Unlock Summer Fun with RAD Pass and a Library Card
- Hilary Daninhirsch
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Many people will travel outside of Pittsburgh for a summer vacation, but others will spend much of the summer being tourists in their own city. After all, Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions are extensive—particularly for a city of its size.
Through its Summer Staycation program, the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), in conjunction with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, has made it possible for Allegheny County residents to visit a number of local attractions this summer, with the only requirement being possession of a library card.
RAD is a public entity that acts as an investor in Allegheny County, administering a portion of local sales tax revenue. “We administer $140 million annually: one-third goes as grants to public libraries, one-third to regional parks and trails, and one-third to everything else,” explained James Santelli, communications manager for RAD. He added that the organization provides grants to 100 different cultural institutions throughout the city.
In 2000, as RAD expanded, the idea emerged to fund public programming where grantees could host free events to demonstrate how sales tax money was being used. Initially, there were RAD weekends or RAD days, with free admission to the zoo, concerts, movies, and more on select dates. While RAD days are still ongoing throughout the year, the concept has recently evolved.
“A couple of years ago, there was an idea for a RAD Pass, which came to us from the Carnegie Library,” said Santelli. “Organizations were encouraged to propose projects with a ‘radical’ impact. CLP introduced the idea of a Culture Pass, like those in other cities, where patrons could use their library card numbers to check out online experiences—just like checking out books or CDs. So RAD provided initial grant funding to get it started.”
Fast forward to today, and the Summer Staycation program has been launched with great success. “Tens of thousands of people have passed through the gates thanks to the RAD Summer Staycation initiative,” Santelli noted.
Throughout the summer, library cardholders can log on to Radpass.org to find weekly passes for free admission to many Pittsburgh-area attractions. Offerings vary, but examples include the Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, Mattress Factory, National Aviary, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Santelli clarified that the library card can be from any Allegheny County library—not just a Carnegie Library. For example, Northland Library cardholders are eligible to participate.
The offerings change weekly and may be used once per institution per year. Ticket quantities vary by attraction, but often passes cover two to four people per visit. RAD Passes go quickly, so visitors are encouraged to check the website early in the week to plan ahead.
The National Aviary, a long-time RAD Pass participant, was enthusiastic to continue when Summer Staycation began. “It allowed us to reach a wider audience and welcome guests when it suited their schedules,” said Cathy Schlott, director of Animal Programs and Experiences. “Visitors from across Pittsburgh get to experience our daily offerings, including exciting décor, immersive play spaces for kids, and fun activities.” She added that most of their RAD Pass spots fill up, a sign of the program’s success.
“As Pittsburghers, we are lucky to have RAD supporting all of these cultural institutions,” Schlott said.
Max Pipman, senior director of communications at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, said the museum is in its second summer as a Staycation partner. “We apply every year and are thrilled to work with RAD as they roll out new partnerships,” he said. The museum supports programs that help children learn about the arts, STEM, and hands-on learning—its core mission.
Pipman likens the Staycation initiative to a rising tide that lifts all boats: “They do an incredible job pulling this all together and amplifying all the cultural assets in the region.”
Phipps Conservatory, another longtime RAD partner, has benefited greatly from its support. “Phipps is an old institution but a young nonprofit,” said Joe Reed, senior director of communication. “In the early 1990s, RAD investments and donor support enabled us to thrive and grow.”
Phipps will offer a limited number of RAD Pass tickets throughout the summer, which grant access to the entire facility, including the annual Summer Flower Show. This year’s theme is “Jungle Quest.”
The passes are a win-win for users and institutions alike. They provide greater access to local attractions and reduce crowding, unlike the fixed dates of RAD Days. Institutions also benefit from increased foot traffic, which often leads to repeat visits and even annual memberships.
Phipps is a prime example of this, as its seasonally rotating exhibits encourage visitors to return. “If you like what you see during Staycation, it’s a great time to become a member and enjoy those benefits year-round,” said Reed.
The initiative has also boosted library card registrations. In recent summers, over 36,000 new library cards were issued—a 68% increase compared to the previous year.
“These are all nonprofits, so none are profiting from this—they’re truly fulfilling their mission to expose people to what they offer,” said Santelli. “For RAD, it’s about making sure people know they’re getting something back from the sales tax they pay. The RAD Pass has been a huge part of that.”
“We’re not the biggest city in America, but our cultural sector rivals any in the country,” Reed concluded. “I love that RAD gives Pittsburghers the opportunity to engage with culture, enjoy nature, and see the true value of their city.”
For more information and to sign up with your library card, visit