Beginning in October, Livingston Parish Library cardholders will be able to visit Louisiana’s State Parks as part of a pilot program designed to get people exploring Louisiana.
The new program, called Check Out Louisiana State Parks, officially launches Tuesday, October 1. It allows library patrons in participating parishes to check out a day pass for any state park or historic site at no cost.
The program is a partnership between the State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks. The Livingston Parish Library is one of 18 public library systems participating in the pilot program.
“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.”
A limited number of park passes are available during the pilot phase of the program. In Livingston Parish, the park passes are included with Cultural Passes and can be checked out by the following card types: Adult, Educator, and Senior Citizen.
“We are honored to participate in this pilot program between the State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks,” said Livingston Parish Library Director Michelle Parrish. “Our mission is to provide our residents with the resources and services they need to fulfill their informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs, and this program helps us carry that out. We hope this new and exciting endeavor will help our patrons discover the beauty and history of our great state.”
The Check Out Louisiana State Parks program includes a limited number of Geaux Explore backpacks that cardholders may check out. These backpacks contain binoculars, a compass, magnifying glass, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics cards, and guides to Louisiana birds, wildlife, and trees and flowers. These backpacks are not included in the Check Out Louisiana State Parks pass reservation and may not be placed on hold.
“Part of a library’s mission is to educate,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “This is a great way to meet that goal.”
Those wishing to reserve a park pass through the Livingston Parish Library can do so, beginning October 1, by visiting www.mylpl.info/CulturePasses.
To learn more about the program, visit CheckOutLouisiana.org.