National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Announces Access Program to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources for low-income families

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (September 10, 2016) —Today the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) announced that it is the first museum in Iowa to join Museums for All, a signature access program of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. The program will enable low-income families to visit the NCSML for free with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card from any state. Families can also visit any participating museum year-round for a minimal fee. Museums for All is part of the NCSML’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all.

The Museums for All initiative represents a long stride toward the goal of reaching more children and parents, especially those living in poverty, with the valuable learning resources of museums. This is a national effort originally piloted in children’s museums. Children’s museums, with their unique focus on bringing children, families, and communities together, are committed to providing access to all. Each year, children’s museums host more than 31 million visitors. The Museums for All initiative will allow children’s museums to further expand their reach and impact.” The NCSML has increased its family-focused and children’s initiatives significantly over the last several years and continues to seek new ways to engage families and increase its overall embeddedness within the community.

About the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a museum that celebrates life:  Czech life, Slovak life and American life. The Museum seeks to inspire people from every background to connect to Czech and Slovak history and culture. Through extraordinary exhibitions and experiences, the Museum tells stories of freedom and identity, family and community, human rights and dignity connecting yesterday with today and tomorrow. The Museum honors those who immigrated to America and worked hard, contributing their skills and vision to the formation of our nation. For more information, visit www.ncsml.org or call (319) 362-8500.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)

In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play and exploration with the caring adults in their lives. There are approximately 400 children’s museums around the world, which annually reach more than thirty-one million visitors. ACM provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and resources for its member organizations and individuals. To learn more about ACM and to find an ACM-member children’s museum near you, visit www.ChildrensMuseums.org