How to get free eclipse glasses from Columbus libraries

David Rees
·3 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Libraries in central Ohio are giving out free glasses ahead of the rare total solar eclipse that will loom over portions of the U.S. in April.

Marking the first time since 1806, Ohio will be in the direct path of the solar eclipse on April 8. Forecasters predict the phenomenon will last for just up to four minutes and 28 seconds, and could have some impact on weather as well. The eclipse could last twice as long as the previous eclipse in 2017.

Glasses will be handed out at all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations beginning on March 18 while supplies last and will be limited to four per person. Those interested are encouraged to call ahead at 614-645-2275 to check availability.

Map: Solar eclipse will cover these Ohio cities

<em>Those watching the eclipse purchase glasses that comply with the “ISO 12312-2 international standard.” (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Metropolitan Library) </em>
Those watching the eclipse purchase glasses that comply with the “ISO 12312-2 international standard.” (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Metropolitan Library)

The library locations include:

  • The Barnett Branch at 3434 E. Livingston Ave.

  • The Canal Winchester Branch at 115 Franklin St.

  • The Driving Park Branch at 1422 E. Livingston Ave.

  • The Dublin Branch at 75 N. High St.

  • The Franklinton Branch at 1061 W. Town St.

  • The Gahanna Branch at 310 Granville St.

  • The Hilliard Branch at 4500 Hickory Chase Way

  • The Hilltop Branch at 511 Hague Ave.

  • The Karl Road Branch at 5590 Karl Rd.

  • The Linden Branch at 2223 Cleveland Ave.

  • The Main Library at 96 S. Grant Ave.

  • The Marion-Franklin Branch at 2740 Lockbourne Rd.

  • The Martin Luther King Branch at 1467 E. Long St.

  • The New Albany Branch at 200 Market St.

  • The Northern Lights Branch at 4093 Cleveland Ave.

  • The Northside Branch at 1423 N. High St.

  • The Parsons Branch at 1113 Parsons Ave.

  • The Reynoldsburg Branch at 1308 Brice Rd.

  • The Shepard Branch at 850 N. Nelson Rd.

  • The South High Branch at 3540 S. High St.

  • The Southeast Branch at 3980 S. Hamilton Rd.

  • The Whetstone Branch at 3909 N. High St.

  • The Whitehall Branch at 4445 E. Broad St.

It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, according to NASA. Viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause a severe eye injury.

While NASA does not approve any particular brand of solar viewers, the agency does recommend those watching the eclipse purchase glasses that comply with the “ISO 12312-2 international standard.”

Also beginning on March 18, all CML locations will offer free COSI-supplied solar kits, each of which includes a pair of eclipse glasses and activities that customers can do at home. Due to the items included, the kits will only be available to adults 18 and older. Limit four per adult, while supplies last.

CML’s Main Library at 96 S. Grant Ave. is hosting an eclipse watch party on April 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Representatives from COSI will join CML staff on the front lawn for science activities before and after the eclipse.

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