The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library system has a slew of fun, educational events planned to mark the arrival of a piece of history
By Mary Malik
The last time a total solar eclipse darkened the skies over any part of Ohio was in 1806. If you haven’t heard, it’s happening again on Monday, April 8. And if you miss it, you can’t catch the next one until 2444. That’s why astronomers, photographers, schools and anyone with an interest in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has April 8 marked on the calendar.
And the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is not only celebrating this opportunity with a special eclipse viewing party at all four of its Lake County community libraries, but thanks to a grant from Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC), has several fun and educational events scheduled leading up to the big day.
“Our adult services librarian, Tammy Beuck, was awarded a GLSC grant to participate in the ‘Eclipse Ambassador Program,’” Eastlake Library assistant manager MaryAnn Cirino says. “After a training session, Tammy came back brimming with ideas for not just a viewing event, but also things we could do ahead of time to educate the community about the experience.”
The GLSC grant for $1,000 also included a telescope, 1,000 pairs of eclipse viewing glasses, and educational resources to teach the community about safe viewing practices and what it can expect during a total eclipse.
“When I heard about the program, I thought this would be a great way to educate and engage the community,” Tammy says. “The GLSC chose grant recipients all over the area to educate as many people as possible on solar eclipses. Our training focused on the importance of the glasses, how to protect your cameras, how to fashion a pinhole viewer and other tips.”
Educating the community is what the library intends to do by hosting events leading up to the eclipse, providing solar eclipse history and the safest way for you and your family to enjoy the experience. It also gives them a chance to show off the newly renovated Eastlake Library.
“This was a top-to-bottom renovation that has added beautiful new spaces, including a quiet reading room with a fireplace, a larger children’s area, an expanded teen space, and a makers space with creative supplies like a 3D printer, embroidery machine, Cricut machine and so much more,” Mary Ann says. “We’re excited to show it off during these upcoming eclipse events.”
Eclipse Folklore
Saturday, February 24, 2 p.m. - Eastlake Library
Representatives from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will introduce patrons to the safety and folklore stories behind solar eclipses. The program is presented in person and online via Zoom. A valid email address is required to receive the link. Participants receive a free pair of eclipse glasses.
Eclipse Viewing: Safety and Fun
Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 p.m. - Willoughby Library
Join Eastlake Adult Services Librarian and Eclipse Ambassador Tammy Buck for tips on viewing the upcoming eclipse safely. Ages 11 and up.
Eclipse Safety Tips
Monday, March 25, 6:30 p.m. - Eastlake Library
Eclipse Ambassadors will present tips on how to safely view the total solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be provided. Ages 11 and up.
DIY Eclipse Viewers
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - Eastlake Library
Make your own viewer. Materials and instruction provided. Family program.
Eclipse Viewing Parties
Monday, April 8, 2 p.m. - All Willoughby-Eastlake Library locations.
Participants can look forward to crafts, games, activities, food, music and more. NASA will live-stream the event and people can watch as the eclipse makes its way to our area. This will be a fun, festive atmosphere and the entire community is welcome to attend.
For more information on solar eclipse events, call the Willoughby Library at 440-942-3200, Eastlake Library at 440-942-7880, Willoughby Hills Library at 440-942-3362 or Willowick Library at 440-943-4151 or check the website WE247.org.