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

The statement added that KN95 masks will be distributed for free at public library branches around the city.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

The Obama Presidential Center, slated to open this month, includes a public library, basketball court and a sweeping view.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 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

She asks his father about his research project in Cleveland, his mother about her part-time job at the local public library, which she’s recently begun.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri