A Third Place
A podcast celebrating libraries as vital “third places” inspired by the idea of “third spaces.” Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” to describe social environments separate from home and work — places where community, conversation, and connection happen naturally. A Third Place riffs on this idea, focusing on libraries as welcoming, vibrant environments that nurture learning, creativity, and belonging. Created in 2019 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the University of Melbourne’s Baillieu Library, this podcast features captivating conversations with Professor Peter McPhee and distinguished University alumni—from the groundbreaking philosopher and author Peter Singer to the dynamic Australian actor Alice Garner—sharing their stories and reflections on the power of these special places. This podcast was produced by Video and Media at the University of Melbourne.
Episodes
World-renowned philosopher and animal rights advocate Peter Singer returns to his undergraduate days at the University of Melbourne, recalling the Baillieu Library as both a place of study and a social hub—complete with late-night protests, unexpected discoveries in the book stacks, and even a little romance among the shelves. Singer reflects on the vibrant culture of debate that shaped his thinking, from spirited arguments w...
In this episode of A Third Place, international human rights leader Gillian Triggs reflects on her student days at the University of Melbourne and the spaces that shaped her path from young law student to President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and now Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the United Nations. Triggs recalls the Baillieu Library as both an academic lifeline and a social hub, and the lecturers who...
In this episode of A Third Place, celebrated Shakespeare scholar David McInnis reflects on his student days at the University of Melbourne and the spaces that shaped his intellectual journey. From the calm refuge of the Baillieu Library’s south lawn windows, to a chance encounter with a Shakespeare Second Folio in the rare books room, McInnis shares how libraries have been a source of wonder, perspective, and transformation t...
In this episode of A Third Place, social change leader Lucy Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Project Rockit, shares her journey from a sibling conversation at a family wedding to building Australia’s leading youth-driven movement against bullying, hate, and prejudice. Thomas reflects on the power of giving young people the tools to challenge inequity, the resilience found in Project Rockit workshops, and the importance of allysh...
In this episode of A Third Place, host Peter McPhee speaks with the multi-talented Alice Garner — actor, writer, musician, historian, and teacher — about the enduring role of libraries and other “third places” in her life. From her student days in the Baillieu Library to her first job at the State Library, Alice reflects on the ways these public spaces offer safety, discovery, and community. She shares vivid...
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