Over the past few years, coffee shops have become an essential part of college culture. Now referred to as “study cafés” they have taken over and surged in popularity — transforming from simple coffee stops into essential “third spaces” that sit between home and school.
For students, these cafés go beyond the superficial level of caffeine, they provide a space filled with comfort, productivity, and connection. Students are increasingly turning to cafés as reliable workspaces.
The Library Coffee in Long Beach acts as an alternative space for the students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Amidst the ongoing construction, tricky library hours and limited seating across campus, this space allows students like Alex Gryciuk to utilize this shop as an extension of campus.
Gryciuk, a third-year linguistics major at CSULB, from Campbell, CA has made Long Beach her home away from her and The Library has played a massive role in amplifying that sense of belonging.
“It’s nice to have a third place where I can really focus on school and be really productive. It’s really difficult to do homework at home because it’s kind of like my chill space, my relaxation space and it’s really hard to do it at school too because I’m so burnt out from my classes and I’m just there all the time for all my clubs,” Gryciuk said.
Gryciuk utilizes this place every so often and at times runs into her classmates or school friends.
Allowing it to become a third space for students aside from home and school. Sociologist and CSULB professor Janet Muñiz explains the importance of these “third spaces.”
“Third spaces are important, especially now post COVID a lot of people had limited in person interaction and more socializing virtually and now spaces have been really important to hang out together,” Muniz emphasized.
Established in 1990, the legacy is ongoing with The Library’s appeal not strictly being academic. Aside from students, these cafes provide a space for the community. James O’Brien, born and raised in Long Beach has firsthand seen and experienced the impact of the culture in the Library’s ambiance. O’Brien, who is an ocean lifeguard, uses these spaces for relaxation.
“To me it means a place I can come in and just kind of unwind after work and hang out and be around other people. A lot of the people that come here are students so there is a lot of positive energy…… I’ve met a lot of good people,” O’Brien said.
Although he doesn’t use this space for studying, the presence of other people make it a welcoming environment for him.
Barista Dominic Whalley has worked at The Library for several months. In a short span he was able to quickly see the library’s culture patterns. Although it can get pretty busy, Whalley emphasized that everything is made with care and love.
“The setting is the most important thing; it’s like you come in and straight away you automatically feel welcomed,” shared Whalley.
From their decorations to music they set the mood to comfortably study, grab a bite or overall just enjoy. Every time you look around at The Library you see a different decorum accompanied with soothing jazz music that tickles the soul.
Whether it’s for coffee, pastries, comfort or company, study cafes have brewed their way into college culture one latte at a time.
