The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the Central Dakota Library Network in a special Library Loan project which will allow library patrons to explore North Dakota’s state parks.
Library card holders at the public libraries in Bismarck, Beulah, Garrison, Hazen, Max, Mandan, Riverdale, Stanton, Turtle Lake, Underwood and Washburn will be able to check out a daily state park vehicle pass, just as they would a book.
The pass provides entrance to any North Dakota State Park and waives the daily vehicle fee of $5. The pass is good for seven days. Any additional charges, such as camping, are not included in the pass and are the responsibility of the pass holder.
“This is a great way for people to get outside and visit the state’s parks through involvement of their local library,” says Mark Zimmerman, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Director. “It’s one thing to read about the great outdoors, but only through participating in outdoor activity can someone truly enjoy the experience.”
There is a limit of one pass per household and they can only be checked out by cardholders age 18 and older and in good standing with the library with fines under $2.50. The passes can be renewed after seven days if there is no waiting list to use the pass. To check out a pass a library card must be presented. After seven days passes are to be returned to the library circulation desk from where it was borrowed.
CDLN representative Christine Kujawa says the participating libraries in the Central Dakota Library Network are excited about providing the park pass loan program and feel it will be a great addition to the services the libraries offer.
The passes will be available June 1 in coordination with the month being proclaimed Great Outdoors Month by Governor Jack Dalrymple.