MOUNT VERNON — Checking out stars has a whole new meaning at the Mount Vernon City Library.

Instead of simply borrowing books on astronomy, library card holders can now check out a telescope.

The library is the first in Washington to lend a telescope.

The telescope — an Orion Starblast 4.5 inch reflector — was donated by the Island County Astronomical Society.

On Wednesday, the group’s president, Bob Scott, was at the library to demonstrate how to operate the telescope, while also giving an introductory course on astronomy.

Those who attended were entered into a drawing to be the first to check out the telescope. At the end of his presentation, Scott drew the name of Larry Gasser, who just moments before had commented how cool it would be to be the first. He and his two sons, 9-year-old Milo and 11-year-old Oscar, were all smiles.

“We were lucky,” Milo said.

“It’s amazing,” added Larry. “I can’t believe we get to take it home. We are really looking forward to it. I wanted a telescope since I was kid. Now these two are going to have the opportunity. I don’t think it will take much coaxing for them to use it.”

A waiting list was formed from the remaining entries in the drawing.

Those 18 years old and older can check out the telescope for two weeks. Their time will not be extended because of bad viewing weather.

“I want to learn more about using telescopes,” said Jill Tobol, who along with 7-year-old son Kemper listened intently to Scott’s presentation. “It would be great to be able to see more of the moon and what exactly to look for.”

Accompanying the telescope is an accessory bag containing instructions. A headlamp with red-light capabilities and a guide to constellations are also included.

Scott recommends those using the telescope use a star wheel so they know exactly what to look for and where in the sky it will be.

“They are extremely user-friendly,” he said. “Or you can get a star map. Either one will work just fine and they are easy to use.”

Having a telescope to lend is certainly a bonus for the library.

“It is just another way to get people in the community who might not be utilizing the library to think about using us,” said Betsy Cherednik, reference librarian. “Maybe by using the telescope, it will help make that connection.

“We’re still getting back to what libraries are all about. One of our main functions is education, not just books. We want people to get excited about astronomy and science, and to remind people we are more than just books, which we have provided for decades.”

The idea to give a library a telescope to lend was one Scott had broached before with his home library in Oak Harbor.

Because that library is part of the Snohomish/Island county system, it could not guarantee the telescope would stay in Oak Harbor.

Scott attended the Astronomical League National Convention in San Antonio in July.

While there, the president of the group gave a presentation on library telescope programs and how his home club put two telescopes in Virginia libraries.

That again got Scott thinking.

“I decided I would buy the telescope myself if the Mount Vernon library was interested,” said Scott.

The Mount Vernon library welcomed the opportunity.

“In late September I got the OK and ordered the telescope,” said Scott, “I prepped it and took it to the library last week and gave a short class to the librarians.”

The telescope, Scott hopes, will launch others into astronomy.

“I hope to get some people interested in astronomy,” he said. “Hopefully some kids. Also to try and keep beginners from buying a cheap telescope, which would discourage them from the hobby.

“The objects viewed through this telescope aren’t going to be like the images you see from the Hubble,” said Scott with a laugh. “It is a place to start.”

So, will the telescope get plenty of use viewing the night skies of Skagit County?

Scott believes so.

“Skagit County is a good place in western Washington to observe the skies,” he said. “Light pollution isn’t that bad as compared to Snohomish, King, Pierce or Whatcom counties, which have big cities with lots of light pollution.

“Western Washington does have lots of dew, which is difficult but not insurmountable. Clouds are the big issue for our area. However, with a grab-and-go telescope you can set it up in a hurry, use it, and take it back inside with a short opening in the sky.”

Cherednik said the library is excited to have the opportunity to lend a telescope.

“We’ll see how this goes,” she said. “After all, it is our first shot at it. The big thing is having a local astronomer who is willing to adopt the telescope, to take care of it when the need arises. That is what it will take to get telescopes in other libraries.”

Scott will give a talk on buying telescopes at the Mount Vernon City Library on Nov. 18.

• Staff writer Mark Stayton contributed to this story.

• Reporter Vince Richardson: 360-416-2181, vrichardson@skagitpub

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