| Public places, such as public libraries, strengthen communities by providing a place where citizens can meet and interact in a neutral environment. Understanding how public places function and the community roles they play is a first step towards preserving and supporting these spaces. This study examined three urban and three small town libraries in Nova Scotia to reveal (a) whether these libraries were functioning successfully as public places and (b) how patrons were using and experiencing these libraries as physical spaces. The data show that these libraries, each in a unique way, were flourishing public places. The data also show that patrons were using these spaces to engage in a wide variety of activities from using computers to socializing, reading and interacting with staff. These public libraries are vibrant community spaces that are used in a multitude of ways and where the public feels welcome. |
