What is a third space?
A third space is a sociological concept describing a place that is not work, school, or home.
These spaces must be accessible to the community they are fostering, meaning they can’t cost money, or have barriers in place based on gender, ethnicity or anything else.
While few other spaces fill this description it is unlikely that somewhere like a town square or park can be used as a third space as they are not available or accessible when the weather is poor.
Few places in modern life fulfil this description. Cafes and shopping centres ask that you spend money, and outdoor resources such as parks are only accessible in good weather. On the other hand, libraries and community centres work tirelessly to provide access to these spaces.
A third space is where the village lives. Within it, you find togetherness, support, and community. In the modern era, these spaces are few and far between but, if you know where to look, libraries and community centres are still striving to provide them.
Libraries
The transactional libraries of the past are no longer necessary or relevant. Books, information and entertainment to an extent are all now widely available via the Internet. Luckily for the institution, a modern library has not been purely about the books for a very long time. A modern library is one of the last standing third spaces.
The library is not only just a place to go, but is one that provides necessary social services not found elsewhere. In addition to the book-focused activities that go on at the Stirling central library, located on Corn Exchange Road, there is a group for those quitting smoking, fall prevention which includes gaining access to mobility equipment like canes, and a diabetes information hub as part of the Libraries for Health and Well Being.
Social care is a key part of the modern public library, as institutions often work to fill the gaps that other social services leave. From necessities as simple as clean public bathrooms to programs involving further education, health care, and literacy skills the library works to be there for all.
The modern public library is so much more than an exchange of books but is instead a community hub that ought to be preserved. Although, that is not to say that books are not important. According to the National Foundation for literacy, 43.4 per cent of children 8 to 18 are reading for fun, dipping lower than when they started collecting this data in 2005. This number drops lower again when looking at low-income students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. The library is working to provide access for all of those kids, having in their very basic function books on offer. The library is an inviting and accessible space for more children to learn to like reading, a love that has many provable benefits. In their foundation libraries are centres of knowledge, and with the intent to spread that knowledge they can provide services not found elsewhere.
More information about the public libraries in and around Stirling can be found https://www.stirling.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/libraries-and-archives/ *
The Garage, an Issaquah Teen Cafe
With all this in mind, libraries are not the only option for third spaces. There are charities dedicated to providing these spaces to groups. One of these is The Garage, an Issaquah Teen Cafe. The Teen Cafe is a space dedicated to the teens of the area providing activities and coffee alongside important and out-of-reach resources such as counselling and case managers all for free. The Garage is more than just a third space, it’s a place where youth can become involved in community building and growth with support and resources to which they otherwise would not have had access.
From opening day in 2018 to now, The Garage has grown and changed with the youth who occupy it, shifting to fit the needs of the community.
When asked about the importance of the space Executive Director Kaylee Jaech says “For teens, I feel it is important to have a place outside of school and home to find community, connection, and explore your independence, identity, and interests. Specifically, The Garage provides a safe and welcoming space to connect with friends and access resources. This is important because often third places are welcoming for families and adults but generally less welcoming for teens. Having their own place provides a level of safety that encourages that exploration.”
Kaylee continued, saying “The Garage came about when community members came together to fill a gap in support and resources aimed directly towards teens. It began as a place to hang out and has evolved into a hub of resources with mental health therapists, case managers, and a housing program. We will continue to evolve our programs and resources to ensure we are providing the support the teens need. We are also working to expand into a neighbouring city.”
The lack of stagnancy means that they are there when the community needs them. Although it may not be a third space open to everyone, allowing only high school students in but they show an enormous amount of dedication to that community.
The Garage provides a third space for teens that is safe to practice agency and independence, having guidance but free reign and really excellent coffee. It offers community, relaxation, and fun. It is a space of expression, access, and togetherness that is a joy to be a part of and a privilege to have grown up in.
As Garage graduate Quentin Allaire says, “Honestly there is nothing positive enough I could say about The Garage. Having somewhere safe I could go every day after school that was programmed with my interests in mind was invaluable to building my sense of self. Perhaps the most valuable aspect was having the staff available as mentors, I felt like I had trusted adults I could turn to for advice and leadership, something I wish all teens had at their disposal”
More information can be found at https://www.issaquahteencafe.org/ * or on their Instagram @thegarageissaquah
Conclusion
Third spaces do so much work for a community, being the social support that other institutions can’t or won’t provide. If anyone is seeking community support, going to these spaces and seeing what is on offer is the best way to start.
Featured image credit: Stirling council
Spencer is a final year History and English student, Food Editor, President of the Baking society, and perpetual events planner of her friend group
