By Liseia Parisian, Network Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan
When most people think of the library they only think aisles of books, yet the library has so much more to offer. The library also offers free and discounted tickets to many attractions, such as museums and multiple State and National Parks in Michigan. This library perk can serve as a great excursion for friends, couples, or a nice thing to do with grandchildren. This is a great option, especially if you’re on a limited income. Here are a couple of places you can go and do with your library card.
This program is designed to allow library patrons to ‘check out’ Michigan by using their library card to get free and discounted tickets to various parks and museums through their local library. Here are a couple of places offered through the Michigan Activity Pass program.
Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center
The Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center is a museum gallery with hands-on exhibits where all ages can learn about the judicial branch of government. It includes interactive exhibits and a virtual courtroom.
Admission: Free admission with government-issued identification.
Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts
UICA shows exhibitions from national, international, and regional artists year-round. UICA also hosts various, interesting events such as artist receptions to meet-and-greet the artists, performance art, concerts and more.
Admission: Free admission
This park is 982 acres and has a host of fun things to do with the family. Belle Isle Park has a conservatory, James Scott Memorial Fountain, and an aquarium with various fauna from around the world.
Admission: Free admission
The Old Jail Museum was formally the Allegan County Jail and where the Sheriff’s lived there from 1906-1963 before it was converted. The museum displays various artifacts from Allegan County’s past.
Admission: Free admission
Check it Out is a special partnership program by the Grand Rapids Public Library where places like museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and theatres will donate free tickets to the library so that card holders can enjoy various art and cultural activities. For each pass checked out you can visit each of these places with up to six people:
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Another benefit of having a Grand Rapids Public Library card is that for hockey-lovers, you can get a discount on Grand Rapids Griffins tickets if you show your GRPL card for Wednesday and Sunday games for the 2021-22 season.
You must show your library card at Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone to get the discount and there is a limit of two tickets per library card per person.
Discount options:
Upper Level Faceoff tickets for $14 (regularly $16 advance and $19 day of game)
Upper Level Center Ice tickets for $17 (regularly $19 advance and $22 day of game)
Lower Level Faceoff tickets for $20 (regularly $22 advance and $25 day of game)
You can contact your local library to see what specific things they offer, as each location has different offerings. Either way, you’ll surely have many options to have fun in the sun this year!
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Liseia Parisian is a member of the Economic Security Team and has been member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since 2020. As a member of the Economic Security Team, Liseia focuses on assisting clients with benefits applications such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid.