Libraries have become a popular co-working space for workers in the hybrid era. William Gray, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, enjoys working at the flagship branch of D.C.’s public library. He values the atmosphere, private meeting rooms, cafe, and rooftop, which offer a quiet and social environment for professionals. Gray sees the library not only as a place to work but also as a community hub, with experts available to assist with various business needs and exciting evening events to attend.
Libraries have a long history as co-working spaces, preceding the rise of companies like WeWork. However, since the start of the pandemic, libraries have adapted to better serve remote and hybrid workers, particularly in large cities. They now provide more than just free internet and printer access. Many libraries are renovating to offer additional private workspaces, meeting rooms, and attractive amenities like cafes and rooftop spaces.
This transformation has helped libraries recover from the effects of the pandemic. In 2022, individual visits to urban public libraries reached over 50% of pre-pandemic levels, and this number is expected to increase further in 2023. Unlike companies that use fancy offices as recruiting tools, libraries offer sleek work environments for free. While some library systems struggle due to limited funding, those that have evolved are witnessing a resurgence in usage.
One of the main challenges libraries face is dispelling the misconception that they are silent, book-centric places. Brooks Rainwater, CEO and president of the Urban Libraries Council, emphasizes the importance of communicating that libraries are now vibrant and inclusive spaces. With the lively atmosphere, libraries may not be suitable for everyone, as some find it distracting. However, for many remote workers, libraries serve as the ideal “third place” that bridges the gap between work and home. They offer a boundary and a chance for serendipitous social interactions that traditional offices lack.
Skye Patrick, the library director for the LA County Library, believes that libraries play a crucial role in providing a social environment that people often overlook. Libraries are not just for kids or quiet individual work; they are bustling with activity, including adults having meetings or working on computers. Since reopening after the pandemic, libraries have attracted new users who appreciate the services and sense of community they provide. Spaces like study and conference rooms are in high demand and are essential in bridging the digital divide exposed by virtual schooling and remote work.
Compared to coffee shops, libraries offer a quieter setting for intense focus work. Steve Sanders, chief technology officer for DonorSpring, values the library environment for avoiding isolation while working remotely. For Annmarie Ekey, D.C.’s central library is the perfect place to grow her leadership consulting business. She appreciates the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to build relationships with library employees and fellow patrons.
Libraries are uniquely positioned to support people at every stage of their professional journey. Kathy Bach, public services director at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, highlights how libraries assist individuals with various needs, from computer access and unemployment paperwork to resume workshops and job interviews. The libraries’ private meeting rooms are in high demand, with bookings exceeding 63,700 hours in the first half of 2023.
The Boston Public Library has become a hub for hybrid and remote workers. Gregor Smart, curator of BPL’s Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center, describes the space as a habitat for small-business owners, coders, and nonprofit workers. The library offers a range of resources, from private meeting rooms to computer access with advanced software. Smart emphasizes the value of the library’s diverse community, as individuals can learn from one another.
According to Xavier Pierre, a 28-year-old business owner, the most underrated resource of the library is its people. Despite having a home office, Pierre prefers working at the Forest Park branch of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. The quiet environment allows him to focus on tasks such as menu revisions and paperwork. Pierre also values libraries as supportive and inspiring places and often uses them as a base for his travels.
In conclusion, libraries have evolved into modern co-working spaces that cater to the needs of remote and hybrid workers. With additional amenities, renovations, and a vibrant atmosphere, libraries have become attractive alternatives to traditional offices. They provide a space for focused work, community engagement, and professional development. Libraries offer a diverse range of resources and services, becoming an essential element in professional journeys.
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