From Wikipedia: "The third place is a term used in the concept of community building to refer to social surroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home and the workplace. In his influential book The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg (1989, 1991) argues that third places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing feelings of a sense of place.
Oldenburg calls one's "first place" the home and those that one lives with. The "second place" is the workplace — where people may actually spend most of their time. Third places, then, are "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. All societies already have informal meeting places; what is new in modern times is the intentionality of seeking them out as vital to current societal needs. Oldenburg suggests these hallmarks of a true "third place": free or inexpensive; food and drink, while not essential, are important; highly accessible: proximate for many (walking distance); involve regulars – those who habitually congregate there; welcoming and comfortable; both new friends and old should be found there. (58)"
How do we make the public library a "third space" for our teens?
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gwenraftpro said...
I just re-read an article in Library Journal, "The Disconnected," July 2008 by Kathy Degyansky. 3.8 million people, aged 18 - 24 nationwide are no longer in school, nor do they have jobs. Since that article was written, this number has probably risen significantly. These young people are single moms, high school dropouts and and other at-risk folks who use the library frequently for internet access, storytimes, GED programs, entertainment and job searching. They don't loudly demand teen services, because they see themselves as adult library users. How libraries provide services to this population in the future aligns with the real need for a "third" world for this large group. Libraries can contribute to the future success of "The Disconnected" and to the overall health of the communities where they live by providing programs, personnel, and a purpose. Please read more on www.libraryjournal.com to get motivated to explore our roles as library staff who make a difference to teens and these older young adults by providing a consistent evolving and welcoming place to come!
October 21, 2008 6:58 PM
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