Libraries around the county are gearing up for a day of eclipse-related learning and fun on Aug. 21.
Unless otherwise specified, parking and admission are free.
Crystal City
At the Crystal City Public Library, 736 Mississippi Ave., attendees will have the chance to experience the Dome Theater Planetarium from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 10-foot high mobile HD theater was developed by Rice University and the Houston Museum of Natural Science with the support of NASA. It displays a 30-minute program continuously throughout the day. For more information, call the library at 636-937-7166.
De Soto
The De Soto Public Library will have an eclipse viewing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library, 712 S. Main St. De Soto is in the center path of totality and will have the longest period of darkness, at 2 minutes, 41 seconds.
During the event, special telescopes will be available to view the sun, and eclipse glasses will be on sale for $1 per pair. Restrooms will be available, and a cooling station will be set up. There will be a variety of eclipse-themed activities, and vendors will be on hand with refreshments for sale. Visitors can also watch a live stream of eclipse information from NASA. For more information, call 636-586-3858 or visit http://desotopubliclibrary.lib.mo.us.
Festus
The Festus Public Library will be closed until 3 p.m. on Aug. 21 so the staff and volunteers can fully participate in the city’s eclipse celebration at West City Park. But, sun-themed crafts and activities for children will be offered on Sunday, and library staff will be on hand to demonstrate safe telescope viewing. On Monday, the library staff will join with educators from the St. Louis Science Center to lead activities and answer questions, as well as follow the stages of the eclipse. The center will broadcast the Festus eclipse goings-on to viewing parties in St. Louis, where there will be just a partial eclipse.
Jefferson County Library
All three branches of the Jefferson County Library will host eclipse activities. For more information, go to www.jeffcolib.org.
■ Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Road, in Arnold
A total solar eclipse watch party will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring live music from Steve Chosich. The MoJo food truck will be on site, and visitors may play giant lawn games. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Eclipse glasses are being provided to children and adults who complete the library’s Summer Reading Program, and a limited number may be available on the day of the eclipse.
■ Northwest Branch, 5680 State Road PP, in High Ridge
A family eclipse event will run from noon to 2:30 p.m. Attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse safety glasses while supplies last. Kids will be offered the chance to make a Planetary Sun Catcher craft and scribble with sidewalk chalk. Joe Callahan and the Bluegrass Band will perform from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and Kona Ice will sell refreshing treats. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable.
■ Windsor Branch, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., in Barnhart
The public is invited to bring lawn chairs, and free eclipse viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last. Library staff will live stream the eclipse in the library meeting room through NASA.
