Located just north of Denver, the newly opened Anythink Nature Library is the first of its kind in the U.S., combining books with outdoor gear like bird-watching kits and snowshoes to encourage families and individuals to connect with nature right in their community.
- Borrow nature gear like snowshoes and wildlife cameras for free
- The $44 million facility includes a mud pit, plant wall, and darkroom
- Designed to serve a diverse community with outdoor learning for all ages
What happened
On August 8, the Anythink Nature Library opened its doors to the public in Thornton, Colorado, becoming the first nature library in the nation. The library is part of the Adams County Library system and occupies a 33,000-square-foot portion of the 140-acre Aylor Open Space, blending traditional library services with a strong focus on outdoor engagement.
Visitors can check out outdoor gear such as bird-watching kits, snowshoes, telescopes, and wildlife cameras at no cost, alongside a thoughtfully curated collection of books centered on nature. The facility boasts numerous unique features including a mud pit for play, a kinship garden, a live plant wall, a darkroom with projected stars, and environmentally conscious design elements like bird-safe glass and rooftop solar panels.
Why it feels good
The Anythink Nature Library was built in response to community needs and was developed with input from local residents and Indigenous leaders, ensuring an inclusive space that welcomes everyone regardless of their experience with nature. It serves a diverse population, including a large Latine community, by offering accessible outdoor knowledge and equipment to encourage hands-on learning and connection with the environment.
Branch manager Maria Mayo-Peaseley emphasized the importance of dirt and messy play to restore a natural, tactile experience often lost in modern childhoods. The library’s programming draws from the Environmental Kinship Guide, an educational framework that highlights humans' interconnectedness with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for natural stewardship and outdoor exploration.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to the Anythink Nature Library can look forward to a variety of nature-focused activities and workshops designed for all ages and interests. From gardening in the kinship garden to star-gazing sessions in the darkroom, the library offers immersive experiences that connect people directly with the natural world.
Future programming will continue to evolve, inspired by input from the community and environmental educators. The library also aims to redefine the idea of experiencing nature locally, encouraging people to explore not just the mountains but the plains and prairies of Colorado, proving that meaningful outdoor adventures can happen right outside your door.