NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York City library cards offer much more than access to books, providing free entry to cultural institutions, activities and other resources across the city.

Library cardholders can borrow books, but they can also take advantage of programs such as Culture Pass, which provides access to museums, gardens and other cultural destinations.

“Of course with your library card, you can get, books to take home to borrow. But we also have Culture Pass. So the website is Culture Pass Dot NYC, and you can get free tickets to different, you get free tickets, different cultural institutions like the botanical gardens, museums offer free with your library card,” said Alfredo Gutierrez, manager of outreach services for the New York Public Library.

Culture Pass gives New Yorkers access to more than 100 cultural institutions and exhibits throughout the city. Participating destinations include the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, the Bronx Children’s Museum and the Intrepid Museum.

Gutierrez said the program can help residents enjoy activities that might otherwise be difficult to afford.

“Everything is getting more expensive. And sometimes it feels like you go outside and you’re spending $50 like by default, right. So I think it’s, helpful to have this kind of level for everyone. Right. So it doesn’t matter what neighborhood you’re in, doesn’t matter what your background is like. You know that if you’re going to the library, you’ll be able to get these resources for free,” Gutierrez said.

Eligibility extends to anyone who lives, works, studies or pays taxes in New York state.

Library cards also provide access to resources for those looking to stay closer to home. At the Brooklyn Public Library’s Library of Things, patrons can borrow items including vinyl records, crafting tools, musical instruments and board games.

“Just to expand your horizons. See something you haven’t seen before, In New York, it’s already expensive enough,” one visitor said.

Between the Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library and the New York Public Library, which serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, library cardholders can access a wide range of free opportunities for entertainment, learning and exploration across the city.

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