Double the opportunities for adventure at the Newton Public Library

The Newton Public Library has added another Adventure Pass that will allow for more families to take advantage of going to the Blank Park Zoo.

The Adventure Pass, which offers library card holders free admission to the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Science Center of Iowa and the Des Moines Children’s Museum and is funded by the Friends of the Newton Public Library, has been a hit since it started being offered in late 2018.

“It is a good expansion on the library ... For kids and families to make it more affordable for them to be able to visit and enjoy these places, it just piggybacks on our mission of helping families be educated,” youth services librarian Phyllis Peter said.

The Adventure Pass has been so popular, in particular with the Blank Park Zoo, the library decided to get one more. The additional pass will allow for more families to have an opportunity to check out the zoo throughout the year.

“I had a lot of parents tell me ‘we wanted to go to the zoo but the pass was already checked out’ ... It was definitely the most popular so I thought well lets add a second zoo pass,” Peter said.

Throughout the first nine months of the Adventure Pass program, 632 people visited the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or the Des Moines Children’s Museum with their library cards.

“We anticipate even higher numbers this year with a second zoo pass available,” Peter said.

The Blank Park Zoo Adventure Pass has been the most popular and it also includes discounts for things like the train ride and at the snack shop. Now, there will be double the opportunities for families to go as the pass admits two adults and two children.

“At the zoo, I think it is really fun because it gives you a discount for everything you do that day too,” Peter said.

Those looking to use the pass must be members at the Newton Public Library. The free pass can be used one time per venue per year and will give families the chance to receive hands on education to go along with what is read in books.

“It is just one more way to show people that the library is more than just the walls of this building. That the library has programs to enhance families lives and expand the world for their children,” Peter said.

Those interested in the adventures awaiting them at these venues by using the passes can go online to www.newtongov.org/952/Adventure-Pass to reserve their time.

“You basically just go online, make the reservation with your library card and then you’re printing out the pass and taking the pass with you,” Peter said.

For more information on the Adventure Pass program at the NPL, call 641-792-4108.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com