The Adam’s County Anythink library system has opened a first of its kind library not just in the Colorado but also in the country.
Beyond being an excellent library with lots of popular book releases, work rooms, and indoor and outdoor spaces, the new Anythink Nature Library in Thornton is also an incredible resource for making outdoor exploration accessible for all in the Denver Metro Area.
From hammocks, to bird watching kits, to even sand toys, the library features a large variety of outdoor gear that is free to check out like you would a library book. They also carry a large resource of outdoor reading materials including plant identification books, maps of Colorado, and more. These are great resources for everyone, whether you are new to outdoor exploration, may not have the right gear you need, or just are looking to try something different. The library also doesn’t carry only nature-focused books. From Dog Man, to the newest romance novel, the variety of books are sure to please all readers.
Beyond the gear and books, the library in itself is its own adventure both indoors and outdoors. The inside space is huge and invites play and exploration, from large boulders for kid’s to climb on, to animal tracks lining the floor (with a scavenger hunt for the littles to track them all down and identify them) to an incredible dark room for storytelling, there is a multitude to learn and explore. The dark room is especially spectacular, with twinkling stars covering the ceiling, making for some magical storytelling. There is also a teen room, and the library will be offering outdoor-centered programming for kids, teen, and adults of all age.
Outdoor Spaces at Anythink Nature Library
The outdoor spaces at Anythink’s nature library especially set the place apart. The library is housed on land connected to the Thornton Aylor Open Lands, and has it’s own trail loop behind the property, along with a connection to the larger Aylor trailhead. The library’s trail loop is a mile long and winds behind the building, taking visitors through the beautiful prairie grounds that make up the area.For the grand opening there were stations along the trail with learning based activities for kids including designing a Prairie dog home, taking a moment to ground yourself in nature, and listening to the sound waves of the soil.
One of the most exciting part of the outdoor features of the library is the mud play area. Usually when you think of a library you may think that mud and books do not mix, but what’s great about this library is that it encourages it! The mud spot has water spigots for cleaning off afterwords (or making more mud!) and when you enter back into the library there is a mud room area, perfect for cleaning off hands, faces, and shoes.
The gardens are also a special part of the nature library. The learning garden is housed near the mud play, and will serve as a great resource for any young budding gardeners. There’s also the kinship garden in the center of the library that combines both art and nature, creating the perfect space to take a calming moment outdoors.Another fun feature that any parent will enjoy is a cafe right by the entrance that will be serving coffee and snacks, making the library a great stop for an all day adventure.
Access for All
A huge perk of the Colorado library systems is that anyone who lives in the state can have a library card for any library in the state. So even if you don’t live in Adams County, you can still visit and use the resources that the Anythink nature library offers.
The Anythink Nature library is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Be sure to check out their website for more information and to learn about any upcoming programming they will have. No matter where you live in the Denver Metro area or what your experience level with the outdoors may be, this is a place that you are going to want to come visit!
