Shelf to Shore Program

Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Bring Free Aquarium Passes to Low Income Residents Through May 25, 2018

The Santa Cruz Public Library System (SCPL) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Shelf to Shore Program provides low-income families a free pass to the aquarium during winter and spring.

To provide access to families who could not afford to go, adults 18 and over with a valid SCPL library card are eligible for 1 pass per year. Typically, families who qualify for Free School Lunch, WIC, SNAP, Meals on Wheels, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Healthy Kids, or other similar services are eligible for a pass.

To request a Shelf to Shore Pass, visit the service desk at any SCPL branch library or the Bookmobile. For free admission to the aquarium, you must present the free ticket with your matching library card at the Aquarium’s main entrance. Passes are valid up until May 25, 2018, except for holidays and the Community Open House Week.

According to Library Director Susan Nemitz, “The library is a natural partner in connecting families to these learning experiences. We hope it inspires kids of all ages to get involved with science and conservation efforts.”

For those families not eligible for the program, visit during the annual Community Open House, which is the first full week of December for all residents, regardless of income, from the Tri-County region (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito). There is also a new Locals Programs with special admission pricing for locals. For more information, please visit www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/hours-and-tickets/locals-only.

For those who want to visit the aquarium more frequently, Consider Membership in the aquarium. An aquarium membership gives unlimited access for 1 year to 2 adults and all children or grandchildren up to age 21. Individual and student memberships are also available.