On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America will experience a total solar eclipse, and Northeast Ohio will be one of the best viewing areas in the country!
Heights Libraries is getting ready with programs, information, and viewing events on the big day with our community partners (see list below).
Countdown:
We are adjusting our hours on that day, Monday, April 8, to ensure staff and customers alike can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Eclipse Branch Hours on Monday, April 8, will be:
- Coventry Branch: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- University Heights Branch: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Noble Branch: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Lee Road Branch: Will close between 2 and 4 p.m. to ensure staff can enjoy the eclipse.
Free Eclipse Glasses Distribution
Beginning Monday, March 11, you can pick up free eclipse glasses at any branch! Limit four (4) per person, first come, first served. PLEASE NOTE: We will not reserve glasses, and customers must pick them up in the building; no curbside delivery. Supplies are limited.
April 8 Viewing Events
A Blackout to Remember at Walter Stinson Park, 1:30 – 4:40 p.m.
Celebrate the sun and view the eclipse. Enjoy food trucks, including Odd Dog Coffee. Participate in children’s activities led by Heights Libraries University Heights Branch. Dance to music curated by John Carroll University’s Zachary ‘DJ Z13’ Sinutko. All attendees will receive a free pair of University Heights viewing glasses so that you can safely view the eclipse. Walter Stinson Park is located at 2313 Fenwick Rd. in University Heights.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party with Arts Inspired Learning at Disciples Christian Church, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join Arts Inspired Learning and the Noble Neighborhood Branch staff at Disciples Christian Church for an eclipse party for all ages! Music, activities, refreshments, and free eclipse glasses! Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Church is located at 3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights.
Eclipse Viewing at the Coventry PEACE Park, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Get free eclipse glasses and watch this once-in-a-lifetime event with friends and neighbors at the PEACE Park! Before the event, we’ll have some crafts and other activities, too. One pair of glasses per person.
Eclipse Viewing and Activities at the Lee Road branch
The Lee Road branch building will be closed from roughly 2-4 p.m. on the day of the eclipse to ensure staff can will be available to help with crowd control in the Lee Road parking lots. Additionally, there will be children’s activities at that time in the Children’s Garden and a viewing area will be cordoned off on the Ormond side of the building, by the drive-up book drop. One pair of glasses per person will be distributed, starting at 9 a.m.
Special Pre-Eclipse Programs at Heights Libraries
Solar Eclipse Kits
Celebrate the 2024 April 8 solar eclipse with special eclipse kits. Each kit includes eclipse activities, reading suggestions, and two pairs of eclipse glasses. Register for your kit and pick it up at the following days and locations:
Coventry Branch registration begins March 1. Pick – ups take place March 15 – 22.
Lee Road Branch registration begins March 8. Pick – ups take place March 22 – 29.
Noble Branch registration begins March 15. Pick – ups take place March 29 – April 5.
University Heights Branch registration begins March 22. Pick- ups take place April 5 – 12.
Eclipse Models and 3D Printed Pinhole Projectors
The HKIC at Lee Road will have a station showcasing 2 Solar Eclipse Models and 3D printed Pinhole Projectors for distribution, starting March 11. First come, first served, supply is limited.
Eclipse Programs for kids and teens
Before the big event, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for families, kids and teens to learn all about eclipses and outer space! If you stay for the whole program, you can also get a pair of free eclipse glasses. Click here for a list of programs!
Eclipse Programs for all ages and adults
Adults love science, too! We have plenty of adult and all ages event to get you excited about all this solar and space! Click here for adult and all ages programs.