Added Benefits at the JP Branch Library

The Boston Public Library provides so much more than books and I don't mean other media, like DVDs, e-books and the like. Although, they do provide that.  But did you know that you can go to the and check out a pass to visit a local museum or attraction for free (or at a reduced price)?  Thanks to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library the JP Branch has the most options of passes to choose from in the BPL system. 

Here are the FREE ADMISSION options:

Boston By Foot - admits 4 people to all 8 regularly scheduled tours, each day between May-October. Pass holders get member discounted price for any special tours *pass is not good for architectural boat tours

Museum of Science  - admits 4 people, *pass does not include discounts on Omni, Planetarium, or combination tickets.

New England Aquarium  - admits 4 people, available September to June only (not summer months) *pass does not include discounts on parking, IMAX Theatre, café, gift shop, or Whale Watch tickets.

Museum of Transportation (at Larz Anderson) - admits 1 family

And here is what is available at a DISCOUNTED ADMISSION:

Children's Museum  - admits 4 people at half price 

Institute of Contemporary Art - admits 2 adults at $5/person

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum  - admits 2  (Sat/Sun) at $5/person

John F. Kennedy Library & Museum  - admits 2 adults at $3/person  

Massachusetts DCF ParkPass   hang tag for free parking  at state parks

Museum of Fine Arts  - admits 2 adults at $7/person  *pass includes half off the full price of special exhibits in the Gund gallery, but does not include discounts on MFA shop/catalog, parking, dining, films, concerts, lectures or seminars.

Zoo New England paper pass - admits 6 (adults @$6/person, kids $4)   *pass also good for 10% at concessions and in gift store 

And how do you take advantage of any of this bounty? You just need a valid library card! Something that is free and available to all. Naturally, there are a few rules: Adults and teens can sign up for one pass per month for each museum. However, you cannot reserve more than one museum pass a day, even for different museums. Many of the museums provide paper passes which are just like movie tickets; they are good for the day they are stamped and are collected by the museum upon entry. In some cases, there are plastic passes which you check out like books and these must be returned the following day. You need to pick these up and return them IN PERSON at the branch on the day of the week indicated. Late passes result in a $10/day fine and lost passes are assessed at the replacement cost (as determined by the library).  

You can go online to reserve the passes at the BPL website. The pass program is an important addition to the services that the JP branch library can offer and one of the main things the Friends spends money on. When you see the book sales you will know the funds raised are going to a great cause! I hope this post alerts a few people who don't know about the program about it, or reminds others to take advantage of this service.  The JP Branch has some unique passes and we hope everyone will use them!