public library

NOUN

free library

Synonyms

WEAK

book wagon bookmobile branch library circulating library city library county library lending library local library municipal library national library noncommercial library state archives state library town library

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.

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

She married, had children and for many years worked as a librarian in a public library in upstate New York.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025

At the public library that’s named for Howard Miller, two majestic grandfather clocks stand watch.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

My parents didn’t have any work scheduled that day, so we headed to the public library to kill time and wash up.

From "Crenshaw" by Katherine Applegate