San Bernardino News Daily Local news for San Bernardino, about San Bernardino.
For the fifth 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 and local beaches operated by the California State Parks.
“Every Californian should have access to the beauty and benefits of parks, and we know that cost can be a barrier to visiting. We’re excited that local libraries are once again a gateway to state parks,” said Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation Rachel Norton.
The City of San Bernardino Libraries has a total of twenty-two passes available for checkout at its four locations. Each pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less, or one licensed motorcycle to enter a participating state park or beach free of charge.
Popular Orange County beaches are among the locations eligible for free admission including Doheny State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.
Other participating state parks include Silverwood Lake and Chino Hills State Park in San Bernardino County, Lake Perris State Recreation Area and Anza Borrego State Park in Riverside County, Carlsbad State Beach in San Diego County, and Malibu Creek State Park in Los Angeles County.
Some California State Parks have been excluded from the program. For a complete list of participating parks, please visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?
“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 allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors.”
The 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.
Funding for this popular program is currently secured through the end of 2026. Proposed legislation, AB 1804, would make the program permanent, and is currently under consideration by the California State Legislature.
Passes may be checked out at the following San Bernardino Public Library locations:
- Feldheym Central Library: 555 West Sixth Street
- Inghram Branch Library: 1505 West Highland Avenue
- Rowe Branch: 108 East Marshall Boulevard
- Villaseñor Branch: 525 North Mt. Vernon Avenue
The passes may be checked out for up to three weeks at a time with a City of San Bernardino library card in good standing and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Passes may not be placed on hold or renewed.
San Bernardino Public libraries are open Mondays & Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 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.
For more information, call the City of San Bernardino Public Library at 909-998-4251 or visit their website at https://www.sbpl.org/.
