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 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

On the afternoon of the day when her father had refused to buy her a book, Matilda set out all by herself to walk to the public library in the village.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl