The Friends of the Milford Library is inviting city residents to take advantage of discounted museum passes available through the library as a way to beat the winter doldrums.
The Milford Public Library’s museum pass program offers free or discounted admission to more than a dozen museums, historical societies, nature centers and other attractions across the state, and are available for free to adult library card holders.
“We’re in that tough stretch where it feels like a long way from the holidays and a long way until spring,” said Pam Pilla, FOML’s acting president. “Now is the perfect time to go see a tiger at the Beardsley Zoo, tour the Old State House in Hartford or stroll the grounds at the Florence Griswold Museum – and this program makes each of these trips a little bit easier for Milford families.”
“FOML has been funding the museum pass program for many years by purchasing the passes we circulate to our patrons,” said Library Director Chris Angeli. “In 2018, FOML also began funding the software that allows patrons to reserve the passes online, print copies of passes from home, and more. And as of January 2022, the library has transitioned to a new pass management system which FOML funded.”
Some of the attractions available for free admission under the program include the Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library in Hartford, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Venues available for reduced admission include the Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport, the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford and the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven.
“The library is here to help make our shared culture accessible to everyone, and this program shows that this commitment extends far beyond our own walls,” said Pilla. “And to keep that culture vibrant, we ask our patrons to please remember that many of our local museums, theaters, music venues and galleries are in financial trouble due to the pandemic. We encourage everyone to support the arts in any way they can.”
Passes may be printed at home or picked up physically at the library, depending on the museum. For complete guidelines and reservation information, visit ci.milford.ct.us/milford-public-library/pages/passes-to-cultural-attractions.