If you think your Aurora Public Library District card is just for checking out items at the library…think again! That little piece of plastic can open doors to concerts, museums, and zoos at a discounted price or even for free! Through fun partnerships with Ravinia, Explore More Illinois, and the Museum Adventure Program, APLD makes it easy for cardholders to access enriching experiences and create memories throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
Our first stop is a summertime offer for music lovers! APLD is once again partnering with Ravinia Festival to offer free lawn tickets to select summer concerts through the Words & Music program. “These complimentary tickets create an opportunity for our community members to enjoy and experience live music and the outdoors in a beautiful, outdoor social setting,” said event & program coordinator, Ali. The tickets go fast and are first-come, first-served in-person at each APLD location. The lineup features twelve concerts, including Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, an All-Mozart evening, and more. Even better? Thanks to Ravinia’s partnership with Metra, your concert ticket doubles as a free train ticket on the Union Pacific North Line. Just flash your concert ticket and ride to and from the park at no cost. You can claim up to two concerts per family — so pick your nights and pack a picnic!
Next is Explore More Illinois, an online service that gives APLD cardholders instant access to free and discounted tickets to over 80 attractions across Illinois including museums, botanical gardens, historic sites, zoos, park districts, and theaters. “You’ll be able to learn and have fun while saving money thanks to the benefits of the Explore More Illinois Program,” said public services manager, Louise. Her personal pick? “The Morton Arboretum is a great place to wander and enjoy the outdoors all year round!” To reserve a pass, log in with your APLD library card number and PIN to browse the offers by date or location. Don’t forget to print or download before your visit! You can have up to three active reservations at a time, so plan accordingly. Additional limitations may apply, so check the fine print of each offer.
Lastly is our popular Museum Adventure Pass program that offers deals to over 20 museums and attractions across northern Illinois. Unlike the Explore More Illinois passes, Museum Adventure Passes are valid for seven days from issue, allowing more flexibility when planning your adventure. But you must visit the library in person to be issued a pass from a staff member, and the limit is one per household. Offers vary; some include free admission, others are buy-one-get-one-free, or free parking. Again, don’t forget to bring your APLD card and maybe a backup plan if your first-choice pass is already spoken for.
So go ahead and unlock the possibilities with APLD! Your card is the key to world-class concerts under the stars, nature trails, hands-on museum exhibits, and unforgettable outings. Learn more about our attraction offerings at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/attractions or by calling the library at 630-264-4117. And if you still need a library card, what are you waiting for? The door to your next adventure awaits!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.