Solar Eclipse Glasses Pick Up

Update: We have given away all of our eclipse glasses! 

Pick up your pair of approved eclipse glasses at the Welcome Desk to safely watch the Total Solar Eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8. Glasses are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Two pairs per family, please! Stop by the library to watch the eclipse from the Library Lawn or view the NASA livestream in our Auditorium. 

In Wilmette, the eclipse is scheduled to:

• Begin at approximately 12:51pm
• Reach eclipse maximum at 2:07pm
• End at 3:21pm

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks any part of the Sun. On Monday, April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be visible in North and Central America, as well as parts of Europe and South America. All 50 U.S. states (excluding most of Alaska) will have a chance to see at least a partial solar eclipse. In a narrow track across Mexico, the U.S. from Texas to Maine, and Canada from Ontario to Newfoundland, the Moon will completely cover the Sun's bright face, producing a spectacular total solar eclipse.

Looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection is unsafe except during the brief total eclipse phase ("totality"). This happens only within the narrow path of totality, At all other times, it is safe to look directly at the Sun only through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses," that comply with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun. Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.

Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani