The US's first public nature library has opened in Colorado, providing residents of Adams County with free access to books and equipment designed to help them engage with the natural world.
Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries, which opened the Nature Library in August, stated the initiative aims to address barriers to accessing nature. The library's collection includes 40,000 items, with 850 nature-focused "try it" kits available for borrowing. These kits range from birdwatching equipment and gardening tools to hiking gear and hammocks.
The library is funded by a local property tax levy. Fink explained that the goal is to allow people to learn about local birds and plants and to appreciate that experiencing nature does not require extensive trips.
Visitors have used the library to borrow items such as pollinator-garden planning kits, bird guides, outdoor cameras with macro lenses, and GPS gadgets for hiking. One visitor noted that a GPS gadget and camera, which would have cost hundreds of dollars, were available to check out for free.