Public libraries are an excellent resource for research, literacy (读写能力) education, and reading­centered events.  Most towns have one or share library services with other towns through a mobile library, and the use of a public library is free to people who are willing to apply for a library card.

There are several primary sources of library funding (资金), starting with national funds which are distributed to states or provinces. These regions send the funds on to public libraries. Local governments also play an important role in providing funding for libraries, and most librarians apply for grants (拨款). Finally, private donations help to maintain libraries — most libraries have an association of Friends of the Library which organizes fund­raising sales and pays annual dues to help maintain the library.

Grants and private donations can also be used to provide a large amount of funding for public libraries, and some large libraries maintain a separate staff member to increase the amount of funding that they can obtain through these sources.  Grants include technology grants which allow libraries to install and upgrade computer systems, grants which focus on a particular topic such as science, fiction, children's books, or local history, and education grants which support locally­based community efforts such as after­school reading programs.  Many private donors are pleased to support their local public libraries by donating funds or including some library in their wills, and libraries reward their donors with treats like after­hours visits or privileged access to special collections.