DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife was honored to accept the 2016 Library Project of the Year award on Oct. 21 from the Colorado Association of Libraries. CPW was recognized for the Check Out Colorado State Parks program, which allows Colorado library users to check out Colorado state parks passes. The award recognizes “a creative and innovative project which furthers library service within the state of Colorado.”

CPW Director Bob Broscheid said “Check Out Colorado State Parks is a great opportunity to encourage people to visit state parks to go free of charge.”

“Coloradans love their state parks and their libraries, so combining the two makes Check Out Colorado State Parks a wildly popular program,” said Sharon Morris, director of library development at the Colorado Department of Education. “While some people might not think of libraries and state parks in the same sentence, both agencies value learning and encouraging people to explore their world in an experiential way.

Libraries across the state are now offering two Colorado State Parks passes to check out along with a parks activity backpack containing educational materials.

Check Out Colorado State Parks passes are good for entry into any Colorado state park for up to seven days. One park pass permits one vehicle per park. The backpack that accompanies the pass includes binoculars, a wildlife viewing guide, a tree and wildflower identification guide, a park brochure, suggested activities list and a guide to Leave No Trace outdoor ethics principles.

For more information visit http://cpw.state.co.us/librarybackpack.