Anythink Nature Library
Anythink Libraries is thrilled to welcome you to the Nature Library’s grand opening this August! While we’re getting everything ready, the site is still an active construction area. For everyone’s safety, please wait to visit until our grand opening.
The Anythink Nature Library is a place where curiosity and care for the natural world take root. Grounded in the Environmental Kinship Model and shaped with insight from Indigenous and Native American leaders on the Anythink Nature Library Advisory Council, this experience-driven space invites visitors of all ages to explore their connection to nature through welcoming environments, hands-on TryIts, and guidance from knowledgeable experts — all within a community hub designed for learning, reflection, and discovery. Learn more about our vision.
Features of the Nature Library
Designed for exploration in every season, the Nature Library offers a variety of spaces and experiences that help visitors connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways:
- Indoor/outdoor programming spaces, including a nature lab, a bright sunroom,
and a calming dark room for both active learning and quiet reflection - Exterior gardens that invite hands-on discovery as well as peaceful moments among plants
- An open-air kinship garden at the heart of the building, blending art, nature, and community
- A one-mile loop trail that winds through the property for walks, wonder, and fresh air
- Nature-focused materials and TryIts selected to spark outdoor learning and adventure
- A café with indoor/outdoor seating, perfect for gathering, resting, and enjoying the surroundings
- A trailhead connection to the 140-acre Aylor trail systems, expanding opportunities for exploration right from the library’s doorstep
Visit Anythink Nature Library
Address:
6811 E. 136th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80602
Maria Mayo-Peaseley
PARTNER: City of Thornton
LIBRARY SIZE: 33,000 square feet
ACREAGE: 15-acre library property on 140-acre Aylor Open Lands
ARCHITECTS: Davis Partnership and THK Associates
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: GH Phipps
COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $43.4 million
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN: Q3 2024
GRAND OPENING: August 8, 2026
Inspire nature learning through the Kinship Campaign
Colorado’s first nature-based library is almost here — and you can help it grow into something extraordinary. When you donate to the Kinship Campaign by Aug. 8, your gifts help to launch free, community-centered programs, installations and hands-on experiences that will bring nature learning to life across all Anythink Libraries.
Donate before the Anythink Nature Library’s grand opening on Aug. 8!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nature Library
What are the library’s open hours?
The Anythink Nature Library will operate on the same hours as our other Anythink branches: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays.
What will the collection be like?
A majority of the collection will be nature-based and will be organized according to the Environmental Kinship Guide. The collection will still include a small popular browsing collection to include new and notable titles.
Will this be a full-service library or primarily focused on nature topics?
The collection will be largely nature-focused, but people can still access study rooms, printing services and computers at the Nature Library.
What kinds of books and materials will be available? Will there be nature-focused and general collections?
Yes, we will have a nature-focused collection and general interest items, but guests should expect a greater focus on the nature-based collection.
Will there be non-traditional items available for checkout (such as camping gear)?
Yes! The Nature Library will have TryIts that may range from a butterfly catching kit to paddleboards and camping gear.
What will the indoor space be like?
The space has been thoughtfully designed to inspire awe and connection to nature. We will have a sunny space for story times, an art/science learning lab, a living wall and a dark room with a starry sky. We will also have the traditional library components like seating, study rooms, computers – and books, of course!
Will there be a designated play area for young children?
There will be an early literacy and play area for young children and an area for indoor rock climbing. We look forward to encouraging children and families to find fun and curiosity in our outdoor spaces as well.
Will there be activities or spaces for older kids beyond reading?
The Nature Library will have a teen room, as well as programming suitable for tweens and teens.
Will there be a café, coffee bar or a place to buy food and drinks?
Yes! The Nature Library will feature LatinA Flavor Cafe’s second location.
Will there be indoor and outdoor gathering spaces?
Yes! There will be one large (indoor) meeting room available for booking, and outdoor spaces will include a storytelling circle, a mud pit and outdoor cafe seating.
Will space rentals be available for workshops, events or community use?
Yes, we have one room that can be rented externally.
Can the space be reserved for private events like birthdays?
What is the outdoor space like?
The outdoor space surrounding the library will include specialized gardens, a 1-mile trail loop with a storytelling circle and a mud exploration pit.
The library trails will also connect to Aylor Open Space, where the City of Thornton plans to restore to native prairie landscape and have trail systems installed by the end of 2027.
What kinds of programs will be offered?
We aim to provide nature-based programming for a broad range of ages, abilities and audiences. Customers can look forward to programs on topics ranging from nature identification and gardening to mindfulness and art.
Will there be nature-based programs such as plant walks, foraging or outdoor education?
Absolutely! Stay tuned for upcoming events on the website and social media.
Will programs be available on weekends?
Programs will be offered on Saturdays. Anythink branches are not open on Sundays.
Do you need to be an Adams County resident to get a library card?
No. Colorado residents are welcome to get an Anythink library card.
Are there any membership fees?
No! The Anythink Nature Library is a public library open to all.
How can I get involved?
See our current job listings and volunteer opportunities.
Donations to the Anythink Foundation’s Kinship Campaign are also welcome.
What are the building’s sustainable design features?
The building is LEED Gold certified, a recognition that is awarded to properties that score well across holistic sustainability categories. The Nature Library specifically features over 300 solar panels on our roof, water-saving fixtures, bird safe glass on our windows and uses geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Did biomimicry influence the building’s design?
Yes! You can learn about how the building’s “one-of-a-kind” design was influenced by the Environmental Kinship Campaign, the local environment, community input and the Nature Library Indigenous Advisory Council through the following link: How Anythink’s newest library came to life.
How will the library work with the community?
We are developing a robust volunteer program and look forward to integrating intergenerational learning into our work of helping people find their place in nature.
Anythink is devoted to the needs and interests of our community. We look forward to learning how our library can best support our community through collections and experiences.
Will the library partner with local organizations?
Yes! We are constantly updating our partner database, and are open to partnerships with local organizations, experts and artists.
How can I stay updated on the building’s progress?
We are sharing monthly updates via email. Sign up below!