Borrow an Empire Pass from the Steele Memorial Library

Empire Passes for State Parks The Chemung County Library District is proud to offer an Empire Pass for New York State Parks, which allows users to borrow free admission passes to New York State Parks. The Empire Pass is your ticket to the great outdoors!–swim, hike, fish, play; it’s all free!

Here’s how it works:

Visit The Steele Memorial Library in Elmira and check out an Empire Pass–just like a book!
Take the pass to a participating park and enjoy FREE admission!
After you have enjoyed a great day, return the pass to the library.

Where to visit

The pass can be used at most NY State Parks and Dept. of Environmental Conservation Facilities.

NYS Parks: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/admission/EmpirePassCardGuidelines.pdf

DEC Facilities: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9174.html

Using the Empire Pass

The Empire Pass permits unlimited vehicle access to most facilities operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The Empire pass is usable for all motor vehicles except those used in the business of transporting passengers for hire including public or private buses, shuttles, taxis, limousines or other livery vehicles. The Empire Pass will not be accepted if it has been altered in any way. The Empire Pass must be presented upon entry to the facility. Without the pass, you will be required to pay the vehicle entry fee. Lost or stolen passes will be reported to the New York State Parks and will be charged a replacement fee.

Checkout Rules and Guidelines
7 day checkout.
Non-holdable, non-renewable.
A late fee of $2 will be charged for every day it is late.
Replacement fee is $80.
Pass must be returned to the Reference desk. It cannot be placed in the book drop.