On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental U.S. for the first time since 1918, and many of the libraries within the Lake County Library System are getting ready to help patrons experience the event.
Safety is important, as looking directly at the sun without wearing ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses can result in serious vision damage. Each participating library will have solar eclipse glasses available on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis. As demand will be high, glasses will not be handed out until the day of the eclipse.
The peak viewing time in the Central Florida area will be approximately 2:45 p.m., but patrons will want to arrive earlier to get their glasses and enjoy the available programs.
Libraries that will have glasses available:
Astor County Library, 54905 Alco Road. (Glasses handed out at 2:30 p.m.)
Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks in Clermont.
Marianne Beck Memorial Library, 112 W. Central Ave. in Howey-in-the-Hills.
Marion Baysinger Memorial Library, 756 W. Broad St. in Groveland. Program runs 1:30-3:30 p.m. No registration required, but ID or library card necessary to use the glasses (glasses must be returned).
Paisley County Library, 24954 County Road 42.
Libraries offering glasses and special programs:
East Lake County Library, 31340 S. County Road 437 in Sorrento. Program starts at 12:30 p.m., registration required. Glasses and refreshments for registered attendees. Please come by and register, or call 352-383-9980.
Fruitland Park Library, 205 W. Berckman St. The NASA Channel will be broadcast in the library, and there will be coloring sheets for the kids and handouts for the teen/adults.
Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. Event includes a documentary for the adults and art projects for the kids. No registration required.
1:00 p.m. - Documentary "Chasing Shadows," a stunning film about Geoff Sims, a professional photographer and astronomer who chases eclipses around the world.
1:00 p.m. - The Leesburg Center for the Arts Mobile Art Studio will here for kids of all ages to make sun and eclipse crafts.
2:15-3:30 p.m. - Viewing glasses will be handed out to see the peak eclipse coverage.
W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St. in Mt. Dora. Program begins at 12:30, no registration required. Refreshments will be served.
12:30 p.m. - NASA EDGE Webcast of the total solar eclipse.
1:00 p.m. - Documentary “Chasing Shadows,” a stunning film about Geoff Sims, a professional photographer and astronomer who chases eclipses around the world.
2:00 p.m. - Eclipse glasses distributed (while supplies last) for viewing.
To find out more about this and other Lake County Library System events, visit www.mylakelibrary.org, follow us on Facebook or call 352-253-6164.