Exploring Nature: Colorado's Innovative Library Offers More Than Just Books

The Anythink Nature Library, the first of its kind in the United States, opened its doors on August 8 in Thornton, Colorado, just a short drive from Denver. This pioneering facility, part of Adams County's public library system, combines traditional library resources with a focus on nature, allowing visitors to check out outdoor gear alongside books.

As I entered the spacious 33,000-square-foot building, the aroma of books mingled with a hint of campfire, setting the tone for a unique experience. Children were climbing over boulders designed to mimic a natural landscape while others gazed up at lights that simulate a starlit sky. Outside, a mud pit was alive with laughter as little ones enjoyed the tactile freedom of play, much to the relief of parents, thanks to a dedicated clean-up area.

The library encourages visitors to engage with the outdoors, a concept deeply rooted in the Environmental Kinship Model, which emphasizes learning through direct interaction with nature. RyAnne Scott, Anythink's director of external relations, highlighted the importance of unstructured play, stating, "So much of the play kids do can be sanitized. We want to encourage kids to get in the mud and get dirty."

In addition to books, the library offers its TryIts program, which allows cardholders to borrow over 650 nature-related items, including camping gear, gardening tools, and kits for birdwatching. The goal is to expand this collection to 1,500 items, providing communities with resources to explore the outdoors.

Scott further emphasized the library's mission to provide access to nature, noting that many people associate outdoor experiences solely with mountain trips. "We really want to be able to open up access to nature on the whole, regardless of who you are," she said. This initiative is particularly relevant as children today spend less than ten minutes daily engaged in unstructured outdoor play, in stark contrast to the seven hours they spend on screens, according to research.

The library's programming actively works to combat this trend, offering a diverse range of activities beyond traditional storytimes. Collaborations with local outdoor organizations introduce children to various natural phenomena, such as glowing organisms, while adults can participate in yoga and mindfulness classes. The facility also boasts an indoor-outdoor art and science lab, where visitors can engage in hands-on learning.

Designed with input from a six-member Indigenous Advisory Council, the library's architecture reflects the natural surroundings, featuring elements reminiscent of cottonwood trees and prairie grass. The interior is filled with plant life, and the layout encourages exploration, with a kinship garden at its heart.

Mark Fink, Anythink's executive director, remarked on the library's broader mission: "We’re trying to get outside of the library industry in general. It’s about what is the community asking for?" Five meeting rooms are designed with nature in mind, connecting visitors to the outdoors even from within their walls.

Looking ahead, the library plans to connect its trail system to the regional paths of the nearby Aylor Open Lands by 2027, providing even greater access for visitors. The Nature Library aims to inspire curiosity about the environment, encouraging children to pick up books and cultivate a love for reading and nature.

As Maria Mayo-Peasley, the branch manager, beautifully summarized, "Some of what we’re offering here is starting with experiencing nature in a free way and maybe coming across a curiosity through that exploration, that then they can come inside [and find a book about it]." This innovative approach could redefine how communities engage with both literature and the natural world.

Source: www.outsideonline.com