ParaPro Practice Test 5

Before the internet, public libraries were among the most democratic institutions in America. Anyone, regardless of income, could walk in and borrow books, magazines, and records for free. This tradition continues today, though libraries have grown beyond books. Most public libraries now offer computers, Wi-Fi, and online databases. Many host workshops on job searching, financial planning, and digital literacy. For millions of Americans, the local library remains the only place where these resources are free and fully accessible. Yet funding cuts have forced many libraries to reduce hours or close branches, limiting access for the communities that need them most. The word "democratic" in the first sentence most likely means: