For the third year in a row, the San Bernardino Public Library is offering its library cardholders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state parks operated by the California State Parks. Five passes are available at the Norman F. Feldheym Main Library and three passes are available at each of the San Bernardino branch libraries.
“Libraries are trusted community hubs where Californians know they can find what they need to work, play, and thrive,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “This partnership with State Parks now allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors at their community library.”
The California State Library Parks Pass Program has been an important way to provide residents with the opportunity to visit state parks that they might not have otherwise visited. A survey conducted by the California State Parks Foundation found that 63% of Californians considered cost to be their main reason for not having visited state parks previously.
Popular Orange County beaches eligible for free admission include Doheny State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.
Other participating state parks include Anza Borrego State Park in Riverside County, Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, Carlsbad State Beach in San Diego County, and Malibu Creek State Park in Los Angeles County.
Passes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be checked out for up to three weeks with a City of San Bernardino library card in good standing. Passes may not be placed on hold or renewed and must be returned in-person during normal library operating hours.
The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less, or one highway licensed motorcycle.
Please visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30813 for a complete list of participating parks. Some California State Parks have been excluded from the program.
The park passes may be checked out at the following locations:
Feldheym Central Library: 555 W. Sixth Street
Rowe Branch: 108 E. Marshall Boulevard
Villaseñor Branch: 525 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue
Note: The Inghram Branch Library is currently closed for repairs
The libraries are open Monday & Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The libraries are closed on Fridays, Sundays, and most holidays.
Residents can obtain a free library card at the circulation desk of any San Bernardino Public Library. A valid identification and a permanent address are required. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their library card application.
For more information, call the City of San Bernardino Public Library at 909-381-8201 or visit their website at https://www.sbpl.org/.