Californians can once again borrow a pass from their local library to get free admission to a state park.
The popular one state library parks program that began two years ago was on the chopping block this spring, a potential casualty of the projected $45 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2025. But advocates across the state campaigned to save the program, and the most recent budget deal it has been extended until 2025. another year for $6.75 million.
“We commend the Legislature and the Governor for reaching an agreement to restore full funding to this highly effective and popular program that provides free admission to California state parks,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation, in a statement.
The day passes allow free parking at more than 200 state parks for vehicles carrying nine or fewer people. Advocates have praised the program for providing low-income families of color with access to the outdoors.
“This is a huge bonus for our families,” said Merced County Deputy Librarian Amy Boese. “[It] It really makes family time more accessible and adventures a more achievable goal.”
a study from the California State Parks Foundation found that 70% of free pass users surveyed made less than $60,000 per year and 63% of users identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color.
“It's really a matter of equity because we appreciate all the experiences that California has to offer,” Boese said. The entrance fee to a state park can cost $10 or more, making it inaccessible for some families, she said.
Reflecting growing demand from Merced County residents, some libraries' park passes would be checked out on an ongoing basis, Boese said. LAist reported that Orange County Public Libraries loaned out nearly 10,000 passes to local residents last year. And in San Francisco, passes have been checked out more than 2,500 times since the program started in 2022.
The passes were so successful in Merced that the libraries began developing programs and services to educate local residents about state parks. Boese said local biologists would come to talk about native flora and fauna, and the library began lending backpacks with “things like binoculars and easy guides to birds and trees.”
Boese is hopeful that they can continue to offer these services in the coming years. To her, it makes perfect sense why libraries should offer this service across the country; it fits into a librarian's overall mission to encourage lifelong learning.
“Some people learn by reading, some people learn by experience. Most people learn through both,” Boese said. “Libraries are not just there to give you books; libraries are here to give you access.”
