Solar Eclipse Event Held at Pope County Library in Russellville

January 8, 2024

 SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENT HELD AT POPE COUNTY LIBRARY IN RUSSELLVILLE

Russellville, Arkansas:  Over 100 patrons visited the Pope County Library System Headquarters in Russellville to learn about the upcoming solar eclipse. Because a large portion of Pope County will be in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, the phenomenon is of special interest to local citizens.

Children’s Librarian, Ami Roberts, and Teen Librarian, Karrissa Walker, partnered with the Arkansas State Library to borrow multigenerational and younger audience Solar Science Kits to share with the public. The kits include a Coronado Solar Telescope, Sunoculars, a Sunspotter, and activities for kids; these kits are available to libraries for a five-week period.  Library staff explained how to use the telescope, sunoculars, and sunspotter and operated several interactive stations for kids. The Moon Bear’s Shadow Activity and Sorting Game Printablewere especially popular.  For those who would like more information, the Arkansas State Library has made a downloadable booklet available at https://www.library.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Solar-Eclipses-of-2023-and-2024_-A-North-American-_Double-Header_.pdf.

Carl Freyaldenhoven and Darcy Howard, members of the Central Arkansas Astronomers Society (affiliated with NASA’s Night Sky Network) gave two informational talks in Heritage Hall explaining what an eclipse is and how best to view it.  Russellville Mayor Fred Teague, who is involved with local planning for the upcoming eclipse, was enthusiastic about the information provided and took time to engage with patrons, staff, and the solar eclipse materials on display inside the library.

The event ran from 10:00 am to noon, and attendees had the opportunity to pick up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses.  Children were provided with materials to make and decorate their own case to hold their eclipse glasses.