During the module 8 readings for new models, the topic that stood out to me the most was the planning and implementation of the Anythink Nature Library in Thornton, Colorado – where their vision is to “help people find their place in nature”. In this ever-growing technological world that we live in now, it’s important to come back down to Earth (literally) and fully become one with nature. The Anythink Nature Library will offer this, but also plans to make it very fun and interactive. They include gardens, walking trails, nature learning workshops, and more – with 33,000 square feet of property, which will be surrounded by 140 acres of open space (Anythink Nature Library Projects, 2024).
The idea was inspired by the Environmental Kinship Guide, an organization that works to teach and help people learn about the natural world. There was also an advisory council for the project, including Indigenous and Native American leaders in Colorado. The thought and vision of the library is a collection of many ideas from people of many different backgrounds, but all of whom are connected with nature somehow.
Many people are losing or have lost touch with nature, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. People are sitting in front of screens and inside of their homes much of the time – and many are nocturnal and hardly see the light of day. But it has been scientifically proven that being outside is great for physical and mental health and is known to decrease depression and anxiety (Joschko et al., 2023).
Not only will this space be good for patrons’ mental well-being, but it will also take it further by connecting people to nature while also connecting them to one another. It will get patrons out and meeting their neighbors, and then growing flowers or food for the community together – which is so beautiful.
Libraries everywhere should try to utilize some type of nature program, even if it is just creating a community flower bed or a simple walking trail around the library – to give the patrons the option to stay inside or explore further outdoors and get some fresh air. This can bring the patrons closer to nature, better their mental health, and probably help patrons just make healthier choices about what they consume and surround themselves with.
References:
Anythink Nature Library Projects. RDH Building Science. (2024, March 14). https://www.rdh.com/our-case-studies/anythink-nature-library/
Eki. EKI Guide. (n.d.). https://environmentalkinship.org/
Joschko, L., Pálsdóttir, A. M., Grahn, P., & Hinse, M. (2023). Nature-based therapy in individuals with mental health disorders, with a focus on mental well-being and connectedness to nature—a pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032167
Nature library. Nature Library. (2024, October 17). https://www.anythinklibraries.org/nature-library
Hi Millicent,
I love the concept for the Anythink Nature Library and can’t wait to see what the final result will be once it opens in mid-2026! It’s refreshing to see a library model that actually encourages patrons to engage with nature, especially in a world where digital experiences and sedentary lifestyles tend to dominate. I also LOVE the fact that they included diverse voices, such as those from Indigenous and Native American leaders, in the advisory council!!
Moreover, the positive impact of nature on mental health — whether through active participation like gardening or through a passive activity like hiking — cannot be understated. It would be wonderful to see a lot more libraries adopt similar programs, even on a smaller scale, to give patrons the opportunity to disconnect from their screens and wholeheartedly experience the real world.
@inabookbind The mental health aspects of nature are so important an I appreciate you using that framework for this post highlighting the Nature Library from Anythink and other nature-focused initiatives. Forest-bathing etc FTW!
@inabookbind Thank you for highlighting how important nature is to well-being. It reminds me of an article that identifies three main trends in recent library design, one of which is “The library as a highly sustainable green building that integrates nature and greenery in form of roof gardens or green spaces in a courtyard” (p. 239). Hooray for “greening the library”!
Article is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N_VXFV7ELCk39e5IvvrEOyBGYdDUYYwm/view?usp=sharing