Entering its fourth year, the Park and Read Program has
begun for the 2012 spring and summer.
This program has over 400 Michigan libraries participating and offers
patrons the opportunity to spend the day at any state park, completely free of
charge. Park and Read allows library
cardholders to “check-out” a one-day pass that waives the Recreation Passport
Vehicle entry fee into any Michigan state park or recreation area (a cost which
easily amounts to roughly $10).
Even furthermore, the parks themselves are offering
amenities to ensure that the patrons are really utilizing the park space for
reading purposes and to make the day even more relaxing: some of the state
parks are offering the loan of a hammock.
Much similar to the previously blogged about Museum
Adventure Pass, the Park and Read Program allows patrons to check out a pass
from his/her library that can be used for one day at any of Michigan’s 98 state
parks. While passes are valid for seven
days, they are valid for only one day of actual usage.
This program is a spectacular way “to save green while being
green” (Stephens, 2011). It combines the
natural beauty of Michigan with a library’s heartfelt intention to encourage
family togetherness and educational programming. Because of economic turmoil, certainly
Michigan families have been practically unable to afford day trips to the beach
or exciting extracurricular activities.
With programs like Park and Read however, Michigan families are able to
stimulate and exercise the body and mind
entirely free of charge.
In order to make the program most successful, several
Michigan libraries
teamed up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, whose ultimate
goal is to implement the conservation,
protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural
resources for current and future generations. And what better way to do that than by
offering library cardholders free access to experience the natural beauty?
While I myself have yet to
actually participate in the Park and Read Program, I do work at the Novi Public
Library and on countless occasions hear the gratitude expressed by staff and
patrons for offering such a delightful service.
People are overwhelmed by the generosity of the state to offer such a
program, and are delighted by the library’s implementation of it.
Works Cited
Stephens, M. (2011). DNR – Read
and Relax in Michigan State Parks; Park & Read Program Offers Free Park
Passes for Michigan Readers. SOM – State of
Michigan. Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7--247949--,00.html
I don't know if you have experienced this in Novi this year; however, on the west side of the state (Michigan) we didn't receive enough passes for each of our 18 branches to have one. As a result, our system is not participating in the Park and Read program. This is such a great way to get people enjoying the library and the many natural resources available within Michigan. I wonder if the new passport system of parks payment is affecting this program in any way. Now in its second year, people have the option of paying an additional $10.00 when renewing a vehicle registration. As avid users of the state park system it made sense to us since we were more than double that for the annual pass. I'm not sure if the state has actually lost money since going to this new system and if that is affecting the Park and Read program.
I think this type of initiative invites us all to seek out new and exciting ways to engage those already utilizing the library and those who have not discovered the myriad services available through today's public library.
Heather Wood-Gramza
Thank you for the article on the Park and Read program. I noticed it when I renewed my drivers license recently where I live in Michigan too. I didn't have a chance to look into it further at the time, but indeed on short read, this is a perfect partnership of advocacy for increasing value to consumers by encouraging both park access and virtual library access which are so often thought of together when booking a trip. I always like to select a book about my destination that I can read prior to the trip and during the visit. This incorporates my habits very well. A little travel logue, travel guide, park history, travel narratives, geography, and history can be easily intersected with each Park location. Bravo!
I think this is a fantastic idea. Great post! I think that libraries should continue to examine how they can help to facilitate sharing. Furthermore, I think that this is a great example of how libraries can partner with other nonprofit organizations. What's more, it seems that these partnerships will become more essential if nonprofits are to retain funding. The following article illustrates just this point: http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.lib.wayne.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=llf&AN=502965334&site=ehost-live
It illustrates how these relationships can become more formalized. But whether or not they are formalized, libraries need to develop these associations if we are to survive.
--Richard
From Sara Magnuson:
I'm in the same system as Heather and was a little sad to hear we wouldn't be doing the program this year. Being the northern-most location in our Kent County system, we have a huge influx of summer residents in a nearby campground. It was a great way to share a little bit more of Michigan with people who came to visit from out of state.
Lovely blog! :)