Anchors of Community

Human society has traditionally relied on three spaces to function: the "e;first place"e; (home), the "e;second place"e; (work), and the essential "e;third place"e;. Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the third place is the local pub, the neighborhood cafe, the public library, or the barbershop. It is a neutral ground where social status is leveled, conversation is the primary activity, and comm...