When Alan walks through the doors of Anythink, he isn’t just visiting a library—he’s stepping into a space that fuels his creativity and calm. For more than 12 years, he’s found inspiration here, sketching and imagining in the quiet corners of our libraries.
Alan’s love of books began long before his first visit. His mother, a school librarian and WWII veteran, used to bring home books that had been well-loved and worn from the school’s collection. Those early stories sparked something lasting. “My mother was a great librarian, and Anythink Libraries is wonderful,” Alan shares. “The library makes me feel like I’m at a place where I want to be.”
Since 2013, Alan has made Anythink his creative haven, first starting his visits at Anythink York Street then moving to the newer location at Anythink Thornton Community Center. He can often be found drawing in a study room, appreciating the peace it brings.
His dream is to have his art displayed at the Denver Art Museum. He loves using the computers to scan his artwork and enjoys the sense of focus the library provides. “It’s a nice peaceful place where my creativity can make a difference in my drawing,” he says.
Alan is also a dedicated reader, diving into titles by James Patterson, David Baldacci, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Beatrix Potter, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, and Ian Fleming. Recently, he joined a book club discussion on The Institute by Stephen King, adding his voice to a community of curious minds.
To Alan, librarians are “guardians of knowledge,” and Anythink is an inspiring, educational space that welcomes imagination in all its forms. His story reminds us that libraries are more than shelves and study rooms, they’re places where people are free to be themselves.
You can see some of the pieces he has created at the library below.
