Smooches from therapy dogs? Music and dance performances? Drop-in tutoring? Mental health ambassadors? Yes, all this and more is at the UC Davis Library as it molds itself as a “third place.”
American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1932-2022) coined the term and highlighted the importance of these social gathering spots — beyond home, our first place, and work or the classroom, our second place — in fostering community, connection and belonging.
Central to the plan
Bill Garrity, university librarian and vice provost, shown at the tutoring center, championed the library as a third place. As a medical librarian early in his career, he had seen students use their library for group study that built community.
Here, the concept supports the library’s guiding principle to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and the activities flow from the library’s strategic plan. “Our plan has inclusivity and community at its core,” Garrity said.
Helping each other
Library materials on the library’s lower level made way for an Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center in collaboration with Student Affairs. With a major renovation in summer 2024, the center provides an open study area and drop-in tutoring in seven disciplines six days a week.
Garrity said the library partners in projects with a shared goal of helping students become successful lifelong learners.
Change at the help desk
What was once a library information desk now offers help of a different kind. Aggie mental health ambassadors engage students in conversation, promote stress-relieving activities — such as coloring and writing notes of gratitude — and let students know about resources for well-being and mental health services. As one ambassador said, having the spot just off the library’s main entrance helps destigmatize seeking support.
A touch of comfort
If it’s midterms, then it’s time for Therapy Fluffies in the outdoor courtyard. The dogs offer kisses, cuddles and comfort to students amid the stresses of university life. Some students seek consolation as they miss their own fur babies back home. For 15 years, the library has partnered with Health Promotion to arrange for the specially trained dogs to participate in the event.
No shushing here
In its second year, Arts @ Shields presents music and dance performances in collaboration with the College of Letters and Science and the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. “We want the library to be a place where people can experience everything the campus can bring them,” Garrity said. Most performances are in the lobby; a louder percussion one was in the courtyard. “You can see students texting their friends,” Garrity added. “That kind of joyous serendipity is pretty rewarding.”
Checking it out
Other events make library and campus resources more accessible. At an international open house, about 200 people took library tours in English, Spanish or Mandarin; browsed books written in various languages; viewed archival materials showing just how international the campus is; learned about counselors who are part of the communities they serve; explored study abroad opportunities; and tasted Asian fusion food.
Books rule
Between a midterm and a chemistry discussion section, Briseyda Mendoza Rabago ventured into the library’s first silent reading hour. The first-year human biology major sought distraction in her romance novel. “The library makes me feel safe,” she said. “Being surrounded by the books and their smell, it’s totally different.” Rabago had the popcorn and treats nearly all to herself, but the library will try to build participation in the event in the winter quarter.