By Chad Koenen

Publisher

If reading a book from your local library wasn’t enough reason to visit the Henning School Library then the local library has even yet another reason to stop by—a free seven day pass to Minnesota state parks. 

As part of a new pilot plan, libraries that are part of the Viking Library system will have between one and four free passes that can be requested for those who check out a book at the library. The passes can be used at any Minnesota state park for seven days and once the pass is expired people can simply throw the paper pass away. There is no cost for the state park pass and individuals and a full list of contact information for VLS member libraries can be found online at https://viking.lib.mn.us/find-your-library/.

“We are delighted to work with the DNR to expand the library park pass program from 4 libraries to all of the public libraries in the Viking Library System, including the bookmobile,” said Viking Library System Director Erin Smith.

At Henning School, the state park pass can be checked out at the district office during the summer months, while during the school year the state park pass can be checked out at the library. 

Henning School Librarian Pam Wiese said the passes will not be held or saved and they will be given away on a first come, first serve basis. She said the goal is to reach as many people as possible with this new pilot program. 

The program was developed to expand access to Minnesota state parks to people who may not be able to purchase a vehicle permit. The program was piloted in 2018 and launched statewide in 2021. On July 1, 2025, the program more than doubled the number of participating libraries and the number of passes available to check out, and now includes a total of 450 passes available at more than 200 libraries and bookmobiles across the state. The cost of the passes is covered by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, while partnering libraries facilitate the checkout process. To see a complete list of participating libraries, visit mndnr.gov/librarypass. 

A 2024 survey of people using library park passes found that most respondents were checking out a pass to save money, and the cost of a vehicle permit was a barrier to visiting state parks. Some survey respondents noted they were not frequent visitors and were looking to try visiting a state park before they buy a permit.  

Library park passes only cover the vehicle entrance fee. If participants would like to camp, they will need to make and pay for camping reservations, either online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone at 866-857-2757.