Bedford library cardholders may take home an Orion StarBlast 4½-inch reflector telescope – just like checking out a library book. The Bedford Library Foundation purchased the telescope from the New Hampshire Astronomical Society’s Library Telescope Program. Astronomical Society members Don and Melinde Byrne, of Bedford, will present a one-hour program to describe how to get best results with this tabletop telescope. Learn to find planets, galaxies, nebulae and even satellites in Bedford’s night sky. Too many trees in your yard? Learn about the best times and locations to view from Bedford. This program will be held 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the library.

If you want to learn more about the night sky and astronomy, search the library catalog, and you will find materials such as the “Sky Watching” series for children and guides to stars constellations and planets. For adults, we have a variety of materials on the universe, from the “Backyard Astronomer’s Guide” to a Modern Scholar Series course of 14 lectures on CD by Professor James B. Kaler from the University of Illinois presenting “Astronomy: Earth, Sky, and Planets.” The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord runs planetarium shows, and we offer a library pass for discounted admission for Bedford library cardholders. For details and to reserve the pass, check out our website at www.bedford.lib.nh.us.

Summer events at the library include:

Free Friday Films

“The Artist” will be shown at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, July 13.

Meet Edgar Allan Poe, Master of the Macabre

Literary historian Rob Velella will read some of Edgar Allan Poe’s most chilling works, both well-known and lesser-known, and answer questions from those in attendance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. This is the finale for the summer reading program, and we’ll announce the grand-prize winner at the event.

Beat the Heat
Teen Movie

“The Haunting” will be shown from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 12, and Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” will be shown from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9.

Teen Wii Games

Play “Just Dance Summer Party” and “Night at the Museum” from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 19.

America’s Next
Top Monster

Teens in groups of two or three will create a character with costumes, makeup and a backstory, then strut their stuff in a monstrous fashion show from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7. Judges will decide the winners in several categories. Werewolves, zombies, vampires and other creatures of the night are all invited. Registration required at the library or at www.bedford.lib.nh.us.