Library Parks Pass
In partnership with the Santa Clara County Library District, County Parks offers free vehicle entry passes that can be checked out, just like a book, for a three-week period. A County library card is required to check out a pass. Passes can be checked out in person by asking a library staff member.
Who can use it?
Anyone with a library card can check out a County Library Parks Pass from participating public libraries! If you don’t have a library card, you may obtain one for free by visiting your local library branch or by registering on the following sites:
How to use it?
- Ask your librarian: Go to a participating library and talk to a librarian. They will help you check out a parks pass, just like a book.
- Plan your park trip: Look at a map or use our website to find out which Santa Clara County parks you want to visit. Learn about the cool things each park has to offer, like hiking trails, playgrounds, and lakes!
- Show off your pass: When you enter the park, show a park attendant your pass. Display the pass on your rearview mirror once parked to let the park rangers know you're allowed to park there.
- Enjoy the parks: Explore, play, and have fun at the park!
- Take the survey: Scan the QR code on the back of your pass. Complete the survey and be entered for a chance to win an Annual Venture Pass!
- Return your pass: Once your three-week checkout is complete, return your pass to the library so more people can enjoy the parks!
Where to get a pass?
Passes can be checked out in person at the following:
Santa Clara County Libraries
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Campbell Library
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Gilroy Library
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Milpitas Library
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Morgan Hill Library
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Cupertino Library
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Saratoga Library
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Los Altos Library
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Woodland Branch Library
- BookMobile - Mobile Library Service
San José Public Library
Santa Clara City Library
Frequently Asked Questions
One barrier to County Park access for many County residents is the cost of parking. In response, County Parks has developed the Library Parks Pass Program, which was modeled after the California State Library Parks Pass. This program allows anyone with a free library card to check out a vehicle pass, just like a book, to gain free entry to most Santa Clara County Parks.
We believe that everyone belongs at parks! By removing the economic barrier of vehicle day-use fees and connecting communities with their libraries, the benefits of parks will be expanded.
The pass is valid at most County Parks. It is not valid for use at Uvas Canyon County Park or Sunnyvale Baylands Park.
Please see our website for more information on other County Parks. https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks
Please contact the library branch you checked your pass out from to let them know. The library will let you know if there is a replacement fee.
No. The pass does not cover camping fees.
The pass is valid for the entrance of one passenger vehicle with capacity of fifteen people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating County Parks. The pass is not valid for charter bus entry into the park.
No. The pass is only valid for County Parks that are operated by Santa Clara County. However, library patrons may inquire with their local libraries about the California State Library Park Pass. https://sccld.org/stateparks/
Not yet! Passes are currently available at all Santa Clara County Library District branches and select branches under San Jose Public Library and Santa Clara City Library. We plan on expanding the program to additional libraries in the future to ensure everyone has access to County Parks.
Please see “Where to get a pass” on our main page for a list of participating libraries.
Santa Clara County Parks is committed to making our parks more accessible to everyone. Part of doing this is finding out who uses and who doesn't use our parks, identifying and removing barriers preventing people from accessing our parks, and determining steps we can take to improve the parks experience for all. The survey helps us collect this data.
As an added incentive, anyone who completes the survey is entered into our biannual raffle for a parks Annual Venture Pass! A winner is chosen in June and December and the passes are valid for one year from the date you claim your prize.
We hold drawings for the parks Annual Venture Pass raffle two times per year; once in June and once again in December. Everyone who completes a survey prior to June 15th is entered to win during the June drawing. Everyone who completes a survey during the 2024 calendar year is entered to win during the December drawing.
For questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]