2020 2020: Wood Publishes an Article on Public Libraries as a Community Symbol and Unrestricted Space

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
2020 2020: Wood Publishes an Article on Public Libraries as a Community Symbol and Unrestricted Space
Wood Publishes an Article on Public Libraries as a Community Symbol and Unrestricted Space

UMass Law Librarian Emma Wood published an article on public libraries as a community symbol and unrestricted space.

Emma Wood

 

UMass Law Librarian Emma Wood published an article in titled on public libraries as a community symbol and unrestricted space. The article connects the dots between the characteristics of contemporary libraries and the parallel life cycle of the public sphere, opposing the argument that the public library is declining. Wood frames the history of libraries and the importance of a physical place where a community of patrons can find compassionate listening and discussion to satisfy socialization needs. As a 鈥渢hird place鈥 distinct from work, school, and home, libraries create a fundamental pillar for patrons longing for dialogue in today鈥檚 socially deprived world. As Wood explains, 鈥淭he modern public library focus on personal interaction is a continuation rather than derivation from primary purpose, and public libraries are a rare cross section of the public sphere and third space.鈥