Libraries in Norfolk have quashed rumours they are handing out solar eclipse glasses after an AI blunder.
Library branches across the region have received a flurry of inquiries about whether they are offering the glasses to members of the public ahead of the rare eclipse on Wednesday.
It comes after information was spread online, with some claiming it was an AI blunder, which suggested that libraries across the UK were stocking and distributing them.
However, the service - which is run by Norfolk County Council - has taken to social media to shut down the rumour and state it does not have any available to give out.
In a post from Norfolk Libraries and Information Service, it said: "There seems to be a rumour going round that library services around the UK have stock and are distributing solar eclipse glasses - and we've had a number of enquiries today.
"Unfortunately we do not have glasses available at Norfolk Libraries."
One person said they had tried to research where they could get the glasses and it appeared that different AI platforms are saying libraries may stock them to give out.
The library service responded saying "a lot of other library services across the UK have reported people have been asking because AI platforms have said they are".
The post did share advice for safely viewing the eclipse, noting that normal sunglasses are not sufficient protection.
Only certified eclipse glasses should be used.
Norfolk Libraries also directed people to a video on how to make a pinhole viewer at home, which allows for safe indirect viewing of the eclipse.
This week's event marks the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999.
The moon will cover at least 90pc of the sun during the event, which will last approximately one hour and 48 minutes.
In Norwich, the partial eclipse will begin at 6.15pm, peak at 7.11pm, and end at 8.04pm.
The sky will not darken completely but will resemble a late evening or overcast day, and temperatures may drop slightly.
The last partial eclipse seen in the UK was in March 2025, when only 30 to 40pc of the sun was covered.
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