Translation guide
In Japanese, a public library is most commonly referred to as 図書館 (としょかん). This term is neutral and widely understood. When specifying that it is public (as opposed to a private or school library), you can use 公立図書館 (こうりつとしょかん).
public library
General term. Use 公立図書館 (こうりつとしょかん) to specify 'public'.
The speaker wants to refer to a public library in a general sense, without emphasizing its public nature.
This is the standard word for 'library'. It is used for both public and other types of libraries, but context usually makes it clear.
I often go to the library on weekends.
The library in this town is very big.
The speaker wants to emphasize that the library is public, funded by the government, and open to all.
This explicitly means 'public library', i.e., one established and run by a local government. Use this when you need to distinguish it from a school or private library.
Public libraries can be used by anyone.
There are three public libraries in this city.
Also means 'public library', but is slightly less common than 公立図書館. It emphasizes the library's role as a public facility.
The role of public libraries is important.