Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) Program for NJ Libraries

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Two solar eclipses are coming to North America: an Annular Eclipse in 2023 and a Total Solar Eclipse in 2024!

With funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute, through its Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program has provided the NJ State Library with solar science kits, and information and activities to share with public libraries for their library patrons.

The NJ State Library is circulating two solar eclipse activities for libraries (SEAL) kits. We have 4 kits in total: 2 of each type of kits. Borrowers can have one kit at a time for one week and they must come to the NJ State Library to pick it up in person.

  • A multi-generational kit that contains a solar telescope and sunoculars, with accompanying science activities. The kit measures 44”X 20”X 17”
  • A younger audience kit that includes a sunspotter and sunoculars with accompanying science activities. The kit measures 30.5”X20”X17”

*Note: While the kit is designed for younger audiences, the younger audience kit may be used for all age groups.

Multigenerational Kit

 

Younger Audience Kit

 

Public libraries can borrow one of the kits for one week. You must come to the NJ State Library in-person to pick up the kit and have a vehicle large enough to fit the kit. The multi-generational kit is 44”X20”X17”. The youth audiences kit is 30.5”X20”X17”. Each kit weighs 40-50 pounds.

Click here to register to request a kit.

While staff at the State Library will seek to honor requested weeks for programming, we cannot guarantee your week request will be available. The New Jersey State Library will email you more information about using the kits to your library when we confirm your requested week.

The Science Institute’s SEAL team has also developed a guide for public libraries that contains ideas and resources for solar eclipse science and viewing. STAR Net has a blog with information for getting started using the solar eclipse resources  and a short How-To-Video on how to set up and operate the solar telescope. They also have a clearinghouse with STEM activities for public libraries. Access more solar eclipse activities here.

Questions regarding the New Jersey State Library’s SEAL kits can be directed to Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Specialist, srawlins@njstatelib.org.

About Julia Giantomasi

I've had opportunities throughout my career to coordinate marketing and social media for live events and small businesses across various industries. I've enjoyed keeping up with the trends and using social media to not only promote quality services but create a sense of community. As the PR & Marketing Coordinator for the New Jersey State Library I can draw from these experiences in order to provide tips and best practices for libraries handling their own marketing and social media. I hope that I can be a resource to libraries across New Jersey as they engage with their communities.