Check out museums, performances free with Columbus library's 'Culture Pass'

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Library cards for the Columbus Metropolitan Library can do more than check out books, those little pieces of plastic can also grant their holders access to central Ohio cultural institutions.

According to the library, the Culture Pass program allows clients to borrow passes to places like BalletMet, Columbus Museum of Art, Shadowbox Live, and many more. However, there are some caveats, like being required to check out the passes in person, limited times or performances for each organization, and availability of passes at specific locations.

“With the help of our community partners, we’re working to expose all central Ohioans to the many renowned cultural gems we are fortunate to have at our doorstep,” Chief Community Engagement Officer Donna Zuiderweg said. “As a public library, our role is to ensure equal access to all, and that goes well beyond books.”

While passes cannot be reserved like traditional library items, customers can check their availability at columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass or by typing “Culture Pass” into the catalog search bar.

The program began six years ago with Franklin Park Conservatory and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Since then, it has grown to include more than a dozen participating locations.

“Each participating organization offers its passes to CML and its customers for free,” the library explained. “CML does not purchase passes as it does with traditional library materials. Each organization sets its own rules for how many individuals are covered under its passes and on which days the passes will be honored. Partner organizations also set the number of passes allotted to each designated CML location.”

While the Wexner Center for the Arts was part of the original Culture Pass offerings, it no longer participates because it now offers free admission to the public. However, both CML and the Wexner Center are exploring new ways to collaborate and benefit the community through future programs.

Current participating Columbus Metropolitan Library 'Culture Pass' organizations:

• BalletMet: Passes available at all 23 CML locations.
• CAPA: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Columbus Children’s Theatre: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Linden, Martin Luther King, Parsons and Shepard branches
• Columbus Clippers: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Linden, Martin Luther King, Parsons and Shepard branches
• Columbus Guitar Society: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Columbus Museum of Art: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Columbus Symphony: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Marion-Franklin, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, Northside, Parsons, Shepard and Whitehall branches
• Dawes Arboretum: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Franklin Park Conservatory: Passes available at CML’s Driving Park, Martin Luther King and Shepard branches
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Barnett, Franklinton, Martin Luther King and Parsons branches
• Ohio History Center: Passes available at CML’s Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights and Northside branches
• Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• ProMusica: Passes available at all 23 CML locations
• Shadowbox Live: Passes available at CML’s Main Library and Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard and New Albany branches