If you’re wondering where to get free eclipse glasses, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve uncovered even more places across the U.S. and Canada that are giving away eclipse glasses for free.
First, a reality check. Do you really need glasses for the solar eclipse? Yes, you do. The partial phases require them. They are 100,000 times darker than sunglasses and block out all but a tiny fraction of the sun’s visible light (as well as ultraviolet and infrared). What happens if you look at the eclipse without eclipse glasses is “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns, which can permanently affect your vision.
Solar eclipse glasses are available widely online and in local stores and cost about $3 each (though prices are rising to about $3.50). Make sure the company or brand is on the American Astronomical Society’s list of Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Free Eclipse Glasses
There are a lot of free eclipse glasses in the U.S. and Canada. For starters, a NASA grant enabled the American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force to distribute 150,000 eclipse glasses to anyone engaging in education and/or public outreach—but on the understanding that they were given away for free. The Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries project is giving away five million solar eclipse glasses via 13,000 public libraries across the U.S. Visitors bureaus, counties, and cities have bought millions of glasses to ensure that underserved communities—as well as anyone going to an eclipse observing event—has access to solar eclipse glasses.
So, if you’re going to a major eclipse event on April 8, do not worry—they will almost certainly give you a pair for free or for a very low cost. In short, if you want a pair of solar eclipse glasses, you’ll likely find some.
Despite this, America will likely run out of free eclipse glasses. Here’s where to get some for free—if you hurry:
Public libraries
The Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries project is giving away five million solar eclipse glasses via 13,000 public libraries across the U.S. However, do not expect your local library to have any—it may not be involved in the scheme or it may have run out weeks ago. Check this interactive map.
MyEyeDr, Texas
Eye care company MyEyeDr is offering free eclipse glasses when you purchase a complete pair of glasses or contact lenses—but only in Texas. More information.
Austin, Texas
Ten thousand eclipse glasses are being given away by the Austin Nature and Science Center, all 20 community recreation centers, four senior centers, and the three cultural centers.
Dallas, Texas
Totality Dallas is giving away free solar glasses at City of Dallas recreation centers. Glasses are limited to four per family, according to Dallas City News.
Evans Library, College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University Libraries will offer free solar eclipse glasses from March 25 to March 28 while supplies last. More information.
Corsicana, Texas
Corsicana Visitor Center and gift shop—in the path of totality—is giving away complimentary eclipse glasses. More information.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The Arkansas State Library has generously donated 22,400 pairs of eclipse glasses to the North Little Rock Public Library System. Here’s where to get them.
Searcy, Arkansas
A whopping 50,000 pairs of glasses were purchased in January 2023 by the Searcy, Arkansas Advertising & Promotion Commission, with the intention that all glasses would be given away for free at local businesses. The big giveaway begins on March 18, when glasses will be available at local hotels, restaurants and food businesses, as well as the local community center for public pickup. Glasses will also be available at the town’s four designated eclipse viewing sites and events. More information.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Visit Indy purchased 100,000 glasses and will distribute them to local attractions and hotel rooms for guests. Here’s where to Get Eclipse Glasses in Indy
Monroe, Michigan
Free glasses for Monroe County residents are available at branches of the Monroe County Library System (starting March 25), the Old Mill Museum in Dundee and at Monroe’s Sterling State Park, River Raisin National Battlefield Park and the Monroe County Museum System.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will offer free eclipse glasses beginning Monday, March 18 at all 23 CML locations. Columbus is just outside the path of totality.
Country Fair, Erie County, Pennsylvania
This region’s largest convenience store chain, Country Fair, started providing a free pair of eclipse glasses with every purchase beginning March 1.
Buffalo Museum of Science, New York
Erie County funding means complimentary eclipse glasses are available at the Buffalo Museum of Science (limit two per person) while supplies last. More information.
Chautauqua County, New York
This county on Lake Erie—and in the path of totality—has a huge network of places giving away free eclipse glasses.
Destiny USA, Syracuse, New York
Starting today, this mall is giving away two free solar eclipse glasses to anyone who signs up for its mailing list.
Montreal, Canada
Montrealers can get a free pair from one of the city’s 45 libraries as of March 18. Tens of thousands are available. Other places include the Clinique universitaire de la vision and from HEC Montréal and Polytechnique de Montréal. More information.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
