Florida Public Libraries partner with Florida State Parks to Provide Free State Park Passes

Tallahassee, Fla. –

The Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services in conjunction with public libraries across Florida is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks, to offer State Park Day Passes to library patrons through The Real Florida Reader Day Pass initiative.

“We are proud to partner with Florida State Parks to offer park passes in Florida’s public libraries,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Florida has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Real Florida Reader initiative provides the perfect opportunity for Floridians to get out this summer to explore Florida's natural treasures.”

The Real Florida Reader is a statewide collaboration between Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks and the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services to encourage visitation to libraries and parks this summer. To celebrate this year’s library Summer Reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities,” the Division of Library and Information Services and Florida State Parks invites the public to explore Florida’s beautiful state parks.

The Real Florida Reader program allows Florida Public Library cardholders to check out a Florida State Park Day Pass which provides park admission for up to eight people in a vehicle.  Participants are encouraged to check out books about Florida’s wildlife, horticultural and natural resources then explore a Florida State Park in their area to identify resources they learned about.

"We are proud to partner with the Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services to support their library summer reading theme Oceans of Possibilities and expand access to our award-winning Florida State Parks through this program," said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. "Come check out ...the Real Florida to learn more about our state’s diverse environment and culture or create your own adventure in some of Florida’s most beautiful natural resources."

The program will last from May 21, 2022 until September 13, 2022.

Florida citizens without a library card can sign up for one at their local library to take part in this program. Find a local library and a state park by visiting the Real Florida Reader map. Participants are also encouraged to share their stories on social media using #RealFloridaReader.

For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org/RealFloridaReader.

###

About the Division of Library and Information Services

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services is the designated information resource provider for the Florida Legislature and all state agencies. The Division coordinates and helps fund activities of public libraries; provides a framework for statewide library initiatives; provides archival and records management services; and preserves, collects and makes available the published and unpublished documentary history of the state. Working in partnership with citizens, state employees, librarians, archivists and records managers, the Division seeks to ensure access to materials and information that benefit all of the people of Florida. For more information, visit info.florida.gov.