A variety of national programs have made solar eclipse eye protection available to communities for free. Be sure to check your local library or community center for possible availability. Below is a sampling of locations that offer the eye protection on a limited basis.
Augusta
The Maine State Library, 242 State St., will offer one free pair of eclipse glasses per person, while supplies last. For more information call 207-287-5600.
Bridgton
The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club members plan to hand out eclipse eye coverings on Saturday, April 6, at the Bridgton Farmers Market at 166 Harrison Road.
Gardiner
Gardiner Public Library, 152 Water St., will offer free eclipse glasses. Limit one per person present. For more information call 207-582-3312.
Hinckley
The L.C. Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley as part of the NASA CAMP partnership program and NASA Activities was given solar glasses for safely viewing the April 8 eclipse. The museum has given out over 1,600 pairs of glasses but still has 125 pairs to give to families. NASA safety instructions for viewing the eclipse are included with the glasses. Come by the museum to receive glasses for your family. At the museum the April eclipse is about 90% but if you go further north it is 100%. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. For more information call the museum 207-238-4250.
Lewiston
The Lewiston Public Library plans to hand out free eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-serve basis starting Wednesday, March 27, at the Lending Desk at the 200 Lisbon St. library. There will be a limit of two glasses handed out per person; the glasses may not be reserved in advance. For more information, contact the library at 207-513-3135 or LPLReference@lewistonmaine.gov.
Rangeley
The Rangeley Public Library, 7 Lake St., still has solar eclipse glasses to give out. The glasses are free, but there is a limit to two pairs per household. For more information call 207-864-5529.
Mount Vernon
Dr. Shaw Memorial Library, 344 Pond Road, has a limited number of glasses available on a first come, first serve basis. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. They will open at 2:30 p.m. Monday for a special eclipse gathering. For more information, call 207-293-2565.
Skowhegan
Skowhegan Free Public Library has a limited supply of free eclipse glasses available, two pair per family. Stop by the library at 9 Elm St. in Skowhegan to get a pair. For more information call 207-474-9072.
Waterville
Eclipse Survival Kits will be handed out starting at 10 a.m. until supplies last on Saturday, April 6, at the Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm St. Kits include glasses and sweet treats. For more information call 207-872-5433 or visit watervillelibrary.org.
Winthrop
Bailey Public Library, 39 Bowdoin St., will have eclipse-viewing glasses available on a first come, first serve basis. Supplies are limited. Come in person to pick them up; limit two pairs per library card. For more information call 207-377-8673 or visit baileylibrary.org
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