Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) has planned a variety of programs and events for the community to learn about and prepare for the total solar eclipse taking place across the U.S. on April 8, 2024. In the County, a partial eclipse is expected to begin at 2:12 p.m., with totality beginning at 3:24 p.m., and maximum eclipse at 3:26 p.m.
Registration is now open for nine eclipse-themed activities geared towards families, school-age children, and teens. SCPL received 2,000 solar eclipse glasses from the Star Library Network. Participants will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses, with a maximum of two per family, at each in-person event.
“As we look forward to the upcoming solar eclipse, we invite kids and families to participate in educational events at our libraries across the county and join us at a viewing party on April 8th,” said Schenectady County Legislator Haileab Samuel, Chair of the Education & Libraries Committee. “We’re excited to offer these fun and safe programs for the community to learn more about this unique phenomenon and witness it together.”
Solar Eclipse Events
Virtual
Solar Oven
Discover the wonders of solar energy by learning how to craft your own solar oven with Ms. Chinasa.
Video link: https://youtu.be/FIdnv3iHcX0?feature=shared
In-Person
The Science Chef Presents: Science of Solar Eclipses
Chef Margaret will show off the awesome power of the sun and explain how eclipses happen. For grades 2-5 w/their caregivers. Registration required.
Monday, April 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Glenville Branch Library, 20 Glenridge Road in Glenville
Phases of the Eclipse
Learn about the phases of the solar eclipse while creating a painting with artist Melody Often. For ages 9-18. Registration required.
Monday, April 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library, 99 Clinton Street in Schenectady
Art in Mind Studio Presents: Eclipse Oil Pastels
Learn different techniques and how to use oil pastels while creating a picture of a solar eclipse. For grades 3-8. Registration required.
Monday, April 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Rotterdam Branch Library, 1100 Westcott Road in Rotterdam
The Children’s Museum Presents: Exploring Solar Eclipses
Are you ready to witness a celestial event? Learn now solar eclipses work with The Children’s Museum of Saratoga. For grades K-2. Registration required.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Scotia Branch Library, 14 Mohawk Avenue in Scotia
The Children’s Museum Presents: Exploring Solar Eclipses
Are you ready to witness a celestial event? Learn how solar eclipses work with The Children’s Museum of Saratoga. For grades 3-5. Registration required.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Rotterdam Branch Library, 1100 Westcott Road in Rotterdam
Eclipse Pinhole Projectors
Pinhole projectors are a safe and easy way to view the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
Come and join us for a program where we'll make an eclipse viewer using boxes! For ages 6-13 w/their caregivers. Registration required.
Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Niskayuna Branch Library, 2400 Nott Street East in Niskayuna
Dudley Observatory Presents: Eclipses!
Dr. Mindy Townsend talks about the how and why of eclipses. Learn information about the upcoming solar eclipse, how to safely view it, and make a device so you are prepared to watch on April 8th! For grades K-5. Registration required.
Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Quaker Street Branch Library, 133 Bull Street in Delanson
miSci Museum of Innovation and Science Presents: Moon Phases StarLab Planetarium Show
The StarLab Portable Planetarium brings the planetarium experience to the library. See the stars in a portable dome as you have never experienced before! Learn about the phases of the moon and what the moon is doing as we view its changing face from the Earth’s surface. The upcoming solar eclipse will also be explained. For grades K-8, caregivers welcome. Registration required for one of three show times. No late admittance.
Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library, 99 Clinton Street in Schenectady
Event registration is available at https://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/S/SCNY/ekp.cfm?curOrg=SCNY.
On April 8, SCPL will hand out free eclipse glasses, while supplies last, with a limit of two per family starting at noon. Four libraries will also host viewing parties where the eclipse will live stream on big screens as it passes over the United States.
Residents and families can drop in to these locations between 2-4:00 p.m. for the viewing parties, which will include moon pie treats, chalk art, and DIY eclipse viewers:
- Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library, 99 Clinton Street in Schenectady
- Mont Pleasant Branch Library, 1036 Crane Street in Schenectady
- Niskayuna Branch Library, 2400 Nott Street East in Niskayuna
- Rotterdam Branch Library, 1100 N. Westcott Road in Rotterdam
In the event of inclement weather, all activities will take place indoors with the viewing of the eclipse on the television.
Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL)
SCPL is operated by Schenectady County and is made up of nine branch libraries located throughout the county. More information about SCPL, including locations and hours of operation, is available at www.scpl.org.