Although San Francisco is surrounded by natural beauty, for many inner-city, low income families and seniors, access to and awareness of the free national parks is non-existent. The parks’ locations mostly at the northern edge of the city are far to reach by public buses and some are confused about park fees, accessibility and navigation. This challenge led the Library and the National Park Service to partner this summer and encourage all residents to explore exciting tales and awesome trails through information, events and books at the library, and a direct shuttle service to nine national parks over the summer.

The Library kicked off its Summer Stride learning program at a National Park with the enticement to become a Reading Ranger. Colorful brochures, bookmarks, posters and transit shelters increased awareness. Inside the libraries, National Park rangers gave historic talks at all 28 library locations, Saturday park shuttles were scheduled from nine libraries, plus trailheads with detailed information, maps and reading lists for park visits were placed at seven libraries. NPS installed nine, SFPL-branded book nooks inside the parks so visitors could pick up a free book while visiting a park. The partnership has increased awareness about library resources and activities.

Response to the park shuttles far surpassed expectations with both young families and seniors using them. The plan was to bring 50 people each week to the national parks, but because demand was so great, NPS has increased the shuttles to transport as many as 100 people or more on the nine shuttle tours. There is also increased awareness and participation in Summer Stride with 15,000+ residents signed up and more than 3,500 finishing prizes awarded at the halfway point. Some 300+ books were claimed at the nine library book nooks in the first month and had to be replenished.