Chicago families, your library card just became a ticket to the city’s great museums. The Chicago Public Library has moved its museum passes fully online: cardholders can now reserve digital passes around the clock, with no trip to a branch to check out or return a pass, and the program has expanded well beyond the city through Explore More Illinois.
The new digital system, launched in June 2026, lets adult Chicago residents with a physical CPL card in good standing log in at chipublib.org/digitalpasses with their card number and PIN, browse offers by date, attraction or location, and reserve a pass for a specific day — up to three months ahead. A confirmation arrives by email, a reminder lands three days before the visit, and there are no fines or late fees.
The list of doors it opens keeps growing: museums, historical societies, zoos, aquariums, gardens and cultural centers across Illinois, from Chicago favorites to attractions statewide. The program is made possible through partnerships with the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) Explore More program, Museums in the Park and the participating attractions themselves.
It is a simple idea with a big happy effect: one free library card, a few clicks, and a calendar full of art, science and nature days for the whole family. Library staff can help with reservations and printing at any branch.
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
