This column has information about OPL's Discovery Passes and appeared in the Nov. 23, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
Omaha Public Library's Discovery Passes help people connect with community
Many of us have heard the advice “Be a tourist in your own city,” but often, we forget to implement that mindset into our everyday lives.
It’s easy to get caught up in daily routines, and more so now that the sun is regularly setting earlier and earlier into our evenings. But through the Discovery Pass program that Omaha Public Library hosts, patrons can experience some of the best cultural, educational and recreational sites Omaha has to offer for free.
The passes are meant to give library cardholders in Douglas County a “taste” of Omaha attractions, reflecting its core mission to connect community members with ideas, information and services. A Discovery Pass doesn’t replace a traditional membership for those who are frequent visitors to an attraction, but it does offer the opportunity to experience different places in our community before committing to an annual membership.
Current partners of the program include popular institutions like the Durham Museum, Film Streams, Children’s Museum, Spielbound Board Game Cafe, Lauritzen Gardens and more. Plus, the Omaha Public Library regularly updates its offerings and even features limited-time “pop-up” events.
Douglas County residents with a library card can reserve a pass online through the library website. Each reserved pass allows for free admission for a set number of people (the specific terms vary site to site), making these experiences more accessible to all families. To ensure as many patrons as possible can enjoy the program, the number of tickets for each attraction is limited, as are the annual reservations per patron.
The Omaha Public Library is dedicated to building a more connected Omaha, and the Discovery Passes are one part of that effort.
For more information, including a complete list of partners and to reserve a pass, visit omahalibrary.org/discovery-pass, opens a new window.
The Discovery Pass program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Omaha Public Library.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org, opens a new window.
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