This article, published by Brookings, cites their own recent research, and that from Pew, identifying the public library as an emerging, important third place that supports community building. Third places are defined as a place that is neither someone’s home or workplace, but a third, informal space where “both random and intentional in-person relationships are made.” The article cites the library’s long history in communities, as well as a recent Pew survey that showed that “almost two-thirds of adult Americans say that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community.”
Brookings also cites two additional articles that demonstrate how libraries, and librarians, are offering valuable connections to the community through community health projects, programs for new immigrants in Queens, NY and Hartford, CT, and initiatives to address homelessness.
