Through a portable planetarium, a local library will give future astronauts a taste of the night sky.

In partnership with BHM Library, the Brown Library will be hosting a star show for families from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Dubbed StarLab, the inflatable planetarium will provide shows every 20-25 minutes, each show full of information about what lies above Beaufort County.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for children who have never gone to a planetarium to experience that,” said Terry Rollins, the youth services librarian at Brown Library. “It’s appropriate for five-year-olds and up – adults are welcome also.”

StarLab is an inflatable planetarium that makes learning an interactive experience. Curriculums can vary from astronomy to mythology, but with the starry night projected on the ceiling, boredom is almost impossible.

The program is traveling statewide, and the Beaufort County libraries thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate their summer theme.

“Our theme this year is ‘A Universe of Stories,’ which is celebrating the 50th anniversary on the moonwalk,” Rollins said. “The former children’s librarian at BHM was able to obtain this… We were able to work out that we’d show it here.”

The Brown Library is joining other local libraries, including BHM Library, in the effort to get local children involved in their summer programs, such as their older kids program, for ages 5 to 12.

Taking place at the Washington First United Methodist Church every Friday, the older kids program features events such as a celebration of The Beatles and learning about sea creatures from an aquarium representative. The library also has programs for children ages 0 to 4, teens and adults.

Although encouraging children to read is the main focus, according to Rollins, library events also show locals that the library can be much more than a room full of books.

“Libraries aren’t just reading anymore,” Rollins said. “We actually offer all kinds of variety of activities and programs. This (program) just gives families something wonderful to do together.”

For those not able to attend on Monday, StarLab will be featured at the Aurora Community Center on Tuesday; the Charlie Smith Community Center in Belhaven on Wednesday; and the Bath Elementary Gymnasium on Thursday.

For more information about the Brown Library summer program, parents can call 252-946-4300 or visit the library online for more information.