By Susan Fisher, MPL—
MUNCIE, IN—April 7-13, 2024, is National Library Week, and Muncie Public Library (MPL) will celebrate in a big way by offering Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties on Monday, April 8 at three library branches. The parties will include free refreshments and free solar-viewing glasses while supplies last. “We are really having fun with this event and will serve Sun Chips and Moon Pies,” said Donna Catron, Library Manager at the Kennedy Library. Solar activities and information will also be available at all parties, as well as coloring sheets designed by Moth Danner, founder of the Muncie Makers Market. Special $1 eclipse souvenir library cards are on sale now at all branches and will be offered for sale at the parties while supplies last. The proceeds will support programs at MPL.
In addition to the Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties, Muncie Public Library (MPL) encourages all community members to visit any MPL branch during National Library Week to explore all that libraries have to offer. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association. The theme this year is, “Ready, Set, Library!”
Libraries are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and more. Libraries also play a critical role in the economic vitality of communities by providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, tutoring, and a vital link for needed support through partnerships with helping organizations such as the Goodwill Excel Center, Open Door Connections, LifeStream Services, Indiana Legal Services, and the AARP Tax Aide program.
MPL also offers free notary service by appointment at two of its branches. Tenisha Harris, Connection Corner Supervisor, and Katherine Mitchell, MPL Assistant Library Director, saw a need for this service due to frequent customer requests and became certified as Notary Publics to fill that need.
Participants at a 2017 event at MPL safely view the partial eclipse. MPL will host similar events during the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Photo provided
Alan Kornblau, who recently began his tenure as MPL Library Director, values the partnerships and services already in place at MPL, and looks forward to expanding the library’s role in the community. “The library is an integral part of community life with four locations in the city to make it easier to visit. Our mission is to provide accessible and innovative services responding to the reading, informational, educational, and enrichment needs of the community. We are here to support you any way that we can, so stop by, call us, or go online, and take advantage of what we have to offer. Let’s grow together.”
A public welcome reception for Kornblau, who most recently led the Old Bridge Public Library in New Jersey, will be held in May.
The Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties will take place on Monday, April 8. All MPL branches will be closed that day with no regular library service available, so that staff can prepare for the eclipse events. Attendees can set up their blankets and chairs beginning at 1 p.m. All ages are welcome, but for safety concerns, children under 12 must be with a parent or responsible guardian. The parties will be held in the green spaces at the following branches:
Connection Corner, 1812 E. Centennial Ave.
Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Rd.
Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St.
As always, a library card is never required to enjoy the resources, displays, and events at MPL. For more details, visit the library’s website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org or call the MPL Public Relations Department at (765) 741-7336.
A special souvenir MPL library card that looks like the image above is on sale now for $1 at all MPL branches, The card is commemorative only and not an actual library card.
