Libraries as a ‘Third Place’ for Remote Workers: A Survey of Australian Workplace Preferences

As remote and hybrid work become more common, many workers are seeking ‘third places’ -alternative environments outside the home and office - to work and connect. This study explores the role of public libraries as alternative workplaces for remote workers in Australia. Drawing on survey data from 225 remote workers recruited via Prolific, we examine who uses libraries for remote work, how often, and why. Weekly, around eight per cent of respondents use libraries for at least half a day, a rate similar to that for coworking spaces, while a further one in three would consider doing so. Libraries are valued for quietness, affordability, internet access, and a sense of community, but limited privacy and restricted hours remain barriers. The findings highlight the library’s potential to meet workforce needs and offer practical implications for library managers seeking to design spaces and policies that better support remote workers and their wellbeing.