"Discovery Packs" Let Library Borrowers Explore Sonoma County Parks

In partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks, the Sonoma County Library is offering for check-out a limited number of parking passes that give library cardholders free access to Spring Lake, Doran Beach, Taylor Mountain, Ragle Ranch and the other 50-plus regional parks.

“Regional Parks Discovery Packs” are available at each library branch and include a backpack filled with a parking pass good at all 56 Regional Parks, a parks map, trail itineraries, hiking tips, wildlife guides, junior ranger guides, and other information to help people enjoy self-guided adventures in the parks.

The Discovery Pack program was developed to promote community health and well-being by increasing opportunities for residents to visit and learn about their parks. Each pack is available for check out for up to seven days and includes materials in English and Spanish.

“The Library is proud to provide this new, exciting Discovery Pack to our patrons, all thanks to the wonderful partnership with Regional Parks,” said Angelina Hernandez, Sonoma County Library's community engagement coordinator. 

“Now more than ever after the wildfires, we are looking for ways to heal our community through experiences in nature” said Bethany Facendini, Regional Parks' community engagement manager. "These Discovery Packs create an opportunity for more people to access our beautiful parks." 

Each library branch has Discovery Pack backpacks for checkout and each pack includes a parking pass, an “Adventure Book” for trail observations or nature journaling, the 2017 Trails Challenge Guidebook with hiking itineraries and tips, and information about local wildlife and plants. These contents must be returned with the pack a week from check out. The packs also include a park map, a seasonal activity guide, a parks reading list, Junior Ranger guides, and other materials borrowers are welcome to keep. 

Discovery Packs are available for up to seven days and must be returned to the check-out location. To check out a pack, visit your local library branch. The packs cannot be reserved online, though each branch will keep a manual wait list. To inquire about availability or be placed on a wait list, call your local branch and ask for the circulation desk. 

A Discovery Pack waiver must be completed before check out. The overdue fine for late returns is $0.25 a day with a $10 maximum. A fee will be incurred for lost/damaged items.  

• For more Sonoma County Library information, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Angelina Hernandez atahernandez@sonoma.lib.ca.us. 
• For more Sonoma County Regional Parks information, contact Community Engagement Manager Bethany Facendini at (707) 545-6144 or bethany.facendini@sonoma-county.org.