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People share the third places that still exist and that we should use more


People share the third places that still exist and that we should use more

If you feel lonely because of the disappearance of many “third places” – public spaces where people can socialize outside of home or work/school – you are not alone.

        Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images        Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

That’s why we asked the BuzzFeed community to tell us their current favorite third places that everyone should know about! Here are some of their answers:

1.“I know everyone says libraries, but I work at a library and no one says libraries often enough. It’s not just book stacks – we have tons of events each year, monthly displays/decorations, and we’re also a great way to find other third spaces! Teens, stop by our teen space and ask one of the librarians if they know of any safe and fun places to hang out after school! Adults, do the same! We have book clubs, a teen/new adult writing group, and a DnD club. Plus, it’s warm and safe. And one more pro tip: if you have nowhere to stay or are in a bad situation, the librarians always know where to go. They always have information.”

A group of four people sit at a table, smiling and discussing books. They appear in a brightly lit room. The names of the people are not mentioned.A group of four people sit at a table, smiling and discussing books. They appear in a brightly lit room. The names of the people are not mentioned.

—32, California

“Everyone is welcome, no matter what walk of life they come from, no matter what they are going through. Where else can you stay for hours, meet with customers, learn and use the free Wi-Fi without having to buy anything?”

—Janet, 45

Sdi Productions/Getty Images

2.“For me, antique/second hand shops are the place to be. There is so much to browse and the customers and people who work there are usually happy to chat about nice old things, whether you buy something or not.”

A man in a casual white shirt talks to another man in a light blue shirt sitting on a counter in an antique shop with various vintage itemsA man in a casual white shirt talks to another man in a light blue shirt sitting on a counter in an antique shop with various vintage items
Tony Anderson / Getty Images

3.“Public parks. It’s easy to forget how valuable nature—not to mention the variety of sensory experiences, from silence to birdsong to the wind in the trees—can be to our lives if we haven’t prioritized it for a while. A park is such a rich, diverse cross-section of humanity. Seeing how different we all are on the surface, while also recognizing that most of us are there seeking the same deeper sense of contentment, can help me feel more at peace with myself and my role in the world.”

A group of people in casual clothing collect garbage in a park during a community cleanupA group of people in casual clothing collect garbage in a park during a community cleanup
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images

4.“Here in the UK it is legal to play poker for small amounts in bars, pubs and clubs as long as players are registered as part of a regular league. Our local league meets every Tuesday in a small pub for a weekly tournament. It’s a wonderful, relaxed and friendly atmosphere for people who like to play cards but don’t want to spend huge sums in casinos, which are often quite intimidating. We have 20 to 30 regular players a week, various nationalities from all walks of life. Everyone is there to have fun, make new friends and chat about anything and everything while playing.”

Two women smile and laugh while playing cards and drinking beer in a barTwo women smile and laugh while playing cards and drinking beer in a bar

5.“The dog park! Both you and your dog get to meet new friends. Plus, being outside can really improve your mood.”

Several people walk with their dogs in a park and enjoy nature on a sunny daySeveral people walk with their dogs in a park and enjoy nature on a sunny day
Flux factory / Getty Images

6.“I find that breweries, at least in my area, tend to attract a community of regulars who value quality beer and good company. It creates a convivial atmosphere, more like a British neighborhood pub (a classic third place) than a regular American bar.”

Smiling woman in casual clothing pouring a beer from the tap in a bar. In the background you can see the bar interior and people chattingSmiling woman in casual clothing pouring a beer from the tap in a bar. In the background you can see the bar interior and people chatting
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

7.“Cafes are great places to meet new friends. When our grandchild was born, we moved to a new mid-sized city and started frequenting a nice, non-chain neighborhood cafe. It’s easy to strike up a conversation while waiting in line or sharing a table. They don’t even require a purchase to use their facility. Another plus is that it’s very close to the neighborhood branch of our excellent public library system, which has many interesting programs for people of all ages.”

Two men, one in a light blue button-down shirt and the other in a purple short-sleeved shirt, chat in a street cafe with coffee cups on the tableTwo men, one in a light blue button-down shirt and the other in a purple short-sleeved shirt, chat in a street cafe with coffee cups on the table
Pixel effect / Getty Images

8.“My local cat cafe!!! It’s a magnet for queer, trans introverts like me.”

A cat sits on a table between two people dining in a cozy restaurant.A cat sits on a table between two people dining in a cozy restaurant.
Jaime Saldarriaga/AFP via Getty Images

9.“Garden plots for apartment tenants.”

A group of four people gardening together at an outdoor table surrounded by plants and treesA group of four people gardening together at an outdoor table surrounded by plants and trees
Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot

10.“I know that third places should theoretically be free, but I’ll settle for cheap. I love the bars that let you play trivia or board games for two hours and everyone buys a beer, the venues that host free concerts with a $5 parking fee, etc. My friends and I hang out at a lot of these places and it’s very inexpensive.”

Three men concentrate on an exciting game of chess in a cozy, well-lit room with wooden furniture. Their expressions reflect deep concentrationThree men concentrate on an exciting game of chess in a cozy, well-lit room with wooden furniture. Their expressions reflect deep concentration
Jung-pang Wu / Getty Images

11.“I am very involved in my church. I lead the reception team, help with the youth group, prepare meals for meetings, and attend deacon meetings. We are very involved and I love it.”

People volunteer and distribute food at a community center. A woman receives a box of food from another volunteer with tattoos on her armPeople volunteer and distribute food at a community center. A woman receives a box of food from another volunteer with tattoos on her arm

12.“It’s not usually about socializing, but when you live in a college town, especially if it’s a larger college, many of their buildings are open to non-students. I’ve spent countless hours camping out in empty, air-conditioned/heated classrooms and just relaxing.”

People walk along a tree-lined path in autumn, with colorful leaves on the treesPeople walk along a tree-lined path in autumn, with colorful leaves on the trees
Jon Lovette / Getty Images

13.“Aside from the library, hotel lobbies are my favorite third rooms (you get free entry and can often shop there, sit in an air-conditioned place, and use the free WiFi and bathrooms. Plus, it’s safe.”

Three people meet in a bright room for a social gathering. One woman is holding a notebook, another is sitting there and a man is talking to them.Three people meet in a bright room for a social gathering. One woman is holding a notebook, another is sitting there and a man is talking to them.

14.“At a Pilates studio, I meet new friends, get an incredible workout, and regularly participate in fun, short events. The community is strong and supportive!”

Woman and man sitting on yoga mats in a gym and giving each other a high fiveWoman and man sitting on yoga mats in a gym and giving each other a high five
Filadendron / Getty Images

15.“Barnes & Noble because of the cafe, which is a great place to enjoy coffee and pastries and people watch. Afterwards, I always browse the bookshelves.”

A person sits in a bookstore, reading a book to a small seated audience. Around them are shelves full of books.A person sits in a bookstore, reading a book to a small seated audience. Around them are shelves full of books.
George Clerk / Getty Images

Are there any other third spaces you think more people should know about? Share them in the comments!

Some posts have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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