Here are some tools and resources to help promote the State Park and Historic Sites Pass Program at your library.
Poster for display (PDF)
Sample Newsletter Message:
The <library name here> is excited to offer patrons Vermont State Park and Historic Site passes once again! Check out a pass and enjoy free day admission of one car holding up to eight people. Spend a fun day exploring these unique and beautiful places with family and friends. This program is jointly sponsored by the Vermont Department of Libraries, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Sample Front Porch Forum Message:
It would be great if all libraries would send this generic message out to all area Front Porch Forum networks.
Did you know? Vermont State Park and Historic Site passes are available for check out at Vermont public libraries this summer. If you don’t have a library card, visit your local library to get one. The library card and park pass are free! Explore these very special natural places and our state’s rich history! This program is jointly sponsored by the Vermont Department of Libraries, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Graphic for social media:
Sample Social Media Message:
Check out a Vermont State Park or Historic Site Pass at the <library name here> library this summer. Borrow a pass for FREE day admission for one car (up to 8 people). No library card? No problem! Visit us to get your free library card and check out your next adventure.
@vtstateparks | #VtStateParks
Resources libraries can share with patrons so they can get the most out of their parks/sites experience:
Vermont State Parks:
- Vermont State Park Finder
- Vermont State Park operating schedule for 2025
- Vermont State Park Family Fun overview
- Vermont State Park Kid’s Activities flyer
Vermont Historic Sites:
- State Historic Sites webpage
- State Historic Sites YouTube channel
- Vermont Vacation Historic Sites webpage
- Vermont History Explorer webpage
Items to Enhance Patron Park or Site Visits:
Libraries may want to create backpacks or totes for patrons to check out with some tools and guides for nature observation. Libraries might promote their availability along with the passes. Libraries might also want to add guidebooks to their collections and offer them when patrons check out a pass. We asked for recommendations from Rebecca Roy, the Parks Interpretive Program Manager for Vermont State Parks. Here are Rebecca’s suggestions for items to consider:
Books/pamphlets:
- Vermont Wildlife Viewing Guide
- Vermont Nature Set: Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees & Wildflowers of Vermont
- Vermont Trees & Wildflowers: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Plants (Nature Observation North America) Pamphlet
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (National Audubon Society Field Guides)
- Nature observation activity sheet (this Project Learning Tree® activity is one example - there are a bunch of those available online for free.)
Gear:
- Binoculars
- Hand lens
- Compass
- Something on which to sit on the ground, preferably waterproof and foldable – for example an Outdoor Sitting Mat
- Consider including the following if you have the budget to replace on each return:
- Notebook/journal
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Participant evaluation or feedback form (to return with backpack)
Other Promotional Ideas:
During the summer, consider promoting related library programs/services with the passes. Some examples: Summer Reading programs, storytimes, author book talks, art activities, StoryWalks®, nature-history- or cultural- based events, etc. Use this as a cultivation tool to entice new patrons.
- Example: The <library name here> presents the Vermont Master Naturalist F. Rodo Baggins on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This program educates participants about the diverse ecosystems and species found in The Shires of Vermont, also known as Bennington County, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's natural heritage. Those who attend can apply the knowledge gained from the program with a visit to Vermont's state parks or historic sites. Library patrons can check out Vermont State Park and Historic Site passes for free day admission of one car holding up to eight people. Patrons can also check out nature guidebooks and our backpack, containing <>! If you don’t have a library card yet – please visit us to sign up!
Consider the following:
- Creating a press release for your local daily or weekly newspapers
- Shaping your message into a PSA for your area radio stations, or offer to be a guest on your local community radio talk show
- Collecting patron feedback and/or photos about the state park or historic site visits and post them on your socials
- Cross-promoting if there are events at your area’s state park or historic site. Those might be guided hikes, wildlife programs, camping events, historical reenactments, junior ranger programs, volunteer days