by Kathy Roegge, MLS

Since its September 1st launch at the Brookfield Zoo, the Macy’s Museum Adventure Pass program has proved to be very successful.  Those participating knew it would be popular with library patrons and it has fulfilled their expectations and more.   The objectives for the program were:

• To excite kids & families about visiting all of the arts and cultural gems in their community.
• To educate kids and families on what their library has to offer them beyond books.
• To provide free access to families who are otherwise unable to afford attending museums/cultural organizations due to cost.
• To build awareness of this new program and the participating arts and cultural organizations in the community.

Seventeen museums and 160 public libraries from three library systems, DuPage (DLS), Metropolitan (MLS) and North Suburban(NSLS) Library Systems signed on to participate in the program.  Brightly colored and attractive posters, brochures and bookmarks were designed for the libraries and museums to use in promoting the program to their patrons.  Banners were also provided for libraries to hang heralding the passes to visitors. A website especially developed for the program helps libraries issue passes to their patrons.  It acts as an online portal for the public providing information about the program, the museums and libraries involved.   Statistics on the number of passes issued by libraries, redeemed at the museums and the number of visitors admitted by the passes are tracked by the site.

Since the program started over 20,000 passes have been issued and around 15,000 patrons have visited participating museums.    A survey was sent in January to 1600 of these visitors which three hundred and eighty-six people answered.  One question asked by the survey was “if patrons used the pass to visit a museum they had not been to previously”, 192 responded yes.  For another question “if they plan to visit the museums again without a pass”, 293 responded yes.  And 70 responded they planned to become more involved in the museum as a member or volunteer. 
Respondents were able to offer comments about the program.  “A great benefit for our children as well as parents during these tough economic times.”  “A GREAT way to see different museums you may not normally go to”.  “Great for moms with new baby.  I had a great time seeing new places and having a place specifically to take my newborn”.  “Great idea!  Keep it going so we can try more museums”.

Soon after the start of the program libraries from areas near the three systems began inquiring about participating in the program.  Their patrons were asking why they weren’t able to checkout a museum pass.  After a discussion between the three systems, Macy’s and the participating museums the decision was made to open the program to other libraries.  And, as a bonus, two more museums decided to come on board.

The Air Classics Museum of Aviation http://www.airclassicsmuseum.org located at Aurora Municipal Airport - ARR “is an aviation museum where the aircraft actually fly. You can sit in an A-7 that flew in the Gulf War and climb into the pilot's seat of a UH-1 Huey helicopter. The museum's collection includes aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and other aviation memorabilia from the 1930s to the present time”.   

The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn http://www.cmoaklawn.org has a “mission is to empower and engage children, and those who love and care for them, in the joy of learning. As they EXPLORE their world with changing, hands-on exhibits and activities, they will SOAR with their newfound knowledge”.  Both museums will offer unique experiences to participating library patrons.

On April 1st, the new libraries will be joining the Museum Pass program.  Most are primarily from the Prairie Area Library System (PALS).  They include the Des Plaines Valley Public Library, Fountaindale Public Library, Homer Township Public Library, Joliet Public Library, Lemont Public Library, Mokena Public Library, New Lenox Public Library, Oswego Public Library, Peotone Public Library, and the Plainfield Public Library.  Also coming on board are the Park Ridge Public Library from NSLS, the Town and Country Public Library from DLS and the William Leonard Public Library and Calumet Park Public Library from MLS. 

Based on responses to the program and comments received through e-mails and from the survey the Macy’s Museum Pass program has met its objectives and more.  As we finish out the first year and start the second we are grateful to Macy’s continuing support which made it all possible.  We welcome the new libraries and museums and are looking forward to hearing from their patrons.  We know they will enjoy the program.  

Comments or questions about this article can be emailed to Kathy Roegge at roeggek@mls.lib.il.us

Published March 24, 2010 in vol. 4, iss. 6 [View]