Curtis Memorial Library launches pilot pass program for Chocolate Church events

Curtis Memorial Library and Patten Free Library have opened a six-month pilot that allows library cardholders to borrow a Chocolate Church Arts Center performance pass that can be exchanged for two free tickets to select shows. The program, which Curtis frames as a trial running February 2026 through July 2026, aims to lower cost barriers to concerts, plays, readings and other live art in Midcoast Maine.

Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick is operating three Chocolate Church performance passes each month during the trial. Each pass supplies a coupon that allows the patron to reserve two seats at an eligible performance that month. Curtis’ announcement explains the workflow: patrons reserve the pass online for the month in which the show plays, receive an email with a performance pass and special reservation code, then use that code to reduce the cost of Chocolate Church tickets to zero and reserve seats either by calling the Chocolate Church or by reserving tickets online.

Curtis Memorial Library’s Kelly McElligott, MLIS, adult services and technology manager, described the collaboration in program materials: “This collaboration reflects the evolving role of libraries as cultural hubs. By partnering with the arts, we expand access to creative experiences and reinforce the library as a place where learning, inspiration and expression intersect.”

A library Instagram post highlighted the benefit in plain terms: “This pass lets patrons of either library check out two free tickets to any of the Chocolate Church Arts Center's wide variety of eligible events.” The Chocolate Church Arts Center is based at 804 Washington Street in Bath and maintains a full event schedule online; patrons should consult that schedule when choosing performances.

Eligibility requires a valid library card. Library registration requires ID and proof of eligible address, and Curtis has capped use to one pass per library card during the six-month trial to spread access across patrons. Curtis’ three-per-month inventory equates to six free seats a month from that branch - 36 seats over the full trial - while Patten Free Library in Bath is listed as a partner; Patten’s exact monthly inventory and any matching per-card limits were not specified in the materials reviewed.

Practical details for Brunswick residents: Curtis Memorial Library is at 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick. The library phone number is 207.725.5242. Curtis hours are Monday–Thursday 9:00am–7:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am–5:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm–4:00pm; curbside service is available Monday–Friday. Twice-Told Tales bookstore at 200 Maine Street lists hours Monday–Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm and phone 207.725.8888.

The pilot is designed to test demand and broaden cultural access; residents interested in using a pass should confirm eligible performances, reservation windows and any Patten Free Library details before planning. Libraries will have concrete usage figures and community feedback by the end of the six-month trial, which will inform whether the program continues or expands.