Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.15176/vol62no110
The Atmosphere of the Library: An Autoethnography of the Everyday City
Sara Ursić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4398-4383
; Institut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar, Zagreb
Abstract
Taking the concepts of the third place and third space as its starting point, and taking autoethnography as its methodological framework, this paper explores the role of the library as a key element in everyday urban life. The author uses a personal narrative analysis to explore how the library transcends its institutional function, becoming a space of socialization, identification, emotional security and urban rhythmization. The library is examined as a microcosm of the everyday city, a space of atmosphere, care and duration, where feelings of belonging and continuity are shaped through sensory experiences, routine and collective memory. The article emphasizes the importance of the library in preserving the spontaneity and softness of urban life, especially as a result of accelerated living and digitalization. The atmosphere of the library is interpreted as a fundamental dimension of urban existence, providing its users with a chance to have a rest, meet others and experience silence in their fragmented everyday life. The autoethnographic approach allows interpreting the library as an emotional and social anchor, a place where the city becomes personal, accessible and good enough to live in.
Keywords
everyday city, atmosphere, space, autoetnography
Hrčak ID:
332584
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2025.
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