What is the key difference between LibraryAPI and PublicSafetyAPI?

LibraryAPI belongs to the Location Services category with local stdio execution, while PublicSafetyAPI belongs to the Location Services category with local stdio execution.

How do I install LibraryAPI or PublicSafetyAPI in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are LibraryAPI and PublicSafetyAPI free or paid?

LibraryAPI operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). PublicSafetyAPI operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

LibraryAPI lists 6 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. PublicSafetyAPI lists 6 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both LibraryAPI and PublicSafetyAPI together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

LibraryAPI vs PublicSafetyAPI

In-depth architectural comparison of the LibraryAPI and PublicSafetyAPI MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

LibraryAPI

Location Services · Local stdio

Quality: 51/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

PublicSafetyAPI

Location Services · Local stdio

Quality: 51/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose LibraryAPI if you need specialized Location Services tools running via a local process. Choose PublicSafetyAPI if your workspace requires Location Services integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose LibraryAPI when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Location Services domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
You have access to required keys: LIBRARYAPI_KEY.
Primary tools included: find_libraries_near_address, find_libraries_near_coordinates, get_outlet.

Explore LibraryAPI Details

Choose PublicSafetyAPI when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Location Services domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
You have access to required keys: PUBLICSAFETYAPI_KEY.
Primary tools included: find_stations_near_address, find_stations_near_coordinates, get_station.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	LibraryAPI Location Services	PublicSafetyAPI Location Services
Summary	US public libraries and branches near any address, with collections from the IMLS survey	US police, fire, EMS and hospital locations near any address, from federal HIFLD data
Category & Scope	Location Services	Location Services

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

LibraryAPI Tools (6)

find_libraries_near_address

Find the nearest branches to a US street address

find_libraries_near_coordinates

Same, but from a lat/lng (skips geocoding)

get_outlet

Full record for one branch outlet by ID

search_libraries

Search library *systems* by name, state, or city

get_library

Full system profile by FSCS ID

get_state_summary

Statewide library totals

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

LibraryAPI Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "libraryapi": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "libraryapi-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "LIBRARYAPI_KEY": "YOUR_LIBRARYAPI_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

PublicSafetyAPI Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "publicsafetyapi": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "publicsafetyapi-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PUBLICSAFETYAPI_KEY": "YOUR_PUBLICSAFETYAPI_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

LibraryAPI is categorized under Location Services and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, PublicSafetyAPI belongs to Location Services using local stdio subprocess. Select LibraryAPI when you need capabilities focused on location services and PublicSafetyAPI when you require tools for location services.

More alternatives to LibraryAPI More alternatives to PublicSafetyAPI Location Services category hub