Those who said libraries dead should eat their words

One From Toronto: Today, libraries are more popular than ever. In part that’s because they are a prime example of what urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place calls a “third place.” The first place is home, the second place is your workspace, and the third is a public space where you can simply drop in, relax, read a book or magazine, talk with other people. Examples, according to Oldenburg, are pubs, coffee shops, streetscapes such as the Yonge-Dundas Square.

January 20, 2008 by Uncategorized 2

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2 Responses

  1. Woeful says:
    January 20, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    The Third Place concept
    The Third Place concept isn’t new… But it is what will ultimately keep libraries vibrant in their communities.

    Reply
  2. Scott Keeney says:
    January 22, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    vibrant libraries
    I second the Third Place role of libraries in our communities, as gathering and welcoming places, especially for seniors.

    Even more important, I think, are libraries’ multiple functions as early literacy emporia, child and parent and caregiver gathering spots, youth entertainment venues, and preschool playspaces.

    Nowhere are children more welcome and more broadly served with age appropriate wonders than in the children’s and young adult departments of public libraries. Nothing else can, or will, supplant this role.

    Reply

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