Milford Library Announces Entertainment Passes

From Milford Library: The library is so much more than books. In fact thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Milford Library patrons can see a play, tour an historic house, view some of the world’s most iconic art by some of the best painters of all time, even spend an afternoon with exotic creatures from the sea and jungle.

There are passes providing free admission to nine area attractions — some admitting up to six people, and 10 more that provide discounts, according to the library web site.

Among those are the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven, giving library patrons the opportunity to ride streetcars from the 19th and 20 centuries.

The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks has on display everything from an early fixed-wing bi-plane to the latest gliders and jets.

Visitors can climb into the cockpit of a World War II era fighter plane, many of which were manufactured in Connecticut.

But the most popular pass, by far, is for the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, says Ronda Zalenski, the library technician in charge of the passes.

Due to the popularity of the passes, and since reservations aren’t taken ahead of time, the library will hold a pass for an hour if someone calls in to check availability.

To encourage the return of the passes on time, there is a $5 a day late fee. Library staff members want as many people as possible to take advantage of this great service.

Among the newest passes are those for the Florence Griswold art Museum in Old Lyme and the EverWonder Children’s Museum in Newtown, she said.

Coming back in the fall for a full season is the Long Wharf Theater pass program, which provides two tickets absolutely free for certain performances.

The acclaimed New Haven theater “blacks out’’ some dates when demand is high and provides tickets on a standby basis for some other performances, Zalenski said.

But the face value of the tickets has been as high as $85 each, the library technician said.

“We had really good feedback for the short time we offered the Long Wharf passes last season and we’re looking forward to offering them again,’’ Zalenski said.

Photo courtesy of Milford Library (Ronda Zalenski, by Frank Juliano)