Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has added another cultural pass.

CML partnered with Opera Columbus to make a select number of tickets available for library customers to check out for free.

One Opera Columbus Culture Pass is now available at each of CML’s 23 locations for free admission to Rappaccini’s Daughter showing on Sept. 19 and 21. Later in the Opera Columbus season, two passes will be available at each location in the weeks leading up to each subsequent show.

The Culture Pass program enables CML customers to borrow passes just as they would a book: using their library card. This onetime pass, which must be checked out in person, grants customers limited free access to institutions that would otherwise charge admission fees. “With the help of our community partners, we’re working to expose all central Ohioans to the many renowned cultural gems we are fortunate to have at our doorstep,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan. “As a public library, our role is to ensure equal access to all, and that goes well beyond books.”

Culture Passes cannot be reserved like traditional library items. However, customers can check their availability at columbuslibrary.org by typing “Culture Pass” into the catalog search bar.

Each participating organization offers their passes to CML and its customers for free. CML does not purchase passes as it does with traditional library materials. Each organization sets its own rules for how many individuals are covered under its passes and on which days the passes will be honored. Partner organizations also set the number of passes allotted to each designated CML location.