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

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

I turned onto 48th Street at Budlong Avenue and was stunned to see a grand public library, a striking mix of Prairie and Italian Revival architecture.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

She married, had children and for many years worked as a librarian in a public library in upstate New York.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025

Nestled behind two old maple trees is the public library.

From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar