Free Museum Passes at Public Libraries (174 Verified, by State)

🎨 U.S. library guide

Free Museum Passes at the Public Library

Thousands of U.S. libraries lend museum passes (in some states called a Culture Pass) that get your family free or discounted admission to museums, zoos, science centers and botanical gardens — all with your library card. Here is how it works, plus a verified list of libraries that offer passes.

A library museum pass is a reusable ticket the library buys and lends to cardholders. You reserve it with your library card, pick it up or print it, and show it at the museum for free or reduced admission — a simple way to visit local attractions for the whole family without buying tickets.

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How it works

Find your library’s pass program. Check the library’s catalog or “museum pass / Culture Pass” page for the venues it covers.
Reserve with your library card. Passes are limited and popular — reserve online or in person, sometimes days ahead.
Print or pick up the pass. Some passes print at home; others are a physical pass you collect at the desk.
Show it at the museum. Present the pass at admission for free or discounted entry for the listed number of people.
Return it so others can use it. Physical passes come back to the library on a short loan so the next family can book them.

Libraries that lend museum passes, by state

Every library below has this service verified on its official page. We add more as we confirm them — browse the full U.S. library directory for everything else.

Connecticut · 19 libraries

Delaware · 6 libraries

Bridgeville Public LibraryBridgeville, Delaware · (302) 337-7401600 South Cannon StreetMuseum passes (Delaware Libraries statewide program) →Delaware City LibraryDelaware City, Delaware · (302) 834-4148250 5th StreetMuseum passes (Delaware Libraries statewide program) →Dover Public LibraryDover, Delaware · (302) 736-703035 Loockerman PlazaFree museum passes for checkout to Delaware cultural attractions →Lewes Public LibraryLewes, Delaware · (302) 645-2733111 Adams AvenueFree museum passes for cardholders →New Castle Public LibraryNew Castle, Delaware · (302) 328-1995424 Delaware StreetMuseum passes for cardholders →Corbit-Calloway Public LibraryOdessa, Delaware · (302) 378-8838115 High StreetFree museum passes available for checkout with a library card →

Florida · 4 libraries

Hispanic Branch Library (MDPLS)Miami, Florida · (305) 643-85741398 Southwest 1st StreetMuseum Pass program — free family admission (up to 4) to 25 Miami-Dade cultural institutions, first-come first-served checkout →Miami Beach Regional Library (MDPLS)Miami, Florida · (305) 535-4219227 22nd StreetMuseum Pass program — free family admission (up to 4) to 25 Miami-Dade cultural institutions, first-come first-served checkout →Oldsmar Public LibraryOldsmar, Florida · (813) 749-1178400 St. Petersburg Drive EastMuseum passes to area cultural institutions through PPLC →Seminole Heights Branch LibraryTampa, Florida · (813) 273-36524711 N Central AvenueDiscovery Pass museum pass lending for Tampa Bay venues →

Georgia · 1 library

LaGrange Memorial LibraryLaGrange, Georgia · (706) 882-7784115 Alford StreetExperience Pass program for free museum & cultural-institution admission →

Illinois · 10 libraries

Addison Public LibraryAddison, Illinois · (630) 543-36174 Friendship PlazaMuseum passes via Explore More Illinois and the Museum Adventure Pass →Carter G. Woodson Regional LibraryChicago, Illinois · (312) 747-69009525 S Halsted StreetKids Museum Passport — free admission for families at 15+ Chicago cultural institutions →Chinatown BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 747-80132100 S. Wentworth AvenueKids Museum Passport (Chicago Public Library) — reserve free passes to 15+ area museums and cultural institutions →Legler Regional LibraryChicago, Illinois · (312) 746-7730115 S. Pulaski RoadKids Museum Passport (Chicago Public Library) — reserve free passes to 15+ area museums and cultural institutions →Richard J. Daley BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 747-89903400 S. Halsted StreetKids Museum Passport (Chicago Public Library) — reserve free passes to 15+ area museums and cultural institutions →Rogers Park BranchChicago, Illinois · (312) 744-01566907 N. Clark StreetKids Museum Passport (Chicago Public Library) — reserve free passes to 15+ area museums and cultural institutions →Sulzer Regional LibraryChicago, Illinois · (312) 744-76164455 N. Lincoln AvenueKids Museum Passport (Chicago Public Library) — reserve free passes to 15+ area museums and cultural institutions →Highland Park Public LibraryHighland Park, Illinois · (847) 432-0216494 Laurel AvenueBorrowable museum passes for area cultural institutions →Peoria Public Library — DowntownPeoria, Illinois · (309) 497-2000107 NE MonroePeoria Riverfront Museum Pass — free museum admission with your library card →Schaumburg Township District LibrarySchaumburg, Illinois · (847) 985-4000130 S Roselle RdMuseum passes to local museums, borrowable with a library card →

Indiana · 5 libraries

Akron Carnegie Public LibraryAkron, Indiana · (574) 893-4113205 E Rochester StreetIndiana State Museum passes — up to four general admissions per 7-day checkout →Marion Public LibraryMarion, Indiana · (765) 668-2900600 S. Washington StreetMuseum passes for area cultural institutions →Morrisson-Reeves LibraryRichmond, Indiana · (765) 966-829180 North 6th StreetMuseum passes to area attractions →Thorntown Public LibraryThorntown, Indiana · (765) 436-7348124 North Market StreetStewards the Thorntown Heritage Museum and the Boone County Barn Quilt Project →Pulaski County Public LibraryWinamac, Indiana · (574) 946-3432121 South Riverside DriveMuseum passes for reduced or free admission at regional venues →

Louisiana · 11 libraries

Maine · 13 libraries

Auburn Public LibraryAuburn, Maine · (207) 333-664049 Spring StreetMuseum passes for Maine cultural institutions →Jesup Memorial LibraryBar Harbor, Maine · (207) 288-424534 Mount Desert StreetMuseum passes for four Mount Desert Island cultural institutions (Oceanarium, Maine Granite Museum, Seal Cove Auto Museum, Wendell Gilley Museum) →Berwick Public LibraryBerwick, Maine · (207) 698-5737103 Old Pine Hill RoadMuseum passes for local cultural attractions →Boothbay Harbor Memorial LibraryBoothbay Harbor, Maine · (207) 633-31124 Oak StreetMuseum passes for local cultural attractions →Curtis Memorial LibraryBrunswick, Maine · (207) 725-524223 Pleasant StreetFree museum & park passes for cardholders →Camden Public LibraryCamden, Maine · (207) 236-344055 Main StreetMuseum pass program (Pass Program — Museums & More!) for local cultural institutions →Ellsworth Public LibraryEllsworth, Maine · (207) 667-636320 State StreetCulture passes to Farnsworth Art Museum, Maine Maritime Museum, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine Discovery Museum & Maine State Parks →Kennebunk Free LibraryKennebunk, Maine · (207) 985-2173112 Main StreetFree museum & attraction passes reserved through the library →Rice Public LibraryKittery, Maine · (207) 439-15538 Wentworth StreetMuseum passes to local museums, aquariums and attractions — sponsored by the Friends of Rice Public Library (cardholders only, reserve online by day) →Lewiston Public LibraryLewiston, Maine · (207) 513-3004200 Lisbon StreetMuseum and park passes for borrowing →Portland Public LibraryPortland, Maine · (207) 871-17005 Monument SquareFree museum & attraction passes (Portland Museum of Art, Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine Wildlife Park) →Dyer LibrarySaco, Maine · (207) 283-3861371 Main StreetMuseum and park passes for borrowing →Louis B. Goodall Memorial LibrarySanford, Maine · (207) 324-4714952 Main StreetFree museum & attraction passes reserved through the library →

Maryland · 1 library

Talbot County Free LibraryEaston, Maryland · (410) 822-1626100 W. Dover StreetMuseum passes for local attractions →

Massachusetts · 24 libraries

Michigan · 8 libraries

Canton Public LibraryCanton Township, Michigan · (734) 397-09991200 S. Canton Center RoadMichigan Activity Pass: complimentary or discounted admission to state parks, museums, and attractions →Delton District LibraryDelton, Michigan · (269) 623-8040330 North Grove StreetMuseum passes: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (monthly, up to 6) and Grand Rapids Children's Museum (annual, up to 6) →Dexter District LibraryDexter, Michigan · (734) 426-44773255 Alpine StreetMichigan Activity Pass and Detroit Zoo discount tickets →Farmington Community Library — Farmington HillsFarmington Hills, Michigan · (248) 553-030032737 West 12 Mile RoadMichigan Activity Pass: free or discounted admission to Michigan parks, museums and attractions →Howell Carnegie District LibraryHowell, Michigan · (517) 546-0720314 West Grand River AvenueMichigan Activity Pass — reserve free or discounted passes to museums, parks and cultural venues →Bayliss Public LibrarySault Ste Marie, Michigan · (906) 632-9331541 Library DriveMichigan Activity Pass — free/discounted admission at museums and state parks →Salem-South Lyon District LibrarySouth Lyon, Michigan · (248) 437-64319800 Pontiac TrailMichigan Activity Pass for parks and museums →Wayne Public LibraryWayne, Michigan · (734) 721-78323737 S Wayne RoadMichigan Activity Pass — free/discounted admission at Michigan state parks and cultural institutions →

Nebraska · 1 library

Bennington Public LibraryBennington, Nebraska · (402) 238-220111401 N 156th StreetPartnership museum passes to the Kiewit Luminarium and Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum →

New Hampshire · 8 libraries

New Jersey · 6 libraries

Bernards Township LibraryBasking Ridge, New Jersey · (908) 204-303132 South Maple AvenueMuseum passes for reduced or free admission to area cultural institutions →Jersey City Free Public LibraryJersey City, New Jersey · (201) 547-4526472 Jersey AvenueMuseum passes for free admission to local cultural institutions →Madison Public LibraryMadison, New Jersey · (973) 377-072239 Keep StreetMuseum passes for free or reduced admission to area cultural institutions, sponsored by the Friends of the Madison Public Library →Millburn Free Public LibraryMillburn, New Jersey · (973) 376-1006200 Glen AvenueMuseum passes for Millburn cardholders (Montclair Art Museum, Newark Museum of Art, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Greenwood Gardens and more) →Ocean City Free Public LibraryOcean City, New Jersey · (609) 399-24341735 Simpson AvenueMuseum passes for free or discounted admission to area cultural institutions →Margaret E. Heggan Free Public LibrarySewell, New Jersey · (856) 589-3334606 Delsea DriveFree museum & garden passes for cardholders in good standing →

New Mexico · 3 libraries

Embudo Valley Library and Community CenterDixon, New Mexico · (505) 579-9181217A Highway 752015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service (IMLS), presented at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama — the highest national honor for libraries →Magdalena Public LibraryMagdalena, New Mexico · (575) 854-2361108 North Main StreetFamilyPass museum passes to 15 NM state museums and historic sites →Santa Fe Public Library — Main LibrarySanta Fe, New Mexico · (505) 955-6781145 Washington AvenueFree museum passes for checkout →

New York · 4 libraries

Bellmore Memorial LibraryBellmore, New York · (516) 785-29902288 Bedford AvenueMuseum pass reservations — up to 60 days in advance, one pass at a time, twice per museum per month →Lake Placid Public LibraryLake Placid, New York · (518) 523-32002471 Main StreetMuseum passes for local attractions →Long Beach Public LibraryLong Beach, New York · (516) 432-7201111 West Park AvenueMuseum passes (Long Island Children's Museum, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum) →Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureNew York, New York · (212) 491-2200515 Malcolm X BoulevardNamed a National Historic Landmark in 2016–2017 and winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2015 →

Oregon · 5 libraries

Baker County Public LibraryBaker City, Oregon · (541) 523-64192400 Resort StreetCultural Passes: check out passes to local museums and arts & recreation organizations →Hermiston Public LibraryHermiston, Oregon · (541) 567-2882235 East Gladys AvenueDiscover & Go museum pass program (free timed-entry passes to regional venues) →Driftwood Public LibraryLincoln City, Oregon · (541) 996-2277801 SW Highway 101, Suite 201Oregon Coast Aquarium Culture Pass monthly lottery for cardholders →Ledding LibraryMilwaukie, Oregon · (503) 786-758010660 SE 21st AvenueCultural Passes for free or discounted admission to regional museums and cultural venues →The Dalles-Wasco County LibraryThe Dalles, Oregon · (541) 296-2815722 Court StreetDiscover & Go cultural passes: Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Fort Dalles Museum →

Pennsylvania · 6 libraries

B.F. Jones Memorial LibraryAliquippa, Pennsylvania · (724) 375-2900663 Franklin AvenueMuseum passes for local cultural institutions →Easton Area Public LibraryEaston, Pennsylvania · (610) 258-2917515 Church StreetMuseum pass checkout →Lititz Public LibraryLititz, Pennsylvania · (717) 626-2255651 Kissel Hill RoadMuseum passes (through Lancaster County Libraries partnership) →Free Library of New Hope and SoleburyNew Hope, Pennsylvania · (215) 862-233093 W. Ferry StreetMuseum passes for local cultural attractions →Reading Public LibraryReading, Pennsylvania · (610) 655-6350100 S. Fifth StreetMuseum & Local Attraction passes (free family passes) →Tredyffrin Public LibraryStrafford, Pennsylvania · (610) 688-7092582 Upper Gulph RoadMuseum Pass program — free 3-day family passes to nine regional museums →

Rhode Island · 6 libraries

Barrington Public LibraryBarrington, Rhode Island · (401) 247-1920281 County RoadMuseum passes — 21 cultural institutions bookable at barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/passes →Rogers Free LibraryBristol, Rhode Island · (401) 253-6948525 Hope StreetMuseum passes (free admission to regional museums) →Cross' Mills Public LibraryCharlestown, Rhode Island · (401) 364-62114417 Old Post RoadMuseum passes (Roger Williams Park Zoo, Audrain Automobile Museum, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Save the Bay Aquarium, Tomaquag Museum) →Cranston Public LibraryCranston, Rhode Island · (401) 943-9080140 Sockanosset Cross RoadMuseum passes for discounted cultural admission →North Kingstown Free LibraryNorth Kingstown, Rhode Island · (401) 294-3306100 Boone StreetMuseum passes funded by the Friends of the Library →Rochambeau LibraryProvidence, Rhode Island · (401) 272-3780708 Hope StreetMuseum passes for discounted cultural admission →

South Carolina · 2 libraries

Anderson Main LibraryAnderson, South Carolina · (864) 260-4500300 N. McDuffie St.LEAP Station non-traditional lending: museum passes, state park admissions, fishing poles, seed packets →Richland Library — MainColumbia, South Carolina · (803) 799-90841431 Assembly Street2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service (IMLS) — the nation's highest honor for libraries and museums →

Texas · 4 libraries

Carver Branch — Austin Public LibraryAustin, Texas · (512) 974-10101161 Angelina StreetOpened in its current modern facility in 1979, next door to the landmark 1926 structure that became the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (National Register of Historic Places) →Oak Lawn Branch LibraryDallas, Texas · (214) 670-13594100 Cedar Springs RoadHome to one of the largest circulating LGBTQ+ collections in the U.S., built since the 1980s and bolstered by donations from ilume GALLERIE and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives →Georgetown Public LibraryGeorgetown, Texas · (512) 930-3551402 W. Eighth Street2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the nation's highest honor for libraries, awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services →Harris County Public LibraryHouston, Texas · (713) 274-66005749 South Loop East2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service (IMLS) — the highest U.S. honor for museums and libraries — awarded for digital equity and community impact →

Utah · 1 library

Orem Public LibraryOrem, Utah · (801) 229-705058 North State StreetArt Center passes and museum passes →

Vermont · 6 libraries

Aldrich Public LibraryBarre, Vermont · (802) 476-75506 Washington StreetMuseum & Vermont State Park passes →Brooks Memorial LibraryBrattleboro, Vermont · (802) 254-5290224 Main StreetMuseum passes for borrowing →Fletcher Free LibraryBurlington, Vermont · (802) 863-3403235 College StreetMuseum & event passes to 20+ Vermont venues (Shelburne Museum, ECHO, Ethan Allen Homestead, Vermont State Parks and more) →Burnham Memorial LibraryColchester, Vermont · (802) 264-5660898 Main StreetMuseum & park passes (ECHO, Shelburne Museum, Birds of Vermont Museum, Vermont State Historic Sites, Vermont State Parks) →Brownell LibraryEssex Junction, Vermont · (802) 878-69556 Lincoln StreetMuseum & attraction passes to 15 Vermont venues (Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, ECHO, Billings Farm, Vermont Granite Museum, Vermont History Museum, Ethan Allen Homestead, Vermont State Parks, Ver →Groton Free Public LibraryGroton, Vermont · (802) 584-33581304 Scott HighwayAttraction passes to Vermont venues for cardholders →

Washington · 1 library

Camas Public LibraryCamas, Washington · (360) 834-4692625 NE 4th AvenueCultural passes to museums and gardens via MuseumKey (Camas residents, funded by Friends & Foundation) →

FAQ

Are library museum passes really free?

Yes. The library pays for the pass and lends it to cardholders at no charge; the pass then gives you free or discounted admission at the museum. You only pay if you want extras the venue charges for separately, such as special exhibits.

How do I reserve a museum pass?

Reserve it with your library card — most systems let you book online through the catalog, and some require you to pick the pass up in person. Because passes are limited and in demand, popular venues and weekend dates book up early, so reserve ahead.

How many people does one pass cover?

It depends on the venue. Many passes admit two adults or a whole family (often up to four people); the exact number is set by each museum and shown when you reserve. Some systems let you borrow only one pass at a time.

Which attractions can I visit with a library pass?

Programs vary by region but commonly include art and history museums, children’s museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens. Arizona’s statewide Culture Pass and New England’s museum-pass programs are among the best known.

What if all the passes are already booked?

Passes are first-come, first-served, so check back for cancellations or pick a weekday. Ask your librarian which venues have more passes — larger institutions often have several, while a single specialty museum may have only one.

New to libraries? Learn how to get a library card in any U.S. state, or find a branch near you in the public library directory.

By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com