UIL Library volunteer Josefine Sandwall reflects on the importance of ‘third places’, drawing from her personal experience as a ‘book’ in a Living Library.
Human connection is at the heart of our lives and societies. Being part of an inclusive community – where we engage with diverse perspectives – shapes not just who we are as individuals, but also how we see the world. It influences our values, beliefs, and even political opinions. When nurtured in a democratic space, these connections help build a more inclusive world.
‘Third places’ help to facilitate this process. These spaces create opportunities for social interaction, open dialogue, and meaningful participation in democratic discussions and events. In an age of social isolation and digital polarization, they allow for face-to-face interaction, breaking down stereotypes and assumptions.
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg first introduced the concept of third places – informal spaces beyond home (the first place) and work (the second place) where people can connect freely. Third places serve as bridges between different social and economic groups, providing access to resources, cultural activities, and educational opportunities. They also create neutral ground for open discussions, where people from different backgrounds and ages can meet.
A third place can be a library, café, or public park – any space that encourages interaction. Some are designed specifically for this purpose, like Dokk1 in Denmark. More than a traditional library, Dokk1 integrates flexible workspaces, interactive learning and meeting zones, and play areas for children. It serves people of all ages and backgrounds, demonstrating the modern role of third places in bringing people together.
Democracy isn’t just about laws and politics – it thrives on participation, discussion, and mutual respect. Third places provide platforms for open dialogue – whether through storytelling, debate nights, or informal meetups. They create spaces where diverse voices can be heard – for example, a refugee sharing their experience, an activist discussing their work, or a retiree talking about life transitions. These conversations promote critical thinking and empathy, leading to greater common understanding.
A powerful example of a third place in action is the Living Library, also known as the Human Library, founded in Denmark in 2000. Instead of borrowing a book, visitors borrow a person for a one-to-one conversation. These ‘living books’ can be refugees, homeless people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, former prisoners, veterans, or others who share their lived experiences.
The goal is to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, fostering empathy through honest, unfiltered conversations. Rather than relying on media portrayals, participants hear stories directly from those who have lived them. Visitors leave not just with knowledge, but with a shifted perspective – a realization that behind every label, there is a person with emotions, struggles, and dreams.
At Dokk1, a Living Library event focused on people who had moved to Denmark. These ‘living books’ shared their experiences of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and building a life in a foreign country. Readers could ask open questions, breaking down cultural barriers and increasing mutual understanding of complex realities. This is why physical third places remain irreplaceable – they function as safe spaces for difficult discussions and genuine human connection.
As a former ‘book’ in a Living Library, I can only praise the impact of these events. I participated in five Living Libraries, engaging in moving and eye-opening conversations with people of all ages – from mothers with children to teenagers and retirees. Every generation was represented as ‘readers’. Through these discussions, I learned that many stereotypes and misconceptions do not stem from malice, but from a lack of understanding. Ignorance can lead to discrimination, but more often than not, it is simply the result of not having had the opportunity to learn and encounter new perspectives.
One of the most powerful lessons I took away from these experiences is that prejudice is learned – but it can also be unlearned. An open discussion can be the first step toward breaking down biases and fostering understanding. I don’t claim that Living Libraries alone can solve every problem or instantly create a more compassionate society. But they are a step in the right direction.
After many conversations, I can confidently say that these events help change perspectives. People (‘readers’) learn to better understand the struggles, for example, of living with a mental illness or being a person with a disability. Teenagers who once had questions about queer identities may now see LGBTQIA+ individuals simply as people, deserving of the same respect as anyone else. These small moments of connection, of genuine human dialogue, contribute greatly to a more inclusive society.
Third places are more than just locations – they are the backbone of inclusive, democratic societies. In a world increasingly marked by division, we must protect, support, and expand these spaces to keep open dialogue alive and to encourage people to meet.
So, what can each of us do?
Visit local libraries, community centres, and public spaces. Engage in initiatives like the Living Library. Create opportunities for conversations that challenge our own perspectives and stereotypes. In a time when stereotypes are deliberately spread to demean groups of people, it is more important than ever to give people the opportunity to reflect on the views they have learned to accept.
Because democracy doesn’t just happen in political debates – it happens every time two people sit down, talk, and truly listen to one another.