Use your Sanibel Public Library Card to visit the Shell Museum, Historical Village

Your Sanibel Public Library card just got more valuable! The library now offers passes to two of the area’s most popular attractions – The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. 

Cultural Activities Passes to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum or the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village may be checked out with your Sanibel Public Library card.

“In addition to checking out books, movies, music, and magazines, you can check out these passes," said Wendy Lambrix, head of circulation. "It’s a great addition to library service."

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world. Exhibits include shell art and history, shell habitat, rare specimens, fossil shells and common Southwest Florida shells. There is a learning lab featuring a hands-on play area for children, displays, games and a tank with indigenous mollusks.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, founded in 1984, was established with a mission to preserve and share Sanibel history. Here you can find the story of Sanibel told form the Calusaand Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It is the story of warriors, adventurers, fisherman, farmers and proprietors. Seven historic buildings were moved from their original island locations to the Historical Village. Each building has been restored to its original state.

Cultural passes may be check out for one week with a Sanibel Public Library card. Library cards are available at no charge to all Lee County residents. Visitors may also purchase a library card for $10. Cards are valid for one year.



The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is location at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel. One pass per family visit is accepted at the Shell Museum.

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road on Sanibel.

For additional information, please contact the Sanibel Public Library, located at 770 Dunlop Road, by calling 472-2483. Submitted by CATHY HED