What's Happening?
The Anythink Nature Library, the first public library in the U.S. solely dedicated to learning about nature, has opened near Denver, Colorado. Located in Thornton, approximately 20 miles northeast of Denver, this 33,000-square-foot facility is the eighth
branch of the Anythink public library system for Adams County. The library is designed around the Environmental Kinship Model, aiming to remove barriers to outdoor access, encourage hands-on play, and foster positive experiences with the natural environment. It features indoor and outdoor play spaces, including boulders for climbing, a mud pit, and a learning garden. Beyond traditional books, the library's 'TryIts' program allows patrons with a free library card to borrow over 650 outdoors-related items, such as gardening tools, hammocks, camping equipment, and birdwatching kits, with a goal to expand the collection to 1,500 items. The library's design incorporates natural materials and Indigenous advisory council input, reflecting the surrounding prairies and local environments.
Why It's Important?
This innovative nature library addresses a growing concern in the U.S.: the decline in children's unstructured outdoor play and increasing screen time. Recent research by the National Recreation and Park Association indicates that children spend less than ten minutes daily on unstructured outdoor play compared to over seven hours with electronic media. The Anythink Nature Library directly combats this trend by providing accessible resources and engaging environments that encourage interaction with nature. By offering a wide array of outdoor equipment for loan, it democratizes access to outdoor activities, particularly for families who may not have the means to purchase such gear. This initiative has significant implications for public health, education, and environmental stewardship, fostering a new generation's connection to the natural world and potentially improving physical and mental well-being. It also redefines the role of a public library, moving beyond traditional book lending to become a community hub for experiential learning and environmental engagement.
What's Next?
The Anythink Nature Library plans to expand its 'TryIts' program, aiming to grow its collection of borrowable outdoor items to around 1,500 pieces. By 2027, an exterior loop trail on the library's 15-acre campus is expected to connect to the regional trails of the adjacent 140-acre Aylor Open Lands, further enhancing outdoor access for the community. The library will continue to develop programming in collaboration with local outdoor organizations, offering diverse activities such as 'Wildings' sessions for young children, yoga classes, and mindful crafting. These programs are designed to build curiosity about the natural world, encouraging visitors, especially children, to explore and learn more about their environment. The success and model of the Anythink Nature Library could inspire other communities across the U.S. to adopt similar approaches, potentially leading to a broader movement of nature-focused public spaces and libraries aimed at reconnecting people with the outdoors.
Beyond the Headlines
The Anythink Nature Library represents a significant shift in how public institutions can address contemporary societal challenges, particularly the disconnect between humans and nature in an increasingly digital world. By integrating hands-on outdoor experiences with traditional library services, it challenges the conventional understanding of a library's function. This model could serve as a blueprint for fostering environmental literacy and stewardship from a young age, cultivating a deeper appreciation for ecological systems. The library's emphasis on combating screen fatigue and promoting free, unstructured play highlights a growing recognition of the importance of nature for cognitive development and overall well-being. Furthermore, the involvement of an Indigenous Advisory Council in the library's design underscores a commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation efforts, enriching the educational experience and promoting cultural understanding within the community.
