Resumen de Making Third Spaces Safe Spaces: How Trauma-Informed Care Informs Librarianship

Lyric Grimes

• Libraries are increasingly aware that patrons have experienced traumas related to social, economic, racial, and political factors. With the 2020 pandemic came an increase in vulnerable populations and library patrons. As a result, “Trauma-informed Care” (TIC) and “third spaces” in libraries emerged. Ray Oldenburg defined “third space” as neutral space separate from home and work where we build connections and have a good time. At the same time, TIC promotes person-centered, culturally aware, and strengths-based interaction. This paper provides a brief overview of TIC and “third spaces” in libraries and special collections, and shares strategies to follow to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environments in library spaces.