What can't your library card do?

You can use it to check out books, ebooks, music and movies, of course; use computers, printers and copiers for free; "borrow" a mobile hotspot to get online; and attend free programs and classes. 

And now, thanks to Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources' new "Culture Pass" program, adult residents with a library card can use it to get free or discounted access to local theaters, museums and more. To sign up, click here and login with your library card number and PIN. 

Current Culture Pass participants include Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Urbanite Theatre, Big Cat Habitat, Imagine Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Azara Ballet, Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with more partners to come in the future. Most participating venues allow one pass per year, per patron, and patrons can only have one active pass at a time. Passes may be digital or printable, depending on the venue, and typically must be redeemed in advance for ticketed performances.

“The Culture Pass program is a shining example of how libraries serve the needs of our community,” Dr. Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, said in a press release announcing the launch of the program. “Culture Pass makes it easier for families to enjoy the rich arts and cultural experiences our community offers by reducing cost barriers and opening doors to learning and discovery."

Here's a list of Sarasota County libraries: 

Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library

2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Selby Library

1331 First St., Sarasota, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday 

Fruitville Library

100 Apex Road, Sarasota, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Gulf Gate Library

7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

North Port Library

13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Shannon Staub Library

4675 Career Lane, North Port, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Osprey Library

337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Sunday

Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library

4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Elsie Quirk Library

100 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library 

300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, (941) 861-1110

Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Adult residents of Sarasota County with a library card can sign up for Culture Pass here. To sign up for a free library card, click here. For more information about the Sarasota County library system, click here.