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The Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) has set up a new partnership between the Twin Cities’ metro public libraries, local museums and other cultural organizations which has led to the introduction of the so-called “Museum Adventure Pass.” It grants you free admission to 17 different cultural institutions in the wider metropolitan area.

So if you intend to go to the Science Museum of Minnesota, you can first check out a Museum Adventure Pass at one of the more than 100 MELSA library locations in the region, including St. Paul and Minneapolis Public Libraries.

After choosing a location to visit, a slip should be taken to the library’s circulation desk to receive a pass, with a due date, that admits you to the museum through the date printed on the slip. With this pass, up to four people will be admitted to the chosen institution.

To enjoy these advantages you will have to present a valid library card, which you can receive for free at any of the public libraries in the metro area.

Each branch has only a limited number of passes for each participating organization, which makes them apply a first-come, first-serve policy. In order to allow equal chances of access to broad clientele, MELSA has set up a rule: only one pass may be checked out per person within a loan period of seven days, up to two passes per month.

The initiative, which began in September, already enjoys great popularity says Carol Martinson, branch supervisor at the Hamline Midway Library at 1558 Minnehaha Ave. She said patrons have been taking advantage of the program. “During the first month after its introduction, the pass has already brought in a lot of people who haven’t been at the library before, at least not at this branch,” Martinson said.

On average, five to 10 people come in every day to get information about the pass.

“Some of them plan to visit all the museums, while others only want to see a couple of them,” Martinson said.

With this partnership, which is scheduled to run at least until August 2008, people should have enough time to check out all of the 17 participating museums and cultural organizations.

The pass was developed based on an idea from the Chicago Public Library system. Sally Lederer, Community Relations Manager at MELSA, explains why.

“Our goal is to let everyone know that their adventures begin and end at their public library, where we provide access to so many terrific resources, programs and services.”

For further information, keep your eyes open for the Museum Adventure Pass in your local library near the circulation desk, or available online at www.melsa.org/museumadventurepass.