Library Card Freebies

If you have a Michigan Library card, you can now get free, or discounted, admission passes (or other exclusive offers) to many Michigan state parks, campgrounds, museums, trails, arts & cultural destinations, seven National Park Service venues, and more. It’s called a “Michigan Activity Pass”. Who knew!?

They’ve made the process pretty easy as well. You just go to the michiganactivitypass.info website and follow the directions. They have put together a pdf that walks you through each and every step. You basically punch in where you are starting from, what library is your home library, how far you want to travel, and the type of activity you are looking for. Once that information is submitted, a page with various suggestions will appear. When I searched it came up with 40 different options for me! My list included various state parks, museums, natural and recreation areas, and campgrounds.

Each library patron may check out one MAP pass per library card every 7 days. Here is your chance to check out new places that you have never been. Every week you could check out a different location at a free or discounted admission price! Get moving…summer is going by way to fast! And while you are at it, why not check out a good book to read along the way!

Does anyone remember having the little white library cards when you were growing up? I remember getting my very first library card at the West Side Branch on Bridge St. NW. I don’t know what it is, but just walking through those doors (or into any library) — and it just has that distinct smell. It takes me right back to being a kid again. I thought it was so cool when I was old enough to turn right, instead of left when I walked in the front door. I finally could go into the side for “grown ups”! And do they even have card catalogs anymore? The last book I checked out recently…I just received an e-book to read. Didn’t even have to pick up the book to hold it, it was all on my smartphone. I just couldn’t figure out how to put my old cardboard bookmark between the pages!!