The Salem Bryan Bennett Library has acquired a large inflatable Planetarium that will hold about 20 people at a time for presentations on the solar system.
Educational programs are being planned with CDs that contain various video presentations on the stars and planets.
Librarian Kim Keller says the first public viewing opportunity is at eleven next Saturday morning, October 14th.
“It’s impressive. It just barely clears the ceiling so it’s a huge structure. We are so proud of it.”
Keller says educational programs utilizing the projector system that displays the solar system on the ceiling of the inflatable are being developed.
“We couldn’t of done this certainly without the Tourism Council, because they gave us $2000 to purchase it which was over half of what we needed and then they gave us $1000 to market it too. So our job is not done yet. It’s just starting. We will be marketing this outside the community. We will be hosting all kinds of programs within the community.”
Keller says the idea was developed as a way to help be part of the upcoming solar eclipse next April.
“We will be part of the big show on that because it passes the best viewing straight through here. We anticipate this community will be filled with all kinds of travelers so we hope to host some of those in here. We also know our local residents will be excited. We even have some eclipse glasses we will be giving away in conjunction with programming.”
Keller says the inaugural program for the general public will be held next Saturday morning at eleven. Since space is limited those wanting to attend should contact the library at (618) 548-3006.
Library Program Director Karen Shanafelt works to set up a presentation in Planetarian. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
What the display looks like on ceiling of the planetarian. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
