01965nas a2200205 4500008004100000022001400041245007800055210006900133300001000202490000700212520129000219653001401509653002901523653002101552653002701573653002101600653001801621100002101639856009901660 2023 eng d a2300-168200aPublic Libraries and Spaces of Micro Connection in the Intercultural City0 aPublic Libraries and Spaces of Micro Connection in the Intercult a65-790 v123 a

Everyday spaces represent central platforms that provide opportunities for encounters marked by ethnic and cultural diversity, where transformations can be negotiated that rethink living together. The significance of these ‘third places’ has been extensively researched. Yet, some spaces such as public libraries continue to be largely overlooked by geographers. Public libraries also remain under-appreciated within wider society despite their obvious social functions. Central here is that public libraries can be understood as dynamic and ‘lived spaces’ that enable the emergence of transient connections and relationships. Such spaces are increasingly sparse within modern cities. This paper explores the potential of everyday spaces of encounter, specifically public libraries, to facilitate the unfolding of ‘light’ connections and relationships, nurturing more inclusive forms of urban togetherness and belonging in multi-ethnic societies and the significance that people attribute to these often mundane encounters and micro connections. In so doing, this paper combines findings from two research projects that investigate mixed or intercultural encounters in public libraries in Bremen (Germany) and Glasgow (Scotland).

 

10abelonging10aintercultural encounters10amicro connection10amulti-ethnic societies10apublic libraries10ashared spaces1 aPeterson, Melike uhttp://ceemr.uw.edu.pl/content/public-libraries-and-spaces-micro-connection-intercultural-city