The Radebeul Cultural Station as a Third Place

In the current development of the library system, there is always talk about libraries as a "third place". But what does that actually mean and what does it mean specifically for the Radebeul City Library?

The term "Third Place" was coined by the American sociologist Ray Oldenburg. In his book "The Great Good Place", he is not concerned with the strategic orientation of libraries, but rather with the quality of people living together. In the 1980s, American society showed a growing orientation towards consumption. Cities are changing in their infrastructure. Oldenburg sees this as a threat to communication between people and thus to society. He wants a better, more open, more communicative and more social society.

In contrast to the USA, Oldenburg finds these "third places" in Europe - he sees them in cafés, pubs, coffee houses - all places that are open and social. The basic condition, however, is that they are affordable or free of charge. This is a basic prerequisite for having regular guests - because it facilitates lasting communication between the individual guests. The task of these places is to create a society and distraction from the first two places (home and work).

The following criteria apply to a "Third Place":
A neutral place where people can come and go. No one plays host, everyone feels at home and comfortable.
The place is easily accessible and welcoming. People also like to go there alone. It is within walking distance.
It looks inviting from the outside and has a low (access) profile.
It allows for informal gatherings.
Visitors come regularly.
The institution has a balancing effect on differences between people.
Access is not tied to membership and is not exclusive to a particular clientele.
The main activity is conversation; the atmosphere is playful.
The institution gives the feeling of "home-away-from-home", a second home.
It contributes to a lively community and fosters a sense of belonging.
People can "be themselves".

In 2019, the City of Radebeul, the Office for Youth, Education and Social Affairs, the City Library, the Radebeul Family Centre and the Adult Education Centre have jointly set out to turn the Radebeul Kultur-Bahnhof into such a place.

As a prelude, the Dutch creative guide and architect Aat Vos was a guest in Radebeul in November 2019. In discussion rounds and a public lecture, he presented the concept of a "Third Place" and what this could mean for Radebeul.

Currently, all participants are collecting their ideas and resources and thinking about new event formats in order to be able to offer the following basic pillars to the citizens:

• Social participation
  Education
  Culture

This year, with the help of the Saxon State Ministry for Science and Art and the cultural area of Meißen - Saxon Switzerland - Osterzgebirge, investments will be made in the rooms of the town library. New furniture and shelves are to be installed to improve the quality of the library.

From 2021 onwards, the aim is to intensify cooperation with the adult education centre (VHS) located in the building. With new, more flexible shelving, the municipal library would like to recommend itself with the VHS as a new event and discussion space for all population groups. The Family Initiative Radebeul e.V., based in Radebeul-West, would like to expand its services in Radebeul-East.

The library, as a place for everyone, should offer space for services such as dementia or family counselling, for meetings and leisure activities.

Accompanied by activities of the municipal library, the adult education centre and the family initiative, the exchange between generations is to be promoted, lifelong learning is to be supported and space for experiences is to be created.

Together, we want to create a place where people in Radebeul East can meet, feel good, experience and learn!