About the Program  

You may have heard that California State Parks and the California State Library teamed up to improve outdoor access for all Californians. This new program – launched during National Library Week in April – distributed the California State Library Parks Pass to public libraries across the state for checkout by library patrons. The pass allows free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating state parks!  

Library patrons can now check out a pass for the allotted number of days allowed by their library. Check on the pass guidelines and find your local library at library.ca.gov/branches.  

This program works to advance safe and equitable access to state parks and open spaces. By removing the economic barrier of vehicle day-use fees and connecting communities with their libraries, more Californians will be able to enjoy the benefits of parks

Success So Far  

California State Parks Foundation has partnered with California State Parks to measure the success of the pass, to ultimately advocate for it to be a permanent program for Californians.  

Prior to the introduction of the California State Library Parks Pass, 43% of respondents visited California state parks and beaches 1-2 times a year  

• Now, thanks to the pass, 35% of respondents anticipate visiting California state parks 3-6 times a year and 44% of respondents anticipate visiting California state parks 7+ times a year  

• After checking out the parks pass, 80% of respondents are more likely to use other library resources and services    

These initial results are promising, and we’re excited for more Californians to engage with their parks and libraries. California State Parks Foundation is supporting this program by funding additional education and experience materials to check out with the pass for all participants.  

And we are now working to extend this 3-year pilot program, so it can be a lasting solution to park access for all Californians.  

Where to pick up backpacks  

California State Parks Foundation and REI Co-op are partnering with California State Parks to provide educational and experience materials for library patrons to check out along with a California State Library Parks Pass. REI has provided 500 backpacks that will be available to library card holders that check out a pass at the library locations below. California State Parks Foundation is supporting this program by supplying materials like binoculars, California tree and wildflower guides, California wildlife guides, hand lenses, compasses, and more in the packs. These additional items will help visitors navigate and learn about the parks they visit, and the backpacks full of gear will be returned along with the pass for the next visitor to enjoy.