OPRD and the State Library of Oregon partnered to offer free Oregon State Parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available across 82 libraries throughout the state.
Participating libraries
View a list of participating libraries by county.
Note: This list includes the libraries that received free parking permits from OPRD. It is not a comprehensive list of all the libraries that have permits available for check out. Check with your local library to see if they have parking permits available. You can find your closest public library on the Oregon Library Directory Map.
Each library received up to four parking permits. Go to your local, participating library to check one out with your library card. You’ll get a physical hang tag to put on your rearview mirror when you get to the park. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle any day of the week.
The pass does not cover registration fees required for special events, tours, or overnight camping. Many park events are free. Check the specific event details on the events calendar.
The goal of the Library Pass Program is to help reduce financial barriers that might prevent individuals from visiting Oregon State Parks’ day-use areas that require fees.
Yes! However, you only need it for the parks that charge a day use fee. Check out the map above to see if the park you’re going to requires a fee or look up the park on our website. You’ll see the words “Day-use parking permit required” right above the park phone numbers if you have to pay to park.
No. The pass is a parking permit for a day-use area where you would otherwise have to pay to park.
OPRD and the State Library reached out to all public libraries in Oregon, allowing them to request up to four free permits. This year, 82 of Oregon’s 136 public libraries requested to participate. If your local library is not on the list to receive a free permit this year, it may be because they already distribute Oregon State Parks parking permits and did not request additional free permits. Some libraries couldn’t participate because they did not have a system to circulate permits. However, it is important to note that just because they did not receive free permits, it does not mean they do not have Oregon State Parks parking permits available. Check with your local library to find out if they check out Oregon State Parks or other cultural passes.
OPRD and the State Library determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The agencies had 200 passes to distribute and each library could receive up to four.
OPRD receives its funding from the State Lottery and from fees visitors pay. The State Library used Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The agencies are exploring ways to fund an expanded, long-term program, such as through donations and sponsors.
Please contact your library and let them know your pass was lost or stolen. They will let you know the replacement fee if there is one.
The goal of the Library Pass Program is to advance safe and equitable access to state parks and open spaces for all Oregonians. By removing the economic barrier of parking day-use fees and connecting communities with their libraries, the benefits of parks will be expanded.
OPRD also has to manage its budget responsibly. The agency does not receive any tax dollars. It receives funding from the State Lottery and through visitor fees. With more than 1.7 million library card holders in Oregon, the impact of providing free parking to all library card holders would be significant on the agency’s budget.