From Novels to Nature: Pasadena Public Library’s Free Park Pass and Backpacks Program Encourages Readers to Explore Outdoors

Pasadena Public Library cardholders can now check out a California State Library Park Pass, along with an “explorer” backpack, the next time they visit the library. 

Under the program, library cardholders can check out a Parks Pass for free, granting them cost-free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 participating state parks. 

Tim McDonald, Pasadena Library Director, said the program has been expanded, and will now include additional gear which library cardholders can check out to enhance their park experience. 

With the Park Pass, they will also be issued a Discovery Backpack containing binoculars, California tree, wildflower and wildlife pocket guides, a magnifying glass, and a compass, among others. The additional items will help visitors navigate and learn about the parks they visit, and the backpacks and gear will be returned along with the pass for the next visitor to enjoy.

The backpack comes with a generous three-week borrowing period, allowing visitors ample time to explore and enjoy the wonders of California’s state parks.

These backpacks are a result of a partnership between the California State Parks Foundation and REI Coop, which supplies outdoor gear. In February, the Foundation said REI Coop provided 500 backpacks that will be available to library card holders that check out a California State Library Parks Pass. 

The Parks Pass program is part of the Outdoor Access for All Initiative, whose goals are to generate positive impacts in the areas of health, natural resource stewardship, and historical and cultural connections.

The California State Park Pass Backpacks are available at all Pasadena Public Library branch locations to check out for a three-week period, McDonald said. 

For more information, visit the Pasadena Public Library’s website, www.cityofpasadena.net/library/.