Jackson Parish Library distributes free state park passes with library card

JONESBORO, La. (KTVE/KARD) — If you have been wanting to visit a state park as the weather grows cooler, a library may be the first place you need to go.

A library card can now get you free access to state parks in 18 different parishes across Louisiana, including Morehouse, Union, Richland, and Jackson.

The “Check Out Louisiana State Parks” program launched on October 1st, and allows library patrons to check out day passes to any historic site or state park.

It’s one pass per library card, and limited one pass per six months.

Floyd Knox, Jackson Parish Library Director

Since libraries are still in the pilot phase of this program, only a limited amount of passes are available.

At the moment, there is 700 passes that have been distributed between the 18. Our library was given 30.

Floyd Knox, Jackson Parish Library Director

Floyd tells us that within the first week of launching, Jackson Parish library had their first check-out on October 3rd.

We’re getting the word out, we have everything on social media, giving out bookmarks to promote this, and we’re just trying to get everybody involved and interested.

Floyd Knox, Jackson Parish Library Director

With the pass, you can also check out a “Geaux Explore” backpack, which includes a magnifying glass, binoculars, a compass, and many more items.

Parishes participating in the program include 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.