May 2021 Library News

Telescope Available for Check Out
The Mansfield Public Library is now the proud owner of an Orion StarBlast 4.5-inch telescope thanks to the NHAS Library Telescope Program and a generous donation from the Whitcomb family. The telescope was delivered this week along with supporting materials. The telescope is robust and easy to use. There is nothing to assemble. It has a wooden base, not the usual spindly tripod legs. The telescope is of manageable size, but has a relatively large optical tube. This means that the Moon and deep sky objects will show far more detail than one could see with the common "beginners" telescopes. It also has a large field of view that allows the object to stay in the eyepiece longer. This is a quality instrument, reviewed by a number of astronomical publications and found quite worthy.

The telescope will be available for 7-day check out beginning May 24, 2021. Contact the library at mansfieldlibrarynh@comcast.net or 878-3100 to be placed on the waiting list. Patrons must sign a borrowing policy and user agreement.

2021 NH Parks Library Pass Program
Patrons will be able to reserve a park pass through the library. The pass is valid for 2 adults and up to 4 dependents to gain access at no additional charge to the state’s day-use parks. (Not valid at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Flume Gorge, Hampton Beach State Park—South Beach or Wallis Sands State Park.) Contact the library staff to reserve the pass for a specific date. If the date is available, a ticket will be printed, which the patron can pick up at the library. The pass does not guarantee access to any park. Advanced day-use reservations through the state’s website are the only way to guarantee access to a park. Contact the library to reserve a pass or for more information.