Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses Available at Participating Public Libraries

August 7th, 2017

(Santa Fe, NM) –   Eighteen participating New Mexico and El Paso area libraries are handing out free solar eclipse viewing glasses in anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse. The eclipse viewing glasses are being distributed free at public libraries across the country. The participating libraries are listed at http://spacescience.org/software/libraries/map.php/.

 A joint news release from the Space Science Institute, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Google says about 4,800 libraries will participate in giving out free glasses.

More than 2 million pairs of eclipse glasses, which allow you to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyes, are being distributed free at public libraries across the country.

“The State Library is pleased that 15 New Mexico public libraries are participating in the “NASA@YourLibrary” events connected to the August 21 solar eclipse,” said New Mexico State Librarian Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer. “The opportunity to obtain solar eclipse viewing glasses was publicized a number of times in our online newsletter “Hitchhiker”. The State Library will continue to make our state’s libraries aware of new opportunities to connect with their communities”.

The solar eclipse, which will happen August 21, only happens about once every 375 years, according to NASA. During a total solar eclipse, the moon and the sun both appear to be about the same size from the ground. While it may appear dark, watching the solar eclipse without the right eyewear can severely damage your vision.

Participating branches in the Albuquerque Public Library system include: Central & Unser; Cherry Hills; Erna Ferguson; Main; Taylor Ranch; Westgate.  Other participating New Mexico libraries include: Bloomfield Public Library; Columbus Village Library; Farmington Public Library; Mother Whiteside Memorial Library, Grants; Rio Abajo Community Library; Rio Rancho Public Library; Silver City Public Library; and Socorro Public Library.

Libraries participating in the El Paso area, include: Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch Library; Armijo Public Library; Sunland Park Community Library and Dorris Van Doren Regional Library.

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 About the New Mexico State Library: Established in 1929, the New Mexico State Library provides services that support public and tribal libraries, delivers direct library services to rural populations, state agencies, the visually impaired and physically disabled, and students and citizens conducting research. The library supports public libraries by providing consulting services, offering training and continuing education opportunities, administering the librarian certification program, coordinating a state-wide summer reading program and tribal library program, and administering state and federal grants to public libraries.  Main Library open to the public from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Southwest history and culture room hours are 1:00- 5:00 p.m., Wednesday and Friday.  1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507-5166 Phone: (505) 476-9700 The New Mexico State Library, a part of the executive branch of state government, is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.