public library

American  

noun

public libraries plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• public libraries
  plural

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

The 19.3-acre campus includes a museum, foundation offices, a public library and recreational spaces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

Their paths initially crossed at the Anaheim public library, where they went to peruse its Disneyland collection.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

I can hardly wait for the day when I'll be able to go to the public library and ferret out the information I need.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank