The “third place” is a term coined by Ray Oldenburg in his 1990 book, The Great Good Place.  A simple definition is “neutral social surroundings separate from home and work/school.”  Some local “third places” I can think of are the Senior Center, cafes and restaurants, and the public library.

The “regulars” that frequent it (I think of Norm on the TV series, Cheers) often characterize a third place.  A third place is typically inexpensive or free, offers food/drink, provides a welcoming and comfortable environment, and makes it easy to enter into conversation.

According to Kevin Harris, author of a book about public libraries as a third place, “all societies need places that allow informal interaction without requiring it, places that are rich in the possibility of the safe, mundane encounter...”  With an average of 200 people coming through the doors each day, this is definitely a possibility at our library.  Third places make people feel at home, foster friendships, and create a sense of community.

Though the library is not as purely social as some third places, people from all walks of life can meet and become acquainted with each other at the library.  There are opportunities to make connections, relax, and discuss what is happening in the community and in your own life.

I frequently see examples of the Independence Public Library as a third place.  When mothers mingle after story times, when the library has book discussions, when teens and tweens come in regularly after school, and when crafters get together for Knit and Needles are all examples.

Maybe you will want to enjoy the library as a third place during the book discussions, garden talk, computer classes, author visit, or the Friends Book Sale coming up.  Alternatively, you may want to try something new.  We have a new Artist Showcase event slated for the second weekend of each month, thanks to a Buchanan County Community Foundation Grant!  The first showcase will feature Independence artist, John Decker, known for his vivid colored pencil creations, from Oct. 7 through Oct. 9.  Friday night the showcase will be open from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

As I sense the excitement of so many about the new junior high/high school that will be built and see the housing initiatives the city is working on, I know that there will be progress in the first and second places.  We hope to continue that trend and move forward in the realm of the third place!