a nonprofit library established for the use of the general public and maintained chiefly by public funds
Word origin
[1605–15]This word is first recorded in the period 1605–15. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: classic, crater, inverse, package, surface
Examples of 'public library' in a sentence
public library
They regularly apply to the public library service for enough copies to enable them to perform major musical works.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I remember the smell of public library books rather than their contents.
The Times Literary Supplement (2016)
Quaint notions such as reception desks are out at this former public library.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I tried the local public library, which wasn't much help.
The Times Literary Supplement (2018)
I could not wait to go to the public library to find out more.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I'm hitting up the public library for two.
The Times Literary Supplement (2018)
You're in the public library and stumble across a joke book.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The chairs will be used for computer terminals at a public library.
The Sun (2016)
This sounds vaguely reminiscent of the public library of my childhood.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The public library, wherever he lived, became a refuge.