Like most people, Carol Stream resident Steve Kass loves a deal.
So when he found out the Carol Stream Public Library offers residents passes good for free admission to more than 15 Chicago-area arts and cultural organizations, he was more than happy to take advantage of the program.
Already, he and his son have visited Cantigny Park in Wheaton, and his family of five is also planning visits to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Naperville’s Graue Mill and Museum.
The free passes have been the incentive the family needed to take advantage of some of the area’s attractions.
“Going to a museum is one of those things you think of doing,” Kass said. “Having the pass was the push that got us there, and will get us out to more of them this coming year.”
The Museum Adventure Pass initiative is a joint effort between Macy’s department store and the DuPage, Metropolitan and North Suburban library systems.
All that is needed to take part in the program, which began in September and runs through Aug. 31, is a valid adult library card. Patrons can receive one pass per week, which is good for up to four complimentary admissions to the museum. If the museum or institution does not charge for admission, there will be a discount on a tour, parking or other financial incentive. Passes expire one week from the checkout date.
Many area families are taking advantage of the program.
Carol Stream Public Library officials already have issued more than 150 passes since the program began.
“Response to the program has been wonderful,” assistant library director Julie Blackwell said. “Families on tight budgets are able to take advantage of discounts and visit a museum that they might not have been able to before.”
The most popular destinations so far have been the Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Park and the Brookfield Zoo, Blackwell said.
“I suspect that passes to the Chicago Botanic Garden will be very popular in the spring when the weather warms up,” she said.
Library officials laud Macy’s for making the program available.
“It’s great to be able to partner with them and expand the horizons of the residents we serve,” Blackwell said.
While Kass has enjoyed the program, he notes there are some drawbacks. He would like to see more of the passes geared toward child-friendly museums closer to Carol Stream, such as the DuPage Children’s Museum and the Elgin Children’s Museum. He would also like to take advantage of the many museums and attractions in Chicago, such as the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Art Institute and the Shedd Aquarium.
But overall, he praises the initiative.
“I think it is a great idea, and we will definitely take advantage of this as much as possible,” he said.
