Arlington Public Library to Host Events and Activities Celebrating Total Solar Eclipse

By Zoe Wainer, Arlington Public Library

Posted on March 21, 2024, March 21, 2024

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, with the line of totality crossing 15 U.S. states—including Texas! Join the Arlington Public Library in celebrating this momentous event with programming ranging from Makerspace crafts to storytimes.

NASA Ambassador Presents: Total Eclipse Over Texas

Saturday, March 23, 1 to 2 p.m., Downtown Library

• Explore women's history and learn about the total eclipse over Texas! Maria Blue, NASA's Solar System Ambassador, will provide information about this historical event. This program is for all ages! Click here for more info.

Spring into the Eclipse: Paint with Me

Thursday, March 28, 6 – 8 p.m., Downtown Library

• Join us for a special space-themed art project in preparation for the eclipse happening on April 8th. Create a fun work of art using acrylic paint and a blank canvas. Class is limited to the first 20 in attendance for ages 13+. Click here for more details.

Spring into the Eclipse: Family Storytime

Monday, April 1, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Lake Arlington Branch

Wednesday, April 3, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Woodland West Branch

• Join our fabulous library staff as we explore stories, rhymes, songs, and more in this special space themed storytime! This program is developmentally appropriate for ages 2-4. Click here for more info.

Spring into the Eclipse: Lego Challenge

 Wednesday, April 3, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Lake Arlington Branch

•  Join us for a special space-themed edition of our Lego challenge! This week, we are building all things space. Come create a spaceship, a planet, a space station, or an alien! This is a come and go program for ages 5-11. Click here for details.

 3D Printing for Beginners: Solar Eclipse Pinhole Map

 Thursday, April 4, 4 – 7 p.m., Downtown Library

•  Get ready for the upcoming total solar eclipse by printing a pinhole map you can use to safely view the eclipse. This class is offered in three sessions with 6 registration per session and is appropriate for ages 9+. If you want to attend as a group, please have one individual register. Materials will be limited to one pinhole map per group. Click here to register.

 Cricut for Beginners: Solar Eclipse T-shirts

 Friday, April 5, 2 – 5 p.m., Downtown Library

•  Create a one-of-a-kind T-Shirt for you to wear during the total solar eclipse. Please bring a solid color t-shirt and we will provide the vinyl. This class is limited to the first 16 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+. Registration is required. Click here to register.

 Spring into the Eclipse: Tween and Teen Hour of Code

 Friday, April 5, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Downtown Library

•  Join us for this special eclipse-themed coding program! Tweens and teens ages 10-17 are invited to spend an hour learning the basics of computer science and coding. Registration is required for this program. Click here to register.

 Spring into the Eclipse: Laser Cutter for Beginners: Solar Eclipse Art

 Saturday, April 6, 2 – 5 p.m., Downtown Library

•  Join us for a very special eclipse-themed art project! Learn about the many things you do with the Glowforge Laser Cutter in this introductory class and create a unique space-themed project. This class is limited to the first 8 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+. Click here for info.

 Looking for Eclipse Glasses?

 From March 11 through April 1, participate in the Library’s Eclipse Reading Challenge on Beanstack for a chance to win an Eclipse Party prize pack, which includes twenty pairs of eclipse glasses. Kids and teens will need to log three hours of reading and participate in one eclipse-themed activity for a chance to win.

Total Eclipse of the Park on April 8

 On April 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation will be hosting Total Eclipse of the Park at the Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St., in Downtown. The first 3,000 in attendance at this free community event will receive a pair of eclipse glasses. Click here to learn more about this event. 

 The Library does not have any other eclipse glasses to give away.