Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 16, 2016
Contact:
New partnership lets library patrons check out a visit to a Virginia State Park
(RICHMOND) – Check out a Virginia State Park by checking out at your local library.
A partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia will provide more than 119 libraries with four nature backpacks each. Available to check out, the backpacks will help families learn about nature in their backyard, in a local park, or at one of Virginia’s 36 state parks.
“Today children spend less time outdoors and even less immersed in nature-based activities,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “These backpacks will provide opportunities for families to venture out to a park.”
Each backpack comes with a parking pass that allows the library customer to visit any Virginia State Park at no cost. Backpacks also feature: pocket guides to bugs and slugs, animal tracks, Virginia birds, mammals, and Virginia trees and wildflowers; a port-a-bug field observation container; a Big Foot Leave No Trace Ethics Card; a magnifying lens; a dip net; and laminated sheets with suggested activities designed by both Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia.
“How I wish there had been a resource such as this when my daughter was young,” Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway said. “The Library of Virginia is delighted to help make these backpacks available to Virginia families through community-based public libraries across the Commonwealth.”
The Science Museum of Virginia developed a short survey that patrons will complete to help evaluate the program. The museum also coordinated assembling the backpacks with the help of 20 volunteers from CarMax.
More backpacks will be made available as additional libraries participate in the program.
The program was made possible in part by a Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to the Library of Virginia. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grants, policy development and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.
More information on the Institute of Museum and Library Services can be found at https://www.imls.gov/.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Care Center at 800-933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
For a map of participating libraries, visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zL3auquy83q0.kolPNF0OW8cc
Additional information about the partnering organizations and agency contacts:
Library of Virginia, http://www.lva.virginia.gov.
Enid Costley, Children’s and Youth Services Coordinator, 804-692-3765. Enid.Costley@lva.virginia.gov
Virginia State Parks, http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Director, 804-786-5057. Nancy.Heltman@dcr.virginia.gov
Science Museum of Virginia, http://www.smv.org.
Chuck English, Director of Playful Learning and Inquiry, 804-864-1430
-30-
Share this news release:
