Update: Donate Your Used Eclipse Glasses
Used eclipse glasses can be dropped off at the Plain City Public Library during open hours of Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Eclipse glasses will be donated to locations in need around the world through the Astronomers Without Borders Solar Glasses Recycling And Distribution Program. PCPL will continue to collection glasses through April 13, 2024.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America with much of Ohio in the path of totality. During this rare event, the moon is positioned between Earth and the sun and casts a shadow over Earth, plunging Earth into near total darkness.
You can find more information about the solar eclipse, including facts, a totality map, and safety tips at: https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse
Solar Eclipse Events
The Library will offer several events in the weeks leading up to the total solar eclipse, including:
2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE: A presentation by Don Stevens of Perkins Observatory
Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30pm
Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse, viewing safety, and more from Don Stevens of Ohio Wesleyan University’s Perkins Observatory.
TAKE & MAKE: SOLAR ECLIPSE – Sun, Moon & Constellation Investigation
Pick up a Take & Make kit with everything you need to create a constellation projector and learn about solar and lunar eclipses. Available for pickup at the library beginning Friday, March 15th while supplies last.
SPACE VR EXPERIENCE: Explore Space in Virtual Reality
Tuesday, March 19 by appointment
Experience the vastness of the universe using virtual reality, with a variety of apps to choose from.
SOLAR ECLIPSE T-SHIRT
Wednesday, March 20 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Bring your own plain black shirt and use fabric paint and stencils to make an eclipse design.
SPACE STORY SPECTACULAR
Thursday, March 21 at 6:30pm
A special interactive and educational evening of stories. Learn about space through stories and activities that are out-of-this-world fun! For ages 8 and under and their families.
Solar Eclipse Glasses
It is never safe to look directly at the sun. Experts recommend that those wanting to view the solar eclipse wear NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses or create an eclipse viewer.
A limited number of NASA-approved solar eclipse viewing glasses are available to established Plain City Public Library cardholders and residents of the Jonathan Alder Local School District. To receive solar eclipse viewing glasses, visit the Library in person and show your Plain City Public Library card or proof of residency. Each household will be eligible to receive 2 pairs of glasses. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.
In lieu of glasses, plans for a simple DIY eclipse viewer can be found here.