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Pass admits one family to the museum.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of fly fishing. AMFF was established in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont, by a group of passionate and enthusiastic anglers who believed that the history of angling was an important part of American culture and tradition. The Museum was created to serve as an institution to research, preserve, and interpret the treasures of angling history.

Today, the Museum serves as a repository for and conservator to the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items, numbering in the thousands. Its collections and exhibits thoroughly document the evolution of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft, and industry in the United States and abroad, dating as far back as the sixteenth century. Rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, photographs, manuscripts, and books form the Museum’s permanent collection.

Admits up to two adults and two children under 18 years of age, free of charge, and offers 10% off in the museum’s gift shop. Information regarding days and hours is available on the Visit page.

The American Precision Museum in Windsor, Vermont, is housed in the historic 1846 Robbins & Lawrence Armory—the birthplace of precision interchangeable parts in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark. As the nation’s premier repository of 19th-century machine tools, the museum holds the largest collection of historically significant automated machinery, including early lathes, milling machines, sewing devices, firearms, and typewriters. Its centerpiece exhibit, Shaping America: Machines and Machinists at Work, takes visitors through the rise of Precision Valley and the transformative “American System” of manufacturing, spotlighting both machines and the people behind them.

Day visitors can immerse themselves in interactive experiences at the Innovation Station, where historic tools operate alongside modern CNC, 3D printing, and robotics demos. Special events, such as Windsor Day and family maker workshops, offer hands-on STEM-M activities—from waterwheel builds to robot battles—often with free admission. Self-guided tours are supported by staff-led demo sessions year-round (open daily, weekdays only, May–Oct), and accessible facilities include a museum shop, free parking, and wheelchair access. Whether you’re a history buff, a budding engineer, or a curious family, the museum offers a fascinating, interactive glimpse into America’s industrial origins.

Admits two adults, free of charge (children are always free). Information regarding days/hours of operation is available on the Visit page.

The Bennington Museum is a dynamic cultural and historical institution located in Bennington, Vermont, dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage and creative spirit of the region. Established in 1928 in a repurposed 1855 stone church and expanded over the decades, its permanent collections span American and regional art, decorative objects, Revolutionary War artifacts, and an exceptional archive of local history. Highlights include the world’s largest public display of Grandma Moses paintings, a diverse Gilded Age gallery featuring fine art and modernist works, historic Bennington pottery and stoneware, a Revolutionary War military gallery centered on the Battle of Bennington, and treasured textile holdings, such as the Jane Stickle Quilt and historic flags. A research library and Regional History Room further support genealogical and scholarly inquiry.

For day visitors, the Bennington Museum offers a rich and varied experience suitable for families, history buffs, and art enthusiasts. Guests can explore permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions, stroll along the outdoor George Aiken Wildflower Trail, and enjoy seasonal events, such as “Museum ABCs” on Saturdays, featuring interactive art sessions and storytelling. A museum shop offers regional crafts and exhibition-themed items, and the beautifully maintained campus, perched on a hill, provides an inviting backdrop for self-guided walks on the grounds. Whether delving into Grandma Moses’s rural landscapes, uncovering local wartime history, or simply enjoying a peaceful visit, the museum offers culturally enriching experiences for all.

Admits one adult free of charge (children and students with valid ID are always free). Pass allows admittance once daily. Before arriving at The Clark, library passholders are required to book a timed ticketing appointment online. During the online booking process, please select the option for “Library Passholder (Validation Required)”. MCL members will be required to present the library pass upon checking in at The Clark.

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is a remarkable fusion of world-class art museum and scholarly research center set on a 140-acre Berkshires campus. Founded in 1955 by collector Robert Sterling Clark and his wife Francine, it features a prestigious collection of over 9,000 works spanning European and American painting, sculpture, decorative arts, prints, drawings, photographs, and early photography. The museum’s architectural ensemble blends historic structures—such as the 1955 neoclassical Museum Building and the 1973 Manton Research Center—with striking modern additions designed by Tadao Ando and Annabelle Selldorf, including the reflecting-pool-lined Clark Center and the Stone Hill (Lunder) Center. This thoughtful melding of art, research, and landscape showcases masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Sargent, Homer, and more, while offering opportunities to explore a renowned art library and conservation facility.

As a day‑visit destination, the Clark invites guests to delight in both its indoor and outdoor environments. Journey through intimate permanent‑collection galleries and special exhibitions, with free guided tours offered on Saturdays that enrich the experience. Then step outside to wander the serene woodland trails, meadows, and wetlands that weave across the property—don’t miss the pastoral views from Stone Hill, where cows often graze. Seasonal highlights include the “Ground/work” outdoor sculpture installation and the annual Community Days, when admission is free and the campus comes alive with art-making activities, performances, and family-friendly events. Amenities like a café, museum store, stroller and wheelchair accessibility, and provisions for picnickers make it a welcoming destination for all ages. Reflecting pools, public seating, and expansive landscape architecture complete the experience, offering a restorative blend of culture, nature, and discovery.

One Library member may receive two free tickets to each performance weekend on a first-come, first-served basis. After checking out the pass, patrons may call ahead at 802-867-5570 to reserve tickets. The Library pass must be brought to the box office for ticket pickup.

Admits one adult free of charge to any Dorset Theatre Festival show. Patrons will need to call ahead to the box office at (802) 867-2223 ext. 101 or email boxoffice@dorsettheatrefestival.org to reserve seats. Be sure to include in your message that the tickets are being reserved using the Manchester Community Library pass. The pass must be presented at the time of the show. Two passes are available, one per Library card holder. Information regarding the current season can be found on the Dorset Theatre Festival website.

Admits up to four people for $7 per person. Pass is valid for general admission only. The most up to date information regarding open days and hours is available on their Hours & Admission page.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a premier science and nature museum located on Burlington’s scenic waterfront, dedicated to inspiring families with interactive discovery, environmental stewardship, and the wonders of the Champlain Basin. Since opening in 2003, this vibrant learning center has offered over 100 hands-on exhibits, a live-animal gallery featuring more than 70 local aquatic and terrestrial species, an immersive 3D theater, and traveling and special seasonal exhibits. Housed in Vermont’s first LEED-certified lakefront aquarium, ECHO blends sustainability with education, showcasing everything from engineering challenges and lake weather systems to a towering replica of Champ, Lake Champlain’s legendary cryptid.

Visitors can explore a variety of engaging indoor experiences—from early childhood STEM play in Champ Lane and interactive zones like Awesome Forces and Engineer It!, to daily animal encounters and special exhibits such as the current Rube Goldberg contraptions. The Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater offers science films to complement learning, while seasonal programming, outreach events, and a STEM-filled traveling festival extend ECHO’s mission beyond its walls. Families can also pause at the café for a waterfront creemee or stroll the adjacent Lake Champlain walkway. With rich, hands-on exploration and a commitment to accessibility, ECHO ensures visitors of all ages leave with new insights into science, nature, and the health of the Lake Champlain ecosystem.

Pass allows full access to Hildene Welcome Center & The Museum Store, Robert and Mary’s House & Gardens, Hildene Farm Goat Dairy & Cheese Making Facility, the 1903 Pullman Palace Car, 12 miles of walking, skiing and snowshoeing trails, the Battenkill wetlands with 600’ floating boardwalk, Dene Farm with the 1832 Hollow School and teaching greenhouse, Animal Barn at the Dene with cattle, sheep, alpacas, pigs, chickens & rabbits.

Pass provides one day’s free admission for one Adult and two Children (ages 6-16; children 5 and under are always admitted to Hildene, free of charge). The Hildene Membership Pass does not include Hildene’s Guided House Tours nor Behind the Scenes Archive Tours. Present the pass at Hildene’s Welcome Center Desk. Library member must be in attendance. Information regarding days/hours of operation and exhibits is available on the Hours page.

Pass admits two adults and two children (under 16) to the MASS MoCA galleries for free. For information on current exhibitions and gallery hours call (413) 662-2111 or visit the MASS MoCA website.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA is able to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. Much of the work shown in the museum’s light-filled spaces, on technically sophisticated stages, and within a lovely network of late 19th-century courtyards is made here during extended fabrication and rehearsal residencies that bring hundreds of the world’s most brilliant and innovative artists to North Adams all year round.

Admits up to two adults and four youth (under 18). Patrons must present the pass to Guest Services. Museum hours vary based on the time of year. Visit the museum website for more information.

The Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in North Bennington is one of New England’s most significant and best-preserved Victorian-era homes. Built in the 1860s, the grand 35-room mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of prominent 19th-century Vermonters, including two state governors. The beautifully maintained grounds and architecture reflect both Second Empire and Romantic Revival styles, offering a rich experience for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Day visitors can enjoy self-guided or docent-led tours of the mansion during the open season, as well as explore over 200 acres of surrounding woodlands, gardens, and walking trails. The site also hosts a variety of seasonal programs such as outdoor concerts, theater performances, croquet matches, art workshops, yoga on the lawn, and community events. Whether you’re looking to connect with local history, enjoy the outdoors, or attend cultural events, the Park-McCullough House offers something for everyone.

Pass admits two adults and their children under 18 years of age to the walking trails and children’s farmyard. Excludes property tours. For information regarding hours, activities, trail maps, and more, visit Shelburne Farms’ Day Visit page.

Explore the big ideas of sustainability on a diversified working farm. Shelburne Farms’ entire historic campus is a living classroom that invites you to learn, grow, be inspired, and to take that inspiration back to whatever place in the world you call home.

From mid-May to mid-October, enjoy a day exploring along Shelburne Farms’ extensive walking trails, visiting with our Children’s Farmyard animals, watching cheesemaking, and of course, savoring a bit of their farmstead cheddar.

Pass admits a Library patron, one additional adult, and up to four accompanying children (ages 17 and under) for 50% off their applicable admission date. Patrons must provide a valid library card and a valid driver’s license or non-driver ID card upon admission. For information on current exhibits and visiting hours, visit the Museum website.

Just 10 minutes south of Burlington, Shelburne Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Vermont. Shelburne Museum is the largest art and history museum in northern New England and a foremost public resource for visual art and material culture.

The Museum’s 45-acre campus is comprised of 39 buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the Museum. Among the most beloved attractions on the campus are the Shaker design Round Barn, a General Store, a carousel, and the 220-foot sidewheel steamboat Ticonderoga. Visitors enjoy strolling the beautifully landscaped grounds with 22 gardens. The Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education features changing exhibitions and Webb Gallery features important American paintings by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Grandma Moses, John Singleton Copley and many more.

Pass admits an MCL patron and their guests to the galleries.

The Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a vibrant destination for art, nature, and cultural exploration, nestled on over 120 acres of picturesque forestland in Manchester, Vermont. Originally a private estate built in 1917, the campus now features multiple galleries—including the historic Yester House and the contemporary Wilson Museum—hosting rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists. Visitors can enjoy original, for-sale artwork in a variety of mediums, explore a permanent collection featuring notable American artists, and shop for locally made gifts and prints in the museum store.

SVAC also offers outdoor experiences through Vermont’s largest sculpture park and an extensive trail network with scenic views of the Green and Taconic Mountains. Whether you’re picnicking, strolling among large-scale sculptures, or hiking toward the summit of Equinox Mountain, SVAC blends artistic enrichment with natural beauty. It’s an ideal destination for all ages to engage with the arts, discover something new, and connect with the landscape.

The Library Season Pass to Taconic Music’s annual Summer Festival admits two people to any concert in the series. Please visit the Taconic Music website for the most up-to-date information on dates for the current or future season.

Bulgarian violinist Joana Genova and violist/conductor Ariel Rudiakov, who grew up in New York City, established Taconic Music in October 2016 with a mission of providing high-quality classical music performance and instruction throughout the year while making it affordable and accessible. In 2017 Jane Duda joined as Communications Director, completing our small but able team, supported by a committed board of directors.

Taconic Music owes a great deal to its musical ancestry to two musical couples: pianist Eugene List and violinist Carroll Glenn, who founded the Southern Vermont Arts Center Music Festival in 1974, and cellist Michael Rudiakov with pianist/teacher Judith, who took over in 1983, changing the name to Manchester Music Festival (MMF), and establishing it as a non-for-profit in 1984. Joana and Ariel met in Manchester in 1998 and, starting in 2000, ran MMF for the next decade and a half, organizing a successful summer festival, year-round performances, lessons for area children, and numerous outreach concerts around the region for young and old.

Since its founding, Taconic Music has cultivated strong ties with other local organizations—Manchester Community Library, Burr and Burton Academy, the Inn at Manchester, Southern Vermont Arts Center, Israel Congregation, among others—and has become a valuable resource for culture, entertainment, and education in the area. The Taconic String Quartet performs not only in the Manchester, Bennington, Rutland area, but at concerts series outside of Vermont: Milford, NY, North Adams, MA, Hudson Falls, NY, Danbury, CT and collaborates extensively with vocalist Maxine Linehan and producer/composer Andrew Koss on stage or in the Studio at Strawberry Fields Lane.

Now, in addition to successful chamber music concerts, residents and visitors alike can also enjoy jazz, fiddling, rock, and casual pop-up performances throughout the year.

Up to eight people in one vehicle are admitted free to any VT Historic Site.

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation’s State-Owned Historic Sites Program encourages the discovery and appreciation of our rich heritage through the stewardship and interpretation of historic sites that evoke an authentic sense of time and place. One way that the state-owned historic sites fulfill this mission is through an active exhibition program. Most of the sites have permanent exhibitions that interpret their unique history, as well as regularly changing displays that focus on specialized subjects.

Admits one family, free of charge. Vermont History Museum hours of operation are available on the Museum page. Leahy Library (Barre location) is open by appointment only.

The Vermont History Museum is Central Vermont’s destination to learn about the history of the Green Mountain State. Located in the Pavilion Building in downtown Montpelier, it showcases the Vermont Historical Society’s collections through its exhibits and educational programming.

Up to eight people in one vehicle are admitted free for one day to any state park.

If you’re looking to go for a swim, cool off by the lake, take a hike, have a picnic or just kick back and read a book, Vermont State Parks’ day use areas are a great option!

Most day use areas have beaches and swimming areas, grassy expanses of lawn, boat rentals, grills and restrooms. Many day use areas also have playgrounds, concession areas and picnic pavilions.