The city of San Bernardino’s Public Library’s Feldheym Central Library at 555 W. Sixth St., is among those public libraries offering its library cardholders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks.
The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less, or one highway licensed motorcycle.
Feldheym has up to four available passes for a checkout period of three weeks with a city of San Bernardino permanent library card that is in good standing. Park passes may not be placed on hold or renewed, and need to be returned in person during library operational hours. They are available only on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Spending time in nature is crucial to our mental health and well-being,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, in a statement. “We’re lucky to have the largest state park system in the nation, and I am thrilled to partner with California State Parks and the California State Library to help make those spaces more accessible to California families. With the California State Library Parks Pass, anyone with a library card will be able to unlock the benefits and beauty of our majestic state parks.”
“Parks and libraries have the potential to be powerful symbols and agents for California’s open spaces,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, in a statement. “It is an honor to work side-by-side with the California State Library, Newsom Administration, and partners to advance outdoor access to all Californians via public libraries, inspire stewardship for the state park system and build a healthier California.”
As part of a three-year pilot program starting in April, Park Passes will enter circulation on a rolling basis throughout April and May for checkout by library patrons.
“Libraries are trusted community hubs where Californians know they can find what they need to work, play, and thrive,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas in a statement. “This partnership with State Parks now allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors at their community library.”
Hours of operation at Feldheym Central Library (555 W. Sixth St.) are as follows:
Monday & Tuesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: Closed.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Information is available at 909-381-8201.
Three branch libraries – Rowe at 108 E. Marshall Blvd., Inghram at 1505 W. Highland Ave. and Villaseñor at 525 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., are open on the same days and hours. They are not currently offering passes for the state parks.
The libraries also offer various online resources for library cardholders via the library website at www.sbpl.org including Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks and Brainfuse Live Homework Help with subject experts via chat from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. daily, except major holidays. Patrons who don’t already have a library card can also sign up on the website for an online library card to use the digital resources. Information about library programs and activities is also available on the website.
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