Read & Listen: Common Types of Libraries in the United States



OVERVIEW

 On this page, you will read about different types of libraries.  

  1. First, read the text. 
  2. Then, listen to audio of the text. 


READ & LISTEN

People reading in a Library

Image Links to an external site. by Carol Mitchell, CC BY ND 2.0 Links to an external site.

Read:

There are different types of libraries in the United States (US).  The libraries have different types of information.  The most common types of libraries are:

  • public
  • academic
  • school

Public libraries are for all people and have materials on all topics.  Some public libraries have more than one library building.  The buildings are called branches.  Public libraries have books and other materials on all kinds of topics.  They also have computers and photocopiers that anyone can use.  Public libraries have fun programs for children and adults.

Academic libraries are usually only for students and people who work at that college or university.  Academic libraries have materials about the classes that are offered by the college.  Many students use their academic library as a place to study and work on their class assignments.

There are also school libraries.  School libraries serve elementary, middle, and high school students.

You can check books and materials out at all libraries.  You need a library card at some libraries.  Having a library card allows you to check materials out of a library.  You will probably need to get one library card from your public library and one library card from your college library.  Some colleges use the student ID card as the library card.  School libraries don't usually require a library card from young students.

Listen:

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