Note: the Museum Pass program has been updated to reflect new COVID-19 protocols. Please read below for new procedures.
Q- Which museums do you currently have passes for?
A- The Stamford Museum & Nature Center, The Jewish Museum , The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and The Museum of Natural History
Q- Do all of the museums have the same rules for visitors?
A- No. Please click on any of the museums listed above and you will be redirected to their website’s homepage. There, you can view their specific requirements.
Q- What do I need to do to visit one of these museums nowadays?
A- Each museum has its own way of doing things nowadays. Usually, you will have to reserve a time slot for your visit. Some museums require you to do it online. Others require a phone call. You will still need the physical pass, however, from us. A librarian will explain what you need to do when you reserve your pass.
Q- There doesn’t seem to be as many passes available as before COVID-19. Is that true?
A- Yes. Many museums have not reopened. We anticipate more museums will reopen. They will be added to the list above as they come available.
Q- How do I reserve a pass?
**Important note about reserving passes**
Many of the museums listed above have switched to ‘online booking’ to reserve time slots in advance. Reserving a time slot does not grant you admission. You still need the actual pass which we provide. If you would like to book a pass you must first call the Reference Desk at (914) 834-2281, ext. #3 Monday-Saturday anytime between 9AM and 5PM. After you speak with a Reference librarian, you will be emailed a link and unique code. It will be your responsibility to click on the link, follow booking instructions and enter the code. In essence, you will be making the reservation with the museum directly. You will be inputting all necessary personal information and confirming the visit with the museum. The library will facilitate emailing you with all of the pertinent information and giving you the physical pass but we will not be making the reservation for you.
Q- Why can’t you (the librarians) reserve a time slot for me?
A- The museums require that the visitors themselves reserve the time slots. We have been specifically asked not to do so.
Q- When do I get the pass?
A- You can pick up your pass, in person, by calling the library at 914-834-2281 ext#3 (Monday-Saturday between 9AM-5PM) and a librarian will meet you at the front door. You are welcome to pick it up the day before your scheduled visit or the day of your visit.
Q- When do I return the pass?
A- The pass must be returned the day after your scheduled visit. For example, if you reserve a pass for a Tuesday visit, it must be returned on Wednesday. It must be returned in person please call 914-834-2281 ext#3 (Monday-Saturday between 9AM-5PM) and a librarian will meet you at the front door.
Q- How far in advance can I reserve a museum visit?
A- 30 Days.
Q- Once I reserve a pass, what do I do next?
A- Call the library (Monday-Saturday between 9AM-5PM with your library card. A librarian at the Reference desk will meet you at the front door and give you your pass.)
Q- Who can pick up the pass from the Library?
A- Ideally, the person who made the reservation. If someone other than the person who made the reservation comes to pick up the pass, they must have the library card used to make the reservation. No matter who picks up the pass, though, the person who made the reservation is responsible for its timely return, etc.
Q- How many people can use each pass?
A- This varies from museum to museum. Please check with the librarian.
Q- How do I cancel or change a reservation?
A- Within 24 hours of your visit, please call Reference (914-834-2281, ext. #3) or email us at larchmontlibrary@wlsmail.org. Note: it is important that you cancel because an open reservation blocks out a pass for up to three days.
Q- What do I do with the pass after my visit?
A- Bring the pass and the plastic case it came in to the Reference Desk. Both the pass and the case will be thoroughly sanitized by a librarian.
Q- What happens if I return a pass late?
A- You will be charged $10 for each day overdue. After five days you will be charged the replacement cost of the pass, which could be up to $500 plus a $25 fee. Keep in mind, too, that the person who made the reservation is responsible, not the person who picked it up.
Q- Can I return the pass in the return bins you have set up on the front lawn?
A- No. You will be charged $10 if you do. The books in those bins are often a jumbled mess. We are worried a pass might somehow disappear.
Q- I lost the pass. Now what?
A- We will charge you for a replacement pass plus a $25 fee. The replacement cost varies from museum to museum but can be as high as $500.