Total Eclipse of the Library
How North Carolina Libraries Celebrated the April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse
Did you have a chance to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, as it passed through North America? Although North Carolina wasn’t in the full path of totality, most of the state saw a partial eclipse with 70-90% coverage. This was a unique event that many people will never forget. And what made it even more special was that some of us watched it from our local libraries, sharing this awe-inspiring moment as a community! Libraries in North Carolina embraced this rare planetary occurrence and offered free eclipse glasses, activities, and programs leading up to the solar eclipse and on the big day.
In February, the State Library of North Carolina hosted the workshop “Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries” (SEAL), presented by STAR Net. The workshop was designed to help North Carolina public library staff prepare and host engaging and informative solar and space science programs for their communities in anticipation of April’s solar eclipse. Participants received hands-on training in operating solar telescopes, sunoculars, and a sun spotter and also learned best practices for creating and leading STEM programs focused on solar science.
After the workshop, participants used their newfound knowledge to create programs at their libraries. Please read on as workshop attendees share how they applied their SEAL workshop knowledge to organize activities and celebrations in honor of the eclipse at their libraries across North Carolina. These events were not just about the eclipse but about inspiring a love for science and learning in our communities.
Solar Eclipse Success in New Hanover County
Clelia Tufts, Children’s Associate, shared her experience organizing two solar events at the Pine Valley Library Branch of the New Hanover County Library. The first event was a solar-themed Science Story Hour, held a week before the solar eclipse. During the Science Story Hour, kids learned about the sun and the eclipse, played games, and made simple eclipse viewers. The special Science Story Hour activities excited everyone about the upcoming solar eclipse.
The Solar Eclipse Viewing party at the Pine Valley Library Branch of the New Hanover County Library was a resounding success, attracting around 100 attendees. The library provided eclipse glasses, sun-oculars, and a craft table for creating eclipse suns, showcasing its resources and attracting new patrons. Clelia Tufts, Children’s Associate, remarked, “The eclipse was a rare opportunity for the community to engage in science outdoors, and that’s not something we get to do often. I’m grateful for the resources that allowed us to create such a memorable event!”
Solar Eclipse Soiree in Brunswick County
The Brunswick County Library’s Margaret & James Harper, Jr. Library hosted a Solar Eclipse Soiree. The event, organized by Youth Service Specialist Shannon Allison, featured free pizza, an informational slideshow, face painting, and a telescopic eclipse view. Attendees also enjoyed a live stream of NASA’s coverage of the eclipse. Shannon shared a fun craft with soiree-goers that she learned during the SEAL workshop and how to view the eclipse safely. Patrons loved the gathering and expressed wishes for more events like this.
Cosmic Adventures at the East Regional Library
The solar and space-themed programs at the Wake County Library’s East Regional Library were unique! Tricia Preston, the Youth Services Librarian, shared that from March 20-27, 2024, attendees enjoyed a week filled with captivating discussions and activities focused on the Solar System, Space Science, and the highly anticipated Solar Eclipse in 2024. Moreover, the library offered an unforgettable experience with the StarLab, an inflatable and portable planetarium that fascinated visitors of all ages.
Through StarLab, both children and adults immersed themselves in the wonders of astronomy, science, and technology, sparking a deep curiosity about our universe. StarLab kits are available for North Carolina libraries to borrow for eight weeks, provided by the State Library of North Carolina with funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
The solar and space-themed activities culminated in an East Regional Library Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8, 2024, where school-age children and their families participated in crafts and fun activities and safely viewed the solar eclipse with solar viewing glasses.
Storytime Joy in Union County
In anticipation of the solar eclipse, Lisa Jeffcoat, SEAL workshop attendee and Youth Services Senior Library Specialist at Union County Library, recently hosted an event featuring MoonBear’s Shadow by Frank Asch. She engaged participants in interactive activities exploring the sun’s impact on shadows, a lively book reading, scenario reenactments, and a solar eclipse craft. Jeffcoat mentioned that the event’s activities were inspired by her SEAL workshop experience, stating, “All of which I learned from my day at SEAL Training.”
Solar Eclipse Fun in Davie County
The Solar Eclipse Fun event at the Davie County Public Library, organized by Youth Services Librarian Karen Martin, was a resounding success, attracting 217 patrons for an afternoon of celestial wonder. The event featured engaging activities, including projects like chalk corona art, Eclipse Crowns, and time capsules made from recycled pill bottles. Participants also had the opportunity to join the GLOBE Eclipse project, where they measured temperature and observed changes in cloud cover, wind, and animal behavior. The event’s spaced-themed refreshments, including Sunchips, Moonpies, and Sundrop soda, added an extra element of enjoyment. Many attendees took advantage of the chance to sign up for library cards and explore the library’s collection of science resources. An event visitor left some wonderful feedback on a comment card: “Davie County Public Library doesn’t disappoint! They had Sunchips, Moon Pies, Sundrop, crafts, and experiments.” Overall, the event provided everyone with a unique and educational experience.
Bringing Communities Together
The 2024 solar eclipse brought communities in North Carolina together, with libraries hosting engaging and educational events. These events provided an opportunity to witness a rare celestial event and strengthened community ties. It is important to remember the role of public libraries as valuable resources for future natural or space phenomena, serving as spaces for learning, gathering, and participation.