public library

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of public library¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Frank calls it the most surprising find of her research — incidentally via Worldcat after months of searching the public library archives.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a procession of people with nothing in common save the desire to climb the steps and enter this edifice: a public library in the middle of Ohio.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

San Francisco Police said the shooting took place at 4:51 p.m. across from City Hall and near the city’s main public library branch.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To be fair, that part of story comes after the premiere’s cold open, when Dominick’s twin brother Thomas chops off his own hand in a public library.

Read more on Salon

For more than a decade I have served on the board of trustees of the public library in the progressive town where I live and work.

Read more on Salon