The Perry Public Library was filled to overflowing Monday afternoon with people eager to learn and view the total solar eclipse.

The library hosted an event leading up to it, where a presentation was given to around 220 eager attendees. Participants then had the opportunity to do a yardstick experiment to simulate the sun being blocked out by the moon. Library Director Mary Murphy said they had 150 safety glasses available, purchased directly from NASA, and she was pleased people were kind enough to share them with others.

The skies were overcast for most of the eclipse viewing, but the clouds did break enough to give observers a great view of the rare celestial event. Murphy was overwhelmed by the turnout, and she’s excited to help foster the City’s new interest in astronomy. “If I knew it was going to be this popular, I would have ordered more glasses! It was really from all ages. From families to older people, everybody is interested in this. And so that’s my takeaway: we have interest in this area.”

Additionally, Murphy believes the interest will contribute to very high numbers for next year’s summer reading program, as the theme is “Discover Space.” The program will include 11 museum-quality kiosks at the library, as well as several programs and activities centered around the universe outside of Earth’s atmosphere.