Anythink Nature Library, located at 6811 E. 136th Ave. in Thornton, will open its doors on Saturday, August 8, introducing the nation’s first public nature library and a bold new model for what a public library can be. Located on a 15-acre campus adjacent to the 140-acre Aylor Open Lands in Thornton, the library blends traditional library services with immersive nature experiences that inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship and lifelong learning.
“Public libraries have always evolved alongside the needs of their communities,” said Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries. “The Nature Library represents the next evolution: a place where books, nature, science and community come together to inspire curiosity and connection. We hope every visitor leaves feeling more connected to the natural world and empowered to continue exploring it long after they leave.”
Designed by Davis Partnership Architects in collaboration with THK Associates, the 33,000-square-foot project was constructed by GH Phipps. Grounded in the Environmental Kinship Model and pursuing LEED Gold certification, the Nature Library was created to help people build meaningful relationships with the natural world, regardless of their prior outdoor experience. Every aspect of the library, from its architecture and collections to its programming and surrounding landscape, encourages visitors to see themselves as part of nature rather than separate from it.
Designed with input from community members and Indigenous and Native American leaders serving on the Anythink Nature Library Advisory Council, the library reflects years of collaboration and a shared vision to expand access to nature through a trusted community institution. The project also responds to growing community demand for outdoor spaces and nature-based experiences. According to local community assessments, nearly half of Thornton residents want to see more natural open spaces, while more than half of Adams County residents consider parks, trails and open space essential to the county’s way of life.
As libraries across the country continue to evolve into centers for creativity, innovation and community connection, the Nature Library introduces a new model by making environmental exploration a core part of the library experience. The campus helps remove barriers that often prevent people from connecting with nature by providing welcoming spaces, hands-on learning opportunities and resources that encourage visitors of all ages to explore the outdoors with confidence.
Visitors will discover an art and science lab, gardens, gathering spaces, a living plant wall, immersive sensory environments, a water flow and mud pit and interactive TryIts that encourage exploration on and off the property. Thoughtfully designed spaces throughout the library invite discovery through sight, sound, touch and reflection, creating opportunities for learning that extend well beyond traditional library walls.
True to Anythink’s hands-on approach, the Nature Library will also offer one of the library system’s largest collections of TryIts, which are experiential kits and equipment that encourage customers to continue exploring beyond the library. At opening, visitors will have access to approximately 550 items across 65 unique collections, including bird-watching kits, wildlife cameras, hiking gear, microscopes, weather exploration tools, gardening equipment, nature art kits and conservation resources. The collection will continue to grow based on community interest, seasonal opportunities and customer feedback, with a long-term goal of offering more than 1,500 items.
Fink noted, “The Nature Library is an invitation. We believe curiosity is the first step toward stewardship, and we’re excited to welcome our community into this new chapter. As our community’s interests evolve, so will the Nature Library, from our programming to our TryIts collection and experiences. We’ll continue listening, learning and growing alongside the people we serve.”
The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with family-friendly activities, live performances, interactive learning experiences, story times and opportunities to explore the library’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can also discover the library’s nature trail, meet live birds of prey, participate in hands-on art activities and experience the innovative spaces that make the Nature Library unlike any other public library in the United States.
Grand opening festivities will feature interactive stations across the Nature Library’s indoor and outdoor campus, including wildlife encounters, nature-inspired activities, story times and performances designed to celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Visitors are encouraged to explore the 15-acre campus throughout the day.
