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Kids reading in the park

In January, we shared the disappointing news that ongoing funding for the popular California State Library Parks Pass was not included in Governor Newsom’s proposed FY 25 budget. This means that if the state budget is not amended to include this funding, the program will cease in December 2024, once the 34,000 passes currently deployed in California public libraries expire.  

In 2021, a $9.1 million one-time General Fund allocation created three programs to support free park access, especially for youth in underserved communities. These pilot programs were 

Since then, the pilot pass programs have made significant impacts in connecting more Californians with their state parks. As of September 2023, 48,000+ students have received a California State Park Adventure Pass, 63,000+ families have received a Golden Bear Pass, and 33,000 California State Library Parks Passes have been placed across every public library in the state.  

The failure to include ongoing funding for the California State Library Parks Pass is disappointing, given the program’s success. Library staff report that the pass is one of the most checked out items — and it’s incredibly easy to use! 

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