September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! This week, the Delaware County District Library has announced another reason why your library card is the most valuable card in your wallet — the addition of two new culture passes!
Culture passes are partnerships that your library has established with arts organizations in central Ohio to help make these aspects of our community more accessible for a visit or day trip. Earlier this year, the Delaware County District Library introduced our first culture pass with the Columbus Museum of Art. Since then, the program has grown to include the Franklin Park Conservatory and now the Central Ohio Symphony.
You now have access to some of central Ohio’s premiere institutions, simply by having a library card. Each program works slightly differently, so for the full details, continue reading, or visit www.delawarelibrary.org/culture.
The Central Ohio Symphony is happy to provide free admission for students (ages 17 and younger) with a library card who attend any Central Ohio Symphony concert. The student’s accompanying adult will also receive half-price admission. To get this pass students may present their library cards at the box office at the concert, or call the Symphony office in advance at 740-362-1799. Visit www.centralohiosymphony.org to see the full lineup for the 2022-23 season.
Become a member for a day with a pass to the Columbus Museum of Art. One pass provides free admission for up to eight people, free parking for one vehicle, and discounts at the onsite store and cafe. These passes must be picked up at any DCDL location (Delaware, Powell, Orange Township and Ostrander) or requested through Outreach Services. Adult cardholders may borrow one pass at a time, which must be used within seven days of issuance. Be sure to visit the museum’s website before you go to have the most up-to-date information regarding hours, exhibit restrictions, special events and more. All that will be listed at www.columbusmuseum.org.
Just last week, all DCDL branches received their first batch of culture passes to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This partnership provides free admission for up to two adults and six children ages 18 and under, as well as a discount at the gift shop and cafe. These passes are limited and must be picked up at a DCDL location or requested through Outreach Services. One pass may be checked out at a time and can be used two times within a 30-day period. Visit www.fpconservatory.org to verify hours, special events and COVID-19 safety policies. As these passes are limited, it’s recommended to call your local branch to determine availability before you drive to pick one up.
Your Delaware County District Library card gets you all of the above and so much more. If you haven’t signed up for your library card yet, it’s easy to get started. Either stop by your nearest branch or get started online at www.delawarelibrary.org/librarycard. When you begin the process online you’re immediately issued a digital card that gives you access to online borrowing of eBooks, digital magazines, streaming music and more. Then stop by a branch to get your physical card the next time you’re in the area.
Since you may be visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory soon, this week we’ll discuss new books relating to Home, Garden, and DIY.
• “Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet” by Bonnie Wright. Best known for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, English actress and author Bonnie Wright also works with environmental groups. Read it for helpful tips and recipes for making small, eco-conscious changes at home; a sample of actionable steps for the wider world; a climate crisis explainer; interviews with experts.
• “The Garden Refresh: How to Give Your Yard Big Impact on a Small Budget” by Kier Holmes. Booklist calls it “a great starter for novices, and a refresher for wise hands.” Discover a thoughtful guide for budget- and eco-conscious gardeners packed with design inspiration, upcycling ideas, top ten lists, remedies to common problems, creative tips, color photos, and more.
• “How to Create a Wildlife Garden: Bringing Nature In” by Christine and Mick Lavelle. Incorporating inspiring photos and illustrations, the authors, who are accomplished British gardeners, offer a “thorough and practical guide” (Publishers Weekly) to making your outdoor areas more wildlife friendly. Sections include: Planning and Designing a Wildlife Garden, How to Create a Wildlife Pond, a Directory of Plants, a Directory of Wildlife, and Boosting Your Habitats.
