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LI Library Pass Freebies at Museums

Most libraries on Long Island allow cardholders to access free museum passes for the whole family. Long Island is home to amazing children's museums, art museums, gardens, and parks from Nassau to Suffolk to the East End, and your library card lets you access some of New York City’s most popular museums, too. 

Some passes must be picked up at the library (and returned there), but passes for select museums can be printed at home. It's best to plan ahead and reserve your passes. Note: Library offerings differ by branch and there are restrictions, so be sure to check your local library's website for details.

If you spent lots of time in New York City, it may be worth looking into your eligibility for a New York Public Library Card. You can begin your application online, but you'll need to verify your identity and residency by visiting a branch. Once you do, you'll be able to receive a physical library card, which can be used to unlock the perks of the Culture Pass program, including access to dozens of top NYC attractions. 

Steep Discounts on Attraction Tickets at Long Island Libraries

While this perk isn't completely free, it's still worth knowing that many local Long Island libraries can hook cardholders up with steep discounts to live entertainment, local attractions not covered by the museum pass programs, like the Long Island Aquarium, as well as seasonal attractions like Splish Splash, Adventureland, and even the Adventure Park at Long Island. 

Library Freebies for Admission to State Parks

Long Island is home to tons of great state parks ripe for exploring, and thanks to your Long Island library card, you might just be able to do that exploring for free. Similar to the museum passes, many local Long Island libraries offer Empire Passes that grant admission to state parks all across New York. Check with your local branch for details and then get out and explore for free. 

RELATED: Great Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island

Kids can explore their creative side at Merrick Library's digital media center. Photo courtesy of Merrick Library

More Free Perks Not to Miss at Long Island Libraries

Outdoor Play Spaces at LI Libraries for Free Fun

Some local libraries offer amazing, FREE outdoor learning spaces for kids to enjoy. Middle Country Public Library in Centereach/Selden boasts an interactive nature explorium, while Sachem Public Library in Holbrook has an outdoor discovery grove for kids from infants through 5th grade.

Free Gadgets, Toys, and Computers to Use at Long Island Libraries

You might not be able to physically borrow it from the library, but at Merrick Library a 3D printer is available for kids to use while exploring their creative side. 

American Girl dolls and accessories can be borrowed from the Mineola and Brentwood libraries, among others. Libraries in Port Washington, Bethpage, and Harborfields are just a few of many local libraries that offer games and gadgets to borrow–think outdoor fun and even a karaoke machine party pack.

The Massapequa Public Library has Chromebooks and Kindles, all of which can be checked out simply by handing the librarian a card. If bad weather or sick kids have you stuck in, check out digital books, music, and more available to download from the comfort of your home via your library’s website.

At the Connetquot Library, cardholders can check out items from its Library of Things, including Cricut machines, telescopes, giant games, and even a PlayStation! The library is also home to seed library, where you can gather organic seeds to start your home garden come spring!

Similarly, if you've got a celebration coming up, visit the Comsewogue Public Library, which lets visitors check out play parachutes and character cake pans that make a perfect addition to a preschool party. Adults can even flex their library card to borrow a bike here!

The Longwood Public Library has an entire collection of children's kits for lending, which include things like workbooks, flashcards, baby book bundles, citizen science kits, and more curated packages for all ages and stages of development. 

Free Programming at Long Island Libraries

Last—but certainly not least—Long Island libraries offer tons of free, in-person programs from toddler story times to teen maker spaces, support groups for parents, and seasonal programming. Keep tabs on the freebies at your local library by bookmarking the Mommy Poppins Family Activity Calendar or browsing your local library's internal calendar for upcoming programs. 

This post is updated annually.