Illustration by N. Stanilla from "Spacepower: What it Means to You" written by Donald Cox and Michael Stoiko.

George Thompson (1943-2000)

     The bulk of the books in this library collection came to the WAS through a generous donation by the estate of George Thompson. BIOGRAPHY George Thompson was born on March 2, 1943. An early interest in astronomy led George to complete construction of a telescope while he was still in Junior High School. He eventually entered the University of South Florida where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics.

     George spent most of his professional life living in Los Angeles, California where he was employed for 23 years at the Aerospace Corporation. He also held a teaching credential which he used as an astronomy educator in the local Los Angeles school district. He continued his own education by taking adult classes at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

     In the 1990s George moved with his wife to Columbia, Maryland. He worked several more years until his retirement and joined the Westminser Astronomical Society in 1995. George Thompson passed away on March 24, 2000 at the astronomically young age of 57.

Mr. James Ransom of Towson, Maryland

James Ransom Collection In 2005 several dozen volumes were donated by Mr. James Ransom, retired. These books deal primarily with both manned and unmanned spaceflight as well as detailing the history of rocket develoment in Germany, Russia, and the United States. Click the following link for a list of volumes in the James Ransom collection. James Ransom Collection

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We also have books that were provided by organizations such as the Soldier's Delight Natural Environmental Center in Baltimore County. Their contribution included a complete hard cover three-volume set of Burnham's Celestial Handbook. Other contributions have come from members such as Tom Appler who donated a collection of ten books.

There are some items in the library which are not individually cataloged, including:

A collection of "Space World" magazines donated by Tom Renn. A collection of "Sky & Telescope" magazines donated by several members.

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Contacting the Librarian In Order to Reserve a Book Books may be borrowed only by WAS members in good standing. There are two procedures for checking out a book. Both involve the use of e-mail: Send e-mail to the librarian specifying those books that you wish to check out. The librarian will reply via e-mail informing you of their availability. If available, you may be directed to pick up your books at the following monthly meeting. You may click here in order to reserve books. You can visit the library by appointment. Simply send e-mail to the librarian and indicate the time you would prefer to stop by. Please include daytime and evening phone numbers. You will be contacted in order to confirm the appointment. You may click here in order to make an appointment to visit the library. If the book is already out you will be placed on a wait list. Certain restrictions may apply for "reference" volumes and antique books. The librarian is Curtis Roelle <roelle1@yahoo.com>.

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