Parenting and storytelling have one thing in common. They are both ideas and actions that can feel deeply isolating, if you don’t actively seek a community. And sometimes, that community is a Zoom screen. Sometimes, it’s a cafe, and a bookstore, a library or a flea market. This month we’re encouraging you to think about creating a space: the Third Place. The idea itself comes from sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s writing on this topic. It’s going to be our theme for September.

As per Oldenburg’s definitions, the Third Place is defined as a neutral ground where conversation is the main activity. It’s accessible, playful, and represents a home away from home. While we spend most of our time at work and home, a third place may take the shape of a spot for connection and belonging that’s different. Coffeehouses or town squares have commonly been seen as third places encouraging human connections. It’s connected to the Art of Gathering, a book by Priya Parker that also inspires our theme this month.

We hope to build these connections and a literary third place with our students, volunteers, and our community of book lovers from different parts of the world. Tell us if you already have a third place that you frequent (in person or virtually). What makes it special for you?

In the spirit of our literary space for book lovers, here is what to expect in September:

• We will be meeting our Austin community on September 28th at the Opa coffeehouse for conversations on books and writing
• Our team is looking for a critique/ reading group in the chapter book space. So, if you’re interested, do reach out! This will be virtual.
• We will be announcing winners of our children’s summer writing contest, and our shortlist of reader’s choice books from 2023-24. Can’t wait!
• Our in-person storytelling event, Varta is happening in Ann Arbor on October 13th. RSVP is free and available here.
• We will open a new reading period to our newsletter subscribers in September. So, if you would like an early submission, sign up for our newsletter.
• As usual, we will have book recommendations, parenting tips, and more tools/resources for you and the kids.

And so, dear friends, we hope you keep up the work of crafting stories and finding ways to build your community!