Little Rock notebook

Library adds scopes to lend to star fans

The Central Arkansas Library System is expanding its telescope lending program and kicking off a series of educational astronomy programs at its downtown location.

The library system has acquired 14 new telescopes for patrons to borrow, bringing the total number available to 30, according to a Friday news release.

Funds from an Arkansas Space Grant Consortium grant and assistance from the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society made the purchase possible, the system said.

The small, portable scopes are particularly suited to observing the moon and the brighter planets, such as Saturn and Jupiter. Under the right conditions, some “deep sky” objects such as star clusters also can be observed.

The library system and astronomical society also will present a series of astronomy programs this month at the Main Library, 100 Rock St.

The series, Astronomy and Stargazing 101, will take place Thursday evenings — starting this week and then on Jan. 17, 24 and 31 — from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include learning the constellations, countering light pollution and instruction on using the telescopes. Moon-viewing sessions will follow each program as skies permit.

Historic-zone signs in need of sponsors

Residents can now sponsor signs marking the historic downtown neighborhood surrounding the Governor’s Mansion.

The signs, a few of which are already in place, are placed just above the street sign at intersections and indicate that the area is a historic district.

They are available to sponsor for $100 each, according to a post in the Facebook group for the Downtown Neighborhood Association by Greg Henderson, the association’s president.

Sponsors can designate the corners within the district where they want the signs to be placed, or allow the association to pick a location. The city will install and maintain the signs once they are purchased.

“These help us further brand the historic district and promote the area,” Henderson wrote.

The area is roughly bordered by 13th Street to the north, Roosevelt Road to the south, Louisiana Street to the east and Chester Street to the west.

Those interested in sponsoring a sign can contact the association or attend the next meeting on Feb. 7.

Vice-mayor election on board’s agenda

The Board of Directors will select a new vice mayor at its meeting Tuesday.

Kathy Webb, the Ward 3 representative, served as vice mayor to former Mayor Mark Stodola for the past two years.

City directors vote on who will be vice mayor. There is no limit on the number of two-year terms a vice mayor can serve, according to Arkansas Code Annotated 1447-117. The vice mayor acts as mayor if the mayor is absent or temporarily unable to fulfill the office’s duties.

Also on Tuesday, the board will decide which of its members will act as liaisons for city boards and commissions.

The 4 p.m. meeting will be the first over which Mayor Frank Scott Jr. will preside since being sworn in on Jan. 1.