When it comes to the Anythink Nature Library, location really is everything.
The first-of-its-kind library’s concept, exterior design, interior features and programming were all designed specifically to exist within and highlight the natural beauty of Aylor Open Lands and the Colorado plains.
The Nature Library was born out of a collaboration between Anythink Libraries and the City of Thornton, who owns all 140 acres of Aylor Open Lands.
Thornton city officials place “a high priority” on access to open space and nature for their citizens, said Deputy City Manager Robb Kolstad. As a result, Aylor Open Lands was purchased with the intention to develop a park or recreational amenity.
During conversations with Anythink leadership about developing a new Thornton library branch, the property was singled out as a potential location.
“We looked at available lands, and Aylor was one of the properties that we identified,” Kolstad said. “The idea of a nature library came out of that.”
“We saw that it was a really special property,” Anythink Executive Director Mark Fink said. “You can see downtown Denver, you can see the airport and you can see the mountains from the property. We realized there was a great opportunity there for a library and something that would really focus on nature.”
“To have that much access to outdoor space to be able to program and use that area to open curious minds is great. How amazing that you can sign up for a bird walk or a star walk and have that resource to explore at a deeper level.” –Nature Library Branch Supervisor Justina Wooten
After years of planning with the city, Anythink was granted a 99-year lease for the 15-acres where the Nature Library and its outdoor features will reside.
The City of Thornton has plans to develop the rest of the open lands with a mixture of concrete and soft surface trails and a nature discovery area for children featuring slides, balancing logs and a natural sandbox. They hope to open these amenities to the public in late 2027.
Kolstad said working with Anythink has been a “fantastic partnership,” resulting in “a really unique thing for community.”
Nature Library Branch Supervisor Justina Wooten said the location is perfect, representing the short grass prairie lands found across the region.
“We built it to highlight the ecology right here and to showcase nature in Adams County,” she said.
Fink agreed, and said Anythink tailored the building’s design to reflect its environment, with high ceilings and large windows inside.
“The design is really based on the location of the library itself and takes advantage of the amazing views you have in all directions,” he said. “When you look at it from an aerial view, it looks like grass blowing in the wind, and that’s a reflection of the prairie grass and winds.”
Outside, there will be a 1-mile walking loop and gardens inviting people to rest and reflect in nature.
Wooten also said the location in the heart of Aylor Open Lands is a huge benefit that Anythink plans to put to great use in library programming.
“To have that much access to outdoor space to be able to program and use that area to open curious minds is great,” she said. “How amazing that you can sign up for a bird walk or a star walk and have that resource to explore at a deeper level.”
