page_title: Public libraries in North America
section_title: United States
hierarchical_section_title: Public libraries in North America / United States
caption_attribution_description: English: Standard public street sign used in the US to point the way to public libraries
context_page_description: A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and is generally funded from public sources, such as taxes. It is operated by librarians and library paraprofessionals, who are also civil servants.
context_section_description: As the United States developed from the 18th century to today, growing more populous and wealthier, factors such as a push for education and desire to share knowledge led to broad public support for free libraries. In addition, money donations by private philanthropists provided the seed capital to get many libraries started. In some instances, collectors donated large book collections.
caption: Street sign commonly used to point the way to a public library
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