The Somerset County Library System has expanded its Museum Pass Program to include 10 museums and one zoo.
“Our Museum Pass Program has been incredibly successful,” said Samantha Gale, system programming coordinator. “Due to its popularity, we made the decision to expand the program to include 11 cultural attractions, including museums, botanical gardens, sculpture parks and even a zoo! We hope this encourages our patrons to take advantage of exploring the amazing cultural opportunities we have in our area.”
The program allows free admission to:
– Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, in Philadelphia. A pass will admit two adults and five children in the same household.
– Brooklyn (N.Y.) Botanic Garden. A pass will admit two adults and children under 16. This pass will also admit two adults to the Brooklyn Museum.
— Garden State Discovery Museum, in Cherry Hill. A pass will admit 6 guests.
– Grounds For Sculpture, in Hamilton Township. A pass will admit four guests.
— Solomon R. Guggenheim, in New York City. A pass will admit four guests and patrons can enjoy 10 percent discount at the museum shop and cafe.
— Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, in New York City. A pass will admit six guests and also provide a discounted rate to the Space Shuttle Pavilion.
— Lehigh Valley Zoo, in Schnecksville, Pa. A pass will admit three adults and six children.
— The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. A pass will admit five guests.
— Morris Museum, in Morristown. A pass will admit two adults and three children.
— Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor, N.Y. A pass will admit two adults and children under age 18 living in the same household.
— U.S. Golf Association museum in Far Hills. A pass will admit four adults.
Lauren Ryan, east area manager at the Warren Township Library branch, brought the museum pass idea to management more than three years ago.
“Years ago, I started a museum pass program at another library, which was one of the first in the state to circulate museum passes,” said Ms. Ryan. “It was very well received by patrons. When I joined Somerset County’s team, I knew it would work here, too. The program gives us an opportunity to show patrons that libraries are more than books.”
Patrons can reserve a pass by speaking with a county system librarian, including Hillsborough and Manville, or by visiting SCLSNJ.org. If visiting the website, click on the Museum Pass tab at the top of the home page.
For information about the Museum Pass program and for information about the museums and zoo included in the program, visit SCLSNJ.org/museumpass.htm or contact a library branch. A location list with contact information is available at SCLSNJ.org/locationlist.html.
