COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Monday marks 21 days until the total solar eclipse that will take place in Ohio on April 8.

At about 3:10 p.m., totality will cause a blackout lasting about three or four minutes. But to see the rare phenomenon, you’ll need some special eyewear, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library has you covered.

“Very excited about it. My entire family and I are going to watch it together,” says Emily Doll, a central Ohio resident who works not far from the library’s main branch. Doll says she’s been telling family and friends about next month’s solar eclipse for almost a year.

On Monday morning, she and her colleagues were among the many community members who made a point to grab their free glasses at the first chance they got. “It is so exciting. It’s going to be dark at 3 p.m. How cool is that!?” Doll exclaims.

While Doll and her family will gather in the path of totality near Dayton, Dan Sutter says he plans to head to Cleveland for the once-in-a-lifetime event. “Anything with the eclipse I get excited about,” Stutter admits. “I wouldn’t want to say a championship for Cleveland or Ohio State, but it’s a big deal. When you think about the number of people involved, it’s as big.”

The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Ohio was back in 1806. The next one won’t happen until 2099, making next month’s eclipse truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. The library, which distributed COVID tests during the pandemic, says it’s their role to respond to the needs of community, saying they want to provide everything the community needs to enjoy the celestial phenomenon safely.

“We’re uniquely positioned to be a community resource for eclipse glasses and any other public safety needs,” says Ben Zenitsky, a spokesperson with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The library says they have about 100,000 glasses available to the community. They’re being handed out at all 23 locations and will be limited to four per person.

They’re also planning a watch party at the library on April 8th, and encourage everyone who picks up a pair of glasses between now and then, to sign up for your library card as well.

“We want to make sure that everyone is, of course, educated,” Zenitsky adds. “We are a library after all, so our staff has chosen some great books about eclipses, the sun, the moon, and the stars. So, when you come in and get your eclipse glasses, make sure you don’t leave without a stack of books in your hand as well.”

And within the next few days, CML locations will also offer free COSI-supplied solar kits, which include a pair of glasses and other activities to enjoy at home. The library says because of some of the items included, the kits will only be available to adults 18-and-up.

“I think it’s just going to be an awesome experience, and you know, if this one’s really cool I might turn into one of those eclipse hunters that goes all around the world to see them!” says Doll. The watch party hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library will take place at the main library on Grant Avenue from 1-4 p.m.

The event will include activities on the lawn with COSI representatives before and after the eclipse. For a full list of locations to get eclipse glasses, click here.