Building the library of the future: The library is a ‘third space’

In 1991, urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe the neutral, public places in our lives that are not home (first space) or work/school (second space).

I met my best friends at the library, but I didn’t know it then. I don’t really remember the music or yoga classes that much, but I do remember watching plays and listening to the librarians read stories every summer.

A team working on major upgrades to Middlebury’s Ilsley Library continues to meet, gather information and root out potential funding sources in hopes of potentially presenting the community with a bond request in Nov. 2024.

I often describe the library as a community center, and programs that build community connections are an important part of that.

A library — the best kind of library — can give something back. The library can make books.

In the exhibit “Come What May,” on display through April 30 at Isley Pubic Library, painter Alice Eckels showcases her work, both as paintings and as wearable art.

Proponents of two major building proposals in downtown Middlebury are hoping to secure millions in federal grant money to help underwrite their projects, both of which would they say will serve the public good.

The breadth and depth of the programs libraries offer might surprise you, and today I’m going to talk about a relatively recent library program: Books on Sticks.

Throughout the seasons, I often look out my kitchen window and see neighbors wandering up Harrow Way as they read the most recent children’s book on wooden stakes.

AAUW and Ilsley Library are hosting a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., by author and Middlebury College Professor Emerita of Psychology Barbara Hofer.

Ilsley Public Library officials are withdrawing their request for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the building, in view of a major rise in project cost estimates and the conundrum of where to relocate services while the work is … (read more)

The Addison County Republicans next week will host an event promoted as the “Gun Rights in Vermont” briefing in Middlebury.

Libraries often reflect, directly and in real time, societal shifts. So while it is true that we aren’t having as many large and raucous gatherings in our Community Meeting Room, other library uses are skyrocketing.

Anyone who writes a good deal knows that it can be an isolating experience. And writer’s isolation was creeping up on me as I got deeply to work on my most recent book, which deals with organizational turbulence.

Middlebury officials have agreed to jumpstart a dormant effort to improve and expand the Ilsley Public Library, whose deficiencies have become even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.