Get a free pass to Indiana’s state parks at local libraries (they probably have a couple guidebooks too)

Libraries in Dubois County will offer area residents access to Indiana State Parks with a free pass that cardholders can check out a week at a time.

The cards are being made available to libraries throughout the state as part of the Indiana State Parks Centennial celebration. The State Park Centennial Annual Pass Library Check-out Program is meant to encourage Hoosiers to visit libraries and parks.

“I am very excited about the program,” said Jasper Library Director Christine Golden. “We were provided one park pass free of charge and then purchased three more so that each branch could have one available.”

The Jasper Library also provides services to the Ferdinand, Dubois and Birdseye libraries.

“We will allow the items to check out for one week at a time to see how it works,” Golden said. “Hopefully, this will be a catalyst to even more collaborations between state and governmental entities.”

Between January 1 and December 31, people can check out one of 240 state park passes that will provide access to Indiana’s 32 state parks and also the state forest recreation areas where entrance fees are charged. The program was funded in part by the Indiana State Library.

“Our goal is to provide access to our great Indiana State Parks for those who may have never visited,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director of stewardship for Indiana State Parks. “We also hope that those who come in to check out the annual pass will take time to explore the services and materials available in Indiana’s libraries.”

The passes are available at the Huntingburg Library also.

“We have received our pass and are looking forward to adding it to our collection in the near future,” said Huntingburg Library Director Angie Haake. “We are excited to offer this pass to our patrons. The pass offers them the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.”

The program will be available through 2016.

“It will be a great trial program to see what works and what doesn’t and hopefully will lead to even more opportunities in the future,” Golden added. “I know we have had a lot of interest already from patrons.”