2024 Eclipse Programs and Events at OCPL
* last updated 11:58 am 3/19/2024
2024 OCPL Eclipse Events and Activities (in date order)
Check out the eclipse events and activities planned across Onondaga County Public Libraries for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse:
Please note: Libraries cannot guarantee that eclipse glasses will be available for you on the day of the eclipse.
March 5th – April 9th [* 7-part series] (Onondaga Free Library)
Build an Arduino Eclipse Monitor [7-part series]
Tuesdays, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 @ 6-8 pm
Saturday, 3/30 @ 1:30-3:30 pm
Monday, 4/8 @ 1-5 pm - ECLIPSE DAY!
Tuesday, 4/9 @ 6-8 pm - Analyzing the Data
Why just watch the April 8th total solar eclipse, when you can use technology to monitor, record and analyze its progress?
OFL's Digital Services & Technology Librarian teaches you how to design, build and deploy an eclipse monitoring device using OFL’s Arduino Uno single board computer kits.
For teens in grades 6-12 and/or adults.
March 8th @ 1 pm (Liverpool Library)
Lego in Space, Space, Space...
Build out-of-this-world LEGO creations in anticipation of the eclipse.
March 9th @ 2 pm (Liverpool Library)
Preparing for the Eclipse: Family Style
A local science teacher explains the total eclipse with stories and activities.
Attendees will receive free eclipse glasses.
March 9th @ 10 – 2:30 pm (Maxwell Library)
Eclipse Chalk Art
For all ages. Create chalk art and discover the Sun’s corona (“crown”). During an eclipse, the Sun’s corona, the outermost part of its atmosphere, is visible! Drop in anytime during the hours above. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. No registration necessary.
March 12th @ 1:30 pm (Liverpool Library)
Homeschool Teen Life Hacks (13 & Up)
Learn how to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime (in CNY) event – the April 8 eclipse.
March 16th @ 1:30 pm (Maxwell Library)
Learn About the Solar Eclipse with the MOST!
Join The MOST and learn about what happens during a solar eclipse, how to view it safely, and what you can to do prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From basic terms to safety tips, The MOST will review everything you need to know for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8.
Each member of your group must be registered separately.
We will NOT be distributing eclipse glasses at this event.
Please check with library staff for further details on getting a free pair of glasses.
March 19th @ 12 – 5 pm (Maxwell Library)
Create a UV Bracelet
Make your own ultraviolet light detecting bracelet!
The beads will change color when exposed to a UV light source, such as the Sun.
Drop in anytime during the hours above.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Recommended for grades K-Adult.
Free. No registration necessary.
March 20th @ 1 pm (Paine Branch)
Eclipse Program for Children with local Channel 9 Weatherman Carson Metcalf
Learn about what a total solar eclipse is and why this unique event is happening, plus explore eclipse viewing safety tips.
March 20th @ 6 pm (Liverpool Library)
Tween Scene
Tween hang out with eclipse-related activities.
March 25th @ 6-7 pm (Paine Branch)
Eclipse Bingo for Families
Come to the library for a fun and friendly bingo challenge. Snacks and small prizes will be available!
March 26th @ 6:30 pm (Liverpool Library)
Eclipse Explorers
Explore eclipses with hands-on activities like making an eclipse viewer and a mini model of the eclipse. Register children only.
March 26th @ 4-5 pm (Maxwell Library)
Build a Pizza Box Solar Oven
Did you know you can directly use solar power to cook food? Make your own solar oven out of a pizza box and learn about energy and solar power.
Each participant will receive a bag of S’mores ingredients to cook at a later (warmer and sunnier) date.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Many thanks to Cam's Pizzeria in Camillus for donating the pizza boxes!
For grades K-6. Free.
March 28th @ 6 pm - 6:30 pm (Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville)
Total Eclipse Presentation from the MOST in Community Room 1 & 2
For all ages! Join the MOST as the library reviews what happens during a solar eclipse, how to view safely, and what you can do to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From basic terms to safety tips, the MOST will review everything you need to know for April 8th!
Attendance is first-come, first-served.
Please note: Eclipse glasses will NOT be handed out at this program.
March 28th @ 7 pm (Liverpool Library)
Scientifically Speaking: Eclipse 2024!
NASA volunteer and local educator, Juill Gravante, prepares you for the upcoming full solar eclipse.
March 28th @ 5:30 pm (Liverpool Library)
Books & Beyond Book Club
Read The Milky Way Smells of Rum and Raspberries by Jillian Scudder, and then stop by to discuss the book and the eclipse.
March 28th @ 3-4 pm (Paine Branch)
Eclipse Children's Activities
Learn about the upcoming total solar eclipse with fun activities. Enjoy snacks and win a prize for completing a packet.
March 28th @ 3 pm (Onondaga Free Library)
Crafternoon: Pinhole Viewer
Get ready for the eclipse! Together, you will make pinhole viewers to safely see the sun. Recommended for kids in grades 1-5
March 30th @ 2:30 pm (Petit Branch)
Total Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know
Learn all you need to know about this rare occurrence and how to view it safely by attending this short program presented by the MOST. The first 30 people who arrive and attend the whole program will receive a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses at the end of the presentation
March 30th @ 10-11 am (Paine Branch)
Fun With Science Eclipse Program
Paine will be partnering with the CVR Lions Club for an eclipse theme STEM program. The program will be presented by a resident doctor from UPSTATE MEDICAL HOSPITAL.
April 5th @ 3-4 pm (Soule Branch)
Total Solar Eclipse Presentation
Richard Lindeman, a Solar System Ambassador for NASA and JPL, will teach attendees important facts about solar eclipses, like the physics of how they work and how to safely view them. At this presentation, Richard will share ideas on how to get the most out of the coming eclipse on April 8th. Come and enjoy this entertaining presentation for all ages and bring all your eclipse questions. Registration is encouraged. SIGN UP NOW
Note: Soule Branch Library will give out free solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards for direct viewing of the sun. Distribution will start on March 25th and the library will give out a maximum of 2 pairs per household.
April 6th @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (Manlius Library)
Solar Saturday
Enjoy a day of solar eclipse learning and fun – for all ages!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for SOLAR SATURDAY
10:30 am Solar Eclipse Viewers [Registration Required for guaranteed spot, but walk-ins welcomed as space allows].
Use simple household items to create solar viewers.
12:00 pm: Astronaut Food Taste Testing [Registration Required and opens on 3/9/2023 at 8:00 am].
Try your hand at guessing which astronaut food you are tasting. Snacks are limited.
1:00 pm: The MOST (Learn & Prepare)
Join the MOST as we review what happens during a solar eclipse, how to view safely, and what you can to do prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! This program is great for school-aged kids to adults.
3:00 pm: Global Observer App Tutorial
Join Miss Windy for information about the Global Observer app. The Global Observer is an app for the collection of observations and data and is shared with scientists around the world. This tool will be helpful to use during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
All program participants can receive 1 pair of solar glasses (while supplies last).
The library will also have a take & make craft (while supplies last) and pass out spacy snacks!
Visit Manlius Library’s online calendar to see all events and to register for any eclipse programs.
The library will also hand out solar eclipse glasses during the event day (while supplies last!).
April 6th @ 2 pm (Beauchamp Branch)
Eclipse Themed Activities & Crafts
Stop by Beauchamp Branch Library to enjoy eclipse-themed activities and crafts before the big day!
April 6th @ 11 am - 12 pm (Maxwell Library)
Eclipse Cereal Box Viewer
Looking directly at the sun is extremely dangero
April 7th @ 1 – 3:30 pm (Baldwinsville Library)
Eclipse 2024 Pre-Game
Enjoy an Eclipse 2024 Pre-Game event aimed at kids and teens.
There will be planetary and eclipse arts as well as science experiments.
April 8th @ 10 am - 3:30 pm (Baldwinsville Library)
Eclipse Viewing
There will be an eclipse viewing both outside and inside of the building.
Library staff will teach everyone eclipse safety and will view with projection techniques and eclipse glasses.
The library cannot guarantee that eclipse glasses will be available for you on the day of the eclipse.
April 8th @ starting at 1 pm (outside of Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville)
Total Solar Eclipse Community Viewing
The library will hand out free eclipse glasses to all patrons starting at 1:00 PM while supplies last. One per person.
Patrons are welcome to join us in viewing a once in a lifetime event in DeWitt, New York – a total solar eclipse!
Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket, and snacks! For all ages!
Attendance is first-come, first-served.
Please note: The inside of the library will be closed from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM so that the staff has an opportunity to view the solar eclipse. Bathrooms in the lobby will still be accessible.
Please note: The Library will close at 4:30 pm on April 8, 2024.
April 8th @ 1 pm (Salina Library)
Family Solar Eclipse Science
Enjoy crafts and activities about the power of the sun and what happens during an eclipse.
All attendees receive free eclipse glasses.
Free. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
April 8th @ 1 pm – 4 pm (Soule Branch)
Cosmic Sidewalk Chalk
Celebrate this unique astronomical event by drawing chalk art of the Sun, stars, and planets all over the library’s sidewalks.
Patrons can drop in anytime between 1 pm – 4pm and draw while they watch the eclipse.
Plenty of chalk will be provided, as well as cardboard circles to help you draw the Sun’s corona (aka, “crown”) which can only be seen during a total eclipse.
Don't forget to bring your solar eclipse glasses with you!
Libraries cannot guarantee that eclipse glasses will be available the day of the eclipse.
This is a weather-permitting event. For all ages (children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
April 8th @ 1pm – 4pm (Soule Branch)
NASA Live Stream
The library will show live video of the eclipse from NASA on its big screen TV (inside the library, next to the front desk).
NASA’s official broadcast of the 2024 total solar eclipse will include conversations with experts and telescope views of the eclipse from several sites along its path.
Note: The library will close around 3:15pm – 3:25pm so everyone can view the total solar eclipse outside.
P.S. You can watch the solar eclipse anywhere with an internet connection by going to NASA.gov or Youtube.com/@NASA
April 8th @ 1-4 pm (Fairmount Library & Maxwell Library)
Town of Camillus Eclipse Celebration at Camillus Town Hall Lawn
Come for an exciting eclipse festival in Fairmount/Camillus on April 8th from 1 - 4 pm, co-sponsored by Camillus Parks & Recreation, and Fairmount and Maxwell Libraries and the Town of Camillus.
There will be food trucks, live music, hands-on educational activities for children, vendors, eclipse glasses to view the eclipse, and more!! LEARN MORE HERE
April 8th, 1-4 pm (Skaneateles Library)
Solar Eclipse NASA Livestream @ Skaneateles Library
Learn about the eclipse and watch its path in the NASA livestream, then go outside to see it in person!
April 8th @ 1:30 – 4:30 pm (Skaneateles Library)
“Total Eclipse at the Park” Viewing Party @ Austin Park
Play games and activities while we watch the eclipse progression.
Bring a blanket and your solar eclipse viewing glasses!
Parking is available at the upper lot, lower lot and next door at the Skaneateles Community Center. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and all are invited to watch a livestream of the eclipse at the library.
Sponsored by the Skaneateles Library & Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
April 8th @ 1:30 – 4:30 pm (NOPL North Syracuse)
Solar Eclipse Day in the Community Room
Come to the library and witness the solar eclipse!
The library will provide 1 pair of glasses per family (while supplies last).
Families can enjoy making shadow chalk art outside and playing fun, family board games inside. There will also be a balloon twister!
Note: This event is weather dependent.
April 8th @ 1:30 – 5 pm (NOPL Brewerton)
Solar Eclipse Day in the Community Room
Come to the library and witness the solar eclipse!
The library will provide 1 pair of glasses per family (while supplies last).
Enjoy eclipse themed snacks and create your own eclipse art!
April 8th @ 1:30 – 5 pm (NOPL Cicero)
Solar Eclipse Day in the Community Room
Join the library to watch and enjoy the solar eclipse.
NOPL will provide solar eclipse glasses, 1 per family, while supplies last.
There will also be snacks and crafts and a lot of information about the eclipse provided throughout the afternoon as we enjoy the event.
Please note: This event is dependent on the weather, cloud cover, or rain as it may obscure the eclipse from view.
April 8th @ 1:45 pm (East Syracuse Library)
Solar Eclipse Watch Party
The library will show NASA's Livestream in the Community Room and patrons will be able to step right outside and watch the eclipse.
The library will have a limited supply of eclipse glasses.
There will be treats for the kids!
April 8th @ 2 pm -4 pm (Munro Park / Maxwell Library)
Eclipse Viewing Party at Munro Park
Join Maxwell Library staff at Munro Park in the Village of Camillus to view the solar eclipse safely as its path goes through Syracuse.
This event will be held rain or shine.
It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair or blanket, and dress accordingly. If you have eclipse glasses or a pinhole or cereal box viewer, please bring them with you.
Please note: The library building will be closed from 2-4 PM.
April 8th @ 2 pm – 4:30 pm (Salina Library)
Solar Eclipse Viewing
Enjoy hands-on eclipse-related activities such as making a pinhole viewer.
Watch the NASA eclipse coverage live stream on the big screen in the Community Room.
Solar eclipse glasses will be handed out while supplies last. Free.
Please note: The inside of the library will be closed from 3 to 3:30 pm. Restrooms and the Community Room will remain open.
April 8th @ 2 pm – 4:30 pm (Petit Branch)
Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Experience this once-in-a-lifetime event at Petit Library!
Weather permitting, watch the eclipse outside at Petit.
There will be eclipse activities for kids, and the NASA live stream of the eclipse inside.
Note: There will be a limited number of eclipse glasses to share, please bring your own if you have them.
April 8th @ 2 pm (Onondaga Lake Park / Liverpool Library)
Solar Spectacular at Onondaga Lake Park
Watch the rare total solar eclipse with Liverpool Library at this family-friendly event. Test your knowledge of eclipse trivia or participate in guided learning activities with an educator from Relate2Educate. * Meet on the green area northwest of the Salt Museum.
In the event of cloudy weather, the Solar Spectacular at Onondaga Lake Park will be canceled. If so, stop over at Liverpool Library in the Carman Room for live stream coverage from NASA and activities led by an educator from Relate2Educate.
The library will also stream NASA’s coverage in the Sargent Meeting Room beginning at 2 p.m.
Please note: Libraries cannot guarantee that eclipse glasses will be available for you on the day of the eclipse.
April 8th @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (Beauchamp Branch)
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Because Syracuse falls in the path of totality,on April 8, 2024, our city will experience complete darkness for about a minute, beginning around 3:23 PM.
Come watch this once-in-a-lifetime event outside of Beauchamp Library!
Free glasses while supplies last!
April 15th @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville)
Solar Eclipse Painting Party in the Children’s Programming Room
The full solar eclipse on April 8th was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this amazing natural phenomenon.
What better way to remember this moment than to paint it?
Come to the library and paint your solar eclipse interpretation and memory on canvas with acrylic paints.
Canvases, easels and paint will be provided. For ages 11—17. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.
During this time, the sky will eventually become totally dark because the Moon will completely block the face of the Sun at the point of totality.
When is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse?
April 8, 2024.
What Time Can I View the Eclipse?
In Syracuse, NY:
- Partiality begins at 2:09:01 p.m. (1 in diagram)
- Totality begins at 3:23:47 p.m. (2 in diagram)
- Totality ends at 3:24:30 p.m. (4 in diagram)
- Partiality ends at 4:34:49 p.m. (5 in diagram)
The total eclipse will last about 1 minute, 27 seconds.
From start to finish, the entire eclipse will last 2 hours, 25 minutes, 48 seconds.
Viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
The next total solar eclipse in New York State will not be until 2079!
Solar Eclipse Eye Safety
Warning: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING AN ECLIPSE!
You must wear special ‘eclipse glasses’ or use specialized viewers (like pinhole cameras) to view the eclipse safely.
If you do not protect your eyes adequately, you can experience temporary or permanent damage to your eyes.
Viewing the eclipse without special eye protection can cause blindness.
Why is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse So Important?
The 2024 eclipse is a unique event because tens of millions of people in North America will be able to view it.
The eclipse will pass over more cities and densely populated areas than in previous years.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us to see this type of eclipse in Central New York.
Here in Syracuse, our city is positioned right in the path of totality, which means we have an excellent opportunity to see the 2024 total solar eclipse.