Passport to Your Local Library

October 7, 2022 becca 0 Comments
On paper
A green graphic shows the post title, Library Passports, with a brief summary of the contents.

Updated with additional projects in August 2023

In looking over my much-loved and oft-stamped Passport to Your National Parks book recently, an idea came to mind. [update: here’s a screenshot of my Tweet about it, because I’ve since deleted my Twitter]

A screenshot of a tweet which reads "I would love a passport booklet for public libraries across the country with cute stamps at each stop, national parks-style

Getting the chance to peek into public libraries while traveling is always a delight — and I could go on for days about how cool it would be to get a stamp from each of them along the way. (Who can’t resist a quest, I ask you?)

People on Twitter quickly began sharing fantastic existing county, state, or landmark-focused efforts. Some librarians even tagged their workplaces and suggested starting passport projects locally. (😍) To provide some inspiration for potential (local or national!) initiatives, I’ve gathered the examples that were shared. These include a mix of library-created passports as well as those created by stationary designers or companies.

Got another I’ve missed? I’d be happy to add it. Email or DM me.

Jump to an example:

From America’s National Parks

First started in 1986, this passport allows you to collect cancellations from each of the 400+ National Park Service units.

From the Allegheny County Library Association

The Allegheny County Library Association created an opportunity for library patrons to explore the dozens of libraries across Allegheny County. Each one offers something different to their community. For each new library, individuals received a small prize. Participants who visited all libraries in a region received an additional prize. Those that visited all of the libraries listed were eligible for a grand prize. Love this roadtrip theme so much! https://aclalibraries.org/roadtrip/ 

From Boston Public Libraries

“A booklet outlining routes to walk, run, or bike between each of the BPL’s 26 locations. For each branch you visit, you’ll receive a unique branch stamp in your BPL Passport.” And there are prizes for the first 250 people who turn in completed booklets! www.bpl.org/passport/

From Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

From the Columbus Metropolitan Library

To celebrate the library’s 150 birthday in 2023, the Columbus Metropolitan Library created a Sesquicentennial Passport full of activities and events for all ages: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/150-passport/

From Connecticut Libraries

A monthlong event to celebrate National Library Week, from the Connecticut Library Association. Learn more: https://www.windsorlibrary.com/passport-to-libraries/

From Adafruit: Hackerspace Passports

“There are hundreds of hackerspaces around the world – teaching, sharing and becoming valuable parts of their local communities. As makers travel from place to place a popular thing to do is to visit a local hackerspace and get your very own hackerspace passport stamped!” Learn more: https://www.adafruit.com/product/769

tkklab hackerspassport

From Indiana Libraries

A digital passport that lets visitors check in at more than 90 main libraries and branches state-wide. Updated on May 8, 2023 with additional features! Learn more: https://passport.library.in.gov/

From Letterfolk: National Parks + other passports

National Park and Kids National Park passports from a company known for their #aesthetic. They also offer passports for other activities, interests, and life events. Learn more: https://www.letterfolk.com/collections/passports/

From the Nassau (NY) Library System

The Nassau Library Tour ran from June 12 through August 12 2023. Check out the program’s website, which included cute illustrations, a map, and a link to a feedback survey. There was a grand prize raffle for anyone who visited all 58 (!) libraries. https://tour.nassaulibrary.org/

From Penn Libraries

“Learn how our librarians can empower you in your journey at Penn, then pick up a passport and start collecting stamps as you explore library locations across campus throughout the semester.” Learn more about this fun introduction to campus libraries: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/nso/passport

From the Library Foundation of Los Angeles

LFLA created a 30th Anniversary Passport Challenge to celebrate 30 years of partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library in 2022. See the passport, and learn more: https://lfla.org/lfla-30th-anniversary/.

From San Francisco Public Library

A colorful map with stickers representing each SFPL location. More info: https://sfpl.org/sfpl-explorer-map

Toronto Library Passport

A companion notebook to visiting all 100 public library branches in Toronto, created and sold by a local designer. (Not sure if it’s affiliated with the libraries, but a really beautiful notebook!) Learn more: https://avrodesign.ca/product/passports/toronto-library-passport/

From the United States Lighthouse Society

“Start collecting unique stamps from lighthouses, museums and lightships across the nation and Canada. In addition to being a lot of fun and a challenging hobby, participating in the Lighthouse Passport Program is a great way to support lighthouse preservation! Each page of the passport has 4 spaces for lighthouse cancellation stamps. When your passport is filled it will contain 60 stamps total.” Learn more: https://uslhs.org/products/items/lighthouse-passport and read an article from Daisy Alioto for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

From the Upper Hudson (NY) Library System

The Upper Hudson Library Expedition was a self-guided tour of the Upper Hudson 36 unique libraries in April, May, June, and July 2023. https://www.uhls.org/expedition/Expedition_home.pdf

From Vermont Libraries

Program is currently on hiatus. Learn more: https://www.vermontlibraries.org/passport