The Book and the Rocket: The Symbiotic Relationship between American Public Libraries and the Space Program, 1950–2015

This article argues that America’s public library system and the space program forged a symbiotic relationship during the space age, a development that galvanized reading and gave rise to interactive outer space experiences in the nation’s libraries. As humanity set out to explore the heavens, librarians and space proponents joined forces to mobilize support for orbital activities and educate the public about outer space through books, films, astronaut forums, exhibits, experiments, circulating telescopes, and immersive learning events. The article draws upon popular newspapers, library trade journals, NASA and space science association documents, and public library web sites.