Check out discounts from the library

(WTNH) - Your ticket to some free or discounted summer fun this weekend could be as close as your city or town library. Libraries are checking out passes to museums or attractions across the state.

In addition to books, movies and music, libraries lend out free and reduced-price museum and zoo passes.

The passes are good for many attractions like the Beardsley Zoo, Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and even Mystic Seaport.

"Areas that we give out free admission is probably close to $200,000," Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho said, "but that's the kind of thing that we couldn't say we're gonna charge those people now, because that's not gonna happen. We feel the more people that come to the zoo the better off we're going to be.""

Even as the libraries and attractions tighten their belts, donations make the passes possible at such an affordable price.

"That's huge buisness for us. People love that," Fairfield Public Library Director Maura Ritz said. "Grandparents come in, do you have something for Beardsley Zoo? Is the pass available? The Wadsworth Anthenum. The Maritime Center. We love doing that and it's a very popular service."

The passes are available at most libaries in the state. Folks 18 and older can check one or more out with just their library card. Check your local library for availablity.