A celestial journey is coming to Josephine County this August as the Josephine Community Library system presents a weeklong educational astronomy series in partnership with local astronomer Joe Stodola of the Grants Pass Astronomers Club. Designed for audiences of all ages, the series will visit four library branches—Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek—offering community members a chance to explore the cosmos without leaving the ground.
The program, titled Among the Stars, is a featured event of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, which runs under this year’s theme “Level Up at Your Library.” Each session will delve into fundamental concepts in astronomy while spotlighting fascinating topics such as the lunar surface, Earth’s place in the solar system, and the looming question of asteroid threats. Stodola will guide attendees through current scientific understanding about Earth-crossing asteroids—those space rocks whose orbits bring them close to our planet—and explain how experts detect, track, and study them.
Participants will have the opportunity to demystify some of the more sensational headlines surrounding asteroid impacts by gaining insight into the actual science behind monitoring these celestial objects. By combining accessible scientific explanation with the excitement of stargazing, the program aims to spark curiosity and appreciation for the universe.
The event tour begins Tuesday, August 5, at the Williams branch located at 158 Tetherow Road, with the program running from 10 to 11 a.m. The following day, Wednesday, August 6, the event moves to the Grants Pass branch at 200 NW C Street from 4 to 5 p.m. On Thursday, August 7, the Illinois Valley branch at 209 W Palmer Street will host the session from 12 to 1 p.m., and the series wraps up on Friday, August 8, at the Wolf Creek branch, 102 Ruth Avenue, from 12 to 1 p.m.
Each stop along the library tour offers an engaging and interactive atmosphere, encouraging families, students, and amateur stargazers to attend. Attendees can expect to leave with a better understanding of astronomy, as well as useful knowledge about the real risks and precautions surrounding space phenomena like asteroids.
The Among the Stars program is part of a broader initiative to support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning through the public library system. The Summer Reading Program and its accompanying events are made possible through the support of local and state partners including Evergreen Federal Bank, the Josephine Community Library Foundation, Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors, and the State Library of Oregon.
In addition to special programs like this one, the Josephine Community Library continues to offer a wide range of educational and recreational resources throughout the year. For more information about Among the Stars, the Summer Reading Program, or other library events and services, community members are encouraged to visit josephinelibrary.org, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.