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Eclipse safety glasses hard to find in Las Vegas ahead of Monday's solar event

Posted at 3:42 PM, Aug 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-19 02:30:35-04

The rush is on to get safety glasses in time for Monday's eclipse.

RELATED: Eclipse coverage in Las Vegas

Three Las Vegas-Clark County libraries split up a shipment of more than 2,000 of them, and they ran out in less than a week.

Theron Nissen, the manager at the Windmill branch, says the library is receiving more than 50 calls a day asking for the glasses.

"I didn't think there would be this much excitement over it but this is the first total eclipse that's going to go coast to coast in the country in over 100 years so I think that built up some excitement," Nissen said.

Several brand-name retail stores had glasses available, including Walmart and Best Buy, but many of them are now sold out.

Parents 13 Action News spoke to welcomed the interest in the solar event.

They see it as an educational opportunity for their children.

"It gives them a chance to learn about the solar system in a way that they don't get to experience every day, probably once in their whole childhood," said Jill Craven, a mother with young daughters.

To make sure your glasses meet the proper safety requirements, or to learn more about viewing events in your area, click here.