In an effort to meet the high demand for solar eclipse glasses, the Ferdinand Branch Library purchased additional glasses from Amazon that were described as safe for solar eclipse viewing several weeks ago. This was done in good faith to try to meet the needs of our patrons. We received notice on August 17 from Amazon that the glasses purchased from Amazon can no longer be certified as safe for eclipse viewing. Our number one concern is the safety of our patrons. A total of 97 pairs of the glasses purchased from Amazon were distributed to the public.
All solar eclipse glasses that were received through the STARnet program for libraries are certified safe. The glasses are black and blue with the date August 21, 2017 in the middle and STARnet and NCIL logos on the right side. All glasses given out by the Dubois and Jasper Libraries are safe and certified for use. Several certified pairs were given out at the Ferdinand Branch as well and those are also safe.
The pairs purchased for distribution at the Ferdinand Branch Library from Amazon that CANNOT be certified as safe now by Amazon are various colors but are predominately red, orange, or purple. We recommend throwing those glasses away and to not use during the eclipse.
We apologize for any confusion this may cause. In an effort to ensure the safety of our patrons, we wanted to inform the public as soon as we received notice from Amazon about their decision. To reiterate, all glasses given out at the Jasper and Dubois Libraries are certified and safe.
If anyone has any questions, please contact Christine Golden at cgolden@jdcpl.us
