Check Out Colorado State Parks

Check Out Colorado State Parks is a library loan program formed through a partnership between Colorado State Library and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Through it, libraries provide a unique outdoor learning experience for library patrons and expands your library’s services. Borrowers are equipped with a parks pass and a backpack outfitted with a Colorado parks guide, naturalist field guides, activity cards, and other items to enhance their outdoor experience. Email parks@cde.state.co.us with questions about the program.

About the Program

Program Overview for Community & Partners (PDF)
Program Instructions for Libraries (PDF)
Infographic - Survey findings and stats for program, 2024
- Find previous years data among the Fast Facts Reports from Library Research Service
Historical Report, 2016-22 (PDF)
Webinar: "The Ins and Outs of Check Out Colorado State Parks for Libraries" (YouTube, Aug 2024)

Toolkit for Library Staff

General Information

Subscribe to the CheckOutColorado listserv
Program FAQs

Replacement Backpack Contents

Backpack and Pass Replacement Guide (PDF)

Park Visitor/ Borrower Evaluations

Catalog Files

Prospector Record - OCLC #922336142
To edit these files for your specific local catalog, we recommend using the open source tool MARCedit. For questions about using MARCedit, please contact Virginia Inness at Inness_V@cde.state.co.us

Digital/ Social Media Promotional Materials

Commercial featuring CO Parks and Wildlife mascot, Wilder, wearing the library backpack (YouTube)
- "Blissful" commercial (English)
- "Gran Sensación" commerical (Spanish)
Backpack logo - this logo may only be used to promote the Check Out Colorado State Parks program. Note on printing the logo in black & white or two tone: make sure the ram's chest is dark and the muzzle is white.
Photo of backpack and its contents (JPG)

Display Materials

Google Drive folder with summer and winter promotional posters including:
- 8.5x11 printable PDF
- 8.5x11 customizable, printable PDF
- 11x17 printable PDF
- 11x17 customizable, printable PDF
- Program Instructions for Libraries PDF
- Program Overview for Community & Partners PDF

Media

Pueblo Library District and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Launch Your Pass to Adventure (YouTube, KOAA 5, 2022)
Pueblo Library District Participating in Colorado Parks Pass Program (YouTube, KOAA 5, 2021)
Photos of library promotion examples including creative library displays, outreach programs, flyers, and more that Colorado library staff have produced around this program.

GOCO's Generation Wild Campaign

Great Outdoors Colorado created the Generation Wild public awareness campaign to reconnect kids with nature.

GOCO's 100 Things to Do Before You're 12 list
Web/social media graphi c (JPG) for social media

Contact Check Out Colorado State Parks at parks@cde.state.co.us