Georgia families can now check out free excursions to Zoo Atlanta, just by owning a library card. Announced Feb. 23 from the steps of the state capitol, a partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia.

The Cobb County Public Library System has Zoo Atlanta Family Passes available to check out today. Each of the 17 Cobb County library branches has one pass. When individuals check out the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass DVD from a Cobb County library and return it to the same location, they will get a receipt. They can then use the receipt for zoo admission. The receipt is good for two adults and two children and has to be redeemed within a week.

“We are very pleased to offer this wonderful opportunity to Cobb County residents,” Jonathan McKeown, Associate Director of Central and Outreach Services said. “The treasures that are held in the Cobb County Public Library System paired together with those held at the Zoo Atlanta make for a fitting partnership with the summer just around the corner.”

The pass may be checked out once per year, per card, per household. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Passes are not ‘renewable,’ nor can it be reserved.

Library patrons can check out a Zoo Atlanta Family Pass DVD for one week. If the DVD is lost or damaged, a $30 replacement fee, in addition to any processing fees or overdue fines will be charged by the library.

Launched in 2009, the program originally applied only to branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Wednesday’s announcement marks the first time the program has been available in all 159 Georgia counties.

For more information, please call the Cobb County Public Library System at 770-528-2320.

About Zoo Atlanta
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world. For information, call 404.624.WILD.

Marietta Square’s popular fountain was returned to Glover Park in Marietta Square after undergoing a complete restoration. The original manufacturer of the fountain, Robinson Iron, removed the fountain and transported it to their headquarters in Alabama where the internal and external parts were restored to new condition.

The restoration was necessary because, according to the Marietta Parks and Recreation director Rich Buss, “while preparing the fountain for operation now that the weather has warmed, the staff cleaning the upper bowl noticed significant movement that had not been present before. After removing the upper bowl it turned out the fountain was rusting from the inside out.”