TIL my local library card gets me free state park passes

I was waiting in line at the library to get a book for my class, and the person in front of me asked the librarian for a 'park pass.' I thought they meant a parking pass for the lot. The librarian handed over a physical card and said, 'This gets you into any state park for free, just show it at the gate.' I had no idea this was a thing. I looked it up right there on my phone, and sure enough, my library system has a partnership where you can check out a pass for a week, just like a book. I checked one out the next day and used it at Silver Falls State Park, which normally has a $5 day-use fee. It's a small amount, but that's a free lunch on a road trip. Has anyone else found free entry perks through their local library beyond just books?

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vera2925mo ago

That pass at Silver Falls is actually for parking, not entry. State parks in Oregon don't charge a fee to walk or bike in, only to park a vehicle. The library pass covers that parking fee. It's a great deal, but the fine print matters. I learned that the hard way when I tried to use one for just a picnic.

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drew7913mo ago

Did you bike in with a pizza in your backpack like @emma349 or actually try the picnic thing?

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emma3495mo ago

Just biked in last week, no pass needed.

5

lunah863mo ago

Wait, vera292, did you actually get turned away trying to use it for a picnic or did you just see the fine print and bail?

2