Unlock the City’s Best Attractions for FREE with Your Columbus Metropolitan Library Card: Here’s How

Did I say you can get into many of our favorite local spots for FREE with your library card? I sure did! Here’s how…

In 2019, Columbus Metropolitan Library initiated a program that allows cardholders to borrow free culture passes from select branches. These culture passes grant access to many popular attractions in the area, suitable for both adults and children. Initially, the program was a pilot with the aim of adding more types of passes in the future. It has been a hit, and the library has since included Columbus Zoo, Ballet Met, Children’s Theatre and Sunday tickets for the Columbus Clippers. It’s fantastic that our library system offers such an amazing opportunity.

How does it work? 

To get a short-term membership/culture pass, it’s as easy as checking out a library book. Just head to the front desk of the specific branch and ask for a pass. However, not all library branches offer these passes, so it’s best to confirm beforehand – you can check online. If available, present your ID and library card, and they will scan it to provide you with a temporary membership. The pass is a paper card that doesn’t need to be returned to the library. Now, you’re ready to enjoy free admission to the place of your choice!

To check out the available short-term membership passes, visit https://www.columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass/

Don’t have a library card? Apply here. You can also apply in person at any one of their 23 locations. If you apply online and provide an email address, we’ll email your library card number within 2-4 days.

Which places are included?

Ballet Met

• Pass admits two adults or children.
• Able to be checked out up to two weeks in advance of performance.
• Redeem at theater box office up totwo hours in advance of performance.
• Valid for 2023 performances only.
• All Columbus Metropolitan Library locations.

Columbus Children’s Theatre

• Pass admits four individuals of any age.
• Able to be checked out up to two weeks in advance of performance.
• Redeem at theater box office up to two hours in advance of performance.
• Call the box office in advance to be sure the show isn’t sold out.
• Valid for 2023 performances only.
• All Columbus Metropolitan Library locations.

Columbus Symphony

• Pass admits one adult; children under 16 are free.
• Able to be checked out up to two weeks in advance of performance.
• Seat selection must be made in advance of performance.
• Valid for Masterworks performances only.
• All Columbus Metropolitan Library locations.

Pizzuti Collection Of The Columbus Museum Of Art 

• General Admission for up to 8 people.  
• Passes may be used one time within seven days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 632 Park St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website | Facebook

Franklin Park Conservatory 

• General Admission for 2 adults and 6 children, and ½ price admission for special events.  
• May be redeemed one time within thirty days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at the Martin Luther King, Shepard and Driving Park branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Website | Facebook

If you haven’t visited the children’s garden at FPC, be prepared to have your mind blown. It is AMAZING. Read about one of our first visits here. It is included with admission.

Columbus Museum Of Art 

• General Admission for up to 8 people. 
• Passes may be used one time within seven days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website | Facebook

Columbus Zoo And Aquarium

• General Admission for up to 6 people. 
• Passes may be used one time within two days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at the Main, Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Marion-Franklin, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, Northside, Parsons, Shepard, and Whitehall branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Website | Facebook

Wexner Center For The Arts 

• General Admission for up to 2 adults. Children are always free.  
• May be redeemed one time within thirty days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
Website | Facebook

National Veterans Memorial And Museum 

• General Admission for up to 2 adults and 5 children. 
• May be redeemed one time within seven days of checkout. 
• Available only for in-person checkout at the Franklinton, Martin Luther King, Parsons, Driving Park and Main branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 

Address: 300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website | Facebook

Columbus Clippers Sunday Game Culture Pass

• Each pass admits up to 2 adults and 4 children (aged 12 and under) to designated Sunday games (dates listed). Redeemable for bleacher seats only.
• Tickets will be available for checkout up to 2 weeks prior to each game.
• Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
• Eligible Games for the 2022 Season: May 15, May 29, June 5, June 19, July 10, July 17, August 7, August 21, September 4, and September 18

Address: 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
Website | Facebook