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2024 Total Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024

On Monday, April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide band in Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. In Westlake, Ohio, the moon will begin crossing the sun at 1:59 p.m. Totality will occur from 3:13-3:17 p.m., and the final partial phase will end at 4:29 p.m.

Recycling box for eclipse glasses

Recycle your eclipse glasses here! Drop them off at one of the boxes inside the library or at the drive-up window. Glasses will be donated to Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that will distribute the them to communities around the world for future eclipses.

  • Eclipse Glasses FAQ
    • What if I do not have an email address?

      Patrons can register for a free email address from multiple email providers. If you need assistance registering for an email address, you can contact the library to request a 1-on-1 session for email help.

    • Why do I need an email address?

      Email addresses and/or cell phone numbers will be used to alert patrons of availability of glasses and pickup notifications.

    • Will there will be eclipse glasses available at the Eclipse Watch Party on April 8?

      No.

    • What if a family has more than 4 people? Can they request additional glasses?

      No. Due to limited quantities, we are limiting to one request (2 pairs of glasses) per person, and a maximum of two requests (four pairs) per household. We encourage families to share glasses and take turns while viewing the eclipse.

      There are also other methods of safely viewing an eclipse, including pin hole viewers and more. The American Astronomical Society has a great page of multiple indirect methods of viewing the eclipse. Additionally, NASA has a 3D printable viewer file available.

    • Are eclipse glasses from previous eclipses still good?

      Most likely. Per NASA, eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard, and are not scratched, punctured, torn, or coming loose from their frames can be reused indefinitely.

      Glasses should NOT be used if they DO NOT have the ISO 12312-2 marking on them, or are scratched, punctured, torn, or coming loose from their frames.

      There was some misinformation spread after the 2017 eclipse that solar glasses expire. This does not apply to glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified and contain an ISO 12312-2 marking.

      You can find more information about eclipse glasses from NASA (Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse) and the American Astronomical Society (How Can You Tell If Your Eclipse Glasses or Handheld Solar Viewers Are Safe?).

    • Can patrons request glasses without registering?

      No. All requests must be submitted through the registration form.

    • Can groups (such as schools, daycares, scouts, etc.) request larger quantities of glasses?

      No. Due to the expected high demand, we will not be distributing glasses to organizations or groups.

question markFor other questions regarding eclipse glasses, please email EclipseGlassesQuestions@westlakelibrary.org.

Total Solar Eclipse Events 2024
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Adult Non-Fiction Books About Eclipses

Learn about the science and history of solar eclipses with these non-fiction titles for adults and teens.

Kids Non-Fiction Books About Eclipses

Kids can learn about the science of total solar eclipse and more with these non-fiction books.