Check out books and nature: Bay libraries offering free passes to Florida state parks

Samantha Neely, The News Herald
·2 min read

BAY COUNTY — With a Northwest Regional Library System library card, you can check out a book and scores of state parks for free.

Three Bay County libraries allow cardholders to check out a “Real Florida Reader Day Pass” that provides free park admission to Florida's state parks.

The Real Florida Reader Day Pass is part of the “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading celebrations for Florida Public Libraries. Bay County Public Library, Panama City Beach Public Library and Parker Public Library will be participating in the program through Sept. 12.

Florida has 175 state parks where residents can use the pass. For an extra challenge, Northwest Regional Library System officials said individuals can check out a book about Florida’s wildlife and natural resources to see if they can identify any of the flora, fauna or habitats they see at the park.

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Things to know before going on your adventure:

  • Each day pass is good for one vehicle park entrance with up to eight people in the vehicle.

  • For day use access only. Does not include camping or any other fees.

  • Excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife, Skyway Pier and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks.

  • Does not include entry to federal parks, national forests or national wildlife refuges.

The Real Florida Reader is a statewide collaboration between Florida State Parks and the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services to encourage visitation to libraries and parks this summer.

If a resident does not have a library card, they can get one at any time and get the free pass. The pass has a five-day checkout period, with one checkout per library card. Each Northwest Regional Library System location has multiple park passes. If all are checked out, a resident can place a hold by calling their library location.

Passes must be checked out and returned at the same library location.

Northwest Regional Library System locations

  • Bay County Public Library, 898 W. 11th St., Panama City, 850-522-2100

  • Panama City Beach Public Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, 850-233-5055

  • Parker Public Library, 4710 Second St., Parker, 850-871-3092

  • Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library, 110 Library Drive, Port St. Joe, 850-229-8879

  • Charles Whitehead Public Library, 314 N. Second St., Wewahitchka, 850-639-2419

  • Jimmy Weaver Memorial Public Library, 22149 NE State 20, Hosford, 850-379-3300

  • Harrell Memorial Public Library, 13016 NW County 12, Bristol, 850-643-2247

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County library offers free passes to Florida state parks