Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Your Library Card Can Now Get You Free Entry At (Most) California State Parks
People depart an overlook above the Borrego Badlands in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on March 23, 2022 near Borrego Springs.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
Californians with a public library card can now check out a parks pass the same way they check out a book or a movie.
The pass gives free vehicle entry for day-use at more than 200 state parks and beaches. Each public library will have at least three passes in circulation.
Learn how easy it is to check out the new CA State Library Parks Pass is available to Californians w/a public library card & valid for free vehicle-day use entry @ 200+ state parks.
— CA State Parks (@CAStateParks) April 6, 2022
🚲 Head to your local library & ask about availability
🎟️ Check out the pass
🥾 Hit the trail pic.twitter.com/MmTtsLDDVo
State Librarian Greg Lucas said challenges such as finances or distance might discourage Californians from exploring a state park.
Support for LAist comes from
“There's a lot of different factors and being able to have a free opportunity to visit a state park knocks down some of those barriers," Lucas said.
Lucas added that how long passes can be checked out varies by each library branch and encouraged residents to reach out to their local library to learn more.
One other thing to keep in mind: The passes won't work at all state parks — dozens are on that list including the Governor's mansion, Watt's Towers, Will Rogers State Beach and Will Rogers State Historic Park. More information can be found on the California Department of Parks and Recreation's website.
The library passes are part of a three-year pilot program to increase access to state parks, especially for children in underinvested communities.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist