October 2, 2024

St. Martin Parish Library is excited to offer patrons a new way to check out Louisiana.

Beginning Oct. 1, patrons can check out a day pass for free admission to any Louisiana state park or historic site as part of a new program called Check Out Louisiana State Parks. The program is a partnership among St. Martin Parish Library, the State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana State Parks, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.

When patrons check out a pass, they can also borrow a Geaux Explore backpack that contains a set of binoculars, a compass, a magnifying glass, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics cards, and guides to Louisiana birds, wildlife, and trees and wildflowers.

State parks or historic sites will keep the pass upon entry. Patrons must return the backpack and its materials to their library within a week.

“We’ve spent months planning this program with our colleagues at Louisiana State Parks and public libraries across Louisiana and are excited it’s finally launched,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “I know library card holders will be just as excited to get out and explore Louisiana.”

Eighteen public library systems are taking part in this pilot program. Patrons who check out a pass and backpack are asked to fill out a survey about the program.

Learn more about the program at https://library.la.gov/check-out-louisiana.