Just days before the much anticipated April 8, solar eclipse, another area school district has announced they’ll be closed that day.

Mt. Vernon District 80 announced Thursday that their schools will be closed on Monday, April 8, due to the total solar eclipse.

However, the C.E. Brehm Memorial Library in Mt. Vernon will be open and will host a viewing party at 12:30 p.m. Monday.  Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for free, thanks to a grant from StarNet.com.

District 80 joins other school districts in the area in either dismissing students early that day or canceling classes entirely to avoid having school buses, parents, students, and staff dealing with the traffic congestion expected throughout the region.

You know there’s going to be a lot of traffic around our area as thousands of tourists will be here to witness Monday’s solar eclipse taking place around 2 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says if you find yourself driving during the eclipse; make sure you turn on your headlights because it’s going to be dark even through its daytime.

You should not take photos, or videos, or wear “eclipse glasses” while driving.

Don’t park along the shoulder of the road, highway, or interstate to watch the eclipse.

Always exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic before viewing the eclipse.

Check travel conditions at gettingaroundillinois.com.

Many communities in the path of totality are having festivals and concerts over the weekend leading up to Monday’s eclipse. You can find out more at enjoyillinois.com.