Los Angeles residents can use their public library cards to reserve free or discounted admission to participating museums and cultural attractions through the Discover & Go program.
Looking for affordable things to do in Los Angeles?
Your library card may be one of the best resources you already have.
The Los Angeles Public Library offers a program called Explore L.A. — Discover & Go, giving eligible residents access to free or low-cost passes to participating museums and cultural institutions.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for a weekend activity or hoping to explore more of LA’s cultural attractions, the program can help make those experiences more affordable.
What Is Discover & Go?
Discover & Go is a partnership between the Los Angeles Public Library and participating cultural institutions.
Eligible library cardholders can log into an online reservation system, browse available passes and reserve admission for specific dates.
Pass availability varies by attraction, and some passes admit multiple family members while others are intended for individual visitors.
Who Can Use the Program?
According to the Los Angeles Public Library, participants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be an eligible Los Angeles resident
- Have a Los Angeles Public Library card in good standing
- Use a qualifying physical library card rather than an e-card
The library lists eligible residential ZIP codes from 90000 through 93599, although specific attraction restrictions may also apply.
How to Reserve a Pass
Getting started is straightforward.
Step 1: Get a library card. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for a free card through the Los Angeles Public Library.
Step 2: Visit the Discover & Go website. Sign in using your library card information.
Step 3: Browse available attractions. Search by museum or date to see what passes are currently available.
Step 4: Reserve your visit. Choose an available pass and follow the reservation instructions.
Step 5: Bring your pass and identification. Depending on the attraction, you may need to print the pass or present it on your phone. A valid photo ID is required.
Important Things to Know
The program has several restrictions.
Cardholders may hold up to two reservations at a time, and reservations can be made up to three months in advance.
New passes are generally released at the beginning of each month.
Passes are first come, first served, so popular attractions may fill quickly.
Once a pass has been printed or downloaded, it cannot be canceled.
Some attractions also have special eligibility requirements or restrictions.
Explore Black Art and Culture in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a rich collection of museums and cultural institutions celebrating Black history, art and creativity.
Among the destinations worth exploring are the California African American Museum in Exposition Park and the Museum of African American Art in Baldwin Hills.
Both offer opportunities to discover Black artistic and cultural contributions.
However, visitors should check each museum’s own admission policy and the current Discover & Go list before making plans. Not every museum participates in the library-pass program, and some cultural institutions already offer free general admission independently.
Make Exploring LA More Affordable
From family outings to solo museum visits, Los Angeles offers numerous cultural experiences that don’t require spending a fortune.
Discover & Go is one way residents can make the most of the city’s museums and attractions while supporting local cultural institutions.
Before purchasing tickets to your next museum visit, check whether your library card can help you save.
Program: Explore L.A. — Discover & Go
Provider: Los Angeles Public Library
Cost: Free or discounted passes, depending on attraction
Website: lapl.org/explore-la
Pass availability, participating institutions and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
