Most general publicity about public library services mentions the fact that libraries lend museum passes. What is rarely mentioned is that libraries need to buy these passes (or find donors to sponsor them) in order to make them available for lending, and they are quite expensive. Because of this, we’ve had to say “no” a few times this past summer when asked if we have a pass to a particular museum. (Interestingly, the inquiries we’ve had have been about different museums, with perhaps only two matching inquiries.) Our budget just doesn’t have room in it–and local interest hasn’t proven to be strong enough–to support purchasing a pass that needs to be borrowed frequently to bring the per use cost into an acceptable range.
The Madison Library currently offers one pass to a local museum, the Remick Country Doctor Museum in Tamworth, which costs the library $50 per year. This pass was borrowed twice last year, so we’re considering whether to renew. (Please come borrow it, the Remick is a great museum for all ages.)
Our past experience with museum passes:
Wright Museum, Wolfeboro: $75 per year, borrowed 3 times in 2011
Portland Museum of Art: $250 per year, borrowed 8 times in 2011
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: $300, borrowed 8 times in 2010
Museums we’ve been asked about:
Boston Museum of Science: $700 per year
Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT: $125 for 12 one-time use passes