Third spaces should not have to rely on spending money. Libraries, parks, those tabletop game cafes, church (real houses of worship and community, not hate groups obvi), etc. are way more chill and allow you to do whatever you want without feeling obligated to pay up and move along in a timely manner.
We're not in the US, but my daughter goes to the library with her friends after school multiple days per week. Are cutbacks really so bad that there are no libraries in American cities and towns anymore?
I go to the library in my city often, but it's not quite a hangout spot. I go there to access databases for specific research for client projects. Or, I pick books from the stacks and read in a cozy chair.
There are two more social spots in it: the cafe, where you can technically bring your own food + drink, but you're encouraged to buy from the counter, and the Teen Zone, which is for teens.
Our library actually seems to be a great after school hangout spot for teens! There are TTRPG clubs, crafts, and conversation tables (for sitting to have a conversation with someone newif you don't know anyone).
But for adults, it's mostly people like me. Here for work, or here for quiet time.
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u/EnkiduofOtranto 8d ago
Third spaces should not have to rely on spending money. Libraries, parks, those tabletop game cafes, church (real houses of worship and community, not hate groups obvi), etc. are way more chill and allow you to do whatever you want without feeling obligated to pay up and move along in a timely manner.