FREE ACCESS: Recycle eclipse glasses with library, MoHigh

The Total Eclipse of the Bluff was an awe-inspiring event and created lifetime memories for residents and visitors. Now, many are asking what they should do with their eclipse glasses. Poplar Bluff Library has an answer.

Partnering with Missouri Highlands Health Care, the library is collecting eclipse glasses for schoolchildren in South America. This partnership will work with Eclipse Glasses USA, an organization coordinating efforts to gather glasses from this month’s eclipse and distribute them to youth for an eclipse occurring in the southern hemisphere this October.

“The library loved welcoming people from all over during the eclipse,” said Poplar Bluff Library Assistant Director Belinda Birrer. “By collecting glasses to give to other communities, we hope to continue sharing the kindness and generosity of the Poplar Bluff community.”

Lisa Martin, Missouri Highlands Health Care RCORP Director, is excited to spearhead this community project. “Through the lens of sustainability, Missouri Highlands Health Care is not just recycling eclipse glasses; they’re fostering community wellness. With the support of RCORP grant funding, we’re not only protecting our vision of the sky but also nurturing behavioral health, one recycled pair at a time,” she said.

Eclipse glasses can be dropped off at the Poplar Bluff Library Main Branch at 318 N. Main Street from now until May 8. The library is open seven days a week and their hours can be found at poplarbluff.org.