After School Support at the Library: A Third Place for Students

In his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place,” urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg describes the “third place” as a vital space beyond home and work, fostering community, connection, and belonging. Libraries are quintessential third places, defined by attributes like neutrality, accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline of third places was noted by the National Library of Medicine, leading to increased loneliness and isolation. The pandemic only exacerbated this, particularly among kids and teens.  

Earlier this year, Kitsap Regional Library published its 2024-2029 Strategic Direction, with priority areas including early learning, making and interest-based learning, as well as community and social connectedness. As kids and teens get ready to return to school, youth and teen services librarians across our locations are eager to offer after-school support, encouraging curiosity, belonging, and connection. 

Bainbridge Island 

Youth Services Librarian Isla S. has been hard at work for the last few years to build unique spaces for kids, teens, and everyone in between to enjoy. She shares, “Being so close to some of our schools, we see a fair number directly after they get out and until their parents or caregivers come to pick them up. For the past two years, we've offered Read to a Dog and Builders' Club as after-school options, and last year, we added the Kid Art Club and book clubs to our mix.  

We have multiple computer stations located throughout the library, designated for different age groups. I have board games out in the children's area, so kids can play with those if the computers are unavailable or on a day without a program. We also have what used to be our old flex room turned into a playroom for the younger kids that sees regular use throughout the day.” 

Teen Services Librarian Gem S. adds, “In terms of passive options, we offer nooks and booths, which are also open to adults. Teens are the only group with access to our teen room, however, which affords them privacy. Every Monday during the school year, we host Teen Space, which runs from 1:45-4 pm and takes place in our main meeting room. We bring out the projector and set up movies, another projector for the retro video game consoles, and clear spaces for role-playing gaming (RPG) groups! During this time, we also get lots of teens popping in to study as well. Snacks are always provided. 

The Teen Volunteer program is a huge part of our after-school roster, offering teens a chance to experience the expectations of a 'real working job' while getting to do cool stuff like making buttons, writing book reviews, and chatting about horror movies. It's a great way to connect. I want the library to continue to be a place where teens feel welcome and comfortable. I want to become a person that they know and trust outside of their normal 'adult sphere.' I'm not a parent or teacher, but I am an adult in this community who cares about them and their future. 

Many kids have parents or guardians who work off-island, or the kids don't have access to a car. So we are that third place for so many Island students. And if they're not carrying out academic pursuits? Then, we encourage creativity and fun! I enjoy chatting with them about how their day went, how classes are going, that kind of thing. Sometimes, they'll just plonk down beside you and regale you with their romantic woes!” 

Isla agrees, “Giving the kids options rather than just playing on the computers is important in making them feel welcome and keeping them busy. I've been working hard to give them more designated space for the different ages and have spent time getting to know them more personally. Giving them a place to feel comfortable makes a difference in how often they want to come and gives parents peace of mind. I know it's a big deal for some of the kids to be able to walk down after school and wait to be picked up, so I want both parties to feel like the library is "their" place.” 

Silverdale 

Teen Services Librarian Kayla O. offers, “Programs like Teen Space, Chill with a Dog, and the D&D Meetup provide opportunities for teens to pursue interest-based learning while socializing and having fun with their peers. Teen-only study rooms and seating areas help to define and create a safe and inclusive environment where teens can meet their needs and find their joy. By providing a free “third place” where kids and teens can exist as their full selves, the library is helping to show them they are valued members of their community. The library provides free enrichment opportunities that can encourage teens to find passions and discover a love of lifelong learning.” 

Youth Services Librarian Aleah J. agrees, “I think the library resources, programs, and spaces encourage autonomy and provide youth with a space to try new things. They can study, find resources to complete assignments, get lost in a book, connect with each other, and make new friends. It’s rewarding to see them navigate the space as if it were their own—independent, confident, helping each other, or showing first-timers where things are. I think it shows they feel comfortable and welcome at the library.” 

Kayla adds, “Our D&D Meetup has four to five regular players who met at the program and have since become friends. Every month, when they come into the library to play, they are so excited to talk about not only what is happening in their D&D campaign but also the other creative projects it has inspired them to create together. They’ve written a short book about the folklore of a summer camp, and they’ve designed and created their own card game that is a combination of D&D, Magic the Gathering, and Pokémon, all with original art and rules (and they used the library’s printer to help make them real). It is amazing to me that these teens, who didn’t know each other before, have forged such great bonds here at the library, and I cannot wait to see what else they create in the future. 

Community Engagement 

Librarians encourage suggestions for services and programs. Isla emphasizes, “Each branch caters to its community’s needs. Don’t hesitate to suggest new ideas.” With a variety of after-school programs at every branch, including Teen Game Lounge at Poulsbo, Chess Club at Sylvan Way, Puzzle Club at Little Boston, LEGO Builders at Manchester, the Take & Make series at Kingston, D&D for Families at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and more, libraries reaffirm their role as essential third places, nurturing community, curiosity, and connection for kids and teens.