In the heart of Tilburg, a historic building originally used for the maintenance of steam locomotives has been revamped as LocHal. This new cultural hotspot breathes art, innovation and, above all, learning. LocHal also embodies the mission and vision of support organisation Cubiss: the library as a place where everyone can learn and participate in society in their own way.

The LocHal library takes its name from its original function as a maintenance depot for locomotives. The building was constructed in 1932 as part of a network of depots operated by the Dutch Railways (NS) and served as a maintenance and repair facility for locomotives and trains. After the NS depots were closed in 2011, LocHal underwent an impressive transformation. The building was redeveloped into a contemporary cultural centre with a focus on art, innovation and learning. In this modern library, with its open and dynamic atmosphere, you don’t have to sit quietly – you can enjoy a cup of coffee while you work or study, or try your hand at 3D printing.

‘LocHal is such a breath of fresh air. I see so many opportunities for informal learning and creative development here. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together and get inspired.’

Elvira Bartolomé Correia, EPALE Spain

‘In my country, libraries are still silent temples filled with books. If you want to bring people together, you have to offer them an attractive environment, like they do here. Books will survive people eating and drinking.’

Sonata Barvainienė, EPALE Lithuania

Learning in labs

During the visit, participants were led around in two groups by two volunteer guides. They showed how LocHal’s various labs offer an inspiring learning environment for people of all ages in which the library, local residents, schools and the municipality work together. The labs are located in different places to promote learning and development, encourage new encounters and bring together expertise. Every lab has its own programme developer who organises activities, which are advertised through flyers, social media and a newsletter. To encourage lifelong learning, there are activities for all ages. Many of the visitors were pleasantly surprised to see that a library can be so attractive and inviting to such a wide audience.

• TijdLab: Brings together local residents through knowledge and stories about the city. Here you will find an extensive collection of books about Tilburg, as well as all kinds of objects, photos and films. TijdLab has a partnership with the city archives.
• DigiLab: Experimenting with new technology and state-of-the-art hardware and software. This includes 3D printers, video game and robot development workshops, and a green screen. Young and old, early adopters and computer illiterates – all are welcome here.
• WoordLab: Promotes creative writing and the performing arts. Home to all forms of word art, as well as an extensive language and literature collection.
• FutureLab: This is where the future is explored. People are part of that future and can influence it. Here the municipality and residents can share knowledge and experiences, and residents’ ideas and wishes – for instance when it comes to greening the city – are discussed.
• GameLab: Focused on video games, gamification and digital media. The gaming industry has more influence on young people than film and music combined. Offering the latest games, everyone has the opportunity to stay up to date on new trends here. This is where young people get to develop their talents and loneliness is combated.

3D pizza in a MakerSpace

‘LocHal has been hugely successful in bringing people together for lectures, workshops, book launches and cultural events, offering lots of opportunities for experiential learning and connection,’ Caroline says. ‘This allows people to grow outside the formal educational frameworks.’

A great way to do this is in what is known as a MakerSpace. At LocHal, this is the DigiLab, a publicly accessible creative DIY space where visitors can come together to create, invent, design, code and learn. It’s a place where creativity and talent development are key. MakerSpaces generally offer software, electronics, green screens, 3D printers, robots and other machines and tools. They promote creativity, imagination, problem solving, making connections, collaboration and knowledge sharing. One of the visitors decided to 3D print a pizza.

‘It’s great to see libraries offering equal opportunities by providing access to high-quality technology and educational programmes that might not normally be available to everyone. Most of us don’t have 3D printers or innovative lab facilities at home, but at the library everyone can use this equipment and develop new skills.’

Marco Cecchinato, EPALE Wallonia

Theatre, smart shopping and the language café

LocHal and other libraries supported by Cubiss offer all kinds of non-formal learning opportunities. The theatre performance Ik ben hier (I am here) is a great example of this. The actors are all people who are learning Dutch as a second language. As they practise and rehearse together – and organise the play – they learn the language, gain new skills and expand their social network. This is how learning becomes fun! But putting on the play also brings out stories from the actors’ diverse cultures, fostering understanding and connection.

Meanwhile, people can strengthen their basic life skills in a fun, informal way in workshops like Slim en voordelig boodschappen doen (Shop smart and spend less). This workshop aims to support participants in effectively navigating the complex world of discounts and pricing strategies. But the learning goes beyond shopping tips – literacy and numeracy are also strengthened, giving participants the chance to improve their skills in a practical context. This workshop is an example of how informal learning methods can be integrated into everyday tasks. It not only helps participants save money, but also contributes to their personal development by improving essential skills.

At the language café, adult learners can get together in small groups to practise their Dutch – or French, Spanish, German or English – in a fun environment. These cultural and language-learning activities also promote social cohesion.

Sharing knowledge and passion

Caroline mentions the KennisMakers initiative in particular. This is an initiative that invites people with specialist knowledge or passions to share their expertise with the community. It is an open platform where people can make a contribution in a number of ways, such as by giving workshops or lectures, thereby increasing the community’s knowledge and providing personal enrichment. Participants determine the format and content of their sessions and organise the events together with library staff. The initiative focuses on sharing knowledge that goes beyond traditional topics and covers practical, technical or unique interests, thereby enriching the social and educational character of the community. Commercial companies are excluded from participation.

‘The LocHal felt like a place where residents are invited to learn, to discover and to grow.’

The third place

With all its activities, the library is a ‘third place’. Modern libraries are excellent examples of this ‘third place’ in our communities. ‘The concept of the third place is about a social place outside the home, school or work. It is laid-back place where people meet to learn, to talk and to just be there,’ Caroline explains. ‘By providing a social and safe learning environment, with access to technology and cultural activities, the library reinforces its role as a third place. People can feel free to learn, relax and connect here, which facilitates a stronger and more connected society.’

Origin of the concept

The concept of third places was introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place (1989)[1]. Oldenburg defined third places as informal public places where people meet regularly outside their home (first place) and work (second place). Examples are cafes, parks, libraries and coffee shops. These spaces provide opportunities for social interaction and community building and play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and a sense of belonging within a community. Oldenburg emphasised that third places often have a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere, where people can talk freely and exchange ideas. These places are accessible and welcoming and are characterised by regular visitors who create a kind of ‘home away from home’. They provide a balance between the formal structures of the home and work and serve as important hubs for social networks and civic engagement.

The LocHal as a third place

People who would otherwise not have any options to expand their skills and broaden their horizons can do so here. Different activities cater to different interests. There’s something for everyone. In other words, the environment is designed for the diversity of people and everyone can contribute their own specialism. These are, in turn, also the success factors of the LocHal as a great example of a third place.

• Community: the opportunities for collaboration and involvement of different people.
• Mix of people: People with different experiences and backgrounds come together.
• Learning by doing: Actively learning by trying things out and doing things.
• Experiment: Being able to try out new ideas and seeing what works.

‘The concept of the third place is fascinating. The idea that libraries are more than just places to borrow books, but actually meeting places where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn and to share, really appeals to me. It feels like a low-threshold way to take part in educational and cultural activities.’

Nives Novak, EPALE Croatia

Read more:

• The slides of Cubiss' presentation are available here 
• Video Third places in history: What's a third place? (The loss of third place)
• Innovative learning spaces
• Third places and learning!
• The politicisation of third places
• Third places: fallow land to encourage the emergence of citizens
• Case study: From Third Place to Third Space