A new public facility in Adams County, Colorado, is redefining the traditional library model by allowing residents to borrow outdoor equipment alongside books. The Anythink Nature Library in Thornton, which opened in August, serves as the first of its kind in the United States, aiming to lower the barriers to environmental engagement.
What can you borrow?
The library maintains a collection of approximately 40,000 items. While the majority are books, the facility offers 850 specialized "Try-It" kits designed to introduce users to various outdoor activities. These free resources include:
- Bird-watching equipment and guides
- Gardening tools and pollinator planning kits
- Hiking gear, including trekking poles and snowshoes
- Wildlife cameras and GPS devices
- Microscopes and hammocks
Why focus on nature gear?
Library leadership noted that residents expressed a desire for more ways to interact with the outdoors. Executive director Mark Fink stated that people do not need to go on a three-day camping trip to experience nature. The initiative is built on the idea that even 20 minutes of contact with the natural world can benefit mental and physical health.
Beyond lending gear, the 140-acre site features sustainable architecture, including solar panels and geothermal heating. The grounds include eight different types of gardens, such as sensory and pollinator gardens, as well as hiking trails. The facility also hosts workshops to help community members build confidence in activities like gardening and birding.
How does this impact the community?
By providing expensive equipment for free, the library democratizes access to the outdoors. This is particularly useful for families or individuals who may not have the budget to purchase specialized gear like macro-lens cameras or camping equipment. The library also provides dedicated spaces for children, including a boulder field and workshops that use natural sounds to teach music.
FAQ
Is there a cost to use the nature kits?
No, the
