[NOTE: In mailings to the media and community groups, include announcements, flyers and brochures of literary programs related to this event. Letters to the media should also include press kits, an offer to assist in developing stories, and a library contact.]

[DATE]

Dear friend of the library, [PERSONALIZE GREETING WHENEVER POSSIBLE]

[LIBRARY NAME]has joined more than 2,000 libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century, the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse. During this national event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that hasn't occurred in decades. In fact, the last total solar eclipse for the United States was nearly 40 years ago. The rest of the U.S. and North America will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering up only part of the Sun. It is aptly named the Great American Eclipse.

Getting people interested in science can be a challenge, butthis event will be a great opportunity for our community to celebrate science withfun, hands-on and multimedia activities, culminating in the eclipse event on August 21, 2017. The [LIBRARY NAME]will offer public events to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming to children, teens and adults in our community.For a calendar of related programs, visit [WEBSITE].

We are proud that [LIBRARY NAME]has joined theSTAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net) and itsNASA@ My Libraryproject, which are providing resources and STEM activities related to the eclipse. Partners include NASA, the American Library Association, and many other organizations.This project was made possible through support from theNASA Science Mission Directorate, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Google, and the National Science Foundation.

We would like to invite you to a [special community meeting about the event and how our community can be better prepared to safely view the eclipse] at [TIME] on [DAY/DATE] at the library [OR SpecificLOCATION IN LIBRARY]. [NAME] will be a guest speaker. You will find additional information enclosed. Please contact me at [PHONE/EMAIL] if you have questions.

We hope you can join us as we introduce this exciting educational project to our community.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[TITLE]