BEND, OR -- The Deschutes Public Library now offers free passes to local attractions for “check out” through the library system. The new Discovery Pass online reservation system provides passes to the Deschutes Historical Museum, High Desert Museum, Oregon Observatory at Sunriver and the Sunriver Nature Center.

Starting June 15, users can also check out a Wilderness Pass, needed for hiking certain trail systems in the Cascades.

In the past, people had to visit a library to check out a pass. But library officials say Discovery Pass streamlines the system, making it easy for customers to check out available passes online from anywhere with internet access. Passes, much like books and other items in the Library’s collection, are limited in number, but users can view available dates in the online system.

“We know people love checking out books and movies from the Library, but we are proud to offer so much more,” Library Director Todd Dunkelberg said in a statement. “Not only do we offer Discovery Passes, we also have the Library of Things, which includes everything from bike repair kits and sewing machines to an air fryer and a GoPro. Plus, we have a growing collection of board games and puzzles available for checkout, as well as mobile hotspots that make internet access available to more people.”

For more information about what’s available “beyond the books,” visit the Deschutes Public Library website.