Libraries that are available to the public and typically maintained by public funds, as distinguished from libraries available only to a certain group or individual.

Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus

http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300343389

Buildings or spaces housing collections of books that are available to the public and typically maintained by public funds, as distinguished from libraries available only to a certain group or individual.

Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus

http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300006877