ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce an update to the popular Zoo Atlanta Library Pass that cardholders can check out from their local library.

All 410 public libraries across Georgia will now carry a Zoo Atlanta Library Pass in their collection, continuing the opportunity for all Georgia residents, whether near or far from Atlanta, to check out a pass to experience and learn about animals from around the world and their habitats for free.

The pass will transition from a DVD-based system to a physical pass that can be checked out from any of the state’s public libraries, just like a book. This change addresses the reality that many households no longer have DVD players and aligns the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass with the other 14 Experience Pass programs offered through the Georgia Public Library Service, streamlining the process for library patrons.

When checked out, patrons will be given a voucher to accompany the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass. The voucher is for one-time use only, and due to the pass’s popularity, patrons may only check out the pass once per year. Both the voucher and the pass must be presented at the Zoo to receive free admission. Patrons may also need to present their library card to receive admission.

Through public libraries across the state, Georgia Public Library Service and Zoo Atlanta aim to educate and provide equitable access to wildlife and their habitats, as well as provide engaging experiences for all Georgians. The Zoo Atlanta Library Pass circulated over 20,000 times in 2023.

“For more than a decade, Zoo Atlanta has been proud to partner with Georgia Public Library Service on making the Zoo experience accessible to the people of all 159 Georgia counties,” said Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “Just like books, which are portals to learning and discovery for people of all ages, connections with wildlife can change a person’s life by enhancing understanding of our natural world. We are pleased to be able to make these meaningful experiences available to everyone in our state.”

For more information on the Library Pass program, including detailed FAQs and how to participate, patrons can visit https://georgialibraries.org/passes/#zooatlanta

About Zoo Atlanta

A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include giant pandas in the only zoo in the U.S. currently housing the species; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include the African Savanna, featuring new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs, meerkats, and rhinos; Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art special event destination in the restored historic former home of the Atlanta Cyclorama; and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Plaza. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.

About Georgia Public Library Service

Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The Strategic Partnerships Program is funded in part by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. www.georgialibraries.org