Celebrate the solar eclipse with MCPL!

Three Ways to Celebrate: 

All MCPL locations will be celebrating the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! As part of a grant, MCPL has received solar eclipse glasses to give away for free at all nine locations. Prior to the eclipse date of April 8, we’ve planned a variety of eclipse-themed programs and events across Marathon County. Finally, for our bookworms, we’ve curated a list of books about solar eclipses that you can use to browse materials available through MCPL.

How to Get Free Eclipse Glasses: 

Eclipse glasses will be prioritized for program participants (see a list of eligible events below), but glasses can also be picked up first come first served at all locations starting on Monday, April 1 and will be handed out until April 8 while supplies last. Glasses will be limited to one pair per person or two per group. The eclipse will last about three hours, so MCPL encourages groups and families to share glasses. We recommend glasses be for ages 8+.

Eclipse Events: 

See the Sun in a New Light

Prior to the April solar eclipse, community members of all ages can (safely) look at the sun in a whole new way: with a solar telescope and sunoculars!

Wausau: Saturday, March 9, 10-11 am

A smiling potato holds a large sword. An angry donut floats menacingly toward the potato. A blue castle is in the background.

The 1919 Solar Eclipse

Adults & teens are invited to a talk by Dr. Aaron Steffen on the famous eclipse of 1919.

Wauasu: Wednesday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 pm

CD Eclipse Art for Teens

Teens are invited to join us in transforming discarded, broken CDs into stunning eclipse-inspired works of art!

Wausau: Thursday, March 28, 6-7 pm

A young teen looks up uncertainly at the sky. Rain drops fall all around and into their open hand.

Solar Eclipse Chalk Art

Patrons of all ages who love art and science can drop in at any of our participating MCPL locations to create your own corona chalk art masterpiece!

Wausau: Thursday, March 28, 1-3pm in Wausau Community Room

Mosinee: Anytime the library is open between Monday, April 1 and Saturday, April 6

Rothschild: Anytime the library is open between Monday, April 1 and Saturday, April 6

Hatley: Anytime the library is open on Tuesday, April 2

Marathon: Anytime the library is open on Wednesday, April 3

Edgar: Wednesday, April 3, 4-5pm

Eclipse Scavenger Hunt

Patrons of all ages can stop in at any of several MCPL locations to complete an eclipse-themed scavenger hunt!

Rothschild: Monday, April 1- Saturday, April 6

Hatley: Monday, April 1- Saturday, April 6

Athens: Monday, April 1- Saturday, April 6

Spencer: Monday, April 1- Saturday, April 6

Stratford: Monday, April 1- Saturday, April 6

A young teen looks up uncertainly at the sky. Rain drops fall all around and into their open hand.

DIY Cereal Box Eclipse Viewer

Children and caregivers can get ready for the upcoming solar eclipse by creating your own eclipse viewer out of a cereal box and other craft supplies!

Mosinee: Thursday, April 4th 3-5pm
Rothschild: Thursday, April 4th 3-5pm

For more information on the solar eclipse, visit NASA’s website or check out books about solar eclipses by checking out our curated list here. If you are attempting to watch the solar eclipse with kids, this guide from PBS has great resources.

-Taylor W. / Youth Services Librarian

Marathon County Public Library

Marathon County Public Library (MCPL)

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