public library — community library
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A building or space where everyone in a town or city can go to read, borrow books, use computers, or study for free.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall proceed to the municipally-funded lending institution.
Native I'm off to the public library.
'Municipally-funded lending institution' is absurd; 'public library' is the term.
Pattern: public library (noun phrase)
In use
- I often go to the public library to study because it's quiet and has free Wi-Fi.daily life
- In my hometown, the public library is an important place for students and families to access books and use computers for free.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I borrowed it in the public library.
✓ I borrowed it from the public library.
You borrow FROM a library (even though you're in it).
Common collocations
the public library— the public library, the local library, at the library, borrow from the library
Don't confuse it
Unlike a private or school library, a public library is for everyone, not just a specific group.