It's an important Third Space, and one of the only noncommercial Third Spaces left: A Third Space is a space which isn't home or work which can be used for soci

It's an important Third Space, and one of the only noncommercial Third Spaces left: A Third Space is a space which isn't home or work which can be used for socialization and potentially other, more goal-directed things, like informal classes. Shopping malls and other commercial spaces can be Third Spaces, but they have a profit motive which incentivizes them to kick people out for "loitering" or otherwise using the space without paying money. Libraries, lacking that incentive, can host more relaxed gatherings without having to make people do things that can be monetized.