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

See Examples For:

public library

Jump into an affordable public pool or hunker down at a public library, free museum, or one of the city’s public cooling centers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

There is also a sprawling playground and a public library.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 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

Early last summer I attended a discussion about affordable housing at the public library where a woman declared that “maybe the American dream should be renting.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026

Once preparations were ready for the first Hearing Circle, notices were sent out and meetings were held in the basement of the public library.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen