Public library

A public library is a library which is accessible by the public and is often operated by civil servants and funded from public[?] sources.

Public libraries exist in most nations of the world and are considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population.

In addition to books and periodicals, most public libraries today have a wide array of other media including CDs, software, video tapes, and DVDs.

Many public libraries around the world pay authors for having books in libraries. These are konwn as Public Lending Right programs.

See also Public space.