The Indiana Department of Natural Resources would like to share four ways that Indiana libraries can partner with the agency.
Indiana State Parks partners with libraries for the Adventure Backpack Program. Libraries can purchase up to five laminated letter passes which will travel with each backpack and will be shown at a property entrance gate along with the backpack. Participating libraries supply the backpack and its contents. The letter pass and backpack is returned to the library. Each letter pass is $50 and is good for one calendar year beginning on Jan. 1.
A new One-Day Pass is a card that can be given as a prize for reading programs or used as giveaways in contests or at events. The card allows recipients to visit the state park of their choice any day of the year. Similar to the annual pass, the One-Day Pass allows the cardholder and all persons accompanying the cardholder in a single private, family-type non-commercial vehicle to any property administered by the Indiana DNR for one day only, where entrances are designated and fees are charged. It is not valid for entrance to state historic sites or Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center. The cost is $7 per pass with a minimum purchase of 10 passes. The card may be used at any time, including holidays and weekends, and expires Dec. 31, 2025
The One-Day Pass is an effective and useful option to promote and reward! It can be used for:
- Summer and winter reading programs.
- Adult learning programs and book discussions.
- Attending health and wellness or nature programs.
- Computer classes and reading challenges.
- Patron engagement in annual events.
- Guest speakers.
- Employee recognition.
As nonprofit organizations, libraries may request a donation in the form of a buy one, get one free Annual Entrance Pass. Both the purchased and donated passes must be entered in an event to raise funds, or as prizes for reading programs. The cost is $50 with each pass good for one calendar year beginning on Jan. 1. Those interested in the Adventure Backpack Program letter passes, the One-Day Pass or the Annual Entrance Pass should email Julie Plank, program director with the Indiana DNR, and include their contact information and the number of passes they would like to purchase. Purchasers will be contacted by phone for credit card information and emailed an itemized receipt immediately after credit card has been accepted and the order is completed. Passes are placed in the mail within 24 hours of purchase.
Library staff may also request copies of the 2025 Indiana Recreation Guide. The colorful recreation guide provides patrons with information about state parks, state forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves and off-road state recreation areas. Each page displays activities available at each location, such as boating, fishing, camping, golf, swimming and more. The guide is free of charge. To receive a carton of 100 guides, send a request via email with a contact name and the name and address of the library. Include the number of requested cartons. No P.O. boxes. The 2026 Indiana Recreation Guide will be released in February of next year.
Please note that libraries are not permitted to purchase state park passes for circulation. Indiana State Parks shall not replace lost or stolen passes and will not refund or exchange passes.
This post was written by John Wekluk, communications director at the Indiana State Library.