Eclipse activities aren’t limited to Portage County’s cities. The Portage County District Library is bringing eclipse education and fun to all parts of the county.
All district libraries are distributing free, approved glasses for viewing the April 8 eclipse. No library cards are needed: simply stop by any PCDL branch to request glasses for the entire family. Glasses must be picked up in person. They will not be reserved over the phone or online, and will be available only as long as supplies last.
All district library branches will also hold a watch party from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Eclipse Day. Eclipse glasses may not be available at all sites, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own.
Registration is encouraged for the Garrettsville watch party. Visit https://portagelibrary.libnet.info/event/10067410 and click on the registration button to the left. Registration is not required to attend watch parties at the Brimfield, Windham, Aurora, or Randolph, or Streetsboro libraries.
Additional PCDL Activities:
Garrettsville
The Garrettsville branch will host Vampire Eclipse, a Teen D&D adventure to fight off a vampire uprising during a solar eclipse. The event is set for noon to 5 p.m. March 27. Dice, characters, lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Registration is free, but seating is limited. To register, click on https://portagelibrary.libnet.info/event/9992909 and tap the registration button to the left. The library is located at 10482 South St., Garrettsville.
Children aged 5-13 are welcome to visit the Garrettsville Library from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 5 for safety tips regarding how to view the solar eclipse. Attendees will receive free viewing glasses and a packet of safety tips. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited so registration is required. To register, visit https://portagelibrary.libnet.info/event/10067306 and click on the registration button on the left.
Randolph
The Randolph branch, located at 1639 Route 44, Randolph, will host Eclipse Trivia from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 6. Participants will learn about the approaching eclipse and pick up eclipse glasses. The event is geared toward adults, and attendance is limited to 75 people. Eclipse Trivia is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. To register, click on https://events.portagelibrary.org/event/10067338 and tap the registration button to the left.
Kids aged 5 and up may visit the Randolph branch any time on April 8 to make a solar-themed craft on-site or at home.
Windham
The Windham branch of the district library will host Eclipse Prep 2024 Open House from noon to 2 p.m. April 6. Representatives from the Portage Park District will help attendees of all ages learn and understand what a total eclipse is all about. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete an eclipse-related craft project.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited so registration is required. To register, visit https://portagelibrary.libnet.info/event/10067317 and tap on the registration button to the left. The library is located at 9005 Wil Verne Drive, Windham.
Eclipse enthusiasts of all ages are invited to gather from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at the Windham branch/Renaissance Center Courtyard for Total Eclipse of the Sun, an eclipse viewing and celestial song dance party. Snacks will be provided. Activities suitable for all ages will be ongoing, as will a custom-curated playlist. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Viewing glasses will be available while supplies last.
Brimfield
The Brimfield branch of the district library will hold an eclipse information session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 6. Kent State University will supply an expert to explain the science behind an eclipse and how to safely view it. The event is geared toward adults.The library is located at 4286 Kelso Drive, Brimfield.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.