What I’ve Been reading

Journal articles

“‘third places’ such as coffee shops, bookstores, salons, bars, libraries, civic associations, and religious organizations provide physical spaces where friends, neighbors, and strangers can gather regularly, happily, and on common ground” [Oldenburg] (Rhubart, et al)

Rhubart, D., Sun, Y., Pendergrast, C., & Monnat, S. (2022). Sociospatial disparities in “Third place” availability in the United States. Socius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/23780231221090301

Other media

Podcast: Talk of Iowa: The fight for third spaces

Charity Nebbe talks to Dave Peters (ISU Sociologist and runs the Iowa Small Town Project), Jennifer Drinkwater, Mary Kathryn Gepner (Mt. Ayr Library) and Tiara Phillips (Bitchin’ Events in Iowa City area):

Third spaces haven’t disappeared. We might just be interacting with them in a different way. (Paraphrasing Charity Nebbe)

Dave Peters:

• When people gathered more at third spaces a few decades ago - it was very localized, where people gathered and at what time

• Gas stations are a primary third space in rural communities now

“The space doesn’t really matter…Where it happens is less important than the people who are around that particular location.” Dave Peters

“People want to live in a place where they can engage with other people…a fun vibe.” Dave Peters

Mary Kathryn Gepner:

• While technically a second space, schools often serve as a third space in small communities

• They’ve been working on making the library cozier and comfier so people hang out there. Puzzles, drawing tables, colorful rugs, floor furniture, fireplace, for both the children’s and adult areas — a place to meet and gather. Hoping to add more community programs

Jennifer Drinkwater:

• Rural Shrink Smart: Trust and belonging is important in communities. When you ask people what’s good about where they live, they begin describing third places.

• Programs can be the bait that get people in the door, but you also need a space to informally talk

Tiara Phillips:

“We’re nervous out in the world. We’re nervous to talk to people at the gym, at the bar…” Tiara Phillips

• Trying to make the barrier to entry to social events very low. Trying to make them for everyone. She keeps the cost of participating low or free — she’s not trying to make money but build community.

• Creating spaces where people can come with friends or alone. Designated spaces for people coming solo to hang out with others arriving solo.

Podcast: 100 Rural Women: Megan Torgerson - The Power of Reframing Rural Through Storytelling

Third spaces are a common denominator between people in different places

Reframing issues in rural places - She did it through a storytelling podcast

A cool podcast episode featuring the woman behind the “Reframing Rural” podcast. Maybe I could interview her sometime for my own thesis??? (The “Reframing Rural” podcast was born out of her MFA thesis.)

Also discovered a cool online community in 100 Rural Women.