A current trend unique to the metro
Detroit area public libraries is the Museum Adventure Pass, which is a library
program that provides free admission to nearby cultural attractions. Although information has not yet been released
for summer 2012, the program last summer had 33 attractions, with passes
available at 205 libraries in nine counties (Hall, 2010, pg. A8).
Among some
of the more popular museum destinations includes the Automotive Hall of Fame,
the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Edsel and Eleanor
Ford House, Michigan Youth Theater and the Detroit Children’s Museum. In past years—this summer will mark the fifth
and final year of the program—participation has also included cultural
attractions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Historical
Society and the Detroit Science Center.
How the
program works is quite simple: library patrons use their library card to check
out a pass. These passes admit either
two or four people and must be used within one week of their check out
date. Although each library card holder
is allowed to only check out one pass at a time, s/he is not limited to only a
certain number of passes throughout the duration of the summer.
I have
participated in this program in summers before as a library patron, and am
gearing up to prepare for it as a public library employee. While details have not been released, it
seems that the program will now transition online: patrons will print the free
or discounted tickets from their computers.
Obviously,
the Museum Adventure Pass is a beneficial program to the community. In times of economic hardship, the pass
provides families with the opportunity to seek out free attractions within the
metro Detroit area. In addition—it encourages
residents to embrace the culture which surrounds them. Often times, the city of Detroit is overlooked,
by nearby residents and visiting persons.
By providing free and discounted tickets to such attractions, it is
probable that the museums of Detroit are earning more recognition.
Hall, C. (2010, October 10). Museum Adventure Pass covers
more of state. Detroit Free Press, p.
A.8.
What an excellent program! It is such a great opportunity for locals and visitors to visit many attractions that they may not be able to otherwise. You are right, as well, that it's a wonderful program for families that may not be able to afford it! I'm excited to learn more about this endeavor!
What a great program! There is so much history that Detroit has to offer and this pass is a great way to gain more knowledge and spend time together, whether it be a family of 4 or a couple wanting a cheap date! Thank you for sharing this and good luck working it!!
I think this is a great idea. Too often cultural institutions are seen as a draw for tourists, and local community members don't take the initiative to participate. These initiatives are beneficial to all of the organizations involved. I think that it can be difficult for nonprofits to take that step relinquishing those small areas where they do generate revenue, yet the end payoff can be so much more beneficial in the long run. I wonder what other sort of organizations might benefit from this type of cooperation.
This really is a wonderful program and a great way to get people to see what Detroit and the metro area has to offer. I work for the Dearborn Public Library and our library had participated in the MAP program from 2008 til last September. I thought it was really cool that patrons could check out passes to places like the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour (very popular in Dearborn!), Cranbrook, and the Arab American National Museum (also popular in Dearborn).
I love this program! I somehow thought it had already ended. Still sad to hear that it is ending this year, this is/was also really great for low income families to have the opportunity to see some of this great city.