Emily Cummings, Dickinson County Library young adult/adult programming and local history specialist, uses the library’s new silent headphones as she sorts through lighted Legos at the library. Cummings said community groups and families can check them out. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain has added 50 new LED silent headphones and three transmitters for public use.

The headphones were purchased with a grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation totaling $1,660 and about $1,000 from a donation, according to Crystal Jacklovitz, library public relations specialist.

The headphones were introduced to the public this past weekend and at a special event held Monday, she said.

“We’ve had several people come today (Monday). We had quite a few people come in on Friday and Saturday to use them,” said Jacklovitz.

The silent headphones light up in three different colors and can be connected to three different radio stations at a time. Currently, they are set to Disney Channel music, a retro station and a new hits station.

The headphones feature an over-the-ear fit that blocks out excess background noise, with cushioned earpads and an adjustable headband.

They are foldable and compact for easy storage, cleaning, and travel. The volume can be adjusted for individual sound.

Jacklovitz said they will be used in upcoming glow parties; a glow in the dark painting program planned this summer; and the Art of Being program.

The headphones can help people with sensory sensitivity or hearing issues enjoy events like everyone else.

The Downtown Development Authority has discussed using them for future events and they could be used for things like downtown history tours, where 50 people at a time can listen to the same lecture, Jacklovitz added.

Emily Cummings, young adult/adult programming and local history specialist, said community groups and families can check them out also.

“We’re going be able to expand our programming with these. We’re looking forward to getting out to our community,” Cummings said.

On Saturday, the Iron Mountain and Norway branches will be handing out eclipse kits for patrons of all ages.

The kits will contain special eye protection glasses to view the solar eclipse on Monday. Each kit will have an age-appropriate activity to do as well.

The specialized eye protection glasses were obtained from the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program.