This in-person workshop will prepare and empower public library staff to facilitate meaningful solar and space science programs for their patrons that build curiosity, knowledge and inspiration. This workshop is available to any public library staff from across NY State. You do not need to be an STLS member to attend. Attendees will receive hands-on training on operating solar telescopes and other methods for direct and indirect solar viewing, best practices for developing and facilitating STEM programs, and how to engage with community partners and library-specific digital resource networks. Attendees will also be able to sign up for free solar eclipse glasses to distribute to their communities in advance of both eclipses! STAR Net facilitators, bringing many years of experience building the STEM capacity of public library staff, will work with each state library to customize the workshop experience based on the needs and interests of public libraries within that state. The workshop will use materials from the circulation kits and highlight best practices in using those materials but the strategies, activities and resources shared during the workshop will be useful to attendees whether they have access to a circulation kit or not.

This is an all-day workshop. Lunch will be provided. There is a space to specify dietary restrictions on the registration form. Because this is a state-wide event and attendance is limited, please only register if you will definitely attend this event in person. You do not need to be an STLS member to attend this workshop, it is open to all public library staff. If you are from another public library system, please select "Other" as your library location when filling out the registration form.

The goals of these solar science workshops are to help library staff:

1. Build off the excitement of the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, and engage their patrons in solar science activities

2. Safely and effectively facilitate direct (e.g. solar telescope and Sunoculars) and indirect methods of safe solar viewing

3. Develop and facilitate exciting and interactive STEM programming at their library

While workshops are customizable, almost every solar science workshop will include the following elements:

● Advice on engaging with community partners to promote and support solar science programs

● Ample opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and group discussions

● Direct instruction on setting up and using solar telescopes and sun spotters

● “Guide on the Side” facilitation strategies for STEM learning

● Help navigating STAR Net’s online community, where public library staff can share eclipse-related programming ideas, strategies and resources

● Hands-on facilitation of interactive solar science programs designed for library settings

● Advice on leveraging NASA volunteer networks like the Night Sky Network and Solar System Ambassadors