Most public libraries aren't the stereotypical "shhhh" environment you may remember. Go visit your local library and try it.
Source - library worker last 7 years
this post was submitted on 21 Oct 2023
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The public library I go to has tons of communal spaces, as well as a makerspace. I love it!
I'm curious, were they ever that stereotypical "shh" environment that movies claimed they were? Because no public library in my lifetime was ever like that (just smaller school libraries), but I can't go back very far. Most libraries I've been to have multiple areas or floors, some which are quiet and others which are allowed to be noisy.
They were "shh" back in the day, but with time they have become more of a place for activity for the community. When I was a kid in the 80s and early 90s they were definitely more strict with keeping quiet, especially in the reading halls. Library history is actually quite interesting, and the whole development of the library as a key element in building and supporting democracy and community, is worth looking into.
Third spaces. Capitalism doesn't like these as they don't generate a profit. So there aren't many left.
Libraries, parks, anything publicly owned and accessible.
There are some privately owned third spaces, like the inside of malls. But that's about it I think.
IKEA. Just sit on the sofas and hang out
Caves. There are caves all over the place. Bring a gun in case there is a bear.
Abandoned buildings.
Freeway overpasses.
The sewers.
Subway/train/bus stations.
Basically anywhere you find a lot of homeless people.
I had to go to IKEA for some furniture during a hotter period in the summer. The amount of people just hanging out and preventing us from actually trying the sofas was really annoying. So yeah, you can do it but it's a bit of a dick move to actual shoppers.
(also fuck IKEA for making their store into a huge maze where you almost have to go through the entire thing even if you just want a single item)
I've only ever been to one IKEA, but at least for that one, there were somewhat subtle but definitely visible holes in the walls and displays to allow you to cut through the maze.
ETA: Also - again, for that one - if you know what particular item you want, you can find that item's location on the website and go straight to the warehouse to grab the item off the shelves.
This is an account of someone who just hung out in an Ikea, no thanks! https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-3008
Malls are always a good choice. Food options, lots of seats. Can people watch.
Malls are dying. There are way fewer now than there were a decade ago.
They still exist in most towns and cities, and if not a mall, a strip mall usually has some inside portion. Smaller with less options, but still fits the bill.
most? citation needed. I'm 35 minutes from the nearest mall and I'm not even that rural. maybe you live on the east coast where things are more dense.
Maybe it is a regional thing. I’m in Canada, so colder weather, almost every small town of 10,000+ has some form of “inside” mall.
Oh that would make sense. I'm in the Midwestern US and mostly we just have strip malls and regular shops (and Walmart of course) in our town of 13K. Malls around here are only found in the larger towns of ~50K or more.
railway stations?
hotel lobby. hospital waiting room. train station. airport. church.
If you sit in a hotel lobby long enough, most properties will eventually kick you out. You can usually get away with it during the day, but you'll start to stick out more the later in the day it gets. At night, the night auditor probably won't even let you in the front door.
Pretend like you belong there if you do need to hang out in a lobby for a while, and don't make a mess.
Source: am former FDA/night auditor.
Universities are cool (presumably only if you live in a country without tuition).
Yeah, in the states a college campus center is a great place to hang out if you're passible as a student. Some of the campuses are huge and there are multiple places that don't require an ID card
Anyone can be a student in a community college :)
Museums! I find a lot of free ones here in Florida (indoor / outdoor)
Used to spend lots of late highschool - early college time there with friends when we couldn't spend any more than $3 a day on extras lol
Even ones that aren't free often have a get in free day once a week or once a month.
Hospitals!