During the evening of Saturday, October 5, space enthusiasts and newbies alike gathered to observe a feature of the night sky we often take for granted: the moon. According to the official site, over 1000 events were created in honor of this special event.
The Shannon Staub branch of the Sarasota Public Libraries happily contributed to this number. Local NASA Ambassador Linda McKenna organized a moon-viewing event with volunteers and library staff. Sarasota County Library staff set up telescopes acquired through a generous grant by the Barancik Foundation. Overall, over 100 county residents enjoyed the moon in high definition. Saturn and Pluto also made guest appearances. This tenth-anniversary lunar event kicks World Space Week into high orbit which lasts from October 4th through October 10th.
If you missed out this year, have no worries. International Observe the Moon Night returns September 26, 2020. Keep an eye out for future library programs related to Florida’s gorgeous night sky! Your Sarasota County Libraries have an immense amount of resources sure to keep even the staunchest space buff busy.
Library Resources
The Sarasota County Library Catalog has many picture books on the moon for young inquiring minds.
Did you know that the call number for “Moon” is 523.3 and the call number for “Moon Landing” is 629.454 – Try searching by one of these call numbers in our catalog.
hoopla, a digital streaming platform provided by Sarasota County Libraries, features ebooks, audiobooks, read-a-long books, movies and more such as Moon: Earth’s Satellite and Let’s Explore the Moon.
cloudLibrary features many great ebooks such as The Moon by Grace Hansen.
For the enthusiast, you can always find journal articles through Reference USA such as Moon (2012).
Read all about the nooks, crannies, and craters of the moon on WorldBookOnline.
For crafty folks, check out Creative Bug to make a “Phases of the Moon Wall Hanging” and other DIY projects.
Flipster offers Astronomy magazine for space enthusiasts.
The best resource is your local public library’s reference desk. Swing by!
Submitted by Shannon Staub Library Staff Will Blydenburgh and Erin Carter
