public library

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of public library

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Fox News reached out to the Boise Public library for comment.

From Fox News • Nov. 30, 2021

Public library officials said they planned to solicit community input on the project through meetings and surveys beginning in January.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2014

That makes me think of the Boston Public library.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari

Baker, of the Public library, Denver This list includes about 75 books, costing about $550.

From A Library Primer by Dana, John Cotton

The great object of a Public library is despatch in procuring books.

From On the Supply of Printed Books from the Library to the Reading Room of the British Museum by Panizzi, Anthony