Amateur astronomer donates telescopes to inspire rural communities around Richmond

Amateur astronomer John Sokol remembers the first time he saw Jupiter through a 10-inch telescope in 1969. The gas giant’s prowess felt in reach, and the sight struck him. Ever since, it’s been his life’s mission to give everyone a chance to share that same experience. 

Sokol, who lives west of Farmville, has donated telescopes to rural libraries across Virginia to make the night sky more accessible. Thanks to Sokol’s donation and with help from the Richmond Astronomical Society, the Powhatan County Library will launch its telescope program on July 21. If successful, the society hopes to bring the program to other communities around Richmond.

"This is a great way to get telescopes in the hands of those interested in the night skies," said Jim Browder, president of the Richmond Astronomical Society.

Astronomy clubs across the country participate in the Library Telescope Program established in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. With a library card, members can check out a beginner-friendly telescope for free to gaze at the night sky.

Each telescope is about $350, meaning money and a lack of expertise make it difficult for most groups to carry out the program. Browder has tried to launch it in nearby libraries before, but couldn’t raise enough money for a fleet of telescopes. With Sokol’s donation in March, the society can be a close source of expertise to provide Powhatan County librarians with training and maintenance.

When Sokol saw that manufacturers were discontinuing their tabletop telescopes in August of 2024, he decided to snatch a few. Since then, he has bought and donated seven telescopes to libraries across Virginia. He focused on rural areas because they are often overlooked for resources, he said.

Lynchburg Public Library has had its telescope program since 2016 with help from the Blue Ridge Astronomy Club, of which Sokol is a member. Over ten years, the telescope has been circulated 150 times while recruiting new members.

Chandra McPherson, director of the Powhatan County Public Library, said the telescope program will provide educational activities for kids, help people enjoy the nearby state park and act as a tool for homeschoolers in the community.

Emily Nott and her son William, 10, spend many nights on their 12-acre hayfield in Powhatan County searching for stars. William became fascinated with astronomy when he saw an image of a supernova in "Peterson’s Field Guide to the Stars and Planets."

The library tested out its new telescope with community members like the Notts during a STEM Adventures event in May. 

“When I saw the library was doing that program, I asked William, (and) I don't think I even got the whole question out before he jumped up and said, ‘Yes, I want to go,’” said Emily.

She serves on the board of directors for Barefoot University, which is a homeschool co-operative. She said the program supported this year’s lessons, which focused on the sky’s rhythms – from space to meteorology to winged animals. 

While she has a telescope at home, she said the library telescope is better because it’s more suitable for kids. Tethered lenses caps and covered mirror screws prevent pieces from being lost or broken.

Beginning July 21, the Powhatan County Library will have two Apertura Library Telescopes available for checkout to those 18 and older. Patrons must first sign a beyond books waiver to use the telescope, user manual, evening sky map and a red-light headlamp for maintaining night vision. The library also offers state park passes available for checkout.

Browder hopes to eventually expand the telescope program to other libraries in the Richmond area.

The Notts didn’t get to stargaze during the STEM Adventures event in May, because it was a rainy night. At least now they’re trained on the telescope for when there’s a clear night, Emily said. William added, “I am so ready.”