There are two ways I would like to help your library obtain a new telescope and assist in assembling the instrument, demonstrating how to use it, and instruct on proper care and maintenance.
One method is for the library to apply for a grant. The Institute of Museum and Library Services offers grants to public libraries, state and local government libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions. Also, the American Library Association (ALA) gives grants and most state library's web sites may have information on grant opportunities as well. The grant amount would be $2,000 total for my fee to cover the cost of a brand new telescope (an 8-inch reflector), assemble it, teach how to use and maintain it, give you a book I wrote on the subject, and do an astronomy program for your patrons followed by an outdoor viewing of celestial objects in the night sky using the new telescope, such as the rings of Saturn, craters on the Moon, etc., weather permitting.
Another option is to build a telescope as a project for interested patrons and students. It would require the use of some table saws and other hand tools over a couple of months time. I would supply a book I authored giving step-by-step instructions, supervise remotely via email or phone to provide assistance and answers to questions, and do an astronomy program for them and other patrons followed by an outdoor viewing of celestial objects in the night sky using the newly built telescope. This would require a grant in the amount of $3,750 to include my fee and all materials/supplies used in building the telescope. If you'd like to see a video of a telescope being built with students please visit Astronomy Boot Camp and go to the About page and click on video at the end of the 2nd paragraph.
In addition, you will have me as an ongoing resource for assistance with your new telescope and astronomy in general.
One method is for the library to apply for a grant. The Institute of Museum and Library Services offers grants to public libraries, state and local government libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions. Also, the American Library Association (ALA) gives grants and most state library's web sites may have information on grant opportunities as well. The grant amount would be $2,000 total for my fee to cover the cost of a brand new telescope (an 8-inch reflector), assemble it, teach how to use and maintain it, give you a book I wrote on the subject, and do an astronomy program for your patrons followed by an outdoor viewing of celestial objects in the night sky using the new telescope, such as the rings of Saturn, craters on the Moon, etc., weather permitting.
Another option is to build a telescope as a project for interested patrons and students. It would require the use of some table saws and other hand tools over a couple of months time. I would supply a book I authored giving step-by-step instructions, supervise remotely via email or phone to provide assistance and answers to questions, and do an astronomy program for them and other patrons followed by an outdoor viewing of celestial objects in the night sky using the newly built telescope. This would require a grant in the amount of $3,750 to include my fee and all materials/supplies used in building the telescope. If you'd like to see a video of a telescope being built with students please visit Astronomy Boot Camp and go to the About page and click on video at the end of the 2nd paragraph.
In addition, you will have me as an ongoing resource for assistance with your new telescope and astronomy in general.