Run! Find A Third Place!
My worldview was rocked last December.
The force responsible for the rocking wasn’t particularly large, but its presence was impenetrable. Its glossy, perfect-like-plastic aura was fortified by its flattering style. It couldn’t become any more inviting, that was, until it uttered the words I’d struggle to forget:
WELCOME TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT. THIS CARD IS GOOD AT ANY LIBRARY DISTRICT LOCATION.
Charming.
Image courtesy of Mainstreet Daily News
While oddly reminiscent of a romantic exchange, my first encounter at the Alachua County Headquarters Library changed my life… a little.
Because after an especially draining day of being a full-time student (napping excessively, attending a grand total of one class and eating lunch atop my twin XL-size comforter), I wandered past my apartment for a few hundred steps and landed at the library: a quaint, literary paradise where I could frolic without needing to fulfill any responsibilities.
A place where the looming threat of a Canvas notification was virtually nonexistent.
A place where other book perusers were eager to start a conversation with me.
A place where my academic identity slipped away, and my humanity embraced me for a little.
A place where I could just be.
The temporary euphoria I experienced this December afternoon was elicited by what sociologist Ray Oldenburg considers a third place — a public area separate from one’s place of employment (first place) and home (second place) that cultivates conversation, new relationships and plain, simple fun.
Cutely nicknamed society’s “living room,” a third place is meant for people to simply exist in. This is a space where the norm consists of humans doing human activities without the prospect of spending money or accumulating stress or anxiety. Heavenly, right?
In the case of third places, heaven can be a place on Earth. And it currently is — but not for long in most American cities. Womp womp.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
As the zeitgeist of the 2020s becomes less and less defined by the IRL — in-person relationship building and communication — and way, way more defined by the online realm, third places are slowly dying. Suffocating. Fading into irrelevance like the white, barren walls of Abby Lee Miller’s Pittsburgh dance studio (R.I.P.). And here’s why I’m sure of this:
For one, the idea of simply sitting in and enjoying your friends’ presence (an activity that’s far from foreign in any given third place) now constitutes what many view as a “flop” hangout — uncreative, boring and seemingly lazy. In short, “meh.”
But the idea of grabbing (almost always pricey) lunch at a cute, hole-in-the-wall style restaurant is appealing. The thought of spending the weekend exploring (and spending a bag) at a small, trinket-filled beach town is chic.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
The act of spending money has become a hallmark of highly sought-after friendships — leaving many happy with their picturesque Instagram feeds but miserable at the sight of the angel numbers remaining in their bank accounts. Why hello, $1.11!
One could even argue that the third places that currently exist in our neighborhoods don’t actually live up to their definitions. Because while local bars and coffee shops may pride themselves in their third place-ness, they often pressure those who enter their doors to buy, buy and buy — even going as far as charging people to enter, and eliminating the possibility of community building for some in the process. Third place dupes, if you will.
So, as Azelia Banks said that one time, what now?
With the once lively presence of third spaces now dulling and most people remaining unaware of how to deal with their gradual disappearance, it’s easy to feel lost. But instead of wallowing in disappointment, check out the list below detailing some wonderful third places that likely exist in your own city.
The Library
No, not Barnes & Noble. The free, book-filled public space meant for library cardholders to enjoy for free. Get a book, or five, read them at whatever pace you’d like, then return them whenever. Want to make a new friend in the process? Then on top of checking out a book, join your local library’s book club! Now that’s cool. And free. Heaven on earth, people. Heaven on earth.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
The Park
Providing people with valuable green spaces, parks are like the hearts of modern communities. Outside of the lecture halls, places of employment and other buildings people tend to spend most of their time in, parks exist as a getaway. Maybe not like Bimini or Ibiza, but still getaways, nonetheless. #Promotingcommunitywellness.
A Museum
Art lovers rise! Honestly though, you don’t need to have an eye for creative genius to enjoy this particular third place. With students typically getting free admission to local museums and art galleries, pulling up to these spots is a great way to meet some of your coolest peers, whether through pretending to “get” an old piece of art or just walking around, around and around. If you’re looking to collect some steps in an underground, mysterious way, this third place is for you. Trust.
Image courtesy of Frist Art Museum
If the idea of a third place still seems foreign to you, I encourage you to reach deep inside of your noggin and reflect on where you go to recollect yourself. If your answer is either your place of employment or your home, it’s time for you to explore!
So, step outside of your comfort zone, push some boundaries and allow yourself to just be.
Strike out,
Writer: Halima Attah
Editor: Sofia Ramos
Gainesville
Self-dubbed “Gainesville’s favorite insufferable,” Halima Attah is a copy editor for Strike Magazine Gainesville. When not writing, she may be found scrolling endlessly through Depop, enjoying video essays about failed influencers or just running her mouth! To obsess over her perfectly curated playlists, follow her on Spotify @halimaa. For all other inquiries, reach her on Instagram @halimaattahh. Trust.
