If you’re a student at Lindenhurst High School, then you have two options for a free public library. The first is the school’s library, and the second is the Lindenhurst Memorial Library. Some may ask, “Why should I go to either in the first place?” To which I’d answer, because it’s a third space with free wifi, bathrooms, information, and places to sit.
The world’s first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller, who founded and funded many universities as well as shaped the General Education Board by investing over 180 million USD which would be valued well over 6 billion USD as of 2026, stated it best, “I don’t want a nation of thinkers, I want a nation of workers.”
The school system within the US is at the very least meant to prepare students for a life of work, which means it would not count as a third space. One may ask, why are third spaces important? It’s because they build community in a way better and faster than in workspaces or homes (Ferreira, Ferreira, Bos, 2021). In fact, these libraries have been modified to actively help build a stronger community, for example there are quiet rooms within the Lindenhurst Memorial Library so people outside those rooms can actively speak with one another. It has free wifi to properly have access to information, and books as well.
Within the last few years there has been more hostility towards third spaces, mainly due to the urbanization of settlements (Drai, 2026). The fact that we as students and a community overall have access to not one, but two free public libraries to act as third spaces is incredible. With how third spaces can build community and social connections and what we know about how dangerous it can be to live without social connections it’s incredibly important to prevent the loss of these third spaces (Office of the Surgeon General of the United States, 2023).
How can you help not only strengthen your community but also prevent the loss of third spaces? Get a library card, read, speak with people, and use the free activities available at the libraries. Overall, going to the library is not only vital to raise your literacy, but it can also build your relationship with the community, and help prevent the loss of incredibly important spaces.
