Libraries as Social Hubs

by Karen Cosmano

Not too long ago, libraries were known to be quiet places where people went to read or check out books. More recently, and in particular as a learning experience from the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries are becoming what is called “third place.” This is a place that is “separate from home and work where we seek conversation, neutral ground, and comfort in feeling connected” (Wood). Not only can this be a physical location as we would first think of, it can be a digital community as well with the development of and reliance on social media.

Let’s look first at the library as a physical place, as a social hub. When the COVID-19 pandemic ended, many libraries were eager to resume their regular programs such as children’s story time, book clubs, or author events, and people began to slowly reconnect. Not too long after that, however, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy reported that there was another health crisis, and it was called “loneliness.” Research shows that loneliness is detrimental not only emotionally but physically to individuals and therefore to communities because we don’t invest in each other, understand each other, and solve problems together. Libraries, which are known to be responsive and adaptable to social issues, began to address this public health concern (Rich 12). 

Throughout the United States, libraries have creatively offered programs and space for their communities to engage and get to know each other. Hallie Rich gives some examples in Library Journal in February 2024: gaming night for teens, “The Longest Table” communal eating event with food and discussion, “Yarnstorming” where participants contributed to a public art installation, and a digital media workforce program in San Diego (12-15). As resources in libraries become more digital, physical space is freed up to be rearranged for more gathering space. Another Library Journal article from November 2021 discusses how libraries are “creating flexible, multiuse spaces for people to gather, interact, and learn new skills” (Pierce 30) and aim to create environments that feel homier, livelier, and can easily be rearranged.

Libraries can also be social hubs when they create communities on social media. Each library can tune into the needs and demographics of their community to determine the success of digital programs and which platform to use. Options include allowing discussion on Facebook posts or offering private live streaming events. Snapchat is a good way for Teen librarians to connect with teen patrons through book discussions or videos or to plan other events (Shaw 173).

In the future, we can look for libraries to continue promoting their space as social hubs. Not only can they strive to end loneliness, but they can help build strong communities and educate their community on the importance of social connection (Wood 15). When offering the library as a social hub, we may never quite know the difference it makes for someone to have a social connection. Whether it’s just a safe space to hang out, parents and children who become friends through story time, a newcomer to town who joins a book club, a teen struggling with identity, or an immigrant who connects to home and others through a cultural event, the value of connectedness cannot be measured.

Works cited:

Pierce, Dennis. “NEW LIBRARY DESIGN: Spaces That Connect, Cultivate, and Transform Communities.” Library Journal, vol. 146, no. 11, Nov. 2021, pp. 30-38. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=153212029&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Rich, Hallie. “Hungry for Connection.” Library Journal, vol. 149, no. 2, Feb. 2024, pp. 12–15. https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=175003988&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Shaw, Marie Keen. Using Digital Information Services in the Library Workplace. Rowman & Littlefield, 2022.

Wood, Emma. "The Rise of Third Place and Open Access Amidst the Pandemic."  American Library Association, September 30, 2020, https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/odlos-blog/rise-third-place.

Image from pixaby: https://pixabay.com/photos/silhouette-head-bookshelf-knowledge-1632912/