These "program-in-a-box" kits feature books, interactive activities, and solar viewing instruments. They also include printed materials aimed at helping public library staff feel more comfortable when talking about solar eclipses and solar science in general.
For programming ideas and other resources, visit Star Library Network.
There are a limited number of kits serving the entire state of Wisconsin. These kits are housed at South Central Library System (SCLS) to facilitate the quickest possible turnaround time.
SCLS – Delivery delivers to most system hubs daily, Monday through Friday (save NWLS, on Tuesdays/Thursdays only). From that point, each Library System’s delivery service takes over delivery. Please consider the following items when requesting the kits:
- Your library system's delivery schedule and when your system receives delivery from SCLS.
- Delivery service may be cancelled due to inclement weather, holidays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Scheduling these kits requires careful planning.
- “Delivery Date to System Hub” in the reservation form refers to the date you want the kit delivered to your system hub. Due to the factors detailed above, libraries (except for SCLS) should plan for a minimum of 2-7 days before the kit arrives.
- “Pickup Date from Your Library” refers to the date your system’s delivery service will pick up the kit from your library.
- Note: it will take a minimum of 2-7 days before the kit is returned to SCLS.
Multigenerational Audience (Adult) Programming Kits (2)
- Red Bin includes:
- 1 Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
- 1 Telescope case
- 1 Telescope mount
- When the Sun Goes Dark book
- 2 Large sunoculars
- Big Sun, Little Moon (handout only)
- Tripod in a black carrying case
- (see image and note below)
Younger Audience (Youth) Programming Kits (2)
- Blue Bin includes:
- 1 Sunspotter
- Moonbear's Shadow book
- Moonbear's Shadow activity pieces
- Printables
- 1 Stressball sun
- Flashlights
- 1 Tree stressball
- Toy bears
- 2 Sunocular minis
- Sorting Game printable files
Note: The Multigenerational (Adult) Kits include a telescope and a tripod. There is a black plastic piece with a screw at the bottom of each leg that holds the leg in place when it is extended to different heights.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREW on this plastic piece. Overtightening will cause the plastic piece to crack. If the piece is cracked, the tripod can’t support the weight of the telescope.
The solar kits for library programming throughout Wisconsin were made possible by funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, a supplement to the NASA@My Library project, the Space Science Institute, and the Star Library Network.