Have you ever closed a window after seeing the admission price while searching for weekend plans? I have too. But it turns out that a library card I found in my wallet was the answer.

This is about the Wissahickon Valley Public Library (WVPL), which operates in conjunction with Blue Bell and Ambler. I thought it was just a place to borrow books, but after digging through the website, I found it was truly amazing.

The first thing that surprised me was the museum passes. I counted the list on the WVPL museum pass page, and there are as many as 39 places.

Just looking at the Philadelphia area, it includes the Please Touch Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, and Eastern State Penitentiary. If you go to the suburbs, you can find Elmwood Park Zoo, Chanticleer Garden, and Tyler Arboretum.

I was a bit surprised to see that there are passes for the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It seems perfect for a day trip by train.

The number of people allowed varies by location. The Please Touch Museum allows up to 6 people, while the Museum of the American Revolution allows 2 adults and up to 4 children aged 6-17.

Elmwood Park Zoo allows 2 adults and 4 children, and Eastern State Penitentiary allows a maximum of 6 people. If you have a family, this is a great tip.

Borrowing is simple. You just need to search for "museum pass" in the online catalog to find the pass you want.

However, reservations or holds are not allowed. It's first-come, first-served, so if you go right before the weekend, popular passes may already be gone.

The borrowing period is 3 days, and extensions are not allowed. To return it, just drop it in the designated zipper pouch at the location where you borrowed it.

The website didn't mention any late fees. However, if you lose it, you will have to pay for a replacement, so be careful about that.

And it's not just about bringing the pass. For the Mutter Museum, you need to call or select the "Library Partner" option online to reserve a time slot first.

Shofuso House and Gardens and Mercer Museum require timed entry. Chanticleer Garden requires a separate parking reservation.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens advises you to reserve a free "Member" ticket online. For Battleship New Jersey, you need to show both the pass and the library card.

Elmwood Park Zoo, Brandywine, and Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead have blackout dates. It's best to check each institution's website again before you go.

It's not just about the passes. There are also some great digital benefits you can enjoy at home.

You can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from the Montgomery County Digital Collection using the Libby app. Since I started listening to audiobooks during my commute, my book expenses have significantly decreased.

You can also use hoopla with just one card. It offers e-books, audiobooks, comics, movies, and music, all available instantly without waiting.

PressReader allows you to read newspapers like the Philadelphia Inquirer and USA Today. It felt a bit unfair to have been paying for subscriptions.

If you need worksheets or activities for kids, Scholastic Teachables is available. You can log in with your library barcode to print worksheets and activity materials.

If you're curious about genealogy or immigration records, you can also use MyHeritage. The archive of old Philadelphia Inquirer newspapers from 1829 to 1922 is also accessible.

Let me also mention the conditions for getting a card. The WVPL card is available for residents of Whitpain Township, Lower Gwynedd, and Ambler Borough.

All you need is an application and proof of address. One of the following will work: driver's license, state ID, car insurance, lease agreement, or utility bill, and going in person is the quickest way.

Oh my gosh, there's even a Korean version of the application. It would be great for parents who find English daunting to get a card for them.

Those under 18 need a parent or guardian's signature. The guardian must also bring ID and proof of address.

If you're from another neighborhood, you can get a card at your local library. Pennsylvania has the Access PA program, which allows you to apply for cards at other participating libraries with your local library card.

Operating hours for both locations are Monday to Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Friday to Saturday until 5 PM. On Sundays, only the Blue Bell location is open from 1 PM to 4 PM, and it is closed on Sundays from June to August.

From my experience, there is a sequence to follow. Look at the catalog on a weekday evening, if you find a pass you want, borrow it on your way home, and for places that require reservations, book them that night.

Just saving the admission fee for one museum is enough reason to get a card. I highly recommend pulling out your library card from the drawer this weekend!