Excitement is building for the many venturing out to catch the total solar eclipse just a bit south of us in Oregon on August 21st, the first total solar eclipse since 1918. Being in the path of totality is a truly breathtaking and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Except if you look directly at the sun without special glasses. Blindness is a distinct possibility.

Total Solar Eclipse Sweeps Across Indonesia
Getty Images - Total Solar Eclipse
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But the Richland library is coming to the rescue with eclipse ready glasses to be handed out for free.

Total Solar Eclipse Sweeps Across Indonesia
Getty Images - Total Solar Eclipse
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Nearly 5000 libraries and bookmobiles are giving away the glasses, thanks in part to a donation by the Moore Foundation. The Richland library will be handing the glasses out as part of a summer reading program that encourages kids to learn more about science.

The Richland library will also be hosting a special solar eclipse event the day of the eclipse at John Dam Plaza to teach kids more about the heavens and supply glasses to anyone who still needs them.

Besides the Richland Public Library, you can score your free pair of eclipse ready glasses at any Yakima Valley Library, at the Plaza Way Library in Walla Walla, or at the Oregon Trail Libraries in Boardman.

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