By Tiffany Williams –
Maine is giving residents a reason to dust off that library card and head outdoors. Governor Janet Mills has declared September “Maine Library Card Sign-Up Month,” and to celebrate, the Maine State Library and Maine State Parks are teaming up for a one-day-only free admission deal.
On Saturday, September 20, anyone who flashes a Maine library card at the entrance of a participating state park gets in for free. That means a day at the beach, a hike through the woods, or a quiet afternoon with a book under the pines—without spending a dime.
“This collaboration is a perfect way to highlight the value of libraries and the exceptional outdoor values of Maine’s State Parks,” said Andy Cutko, director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. “Libraries open your mind to the world of literature, and on September 20, your library card is also a ticket to the outdoors.”
Lori Fisher, the Maine State Librarian, added that it’s about making connections. “With the fall season upon us, providing free admission to many Maine State Parks on September 20th is a natural extension of the types of services and resources that our public libraries provide regularly to their communities.”
The deal covers day-use admission at most Maine State Parks and Historic Sites, from 9 a.m. until closing. Visitors are encouraged to bring a book and soak in the last breaths of summer at places like Crescent Beach, Bradbury Mountain, or Lamoine State Park.
Not included are Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, and a few other sites like Scarborough Beach and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory.
For Mainers without a library card, the message is simple: sign up. Cards are free at local libraries, and they unlock more than books—digital resources, programs, and community events are part of the package.
Details on finding your local library are at www.maine.gov/msl/libs/directories/public.shtml, and park maps and locations are at www.parksandlands.com