What is a Public Library?

After listening to your comments last night, it seems to me that you don’t fully understand what “public library” means. It does not mean that is is controlled by a government. It means the following according to Merrium Webster and to everyday citizens everywhere.

public library

noun

1. A noncommercial library often supported with public funds, intended for use by the general public.
2. A library provided essentially as a public service rather than as a commercial venture.
3. A nonprofit library maintained for public use.

It is important to note that the first sentence uses the word “noncommercial”. The second sentence says “rather than a commercial venture”. The third says “nonprofit”.

If you think of this common understanding of the term “public library”, perhaps you will better understand what the people of Warren County understand and love about their truly public, community, homegrown, and extra special Samuels Public Library and be able to negotiate a new agreement with that understanding in mind.

(email sent to Richard Jamieson)

Kelli Hart
Front Royal, VA

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