CLAIBORNE PARISH, La. ( KTAL/KMSS ) – Evangeline and St. Martin parishes are two of the 18 parishes included in a pilot program with Louisiana State Park perks.

The Check Out Louisiana State Parks program will launch on Friday, October 18. It allows library cardholders in the participating parishes to check out a day pass and other supplies for any state park or historic site at no cost.

“The only thing you need for the Check Out Louisiana State Parks program is a library card,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Louisiana is blessed with so much natural beauty, and this program is a great way to explore it all. We also have great public libraries around the state, and this is another reason for people to visit them. It’s a win-win.”

The partnership between the State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks includes pilot programs for public libraries in Calcasieu, Claiborne, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Livingston, Morehouse, Richland, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, and Webster parishes.

Users will receive Explore Louisiana backpacks containing binoculars, a compass, a magnifying glass, a Leave No Trace outdoor ethics card, and guides to help identify Louisiana birds, wildlife, trees, and flowers.

“There’s already been a lot of excitement among the libraries taking part in this pilot program” said Deputy State Librarian Giovanni Tairov, who’s heading up the project. “We know the public will be just as excited to check out our state parks, and we hope the program can expand with enough support.”

A limited number of passes will be available during the program’s pilot launch; more information is available on the State Library of Louisiana website.

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