Museum Passes FAQs

  • General Questions

    You can find a list of all the current museum and attraction passes we offer on our Museum Passes page.

    Reserve most museum passes online via LibCal. We allow patrons to reserve passes over the phone (with a library card number) and in person. You are also welcome to use our computers to make a reservation.

    Patrons may book each pass once in a 30 day period. Patrons may only book one pass per day.

    No. To reserve museum passes, upgrade your eCard at any BPL location by bringing a photo ID and proof of your Massachusetts residency. A state-issued ID or driver's license meets both requirements.

    Returnable passes have to be picked up the day they are reserved for (or on Friday for a weekend pass). Disposable passes should be picked up before that date needed, as most museums are now requiring you to also schedule a visiting time on the museum's website after you have picked up your pass. You will need to bring your library card to pick up both types of passes.

    There are two types of passes: returnable (laminated) or disposable. Each pass indicates which type it is.

    If you borrowed a disposable pass, you don’t need to return it.

    Laminated “returnable” passes must be returned to avoid fines. Bring back your returnable pass to the same location where you picked it up before 12 p.m. on the next day that the location is open.

    Please don’t leave museum passes in the overnight return box. Check the hours of the branch you’re returning to before returning your pass.

    There are two types of passes: returnable (laminated) or disposable. Each pass indicates which type it is.

    If you don’t return a laminated, returnable pass on time, your account will be blocked from further borrowing until it is returned.

    If you lose a returnable pass, let us know at 617.536.5400, ask@bpl.org, or by calling or visiting the borrowing location. We’ll assess a replacement cost for you.

    Disposable passes do not need to be returned and don’t generate fines.

    You may reserve one pass per museum per thirty-day period. Patrons may only book one pass per day. 

    Electronic (e-tickets) passes are not eligible for cancellation.

    Cancellations are not permitted on the day of your scheduled pick up. You may cancel your reservation online or by contacting us in advance of your museum pass pickup date.

    If a pass has already been picked up, it must be returned to the owning library prior to cancelling the reservation.

    By phone or in person, ONE or more days in advance: Call or visit the library location you planned to pick the pass up from and ask us to cancel it for you. Have your library card number available so we can look up your reservation.

    Online, TWO or more days in advance: Check the confirmation email you received from LibCal. If this is a physical pass, it will include a link you can follow to a page where you can cancel your booking.