ALABASTER – Alabaster residents will have the opportunity to view a rare celestial event from their own community at the Albert L. Scott Library’s Explore the Eclipse Party from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21.

Children’s Librarian Frances Smith, the event is in celebration of the total solar eclipse that is projected to be partially visible throughout North America on Aug. 21

Smith said, so far, the event has garnered a lot of interest from members of the community.

“We thought it would be easier for people to gather in their neighborhood with friends and family to witness this event,” Smith said.

During the event, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs to watch the eclipse from the library grounds. Special ISO compliant sunglasses will be given out to the first 100 people who arrive.

“People really have to be careful with their eyes,” Smith said.

The event is open to people of all ages. However, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Smith said she hopes the event will cultivate an interest in science and bring the community together.

“We hope at least 100 people come,” Smith said. “This is almost a once in a lifetime event.”

According to NASA, the eclipse will be visible from parts of Alabama starting at about noon.

For more information about the solar eclipse, visit Eclipse2017.nasa.gov.