New 33,000-Square-Foot Nature Library Nearing Completion in Thornton
THORNTON, CO – A unique new library experience is nearing completion in Thornton as Anythink Libraries prepares to open the Anythink Nature Library, a 33,000-square-foot facility designed to connect visitors with the natural world through indoor and outdoor learning, environmental education, and community gathering spaces.
Site Plan Rendering of the Thornton Anythink Nature Library | Courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects
Located at 6811 E. 136th Avenue, the $43.4 million project sits on a 15-acre site adjacent to the 140-acre Aylor Open Lands and trail system. The new branch is expected to open to the public on August 8, 2026, becoming Anythink Libraries' eighth location serving Adams County residents.
Unlike a traditional library, the Nature Library was designed around Anythink's Environmental Kinship Model, which focuses on helping visitors build stronger relationships with nature through hands-on experiences, exploration, and environmental stewardship. The project was also shaped by input from Indigenous and Native American leaders serving on the Anythink Nature Library Advisory Council.
Rendering of the Thornton Anythink Nature Library | Courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects
The building's design incorporates large organically shaped skylights and a central clerestory spine that brings natural light deep into the interior spaces. Visitors will find a variety of learning and gathering environments designed to support year-round exploration and engagement with the outdoors.
Planned features include indoor and outdoor programming spaces, a nature lab, sunroom, sensory-focused dark room, exterior gardens, and an open-air kinship garden located at the heart of the facility. The library will also feature a café with indoor and outdoor seating, nature-focused learning materials available for checkout, and a one-mile loop trail that winds throughout the property and connects directly to the surrounding open space network.
Rendering of the Gardens at Anythink Nature Library | Courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects
In addition to traditional library services, programming at the Nature Library is expected to focus on environmental literacy, gardening, outdoor education, creativity, and community engagement. The facility is also pursuing LEED Gold certification as part of its sustainability goals.
Construction began during the third quarter of 2024 and has progressed steadily over the last two years. With opening day now only months away, the project represents one of the region's most unique civic investments, combining a public library, environmental learning center, community gathering space, and outdoor recreation hub into a single destination.
Rendering of the Entry of the Anythink Nature Library | Courtesy of Davis Partnership Architects
Development Team
Partner: City of Thornton
Architects: Davis Partnership Architects and THK Associates
GeneralContractor: GH Phipps
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
4 minute read • Construction is nearing completion on the Anythink Nature Library in Thornton. The 33,000-square-foot facility will combine traditional library services with outdoor learning, environmental education, gardens, trails, and community gathering spaces when it opens in August 2026.