A podcast celebrating libraries as vital “third places” inspired by the idea of “third spaces.”
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe social environments separate from home and work — places where community, conversation, and connection happen naturally. A Third Place riffs on this idea, focusing on libraries as welcoming, vibrant environments that nurture learning, creativity, and belonging.
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library, this podcast features captivating conversations with Professor Peter McPhee and distinguished University alumni—from the groundbreaking philosopher and author Peter Singer to the dynamic Australian actor Alice Garner—sharing their stories and reflections on the power of these special places.
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A podcast celebrating libraries as vital “third places” inspired by the idea of “third spaces.”
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe social environments separate from home and work — places where community, conversation, and connection happen naturally. A Third Place riffs on this idea, focusing on libraries as welcoming, vibrant environments that nurture learning, creativity, and belonging.
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library, this podcast features captivating conversations with Professor Peter McPhee and distinguished University alumni—from the groundbreaking philosopher and author Peter Singer to the dynamic Australian actor Alice Garner—sharing their stories and reflections on the power of these special places.
Peter Singer – Ideas, debates, and the Baillieu Library
A Third Place
16 minutes
4 days ago
Peter Singer – Ideas, debates, and the Baillieu Library
World-renowned philosopher and animal rights advocate Peter Singer returns to his undergraduate days at the University of Melbourne, recalling the Baillieu Library as both a place of study and a social hub—complete with late-night protests, unexpected discoveries in the book stacks, and even a little romance among the shelves. Singer reflects on the vibrant culture of debate that shaped his thinking, from spirited arguments with political opponents to the importance of hearing and understanding views we disagree with. He shares why libraries, cafés, and campus pubs were essential “third places” in his education, and why universities must continue to foster spaces where challenging ideas can be exchanged freely.
A Third Place
A podcast celebrating libraries as vital “third places” inspired by the idea of “third spaces.”
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe social environments separate from home and work — places where community, conversation, and connection happen naturally. A Third Place riffs on this idea, focusing on libraries as welcoming, vibrant environments that nurture learning, creativity, and belonging.
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library, this podcast features captivating conversations with Professor Peter McPhee and distinguished University alumni—from the groundbreaking philosopher and author Peter Singer to the dynamic Australian actor Alice Garner—sharing their stories and reflections on the power of these special places.
