On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, United States, and Canada. In our area, we will only be able to see a partial eclipse. The partial eclipse can be seen from 2:09 to 4:35 PM, with the maximum at 3:24 PM. See below for the NASA map of where you can see the total eclipse.
Eclipse Glasses
Some branches are giving out eclipse glasses and others are reserving some for events. Check the list below for availability.
- Ewing: NONE LEFT
- Hickory Corner: NONE LEFT
- Hightstown: NONE LEFT
- Hollowbrook: NONE LEFT
- Hopewell: NONE LEFT
- Lawrence: NONE LEFT
- Robbinsville: NONE LEFT
- Twin Rivers: NONE LEFT
- West Windsor: NONE LEFT
Events
Safe Eclipse Viewing
Observing the sun directly, without the benefit of eye protection provided by special eclipse viewing glasses, will likely result in serious personal injury, up to and including permanent eye damage and blindness. If the User Instructions imprinted on the glasses are not followed, or if damaged or modified glasses are used, permanent eye injury could result.
By using the eclipse glasses to view the sun, you agree with the following:
- You understand and accept the risks associated with improper use of the eclipse glasses;
- You accept full responsibility for, and assume all risks associated with, the act of viewing the sun, with or without the use of the eclipse glasses.
The Mercer County Library System is not responsible for any damage incurred to your person or your personal property while viewing the sun during the April 8, 2024 eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Storytime
Time: Tuesday, April 2nd at 1:00 PM
Location: Hopewell Branch
Join us for fun eclipsed-themed stories, activities, and a craft in preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse. For ages 2-6 with a caregiver.
Registration is required. Enter one registration per family.
Edible Constellations & Eclipse Bookmarks
Time: Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30 PM
Location: Lawrence Branch
On April 8th, there will be a solar eclipse! Get in the mood by making a few edible constellations (marshmallows & pretzels), and designing your own eclipse bookmark (which will be laminated!). Suggested for children ages 6-11 years, with a caregiver to supervise. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration is required prior to the event. Please complete one registration form per child. If unable to attend, please call to cancel
Learn about a Solar Eclipse
Time: Thursday, April 4th at 3:00 PM
Location: Robbinsville Branch
Children ages 5 and up are welcome to come learn about a solar eclipse with hands on activities in preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Solar eclipse glasses will be handed out during the program.
Registration is required prior to the event. If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us as soon as possible to allow a space to open up for another.
Get Excited for the Eclipse!
Time: Sunday, April 7th at 1:00 PM
Location: Ewing Branch
Mike Buttitta, STEAM Innovation Specialist with the New Jersey Department of Education, will share what you need to know before viewing the Solar Eclipse. Come with your questions about the eclipse and our universe! For adults and children. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
2024 Solar Eclipse Live Stream
Time: Monday, April 8th at 1:00 PM
Location: Twin Rivers Branch
The Twin Rivers branch will be hosting a live indoor stream of the 2024 solar eclipse. If the weather is poor, or you want to see the eclipse at its full zenith come to the branch between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to see the eclipse in progress.
Drop into the branch on April 8, to watch!
Eclipse Craft (walk-in)
Time: Monday, April 8th at 2:00 PM
Location: Hickory Corner Branch
Children ages 3-12 are invited to come make a craft in honor of the rare partial (90%) solar eclipse. Max eclipse coverage in our area begins at 3:24pm.
Eclipse glasses will be available on a first come, first serve basis. One pair will be given out per family.
Solar Eclipse Drop-in Crafts
Time: Monday, April 8th at 2:00 PM
Location: Lawrence Branch
Learn about the solar eclipse while doing shadow tracing, eclipse chalk art and making UV bead people. For all ages, with a caregiver to supervise. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library.
Registration is required prior to the event. If unable to attend, please call to cancel.
Solar Eclipse Craft & Viewing
Time: Monday, April 8th at 2:30 PM
Location: West Windsor Branch
Join us for a drop-in craft as we learn about the solar eclipse! We will be experiencing a partial 90% solar eclipse in our area starting around 3 PM. Solar eclipse glasses will be available at the branch, but are being limited to one per family. Sharing is encouraged! Sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library.
Registration is required. The craft will be available for ages 2-5 with a caregiver.
Solar Eclipse Craft
Time: Monday, April 8th at 2:30 PM
Location: Ewing Branch
Join us for Solar Eclipse craft. Suggested for all ages with adult.
Eclipse Viewing
Time: Monday, April 8th at 3:00 PM
Location: Ewing Branch
Ready to witness the rare event of a solar eclipse? Sign up to reserve your spot and eclipse glasses to see the partial (90%) solar eclipse that will be visible in our area. Max eclipse coverage in our area begins at 3:24 p.m. Light refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.