Why Ellis Should be Your 3rd Space
Written By: Emilee Dillon
Lately, a popular topic of conversation specifically on social media has been the lack of “3rd spaces” for young and emerging adults. There is a distinct lack of places to socialize or relax – a place that isn’t just home or school, somewhere everyone can just go to exist without pressure.
I believe many students are unaware that we have the perfect third space for us right on campus, at Ellis Library. While it is easy to think of Ellis simply as a study spot it has so much more to offer. The Bookmark Cafe located on the ground floor is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack, sit down with friends, and have a break. Annalise and Isabella, two of the hosts from our peer navigator student podcast, Between the Stacks, actually talk about how great of a third space the Bookmark Cafe creates. It’s the little things, like microwaves available for all students to use to make meal times or heating something up with friends convenient.
Ellis is also a great place for readers, not only reading for assignments but enjoyment as well. The Libraries have access to many books that are not strictly academic and is an excellent place to cozy up with a good book. When you first walk up the stairs from the cafe, the well-being collection is directly in front of you, with a shelf full of fiction, books on cooking and crafting, and more. Ellis Library also hosts a BYOBook Club so you can connect with others that have similar interests while still having the freedom to read something you personally choose and will enjoy. Events like this are highlighted on the libraries homepage, but be sure to look up this and others by searching for the libraries on MU Engage!
Beyond the quiet areas of the library there are more relaxed areas where you can walk around, talk and explore Ellis with your friends, maybe even getting lost in the stacks. Not every corner of the library is designed to be silent, and it is actually a perfect space to socialize in some areas!
Ellis library also hosts occasional free events such as the calming crafternoons, which are often overlooked. These events can be a great way to meet new people, try something new, or just give you something to do for free!
Although it may feel like third spaces are disappearing, I believe we may need to just look at it from a different angle, and reimagine this beautiful building our campus has given us. I recommend using Ellis to your full potential and allowing Ellis to be a place you can connect, relax, and build your community.