Synonyms

public library

American

noun

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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

public libraries

plural

Etymology

Origin of public library

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

public library

It combines elements of a museum and reading room with community centre amenities such as a playground, basketball court, recording studio and public library.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

There is a sprawling playground and a public library.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 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

In 2022, the city of Camarillo donated the building that housed the former public library to the museum and in 2024, the team raised enough money to bring children’s museum specialist Hildreth on board.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023