Sussex County, NJ - The Sussex County Library System (SCLS) invites residents to participate in a series of educational and engaging programs leading up to the full solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.
SCLS is dedicated to offering programs and events that foster curiosity and learning for individuals of all ages within the community. As such, the library has been gearing up for the upcoming eclipse with STEM activities for children and teens over the past several months. Each branch has scheduled a Solar Eclipse Fair where attendees can explore the projects created by young patrons and participate in some fun hands-on activities. Additionally, SCLS has received 2,000 pairs of eclipse glasses with funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute, through its Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program. These glasses will be distributed to preregistered community members (four pairs per family, while supplies last, prior registration required).
Children can craft their own eclipse viewer using Lab Snacks boxes, generously donated by Thorlabs. The Dennis Library in Newton will feature a special presentation by one of Thorlabs' engineers.
On the day of the eclipse, kids and teens can participate in a Solar Eclipse GLOBE Observer program at either the Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon or the E. Louise Childs Branch in Stanhope. Participants will assume the role of Citizen Scientists, recording cloud cover and temperature readings, which will be uploaded and analyzed by scientists through a NASA program.
"Collaborating with NASA has provided us with another tool to help reinforce STEM skills,” Deb Fagnan, Youth Services Coordinator, explains. “These skills better prepare our children for school and future careers in science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and enjoyable way."
Register now for an upcoming eclipse event at an SCLS branch near you, including:
Solar Eclipse Fair
Thursday, April 4th, 6:00 pm at Franklin Branch, 103 Main Street, Franklin
Friday, April 5th, 3:30 pm at Main Library, 125 Morris Turnpike, Frankford
Saturday, April 6th, 11:00 am at E. Louise Childs Branch, 21 Stanhope Sparta Road, Stanhope
Saturday, April 6th, 11:00 am at Dennis Branch, 101 Main Street, Newton
Saturday, April 6th, 12:00 pm at Dorothy Henry Branch, 66 Route 94, Vernon
Saturday, April 6th, 2:00 pm at Sussex-Wantage Branch, 69 County Route 639, Wantage
Lab Snacks Eclipse Viewer
Wednesday, April 3rd, 4:00 pm at Main Library, 125 Morris Turnpike, Frankford
Wednesday, April 3rd, 4:30 pm at Sussex-Wantage Branch, 69 County Route 639, Wantage
Saturday, April 6th, 10:00 am at E. Louise Childs Branch, 21 Stanhope Sparta Road, Stanhope
Saturday, April 6th, 10:30 am at Dennis Branch, 101 Main Street, Newton
For more information and to register for these and other events, visit Sussexcountylibrary.org/events or contact your local SCLS branch. All programs and events are free of charge and open to the public.