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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 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. 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:

我愛北投分館. (2014, October 6). 臺北市立圖書館北投分館(英文簡介影片). YouTube. 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

Image: Adobe Express By Yiwen Liao

A community formed by plants—The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

The authors of Brilliant Green, Alessandra Viola, and Stefano Mancuso point out that while plants can survive and thrive without humans, human life depends entirely on plants. As Pewhairangi’s A Beautiful Obsession suggests, “the philosophy of LOVE enables us to transform the library’s trusted relationship with the community into a long-term love affair” (2014).

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture at the San Francisco Botanical Garden serves as a vital resource for the horticulture community and all visitors, embodying the concept of “a beautiful obsession,” as described by Sally Pewhairangi. ​ Pewhairangi emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with the most valuable library members—those who deeply connect with the library’s offerings and contribute to its mission. ​ Similarly, the library aligns with the Gardens of Golden Gate Park’s mission to connect people to plants, the planet, and each other, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. ​​​

The library’s robust collection spans diverse topics, including garden design, horticultural history, ethnobotany, sustainable agriculture, and botanical art. ​ It caters to gardeners, scholars, students, and families, offering lending collections, special archives, and curated exhibits. ​ Seasonal art displays and programs like the Summer Reading Club for children further enhance its role as a community hub. ​ Visitors can explore rare books, nursery catalogs, and archives, providing insights into botanical history and ecological restoration. ​

Structural Beauty: Photographs of the San Francisco Botanical Garden by Mark Citret

By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, the library reflects the Gardens’ commitment to justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. ​​ It invites visitors to engage with its resources through research, education, or leisure, fostering connections between individuals and the natural world. ​ The library’s dedication to serving its community mirrors Pewhairangi’s philosophy of focusing on its most valuable members’ needs, desires, and interests, ensuring that its services remain relevant and impactful. ​

In essence, the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture exemplifies the transformative power of libraries in connecting people to knowledge, nature, and each other, creating a space where curiosity and passion for horticulture thrive. ​ Its alignment with the Gardens’ mission underscores its role as a cornerstone of community engagement and environmental stewardship.

References:

About – Gardens of Golden Gate Park. (n.d.). GGGP. https://gggp.org/about/

State, C. (2025). My #HuntLibrary. Ncsu.edu. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/projects/my-huntlibrary

Pewrainangi, S. (2014). A beautiful obsession.

Fong, M. (2025, February 4). Structural Beauty: Photographs of the San Francisco Botanical Garden by Mark Citret – GGGP. GGGP. https://gggp.org/art-exhibit-mark-citret/

Mancuso, S., Viola, A., & Mancuso, S. (2015). Brilliant green : the surprising history and science of plant intelligence (J. Benham, Tran.; English edition.). Island Press.