As Washington Scales Back Science, a Colorado Library Seeks to Fill Gaps

At a library outside Denver, people can check out more than books. They can borrow binoculars, snowshoes, wildlife cameras, and stargazing kits, all for free.

The Anythink Nature Library calls itself the first public nature library in the US. It opened in August in Colorado. Its head, Mark Fink, says part of the goal is to let people learn what they can about the natural world.

“We want to let people make up their own minds,” Fink told The Guardian. “We want to provide opportunities for them to learn more about the climate, the human impact on the Earth and how we can help reduce climate change and make our environment more sustainable.” 

The library was years in the making. But it has opened amid heated debates in federal science. Since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, his administration has canceled or frozen more than 7,800 research grants. More than 25,000 employees have left federal science agencies in that same time. In April 2025, the administration dismissed nearly 400 scientists writing a report on climate risks. It's a report that's required by Congress. Last month, 175 of those scientists began publishing their research in journals.   

Trump says he is cutting wasteful spending. He also claims to be bringing back "Gold Standard Science.” White House officials argue that past federal grants pushed a liberal agenda. Their budget requests have singled out climate research for deep cuts. 

Critics argue that the moves could bias the field of science. They also argue it could weaken a research system that made the US a global leader. Congress rejected most of his proposed $32 billion in science cuts. It's controlled by Trump's own Republican Party. The White House has sought similar cuts for 2027.  

The US has long been known for promoting science. Recent clashes have many asking: when priorities shift, who decides what knowledge gets pursued, and who keeps it within reach for all?

Reflect: What do you wish you could borrow from the library?

Photo of Anythink Nature library from Anythink press release.