Founded in the 1850s to promote an informed citizenry, public libraries advanced both adult learning and citizenship education in the first half of the 20th century, thus becoming cornerstones of democracy. But with a more recent decline in public engagement in libraries and beyond, librarians question whether democracy requires more than an informed citizenry. This chapter investigates adult learning through civil discourse within public library settings. Crucial to the success of a working democracy, the author traces the history of libraries as locations for the development of an engaged and knowledgeable citizenry, and examines theoretical approaches to a more active, strong democracy--one that requires more than civic education in schools and universities. As venues of adult learning through civil discourse, libraries are well equipped to serve as active agents of democracy where citizens can come together to make tough choices about issues of common concern.