The Library as a Third Place for Military Kids During Deployment

For families across the nation, the call to service can be a powerful force. While honorable, it comes with obstacles, especially for children. Thankfully, libraries serve as important third places for all community members, especially children affected by deployment.

The Importance of Libraries as Third Places

A contemporary term gaining attention is “third place.” Many people use these community gathering places all the time without realizing it. By definition, a third place is a location that isn’t home or work. Common examples include public parks, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Still, many of these spots share a common obstacle for everyday visitors: cost. While third places encourage connection and engagement, they can add pressure when they require a purchase. Libraries are essential third places that bring people together at no cost.

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Bridging the Emotional Gap Through Consistency

When deployment disrupts military families, affected children crave consistency. According to guidance on helping children cope with deployment from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, “children with parents who are deployed tend to worry more and be afraid and sad.” Several questions may trouble the child’s mind: Will their parent be safe? Will their family member die? Is the world they know protected?

Libraries act as safe third places for children with deployed parents, addressing their potential loneliness, anxiety, and need for consistency. Free events like clubs, storytimes, and literacy classes can help maintain a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.

Suffolk Public Library in Virginia features a Deployment Family Guidance Toolkit that provides “a blend of books, engaging activities, and a variety of online and local resources to offer guidance, education, and emotional support during difficult times.” The resource includes crafts and activities for children affected by deployment, along with other essentials.

Storytime as a Portal for Remote Connection

Libraries nationwide collaborate with foundations such as the United Service Organizations (USO) and Blue Star Books to help families stay connected through literacy. The USO Reading Program allows service members to record themselves reading a story while their children follow along with a free copy of the book. Children can also record themselves reading and send the recording to a deployed parent.

The Blue Star Books program frequently donates books to military base libraries to support service members and children affected by deployment. These specialized libraries provide service members, Department of Defense civilians, and eligible family members— as well as veterans with installation access—a consistent third place. Base libraries offer many of the same resources as civilian libraries, with the added benefit of closer proximity.

Alongside the USO, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library in Tennessee celebrated Month of the Military Child with an event attended by eighty-one guests. Activities included an art display, refreshments, LEGO activities, and crafts.

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Digital Bridges

Libraries give children affected by deployment a third place while also closing digital gaps. They often provide free access to computers, wifi, and printers. Through military reading programs, children can use their local branch to send and receive video stories.

Library computers and internet can help children communicate with a deployed parent through video calls. Military children can also send digital letters, photos, and voice recordings.

The Lincoln Public Library in Massachusetts maintains a web page with resources for military families. This page includes book recommendations for children of all ages and adults affected by deployment, along with links to organizations such as the National Center for PTSD, the National Military Family Association, and Sesame Street for Military Families.

Creative Expressions and Makerspaces as Expressive Outlets

Children affected by deployment need places to express their emotions in healthy, productive ways. Many libraries host craft programs and other hands-on creative activities. For example, some libraries offer makerspaces with 3D printing, fiber crafting, and more.

Military children can join craft, book, and writing clubs. They can also use free office supplies within the library to create cards and care packages for their parent in service. Children may be able to use a quiet, private community space at their local branch to journal and safely process their feelings.

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Community for the At-Home Parent

While resources for military children matter, parents affected by deployment need support as well. Deployment is life-changing for the parent in service, but it can be just as challenging for the caregiver at home. Both public and base libraries can help military parents who are first-time solo caregivers.

Parents affected by deployment can find free community support at their local library. Social connection through clubs or scheduled events can help relieve stress. And some libraries even host parenting classes and early literacy programs to support caregivers.

For military families, libraries serve as essential community anchors. To support libraries and the programs they provide to military families, show up to the polls and say “yes” to increased funding. Sign the pledge to vote for libraries today.

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