Municipal Libraries as a “Third Place” and the Deglomeration of Culture: Findings from a Study of the Municipal Library Network in Krakow Cover Image

Biblioteki miejskie jako „miejsca trzecie” a deglomeracja kultury. Wnioski z badania sieci bibliotek miejskich w Krakowie
Municipal Libraries as a “Third Place” and the Deglomeration of Culture: Findings from a Study of the Municipal Library Network in Krakow

Author(s): Jacek Gądecki
Subject(s): Politics, Sociology
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: municipal library; biblioteka miejska; space; przestrzeń; place; miejsce; cultural infrastructure; infrastruktura kultury

Summary/Abstract: This text addresses the significance and potential of municipal libraries. The author considers the results of research conducted to evaluate the network of municipal libraries in Kraków (a UNESCO City of Literature) and to prepare a strategy for a new cultural institution, the Kraków Library. He considers libraries in terms of “place.” The notion of “place” here involves both the urban dimension of a library (that is, its role and location in the city space) and the architectural sense (its interior and attractiveness). He attaches great importance to a library’s city-forming and culture-forming roles, and to the social role of the library as a “third place,” a place that is neither home nor work and in which diverse participants can undertake joint activities.

  • Issue Year: 62/2018
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 47-62
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish