Monterey, Calif. -- The Monterey Bay Aquarium and local libraries are teaming up to offer free aquarium admission to low-income families in Monterey County and the Pajaro Valley.
Individuals and families who qualify for social services such as Free School Lunch, WIC or Meals on Wheels, can request one aquarium pass each year at most community libraries in Monterey County and Watsonville. Each pass admits up to six family members for a one-time visit.
This is all part of the newly revamped "Shelf to Shore" program, which begins September 10. Aquarium officials say the program is expected to serve more than 30,000 low income residents annually.
"We want to give everyone in our community the opportunity to visit the aquarium each year, because conservation of the oceans is everyone's responsibility," said Public Affairs Director Barbara Meister.
Shelf to Shore passes are available at: Monterey County Free Libraries branches (Aromas, Big Sur, Bradley, Buena Vista, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Pajaro, Parkfield, Prunedale, San Ardo, San Lucas, Seaside and Soledad; and bookmobiles in North County and South County); Salinas city library branches (Cesar Chavez, El Gabilan and John Steinbeck); and Watsonville public library branches in Freedom and Watsonville.
In communities whose libraries do not offer Shelf to Shore passes, Meister said she is working with social service organizations that serve low-income adults and families to provide free aquarium admission.
