Check Out Washington is a program that allows users to check out a special Discover Pass at their local library. Library card holders can reserve a limited-edition Discover Pass for a week at a time and can experience day visits at Washington State Parks or lands owned by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free of charge. 

The program helps individuals, families and communities access and enjoy millions of acres of state recreation lands free of charge.

Washington State Parks offers this program in partnership with the Washington State Parks Foundation, Washington State Library, the Washington departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources.

Background

The Check Out Washington program started in 2019 as a pilot partnership between Washington State Parks and the Washington State Library, with founding money from the Washington State Parks Foundation. It was piloted in 39 libraries. 

In 2020, the program expanded to 109 libraries. The Washington Legislature recognized this important program with $35,000 a year starting in 2021. The funding would buy two special Discover Passes for any library outlet that wanted them. 

This year, The Washington State Parks Foundation has attracted a new partner - WSECU! WSECU has provided key grant funding and active involvement in the program. 

The Foundation and WSECU identified the libraries to receive the additional 400 passes. These libraries sit in proximity to communities that experience the greatest health disparities in Washington. The partners also designed and distributed a new adventure pack that includes binoculars, Washington guidebooks and more.