Library of Things
Explore our Library of Things!
What is a library of things? The Library of Things is our collection of non-traditional items, such as our California State Parks Passes, Outdoor Adventure Packs, and Hotspots — all available to check out for free with a library card.
How does it work? Due to the unique nature of these collections, they all work slightly differently. Check out the sections below for details on each unique item type.
Need something for a one-time project or want to try before you buy? Help us to expand our collection by making a suggestion.
California State Parks Pass

Q: What is the California State Library Parks Pass and who can use it?
A: In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library, the California State Library Parks Pass program provides a free vehicle day use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units to library card holders.
Q: How do I use the Parks Pass?
A: The pass (photocopies not accepted) must be: a) hung on the rearview mirror or displayed on vehicle dashboard when visiting state parks that honor this pass or b) scanned at a barcode scanner, where available. When displaying pass in vehicle, place pass front-side out. To avoid theft, highway-licensed motorcycle pass users should present the hangtag at the entrance station in exchange for a day-use ticket, utilizing self-pay envelopes where no attendant is available.
Q: Can I use the Parks Pass for more than one day?
A: Yes. The Parks Pass can be checked out for 21 days and may be used every day for 21 days.
Q: Is the pass valid at all 279 state parks?
A: No. The State Library Parks Pass is valid for vehicle day use at over 200 participating state park units of the California State Park System operated by State Parks. It is not valid at units operated by federal and local government, private agencies or concessionaires. Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, camping, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees. To see a list of ineligible parks, click here(link is external), and read the full terms and conditions here(link is external).
To view an interactive map with participating state parks, click here(link is external).
Q: Does the pass cover camping fees?
A: No. The pass entitles the user to a free vehicle day use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units. Also, the pass is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), boat use, group use or sites, special events, additional/extra vehicle fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.
Q: Can more than one car or a bus use the pass?
A: No. Below you will find some details on the pass:
- Valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating state park units.
- Valid any day of the week, including holidays, if space is available. Pass does not guarantee parking space.
- Pass does not provide access to state vehicular recreation areas (off-highway vehicles parks).
- Not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as Hearst Simeon State Historical Monument, California State Railroad Museum, etc.), camping, boat use, group use or sites, special events, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, swimming pool fees, sanitation disposal use or for supplemental fees.
Q: What happens if I lose the pass or the pass is stolen?
A: A $5.00 processing fee will be charged to your Salinas Public Library account.
Borrowing rules for the State Park Passes:
- The loan period for this item is 21 days.
- This item cannot be renewed
- If the pass is not returned 3 days after the return date, it will be declared lost.
- A processing fee of $5.00 will be charged for a lost or stolen pass.
- Lost or stolen passes will no longer be valid in the participating state parks.
- Regular State Park Passes may be put on hold.
- NO hold can be placed on the "Lucky Day" State Park Passes.
For more information on the California State Parks Pass, please visit parks.ca.gov(link is external).
Mobile Hotspots

What are mobile hotspots?
A mobile hotspots is a device that converts a cellular network connection to WiFi so that people can connect to the internet anywhere they have a mobile signal. All service charges are paid by the library, which enables our patrons to have access to the internet from their own devices without the need for their own data service or home internet.
Borrowing Rules:
- The loan period for this item is 30 days.
- This item can be renewed up to 2 times, if there are no hold on the item.
- Only one hotspot can be checked out per household.
- Hotspots can be requested in person or online through the library catalog, and picked up at any of our library locations.
- Hotspots can be borrowed by full-service adult library cardholders in good standing.
This program has been supported by a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation which has provided two years of funding.
Outdoor Adventure Packs

What are Outdoor Adventure Packs and who can use them?
Outdoor Adventure Packs are available for adult library card holders to checkout for seven (7) days. Each pack is themed around a specific outdoor activity and contains the things needed to get started.
Birdwatching Pack for Families | ![]() |
Birdwatching Pack for Individuals | ![]() |
Stargazing | ![]() |
Borrowing Rules:
- The loan period for this item is 7 days.
- This item cannot be renewed.
- Only one pack may be checked out at a time.
- Packs can be placed on hold.
- All packs must be checked out and returned to staff inside the library.
- Patrons must sign a use agreement for each pack type.
- If the pass is not returned 3 days after the return date, it will be declared lost.
- A processing fee of $5.00 will be charged for a lost or stolen pack.
This Project was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.