Anythink’s annual mySummer experiential learning program provides customers with an opportunity to interact with the world around them. Taking the challenges that came with the pandemic into consideration, Anythink leadership wanted to provide a mySummer focused on healing and wonder, while also providing opportunities for youth to connect with art in an outdoor setting.

Anythink partnered with artist Jayson Fann to produce public art at the library branches. Designed as “spirit nests,” these large-scale sculptures are meant to evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity and environmental stewardship. Inspired by the communities served at each branch, the unique nests are created using natural materials. As part of the process, Fann conducted a series of community workshops where customers of all ages could take a hands-on approach and help in the creation of the nests.

Anythink customers are delighted by the spirit nests and use them as an opportunity for play, joy, reading and more. They are frequently used for stortytimes and other children’s programming. The spirit nests were so popular that many families traveled several hours across Anythink’s large district in order to experience each. By participating in build days, community members have taken a strong sense of pride and ownership over the sculptures.