MUSEUM PASSES

The Friends fund a great Library benefit: museum passes that can be checked out like books and used to gain free admission to a museum. Summer is a perfect time to take advantage of these passes, especially if you have kids to entertain! These membership cards can be reserved a day in advance and may be checked out for 24 hours. (Please note that there is a late fee of $5 per day.)

American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th Street, New York City; www.amnh.org) contains extensive and varied collections and mounts numerous special exhibits.

Children's Museum of Manhattan (212 West 83 Street, New York CIty; www.cmom.org) has exhibits, hands-on "adventures," classes and more for youngsters.

The Frick Collection (212 West 83 Street, New York City; www.frick.org) displays works of art in a very special setting. Note: Children under 10 are not admitted.

The Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue, New York City; www.mcny.org), features a variety of exhibits related to the city.

The New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West, New York CIty; www.nyhistory.org) displays art and materials from its extensive collection relating to the founding of our country, the history of art in America, and the history of New York and its people. Note: check website for summer gallery closings.

The Paley Center for Media, formerly The Museum of Television & Radio (25 West 52 Street, New York City; www.paleycenter.org), showcases special exhibits on the media and houses an archive of old programs that can be viewed or listened to on the premises.