Illuminate the wonders of the 2024 solar eclipse at The Library

A solar eclipse is one of the most amazing natural phenomena and our area will get to see one at 97% totality on Monday, April 8. The Library will host a series of programs and activities to help you prepare in the weeks leading up to and the day of the eclipse.

A small number of eclipse glasses will be available for attendees of programs on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition to the following programs, many branches will also have passive activities and Take-Out kits in the weeks leading up to the eclipse.

Here is a sample of Library Eclipse programming. To see the full list, visit thelibrary.org/programs and search “eclipse.”

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom: We’re Going to the Moon!

Thursday, April 4, 10 a.m. for infants-age 6 in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Children’s Department. Celebrate the sun and moon lining up for an eclipse with a spacethemed storytime.

Get Ready for the Eclipse

Thursday, April 4, 6:30 p.m. for the adults in the Library Center auditorium. David Jarkins, NASA Solar System Ambassador and member of the Springfield Astronomical Society, will discuss the facts and features of the upcoming Eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Viewing on the Square

Monday, April 8, noon-3 p.m. for all ages at the Park Central Square. Stop by Park Central Square and view the solar eclipse through our oversized pinhole projector. Weather permitting.

Itsy Bitsy Science Club: Eclipse Party

Monday, April 8, 1 p.m. for ages 3-7 at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library. Celebrate the wonders of the solar system through hands-on STEAM activities for young learners. Participants will also get to participate in a group viewing of the solar eclipse on the front lawn.

2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Monday, April 8, 1-2:30 p.m. for all ages in the Library Station Frisco Room. Stop in before the eclipse for enjoyable and educational activities, including experiments designed by NASA, out-of-this-world crafts and homemade viewing devices, and patrons age 13 and older can explore space using our virtual reality goggles! Then, watch the eclipse together in front of the library.

Vickie Hicks is the community relations director of the SpringfieldGreene County Library District. She can be reached at vickieh@thelibrary.org.