The Rifle Branch Library recently launched the Check-Out Colorado State Parks Program, as one of eight pilot locations in Colorado. The program stems from a collaboration between the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Library.
Check-Out Colorado State Parks Program is an initiative offering residents the ability to reserve and check-out a seven-day park pass to gain entrance into all 42 state parks. The park pass is accompanied by an adventure backpack filled with binoculars, books, park information, and educational activities.
The Rifle Branch Library has 2 park passes / backpacks which can be checked out for up to seven days. One pass can be reserved by putting a hold on it with your library card. The other is a “lucky day” item that can only be checked out if you see it on the shelf in Rifle. All adult members of the Garfield County Libraries can check out and use the passes, but the passes must be both picked up and returned to the Rifle Branch Library by the borrower.
“I am thrilled to be able to offer these two backpacks for checkout to Garfield County Library patrons” said Branch Manager of the Rifle Branch Library, Janine Rose. “Here in Rifle we are right next door to some beautiful State Parks and I am pleased to be able to provide free access for our patrons. The backpacks are loaded with great information and guides to help make State Park visits not only free, but also educational opportunities for all ages.”
The eight pilot libraries will provide quarterly reports based on user feedback to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to identify the usage of the program at each location, as well as evaluate the users’ experiences.
The pilot program is slated to continue through March 31, 2016, and if successful, will follow with expanded roll out of the Check-Out Colorado State Parks Program, in April 2016. “We encourage all Coloradans to explore and learn through their libraries,” said Colorado State Library Development Director, Sharon Morris. “This pass and backpack program gives residents the opportunity to literally ‘check out Colorado State Parks’ and discover the wildlife and beauty of our state.”
Users are encouraged to post pictures to Instagram and Twitter: #CheckOutColorado.
To put a hold on a parks pass, visit the library's online catalog.
by Emily Hisel, Public Relations Manager
