Photo submitted to the Times Observer The Warren Public Library has become a member of the International Library Telescope Program. This Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch Reflector Telescope has been donated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association as a gift from George Loranger.

Lending books is nothing new for the Warren Public Library. Lending telescopes – that’s a new one for the city library.

The library telescope project was launched in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, and over the years, roughly 1,000 public libraries and science organizations from around the globe have adopted the program. Warren Public Library is now among them.

The Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. donated the telescope as a gift from George Loranger to the Warren Public Library. The Orion StarBlast 4.5″ Reflector Telescope is the standard public lending telescope, as it has proven easy to use and durable.

Tom Traub is a lifelong Warren resident and vice president of the Marshall Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates the Martz-Kohl Observatory near Frewsburg, N.Y..

Traub has been passionate about astronomy since age nine and is actively involved in various astronomical organizations. He has dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge with the public, especially students. His commitment to bringing astronomy alive to the public has been a guiding force throughout his life.

Training is recommended but not required when borrowing the telescope, and it does come with instructions when borrowed. The International Library Telescope Program has a website with a wealth of information about the program and telescopes at librarytelescope.org.

The Warren Public Library is offering two training sessions in October, including one today from 6 to 7 p.m. and another at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Seats are limited, and registration is required. Register online through the event calendar at warrenlibrary.org/events/event-calendar or calling 814-723-4650 and following the prompts for Reference/Adult Services.