The Watertown Library announced a series of events leading up to the April 8th solar eclipse. The following information was provided by the Library:
April 1–8 is Space Week at the Watertown Free Public Library! Are you ready for the solar eclipse? Yes or no, you are invited to discover fun and educational library events, for all ages, in the first week of April. After learning all about space, join WFPL staff as we safely watch the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th in Saltonstall Park!
Need eclipse glasses? Attend a Space Week at WFPL program to receive free solar eclipse glasses. Glasses are distributed at the conclusion of each program, while supplies last.
Here’s a look at everything the Library has planned…
Multi Ages Programs:
- Science Class: Let’s Go to the Moon!
Wed. 4/3 | 6 PM | Recommended for Ages 8+ | Join NASA Solar System Ambassador and educator Benadette Manning for a hands-on workshop all about the moon! Learn about the phases of the moon, the moon’s role in the upcoming Solar Eclipse, and space exploration missions to the moon. No Registration required. - Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!
Mon. 4/8 | 2-4 PM | Saltonstall Park, adjacent to WFPL | Safely view the eclipse with us in the park! We’ll have solar eclipse glasses and commemorative stickers to distribute while supplies last. No Registration required.
Children’s Programs:
- What is an Eclipse?
Mon. 4/1 | 4 PM | For ages 5-11 | Let’s get prepared for the Total Solar Eclipse that’s only a week away! We’ll do experiments to help you visualize what happens when the moon blocks the sun. No Registration required. - Solar System Explorers
Tue. 4/2 | 4 PM | For ages 5-11 | Make your own model of our solar system. Learn the names of the planets and how they differ from Earth. No Registration required. - Oreo Phases of the Moon
Wed. 4/3 | 4 PM | For ages 5-11 | Why does the moon appear to change shape in our sky? Use Oreo cookies to demonstrate the light or shadow cast on our moon during each phase. No Registration required. - Launch a Rocket!
Thu. 4/4 | 4 PM | For ages 5-11 | Let’s build rockets and launch them through the air. You’ll get to take them home! No Registration required. - Crafternoon: Space Craft
Fri. 4/5 | 4 PM | For ages 5-11 | Can you engineer a parachute that drops gently to the ground? We’ll use craft supplies to decorate our spacecraft landing devices. No Registration required.
Teen Programs:
- Galaxy Slime
Tue. 4/2 | 3:30 pm | Grades 6-12 | Make gorgeous, gooey, shimmery slime with glitter! No registration required. - Nebula in a Jar
Wed. 4/3 | 3:30 PM | Grades 6-12 | Make your very own galaxy in a jar! Create this effect by using dyed water and cotton balls mixed with glitter. No registration required. - Pinhole Eclipse Viewer
Thu. 4/4 | 3:30 PM | Grades 6-12 | Protect your eyeballs and view the total solar eclipse with this simple device! No registration required.
Hatch Makerspace Programs (20 Summer Street, Watertown)
- Eclipse Viewer Boxes *Sustainability Series*
Mon. 4/1 | 6-8 PM | Hatch Makerspace | Ages 12+ | Please bring a cardboard shoe box if you have one. Registration is required. - Eclipse Viewer Box Take-and-make Kits *Sustainability Series*
Tue. 4/ 2 – Sun. 4/7 | Hatch Makerspace | Ages 8 + | Come pick up an Eclipse Viewer Take-and-Make kit at Hatch during the first week of April. Limit one kit per person. No registration required.
Adult Programs:
- Movie Monday: Apollo 13 [PG]
Mon. 4/1 | 6:30 PM | No registration required. - How Baby Planets Grow Up: Understanding Their Birthplaces
Tue. 4/2 | 7 PM | Join astrophysicist and Boston University Director of the Institute for Astrophysical Research Dr. Catherine C. Espaillat Did you know that planets are born in special areas called protoplanetary disks that orbit young stars? Understanding how these disks change into planetary systems is a big puzzle in astronomy. In this talk, we’ll look at some exciting discoveries and see how they match up with what we think happens when planets are born. No registration required.
To learn more about Space Week events, including a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party FAQ and eclipse day parking recommendations, visit watertownlib.org/space
About WFPL
The Watertown Free Public Library provides access to a wide variety of popular materials, resources, services, and programs that fulfill the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Watertown and surrounding communities. Our Library works to create an environment that attracts and welcomes users of all ages and abilities. watertownlib.org