Keep Your Eyes (Safely!) to the Sky

Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is hosting a plethora of programs in March related to the solar eclipse that will cross North America on April 8, 2024. From preschool and elementary science to model-building and arts and crafts, you’ll find fun learning opportunities — and receive free glasses for safely viewing the April eclipse!

“The library is excited to celebrate the upcoming eclipse with our community,” says Katie Cerqua, VBPL’s programming and community outreach manager. “It’s an opportunity to learn more about astronomy and space, engineering, general science concepts, and it’s just a fun catalyst for creativity! Providing the glasses enables us to make the eclipse accessible to those who may not have access to specialized equipment.”

Funding for the glasses is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute, through its Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program. With limited supplies, VBPL is only able to offer the glasses to eclipse program attendees. 

If the upcoming eclipse has sparked your curiosity about astronomy, VBPL has take-home tech items to explore the night sky, including:

• Telescopes designed for beginner and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts.
• "Measuring Light in the Night” kits to submit your light pollution observations and become part of a community science project.

For additional details about VBPL’s eclipse programs and other free activities happening this spring, visit VBPL’s online calendar. To learn more about the April 8, 2024 eclipse, visit NASA’s 2024 Solar Eclipse site.