**Update** The pilot program has concluded as of November 8, 2024. Although passes are no longer available at branches, backpacks are still available for checkout at any of the original pilot branches.**
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, the St. Tammany Parish Library is partnering with the State Library of Louisiana to participate in the "Check Out Louisiana" state parks program.
At each of the four select branches, (Lacombe, Madisonville, Mandeville and Slidell), two park passes will be available at the circulation desks to check out with a library card each week for state park use. One pass allows free entry to any state park or historic site for one carload of people. Along with the pass, there is also a Geaux Explore backpack that includes: a set of binoculars, a compass, a magnifying glass, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics cards, a Louisiana bird guide, a wildlife guide and a trees and wildflower guide.
Patrons can check out a pass without the backpack, but cannot check out the backpack without a pass. The state park will keep the pass, so there is no need to return the pass to the Library however the backpack is due back to the Library within 7 days of the checkout. There are no fines or replacement fees. Only adults can check out the passes and backpacks.
