Telescope Lending Project

The goal of our telescope lending program is to foster scientific literacy, stimulate an interest in astronomy, and provide people—who have never looked through a telescope—with the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery.

Any adult MCFL library card holder in good standing can check out the telescope for 3 weeks. One renewal for 3 more weeks is permitted, providing nobody has a hold.

Holds can be placed in the Library Catalog or over the phone by calling the branch. Right now we have one telescope at each of the following branches: Seaside, Marina, Carmel Valley, and King City. We also have small telescopes in Big Sur and Castroville.

The telescope must be returned to the same branch where it was picked up.

Please note: Transportation of the telescope must be in a vehicle with the telescope in the passenger seat with the seat belt fastened over the telescope. We are unable to accommodate transportation of the telescope via Library delivery at this time.

Telescope Lending Agreement must be signed in front of MCFL staff.

Patron must present a valid California Driver’s License or government issued I.D. upon checkout.

To learn more see Telescope Lending Agreement.

This is part of Cornerstones of Science program.

Our telescopes were donated by MIRA (The Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy)