The Power of a Library Card
Photo: Suicide Rock Hike in Idyllwild
Credit: Photo by Mia Rotell
By Mia Rotell
Owning a library card means access to books, movies, Wi-Fi and so much more. But one perk of having a library card goes much deeper than the shelves.
Did you know that public libraries across California can offer their cardholders access to free passes for California state parks — all through a library card?
“Something we offer here (at the City of Perris Public Library) is the park pass,” said Ashley Horton, a librarian at the Perris Public Library.
Horton said library cardholders can check out a California State Library Parks Pass, which provides free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating California State Park units throughout California.
The program was established as part of California’s 2021–22 state budget and is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, which aims to make California’s parks and open spaces more accessible to people — regardless of their ZIP code or income.
The pass can be used at participating parks throughout the state, including San Clemente State Beach, California Citrus State Historic Park and Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
However, the pass does not provide free camping. It is specifically for vehicle day-use entry and also does not cover certain additional fees, such as special events, tours, boat use or other supplemental charges.
The pass can also be used for multiple day-use visits to participating state parks while it is checked out — which is subject to the specific library’s checkout period and the program’s rules.
For library cardholders, the program offers another way to turn a simple library card into a gateway to the outdoors. It provides opportunities to explore beaches, mountains, deserts, historic sites and other state park destinations — without paying the regular vehicle day-use fee!
Go get your library card today!
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