Bringing Community Together Through Free Access to the Arts, Sports, and More

The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) isn’t just about books. It’s a powerhouse of community enrichment, innovation, and opportunity. From being named National Library of the Year in 2010 to winning the American Library Association’s Library of the Future Award, CML continues to shine as a pillar of Central Ohio.

One of its most celebrated offerings is the Culture Pass Program, which provides library cardholders with free access to nearly 20 of the region’s cultural and recreational institutions. In a recent episode of the Looking Forward Our Way podcast, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sat down with Stephanie Burley, CML’s manager of circulation, for an inside look at the Culture Pass program’s origins, growth, and profound community impact.

The Genesis and Growth of The Culture Pass Program

The Culture Pass Program began in 2018 with a simple but visionary idea: remove financial barriers so that everyone in Central Ohio could engage with the region’s premier cultural attractions. Early inspiration came from similar initiatives in big cities like Chicago and New York, but the CML approach was uniquely community-minded from the start. Stephanie Burley reminisced about launching the inaugural partnership with Franklin Park Conservatory—particularly focused on serving its immediate neighborhood as a token of gratitude for community support during renovations.

Quickly, The Culture Pass Program expanded—first to the Wexner Center for the Arts, then to a growing roster of organizations. While the pandemic briefly hit pause, the program came back stronger than ever. By 2024, Culture Pass covered 16 diverse organizations and provided 21,000 free passes—a testament to its popularity and the power of partnerships.

A Mosaic of Experiences: What’s Included?

One of The Culture Pass Program’s standout features is its astonishing variety. It’s not just for theater-lovers or museum enthusiasts. The program covers:

  • Art institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art
  • The Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens
  • Sports experiences (yes, Columbus Clippers baseball and even the Columbus Crew!)
  • Performing arts from the BalletMet to Shadowbox Live and Opera Columbus
  • Outdoor escapes at places like the Dawes Arboretum
  • Family fun at the Columbus Zoo and Columbus Children’s Theatre

As Stephanie noted, the breadth ensures nearly everyone can find something that sparks their curiosity, regardless of age or interest. New organizations regularly express interest in joining—Culture Pass rarely has to chase partners, thanks to the program’s success and positive community stories.

Access Without Barriers: How Does The Culture Pass Program Work?

You don’t have to live in Columbus to benefit—any Ohio resident can register for a CML library card (even online!), making Culture Pass widely accessible. Library cardholders of any age can check out passes, which function much like library books but with a twist: you don’t return them. Passes themselves act as your ticket, and each may have its own rules (number of admissions, how long you have to use it, etc.), determined by the cultural organization.

To find out what passes are available, visit columbuslibrary.org, navigate to the Events section, and look for The Culture Pass Program details. Availability updates occur daily, and some tickets (like popular sporting events) go fast—so planning ahead is key.

If you have questions or need assistance, CML’s front-line staff are always ready to help, whether that’s navigating online codes, printing tickets, or sorting out the specifics of each venue.

Behind the Scenes: Community, Collaboration, and Lifelong Learning

Stephanie sees CML as “10% books, 90% people,” highlighting how libraries revolve around human connection. Culture Pass amplifies this by:

  • Encouraging patrons to explore new horizons with family or friends
  • Providing direct support and explanations for each unique pass
  • Celebrating stories and feedback from users (“the best feedback is to come and check them out…and share your joy!”)

The program’s administration is a labor of love. Stephanie and her team constantly coordinate, update, and troubleshoot to ensure a smooth experience—reflecting the library’s “best job ever” energy.

Get Involved and Give Back

Library supporters make this all possible by approving levies and backing the library’s mission. As a patron, you can further contribute by:

  • Sharing feedback and photos from your Culture Pass adventures
  • Letting partner organizations know you attended through CML’s program (this encourages them to keep participating!)
  • Suggesting new local institutions for future passes

The Culture Pass program is a shining example of public service at its best: breaking down barriers, building community, and sparking curiosity. Whether you’re a long-time library lover or new to Central Ohio, consider this your invitation to unlock a world of experiences—one pass at a time.

Dive into opportunities at columbuslibrary.org, and as always, support your local library—it truly is the gateway to a vibrant, inclusive community.

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Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0

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