by Kat Clements
The death of the Third Space (a place besides home and work) to socialize has fragmented communities and isolated individuals. Most places one can go to meet new people or hang out with existing friends have restrictions attached. Restaurants and coffee shops either require or expect you to spend money to be there. Parks are great for some activities, but lack certain amenities (like bathrooms, accessibility for the disabled, or WiFi) and are not much fun in bad weather. And locales like malls are depressing shells of their former selves or too far away to reach easily.
What are lonely seniors, bored teenagers, despairing adults, or new arrivals to the community supposed to do? Where can they turn?
The answer is at the library.
At all six branches of the Adams County Library System, there are no barriers to entry, no expectation to spend money, and a plethora of connections to choose from. Book clubs offer an easy way to meet fellow bibliophiles, but what if you aren’t much of a reader, or would rather not have your reading material chosen for you? Never fear, for the library offers far more than just books. There are regular crafting programs for all ages, from knitting to paint nights, able to be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. Murder mysteries that combine improv theatre and “Clue” are offered in person and online. Writing groups meet to brainstorm and share their work. Speakers from around the county give one-off presentations on a wide range of topics. Morning story times give exhausted parents and caregivers a chance to commune with fellow adults who share their struggles. All of these give you opportunities to meet people who share your interests and form lasting friendships.
But what if you already have a solid friend group, but just need a place to hang out? We can offer that too. Comfortable seating, small study rooms, or larger accommodations are available at various branches; just call ahead or stop by to see if what we have is right for you! Meet up to play board games or puzzles, either by bringing your own or trying out what we have to offer through the Library of Things. Book a study room, bring laptops and headphones, and have a LAN party! (Anyone remember those? Am I dating myself?) Or just have a comfortable place to hang out and chat without having to justify your presence.
Libraries offer you a place to be. To simply exist as a human being, as an individual, or as a member of a community. Because libraries are for everyone.
Kat Clements is Branch Assistant at the Littlestown Libary.