▷ 10 Find Public Libraries in USA 《2025》

Welcome to Directory of Public Libraries in USA. We have selected from each city a list of the 10 best public libraries with the opinion of its users.
You will find for each public library its address, contact information and important information for you to choose the one of your preference.

First of all select a state where you want to perform your search.

How Do I Apply For A Library Card in Usa

To apply for a library card in the United States, follow these general steps:

Find the Nearest Library: Search online or use local directories to find the nearest public library to your location.

Eligibility Requirements: Some libraries may require you to be a resident of the area or meet other eligibility requirements. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the library you are applying to.

Required Documentation: Typically, you will need to provide a photo ID and proof of residence. This could be a driver’s license, passport, or other official document with your current address.

Fill out an Application: Most libraries will ask you to fill out a membership application. This can be done online or in-person at the library.

Sign Agreement: You may need to sign a liability agreement in which you agree to return borrowed materials on time and in good condition, as well as to pay any fines for lost or damaged materials.

Pick up Your Card: Once you have completed the application process and provided all necessary documentation, you will be able to receive your library card. Some libraries will give it to you immediately, while others may mail it to you.

Explore Services: Once you have your library card, you’ll have access to a wide range of services such as book lending, access to online resources, event programs, and much more.

It’s important to remember that specific procedures may vary from one library to another, so it’s always advisable to check the requirements and application process of the library you are interested in joining.

24 hour library near me

Find public libraries open 24 hours near me from the map below:

Library Hours near me

Library hours in the United States can vary significantly depending on the location and type of library. Generally speaking, however, many public libraries operate similar hours that include:

Weekdays (Monday through Friday): Libraries generally open around 9:00 a.m. and close between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Closing times may vary depending on the day and the specific library.

Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Libraries often have reduced hours on weekends. They may open later in the morning and close earlier in the afternoon or evening.

It is important to note that these are general hours and may vary considerably by library.

Some libraries may have extended hours, especially in urban areas or during certain times of the year, such as during final exams for college students.

For accurate information about the hours of a specific library in the United States, you can check their hours in our directory of public libraries.

What time does library close?

Closing hours for libraries in the United States may vary by library and specific location. A general range of closing times are as follows:

Weekdays (Monday through Friday): Many public libraries close between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.. However, some libraries in urban or university areas may stay open later, even until 10:00 p.m. or midnight.

On weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Libraries generally have shorter hours on weekends. They may open later in the morning, around 10:00 a.m., and close earlier in the afternoon or evening, typically around 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

It is important to note that these are general hours and may vary by library and time of year.

For example, some libraries may extend their hours of operation during final exam periods for college students or may have special hours during vacations.

Check the closing hours of the public library of your choice in our directory.

Library open near me

Find an open public library near my location below from our map, it uses your geolocation to show you the ones around you:

Library card online

If you are looking to obtain an online membership to access digital resources from a library in the United States, many library systems offer this option. Here are some general steps you might follow to obtain an online membership:

Find an online library: search for online libraries that offer digital memberships. Many public and university libraries have online platforms where you can sign up for access to their digital collections.

Check the requirements: Check the requirements for obtaining an online membership. This may include being a resident of the state or county where the online library is located, or meeting other eligibility criteria.

Register online: If you meet the requirements, find the registration form on the online library’s website. Complete the form by providing the required information, such as your name, email address, and other personal information they may request.

Verification of residency: You may need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or government-issued ID with your current address.

Agree to terms and conditions: Read and agree to the online library’s terms and conditions of use. This may include rules about the use of digital materials and maintaining the privacy of your account.

Confirm your registration: After submitting your registration request, you may need to wait for the online library to review and approve your request. Once approved, you should receive information on how to access the library’s digital resources.

Access digital resources: Once you have completed the registration process and have access to the online library, you will be able to explore and use its digital resources, which may include e-books, journals, databases, and other online materials.

Remember that the specific details of the process may vary depending on the online library to which you are applying for membership. I recommend that you check the specific library’s website for detailed instructions on how to obtain an online membership.

Library near me for kids

If you are looking for a library near my area for children, you can check the location map below:

Library near me open on sunday

The library is free of charge in USA?

In the United States, public libraries are generally free to the general public. These libraries offer a wide range of services and resources at no cost to users. Here are some of the most well-known and prestigious libraries in the United States:

Library of Congress (Library of Congress): located in Washington D.C., it is the largest research library in the world and serves as the research library of the U.S. Congress. It offers free access to its vast collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and digital resources.

New York Public Library: With an extensive branch network in New York City, NYPL is one of the largest public libraries in the United States. It offers a wide variety of free services and resources, including book loans, computer and Internet access, educational programs, and cultural events.

Chicago Public Library: With more than 80 branches throughout the city of Chicago, this library offers a wide range of free services, including book loans, computer and Internet access, classes and workshops, and programs for children and adults.

Los Angeles Public Library: With an extensive network of branches throughout the city of Los Angeles, this library offers a variety of free services, including book loans, computer and Internet access, literacy classes, and programs for children and families.

These are just a few of the many free public libraries available in the United States. Nearly every community in the country has its own public library that offers a variety of services and resources at no cost to patrons.

What is the difference between academic and public libraries?

Academic libraries and public libraries in the United States have different approaches and serve different types of users, although they may have some overlapping characteristics. Here are some key differences between the two

Users Served:

Academic Libraries: Serve primarily students, faculty, researchers, and academic staff associated with educational institutions like universities or colleges.

Public Libraries: Open to the general public, serving people of all ages, educational backgrounds, and income levels within the community.

Collections:

Academic Libraries: Maintain specialized collections supporting academic programs and research endeavors, including textbooks, academic journals, theses, government documents, research materials, and online resources.

Public Libraries: Offer a broader range of materials for entertainment, education, and personal development, such as fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, movies, music, eBooks, audiobooks, educational resources, and more.

Services and Programs:

Academic Libraries: Provide specialized services to support research and academic learning, such as information search assistance, help with specialized databases, study spaces, and academic tutoring.

Public Libraries: Offer a variety of services and programs to meet the needs and interests of the local community, including book clubs, children’s and teen programs, computer classes, job skills workshops, cultural events, and more.

Access:

Academic Libraries: Generally require affiliation with the educational institution to access services and resources, though some may offer limited access to the general public.

Public Libraries: Free and open to anyone wishing to use their services and resources, regardless of institutional affiliation.

How many types of libraries are there in the U.S.?

In the United States, there are several types of libraries that serve different purposes and audiences. Some of the common types of libraries include:

Public Libraries

Public libraries are funded by public funds and are open to the general public. They provide a wide range of materials and services to meet the educational, informational, and entertainment needs of the local community.

Academic Libraries

Academic libraries are affiliated with educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and professional schools. These libraries are designed to support research, academic learning, and teaching within the institution.

School Libraries

School libraries are located in elementary and secondary schools and are intended to support the school curriculum and promote reading among students.

Specialized Libraries

Specialized libraries focus on a specific theme or discipline, such as medicine, law, music, science, technology, history, etc. These libraries provide specialized resources and services for professionals and enthusiasts of the subject.

Research Libraries

Research libraries are often associated with museums, cultural institutions, or research centers. They house specialized collections and materials that support academic research and scholarship in various fields.

Digital Libraries

Although not physical in the traditional sense, digital libraries offer access to a wide variety of digital resources, such as eBooks, online journals, databases, and digital archives.