming,” said Library Director Hope Shafer. “The first telescope was placed at the Freedom New Hampshire Public Library in 2018. We are the second award recipient, and the first in Maine.”
The instrument is a 4 1⁄2-inch table top reflecting (Newtonian) telescope with very good optics and a convenient high-quality zoom eyepiece. It is easy to carry, set up and use, and has a small pouch attached that contains most everything needed to get started in astronomy.
Along with the telescope, Shafer explained, Cornerstones of Science has created a “continuum” of programs, resources and experiences with NASA scientists and local astronomy clubs. This will allow library patrons to explore these fields in more depth, help communities appreciate the value of understanding space, and engage with local clubs.
The library uses Cornerstones of Science’s STEM programming.
“Sarah Post, of Cornerstones of Science, said we were chosen for excitement, our overall programming for young to old, for our collaboration with others and for our enthusiastic recommendations of their trunks to libraries and other entities in Aroostook County,” said Shafer. “She said, ‘We have been watching you and love what we see.’”
Shafer and Children’s Librarian Erin Albers are over the moon, so to speak, over the new library addition and what it will bring to patrons.
“Erin Albers, our children’s librarian, has been willing to add more to her already full plate this year by facilitating these events for elementary students, and it has not gone unnoticed,” Shafer added.
