Public libraries in the United States contain a wide variety of resources, as I discuss in the next section, using my local library as an example. Furthermore, data on the American Library Association * website states that there are over 16,000 public library buildings in the United States, including both branches and main libraries.
My Local Public Library
My local Lexington, Kentucky, public library has multiple branches. The library holds books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, public computers with Internet access, photocopying machines, fax machines, meeting rooms, and more.
It even has a theater that occasionally shows free movies, hosts political debates, author talks, etc.
The main library includes one room used as a small art gallery. Its contents change periodically.
The library even hosts some music performances in its public areas, which I confess appeal less to me than to others.
The library offers laptop computers that can be checked out for use all day in the library.
My point is that Lexington's Public Library offers a lot of resources. Most of us could use more of those offerings more often. But we don't, often because we aren't aware of them.
Numerous activities for children and adults take place at the library each year.
The free Wi-Fi is a blessing. The availability of a scanner and a fax machine for public use come in handy for some too.
I probably use my local public library more than most people. But even I fail to come close to benefitting from all it offers.
Although the library contains several branches, I most often use the main location. It even includes a bookstore in its basement operated by the Friends of the Lexington Public Library. The bookstore contains thousands of used books in nice condition on various topics.
Below is a March 8, 2021, photo I took of one of the libraries I've used, the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. The library is on the right in the background behind the colorful sign.
Other Public Libraries
Libraries in major cities like New York City and Chicago can offer even more things than the Lexington Public Library. I've enjoyed visiting the main libraries in both those cities, as well as some in other cities.
Below is a June 20, 2022, photo I took of the entrance to Chicago's main public library.
Even many relatively small public libraries are nice. For example, the public library in the southeastern Kentucky town of Jenkins where I graduated high school includes a nice selection of books, some magazines and newspapers, public computers with Internet access, a photocopier, a meeting room, and probably other things that I lack knowledge of.
Below is a September 4, 2011, photo I took of the Jenkins Public Library.
Also, interlibrary loans permit persons to obtain materials from other libraries that one's local library doesn't stock. Libraries also often subscribe to online databases that can provide resources not available at that particular facility.
If you talk to your local library's staff, you may be amazed at what they can do for you. Please do try to not abuse their time and resources though.
Other Libraries
In addition to public libraries, college research libraries and other specialized libraries exist that can meet needs that public libraries are not designed for.
The massive Library of Congress in Washington, DC, contains an almost unimaginable wealth of materials.
I enjoy at least occasionally visiting the University of Kentucky main library here in Lexington to do reading and research. On a Washington, DC, visit I got to take a public tour of the Library of Congress. I saw an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible, among many other things.
Closing Thoughts
If you haven't recently visited your local public library, please consider doing so soon. If you already visit regularly, please consider using additional resources at the library and visiting more often.
ENDNOTE:
* "Library Statistics and Figures: Number of Libraries in the United States; last updated February 21, 2025, 2:26 p.m.; American Library Association; webpage accessed January 4, 2026; https://libguides.ala.org/c.php?g=751692&p=9132142
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