A library card doesn’t usually come with admission into museums, gardens and forests, but for the Omaha Metro Area, it does. The first time my family and I used an Adventure Pass from the Papillion Public Library, it felt as if we were doing something wrong. We walked straight past the ticket counter at the Henry Doorly Zoo, showed our email confirmation, and just like that we were in. No admission fee, no line, no stress.
Those passes are part of the Papillion Public Library’s Adventure Pass program (also available at the majority of libraries in the Omaha area), which gives cardholders access to some of the region’s most popular attractions, including Fontenelle Forest, Kiewit Luminarium, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Omaha Children’s Museum. The library also offers physical tickets to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium four times a year, available for pickup at Sump Memorial Library.
The program began in 2021 as a way to expand what a library card could offer beyond books. According to Kaitlyn Darveau, the Technology Services Coordinator at the Papillion Public Library, the goal was to make local experiences more accessible.
“The program started from an attempt to offer our patrons access to area attractions,” Darveau said. “We reached out to attractions that we thought might be interested in partnering, some attractions that already had established partnerships with other local libraries, which helped get the program off the ground.”
Since then, the program has grown quickly through word of mouth, social media, and conversations at the circulation desk. In 2024, most Adventure Passes moved to an online reservation system, making it easier for families like mine to plan outings in advance.
That change has been especially important because many passes are in high demand, Darvaeu said. “Some of the passes are very popular, so you may have to book ahead,” she said. “We allow booking up to 30 days in advance.”
Each pass comes with its own restrictions, which are clearly outlined in the library’s website. Some attractions only allow one visit per year, while others are more flexible. Digital passes can be reserved online by entering a library card number and PIN, with confirmation sent by email. Zoo passes follow a separate schedule and must be picked up in person.
For my family, the system has become second nature. Before we plan a weekend outing, we check the library’s Adventure Pass page. What started as a curiosity has turned into a habit–and a budget saver.
Beyond the personal benefit, Darveau says the program plays an important role in the community by spotlighting local attractions residents may not otherwise consider.
“It offers access to area attractions and helps highlight attractions that local patrons may not always think of when planning a day out,” she said.
With the right timing, a single family could use every available Adventure Pass in a year, or even in a single week, Darveau said.
For my family, it’s become one of the most useful services tied to our library card–straightforward, practical, and easy to use once you know where to look.
