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Duluth Public Library Selected for MN State Parks Library Program

[DULUTH, MN] –More Duluthians will now be able to enjoy Minnesota state parks thanks to a new partnership through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

After a competitive application process, the Duluth Public Library was selected to be a part of the MN State Parks Library Program. The program allows Minnesotans to visit state parks, free of charge. 

“The Duluth Public Library is excited to be part of the Minnesota Park Pass Program and very pleased we were selected.  These passes make it easier for many of our patrons to visit the parks as the entrance fee won’t be a barrier.   We hope all Duluthians make use of these passes and the library,” said Duluth Public Library Supervisor, Renee Zurn.

The DNR selected libraries that met at least one of the following requirements:

• Located in a county where the median household income is less than $58,00 annually
• Located in a county where more than 40% of residents are enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch

Through the program, libraries can offer free state park permits that can be checked out for seven-day periods, starting June 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. DPL will be granted 4 library park passes.

To check out a library park pass, you’ll need a DPL library card. Once checked out, the pass expiration date will be written on a receipt and attached to a DNR branded place card by a DPL librarian for display in the patron’s vehicle dashboard.

After the seven-day usage patrons can recycle their pass, it is not necessary to return them.

Both library and DNR staff will be asked to provide program feedback in December 2021/January 2022 to understand if and how they can continue and improve the program in the future.

Minnesota State Parks Library Pass users are encouraged to take a survey after their trip. The survey can be found at mndnr.gov/librarypass

The DNR Parks and Trails divided 122 passes among every regional library system statewide. Passes are funded by the DNR’s Parks and Trails Legacy Amendment dollars. Each library received between 1 and 4 park passes, determined by the number of registered library users reported annually.

Duluth Public Library Supervisor, Renee Zurn will be available for on-camera interviews Friday, May 21, between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  at the Main Library.
Lead Naturalist at Jay Cooke State Park, Kris Hiller will be available for on-camera interviews Friday, May 21 any time before 10 a.m. and after 12 p.m. Contact Hiller to schedule.
Kris.hiller@state.mn.us 218-673-7005

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For DPL media inquiries contact Lyanne Valdez

Lvaldez@duluthmn.gov