BATON ROUGE, La. — Library cardholders in 18 parishes can now visit Louisiana’s State Parks as part of a pilot program designed to get people exploring Louisiana. The program, called Check Out Louisiana State Parks, will launch Friday, October 18. It allows library patrons in participating parishes to check out a day pass for any state park or historic site, as well as other supplies, at no cost.
“The only thing you need for the Check Out Louisiana State Parks program is a library card,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Louisiana is blessed with so much natural beauty, and this program is a great way to explore it all. We also have great public libraries around the state, and this is another reason for people to visit them. It’s a win-win.”
The program is a partnership between the State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks.
Eighteen public library systems are participating in the pilot program, including those in Calcasieu, Claiborne, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Livingston, Morehouse, Richland, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, and Webster parishes.
A limited number of park passes are available during the pilot phase of the program. Patrons can get more than just a park pass, though. The Check Out Louisiana State Parks program includes Geaux Explore backpacks that contain binoculars, a compass, magnifying glass, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics cards, and guides to Louisiana birds, wildlife, and trees and flowers.
State Library cardholders can also check out a pass and backpack from the State Library in downtown Baton Rouge.
“Part of a library’s mission is to educate,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “This is a great way to meet that goal.”
“There’s already been a lot of excitement among the libraries taking part in this pilot program” said Deputy State Librarian Giovanni Tairov, who’s heading up the project. “We know the public will be just as excited to check out our state parks, and we hope the program can expand with enough support.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with our fellow agency to reach citizens who have never experienced our state parks before,” said Louisiana Office of State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris. “We hope they become lifelong Louisiana State Park patrons.”
Learn more about the program at CheckOutLouisiana.org.