Have you heard what’s happening in Central Oregon this summer? You know, the eclipse?

Of course you have — it’s all anyone’s talking about these days, and with good reason. This will be the first total solar eclipse in North America since 1979.

The total solar eclipse, which sweeps over the U.S. on Monday, is drawing national attention to our region since several communities are located in the path of totality. Central Oregon can expect the partial eclipse to begin at approximately 9:06 a.m., with totality occurring around 10:19 a.m.

Emergency services are planning for an influx of up to 1 million visitors into Oregon for several days on either side of the eclipse. Find tips for watching the eclipse and staying safe and sane on our website at www.deschuteslibrary.org/eclipse.

We recommend staying off the roads and reading some of these titles to get you ready for this rare celestial event:

“He Said/She Said” by Erin Kelly

Two young lovers travel to Cornwall to see a total eclipse of the sun. Laura witnesses something terrible in the hushed moments after the shadow passes. Subsequent events take a twisted turn, and she begins to wonder — did she trust the wrong person?

“Dolores Claiborne” by Stephen King

More mystery than horror, King brings Dolores Clairborne — a 65-year-old Maine housekeeper — to life as she defends herself against charges of killing her employer while confessing to another crime during a total eclipse in 1963.

“Every Soul a Star” by Wendy Mass

In this children’s book, Ally, Bree and Jack meet at the one place the Great Eclipse can be seen in totality, each carrying the burden of different personal problems, which become dim when compared to the task they embark upon and the friendship they find.

“American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World” by David Baron

Fierce jockeying came to dominate late 19-century American astronomy, revealing the challenges faced by three of the most determined eclipse chasers who participated in this adventure.

“Eclipse: Journeys to the Dark Side of the Moon” by F.E. Close

Explore the spellbinding allure of the 2017 solar eclipse. Learn why eclipses happen, their role in history, literature and myth, and meet eclipse chasers.

“Mask of the Sun: The Science, History and Forgotten Lore of Eclipses” by John Dvorak

Discover the science, history and forgotten lore of one of the rarest and most stunning celestial events we can witness here on Earth.

“1831, Year of Eclipse” by Louis P. Masur

Everyone knew that the great eclipse of 1831 was coming, and most Americans feared it. Delve into the themes — slavery, state’s rights, religion, politics and mechanization — that underlay this tumultuous year.

“Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses, From Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets” by Tyler E. Nordgren

From the astrologers of ancient China and Babylon to the high priests of the Maya, Sun Moon Earth takes us around the world to show how different cultures interpreted cosmic events.

— Jenny Pedersen is a community librarian at the Redmond Library. Contact her at jenniferp@dpls.lib.or.us.