The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is thrilled to welcome visitors to an extraordinary, multi-sensory journey through space.

We are proud to announce that the Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope traveling tactile exhibit is on display in our building (524 4th St, Des Moines, Iowa) now through December 21st, 2026. This exhibition was developed by Tactile Images in association with the National Federation of the Blind and Getty Images and was created in collaboration with the Space Telescope Science Institute. The exhibit features ten tactile renderings of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope and is paired with audio commentary from astronomers and scientists. The exhibition offers visitors of all ages a chance to explore the farthest reaches of the universe through both touch and sound.  

We have worked with The Side Garage to create two t-shirts for the exhibit. All proceeds from the t-shirts will benefit the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind. The Friends of the Library provide funds to the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled to help support library programs, collections, and much more!

One shirt was designed in collaboration with the Governor’s STEM Council for the Reach for the Stars STEM Fest scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 pm at the Iowa Department for the Blind. It is navy blue with light purple lettering. On the front it has Reach for the Stars in print with a large shooting star and in the tail of the star it says Reach for the Stars in braille. The back of the shirt says, Reach for the Stars in braille and includes the logos of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and the South Central Iowa Region Governor’s STEM Council.

The other shirt is heather dark lavender with dark purple lettering. It also has the words Reach for the Stars in print around the graphic of a stick man figure with a white cane wearing an astronaut helmet. The stick man figure appears to be walking in space. Underneath the graphic is Reach for the Stars in braille. The back of the shirt says, Reach for the Stars in braille and includes the logo of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

All shirts are crew neck and short sleeved.  All sizing is unisex and all shirts are $25.00 + shipping.      

For more information about the Experience the Cosmos: the James Webb Space Telescope Traveling Tactile Exhibit and the STEM Fest, go to iowalibrary.blog

PRE-ORDER INFO

We will be taking orders through Wednesday 12/9.

Standard shipping rates apply.