March 18, 2026 – The library's Maker Fest returns on Saturday, March 28, and this year, we're blasting off into outer space.
Families and people of all ages are invited to the Downtown Library from 1-3 pm for an afternoon of crafts and activities featuring space, the stars, and maker technology, with partners including the University of Iowa's Astronomy Lab and Observatory and School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, Collins Aerospace, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Star Lab Planetarium from the Curiosity Path.
The Cedar Amateur Astronomers will have solar telescopes on the LivingLearning Roof, weather permitting, to look at solar activity, as well as a cut-away telescope to demonstrate how that technology works. They will also be showing NASA's "Artemis 1" documentary series throughout the event.
“Cedar Amateur Astronomers is very excited to offer the opportunity to learn about the Artemis Space Missions to the Moon and to give everyone a chance to use telescopes and see the cosmos for themselves,” said Cedar Amateur Astronomers vice-president Gordon Baustian.
For those who want to dive deeper into the stars, Cedar Amateur Astronomers librarian John Centala put together this list of astronomy book recommendations.
Browse the book list below and put titles on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
Astronomy Books in the Metro Library Network Collection
"Galaxies: Inside the Universe's Star Cities" by David J. Eicher (2020)
Journey to the edges of our galaxy and beyond with one of the most widely recognized astronomy experts as your guide. Delve into the history of stargazing and space observation, learn how black holes power galaxies, and understand the classification of the different galaxy types. This illuminating book – with artful illustrations and never-before-seen space photography – will open your mind to the wonders of the universe that await.
"Deep-Sky Wonders: A Tour of the Universe with Sky & Telescope's Sue French" by Sue French (2011)
Sue French writes the popular column "Deep-Sky Wonders" for Sky & Telescope magazine and also teaches deep sky observation. She has earned a loyal following among enthusiasts and is welcomed by beginners for her skill at presenting astronomy in an understandable way. "Deep-Sky Wonders" is a collection of 100 of French's best columns, organized by season and subdivided into months for a total of 100 in-depth tours of the deep sky. Each deep sky tour illuminates little-known seasonal wonders that lie off the beaten path.
"Classical Mythology of the Constellations: The Timeless Tales of the Starry Night Sky" by Annette Giesecke (2025)
In this beautifully designed work, stunningly illustrated by Jim Tierney, Giesecke tells the origin stories of the 48 constellations, first catalogued by the astronomer Ptolemy in the second century CE. A final section covers the names, locations, and brief descriptions of the remaining 40 constellations catalogued by astronomers in the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, which are not named for Classical figures. Organized by hemisphere and celestial quadrant, the book also includes two illustrated star maps to help guide the reader to the location of each constellation, as well as 48 color plates throughout.
Books for Children
"Exploring Meteor Showers" by Brigid Gallagher (2018)
Learn about the history of meteor shower discoveries and how technology helps scientists study meteor showers today.
"The Northern Lights: Nature's Light Show" by Kristen Rajczack Nelson (2013)
People have been observing the northern lights for thousands of years. The ancient peoples thought the lights could mean the coming of war; scientists today know the lights are natural occurrences. Readers learn what causes the aurora borealis in engaging and age-appropriate language. Stunning photographs of the colorful phenomenon enhance science content, while fun fact boxes add even more captivating information.
Additional Book Recommendations
"Build Your Own Telescope" by Richard Berry
"Binocular Astronomy" by Craig Crossen & Wil Tirion
"Epic Moon" by William Sheehan & Thomas Dobbins
"Star Mentor: Hands-On Projects and Lessons in Observational Astronomy for Beginners" by Daniel Barth
"The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide" by Terence Dickinson & Alan Dyer
"Discovering Mars" by William Sheehan & Jim Bell
"Observing the Messier Objects with a Small Telescope" by Philip Pugh
"The Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras" by Tom Kerss
"Meteor Showers, An Annotated Catalog" by Gary Kronk
Maker Fest is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Bankers Trust and Innovator Sponsors Sunrise Builders & Alliant Energy.