Borrow a Telescope from BPL

Borrow a telescope—for free!—from Brooklyn Public Library

Want to get a closer look at NYC's night skies?  Can you really see anything in NYC anyway?  Well, yes - you can see the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, double stars, Pleiades, Orion nebula, and more. (But not the sun!)

BPL cardholders can now check out a telescope—for free!—for three weeks at a time. Read the FAQs below to learn more, and use our online catalog to place a telescope on hold.

If you have specific questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]

**  Please note that new holds are suspended as of Feb 1, 2024 due to the very long wait list.  Existing holds will still be filled  **

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Any BPL cardholder over the age of 13 (Adult cardholder and Young Adult cardholder) with an active BPL account and no blocks or charges can check out a telescope. Young Adult cardholders will need a parent or guardian to sign their agreement.

Place a hold through the online catalog at this link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/item?b=12463127

The telescope loan period is three weeks.

No. Because of their popularity, there is always a wait list that is typically over 6 months.

Telescopes can only be checked out and returned at the Reference Desk in the Society, Sciences & Technology (SST) Division on the second floor of Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza). When you pick up the telescope, you will be required to sign several agreements and we will review the items in the telescope bag. The checkout process may take up to 15 minutes. Please also be aware that the telescope is bulky and more than 15 pounds.

Absolutely not. There is a risk of severe eye damage or blindness if you look directly at the sun with a telescope. Pointing the telescope at the sun can also damage the telescope’s optics.

No, telescopes must be checked out by the cardholder who placed the hold.

Telescopes may be checked out Mondays-Saturdays, up to thirty (30) minutes before closing. We are not able to arrange Sunday checkouts or returns.

You have seven days before the telescope is released to the next person waiting.

After 14 days past the due date, telescopes are considered lost. Your BPL account will be billed a Replacement Charge for the cost of the telescope ($199). You may be billed to cover any additional parts or accessories of the telescopes that are missing.

When the telescope or its missing parts are returned, all associated charges will be cleared from your account.

You will not be able to place holds on or check out telescopes or any other library materials from BPL.

Upcoming Events

Eclipse Info Tabling

Tue, Mar 19 6:00pm
Greenpoint Library

astronomy Friends of the Library lectures and discussions

Location:  Greenpoint Library Eco Lab 1

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

Head to Greenpoint Library to learn about the solar eclipse, myths, and of course how to stay safe!  …

Moongazing Night

Thu, Mar 21 6:00pm
Greenpoint Library

astronomy Solar Eclipse STEM & STEAM

Please note that program will be cancelled in case of forecasted clouds, rain, snow or poor visibility.

Peer through our telescopes on our Rooftop Garden as we marvel together at the breathtaking details of the moon's surface. Learn about the phases of the moon, lunar geography, and…

Book Adventures: Solar Eclipse

Tue, Mar 26 4:00pm
Adams Street, Multipurpose Room

after school astronomy book adventures

Come listen to a story and do a corresponding activity! This week we’ll be exploring light and shadows to get folks excited about the Solar Eclipse happening on April 8th, 2024! Together we will read Moonbear's Shadow by Frank Asch . Afterwards we will use materials to make our…

Eclipse Garden Party

Mon, Apr 8 2:00pm
Saratoga Library

after school astronomy DIY

Psyched about the 2024 Solar eclipse? Come over to the Saratoga branch's garden from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm to celebrate this historical event, and see the total eclipse live and in action. Grab a pair of eclipse glasses, enjoy snacks, and create some fun eclipse themed crafts. 

Ages 12-18…

Eclipse Viewing Party

Mon, Apr 8 2:00pm
Gerritsen Beach Library

all ages astronomy kids explore

Come on down to Gerritsen Beach branch where we have not one, but three different ways to watch the eclipse!

We will be showing the NASA livestream in our programming room and we will also have our large back windows uncovered for those who want to observe without being outside. 

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Mon, Apr 8 2:00pm
Coney Island Library

astronomy kids Solar Eclipse

Join us for the partial solar eclipse!

Solar Eclipse Glasses will be available while supplies last. The Eclipse will begin at 2:10 pm and will end at 4:36 pm with the peak hitting at 3:25 pm. 

In case of cloudy skies/rainy weather or for people who are not comfortable viewing it…

All telescopes are courtesy of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York.  See their Library Telescope page too.