Libraries and loneliness: a hermeneutic review of grey literature

Resumo

Contemporary scholarly and public discourse has foregrounded a phenomenon construed as an epidemic of loneliness. Loneliness is fundamentally distinct from solitude: the former represents an unwanted condition marked by sadness and longing, whereas the latter denotes purposeful withdrawal of an introspective tenor. Within this context, libraries have evolved into dynamic community third places, functioning as mitigators of social isolation and loneliness. The research endeavours to explore grey literature concerned with the nexus between libraries and loneliness, adopting a hermeneutic literature search and review as its methodological approach. Analysis of fifteen grey literature sources demonstrated that libraries have promoted diverse programming spanning conventional and innovative approaches. Traditional programmes encompass digital literacy provision, collective film viewings, book clubs, story times, knitting circles, board game gatherings, collage workshops, and parent–infant or toddler groups. More inventive programmes include communal meal sharing, morning coffee gatherings, and picnic baskets containing books and themed objects. Libraries thereby afford spaces in which individuals may cultivate casual connections. Although such connections lack the intimacy and regularity that characterise relationships with family members or close friends, they nonetheless foster a sense of belonging requisite for alleviating feelings of loneliness.