public library

American  

noun

1. a nonprofit library established for the use of the general public and maintained chiefly by public funds.

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Etymology

Origin of public library

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

There is also a sprawling playground and a public library.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

In 2022, the city of Camarillo donated the building that housed the former public library to the museum and in 2024, the team raised enough money to bring children’s museum specialist Hildreth on board.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

In South Hadley, Lisa Wong, the town administrator, has held a number of information sessions, including at the airy modern public library overlooking the Connecticut River where it spills over a century-old dam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

In 1960, he was arrested with seven other students after a silent demonstration in a whites-only public library, which led to the desegregation of the library.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

After doing our turtle walk, Margaret had gone to her volunteer duties at the garden club, and Grandpa Izzy had gone to his at the public library.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg