By: Nick Szegda

The countdown is on for the solar eclipse that happens this Monday, Aug. 21. Beginning at 9 a.m., join fellow eclipse watchers in front of the library to see this rare event. The moon will eclipse 80 percent of the sun in Menlo Park that morning, with the peak eclipse occurring around 10:15 a.m. Be sure to view the eclipse safely - never look directly at the sun without special eclipse viewing glasses. Check out the eclipse site at NASA for safe viewing tips and to explore the science behind the eclipse. The library has been distributing glasses to participants of our eclipse events - we have distributed 1000 pairs to date. We will have 300 pairs of glasses to distribute on the morning of the event. Don't have glasses? Don't despair. You can make your own pinhole viewer at the library through Sunday, and we'll have some materials on hand for you crafty types. Can't watch the event live? Join us for a reviewing at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Library's downstairs meeting room.