Reflection 2 Hyperlinked Environments–A Community Space between Home and Work

Image: Adobe Express created by Yiwen Liao

Library—A Community Space between Home and Work

Libraries are increasingly embracing their role as the “third place,” a community-centered space that complements both home and work environments. Phil Morehart’s article, “Moving Beyond the ‘Third Place,’” highlights innovative library designs that prioritize community engagement and human needs over traditional book-centric models. For instance, Dokk1 in Aarhus, Denmark, reimagines libraries as vibrant cultural hubs, offering spaces for performances, meetings, and social interactions. This approach positions the library as the “living room of the city” (Morehart, 2016). It underscores the importance of libraries as inclusive spaces that foster connection and collaboration.

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at San Francisco Botanical Garden Image by Yiwen Liao

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at San Francisco Botanical Garden Image By Yiwen Liao

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park aligns with this vision by integrating educational programs, botanical art exhibits, and resources that connect people to plants and the environment. Its design emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, providing diverse collections and spaces for learning and community engagement (Gardens of Golden Gate Park Strategic Plan, n.d.). The library’s focus on biodiversity and environmental education further strengthens its role as a community hub, addressing global challenges such as climate change while fostering local connections.

Similarly, the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch exemplifies the “third place” concept through its Eco-friendly design and integration with nature. The library features sustainable architecture, including rainwater collection systems, solar panels, and natural ventilation, creating a harmonious environment that encourages relaxation and learning. The Beitou Branch serve as an example of sustainable architecture through its Eco-friendly design and integration with nature (YouTube, 2014). Its emphasis on ecological balance and community-oriented spaces, such as extended balconies and green landscapes, enhances its appeal as a welcoming public space (Taipei Public Library, 2020). Both libraries demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform libraries into dynamic community spaces that promote engagement, sustainability, and lifelong learning. By prioritizing human needs and environmental stewardship, these libraries embody the evolving role of libraries as essential “third places.”

Reference:

[YouTube]. (2014, October 6). I Love Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch 臺北市立圖書館北投分館(英文簡介影片) [Video]. YouTube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyI2d7VWjQ0

Morehart, P. (2016). Moving Beyond the ‘Third Place.’

Gardens of Golden Gate Park 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://gggp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GGGP-Strategic-Plan-2023-2028.pdf

(2020, November 9). TAIPEI PUBLIC LIBRARY 2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN [Review of TAIPEI PUBLIC LIBRARY 2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN]. https://tpml.gov.taipei