diff --git a/src/app.py b/src/app.py
index 2205258..e02f980 100644
--- a/src/app.py
+++ b/src/app.py
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ room_keys = {}
 user_sessions = {}
 room_passwords = {}  # Separate password storage with hashing
 room_creation_times = {}
+room_metadata = {}  # New: Store room titles and descriptions
 ip_room_count = {}  # Track rooms created per IP
 failed_password_attempts = {}  # Track failed password attempts
 message_hashes = {}  # Store message hashes for duplicate detection
@@ -151,6 +152,7 @@ def cleanup_room(room_id):
     room_keys.pop(room_id, None)
     room_passwords.pop(room_id, None)
     room_creation_times.pop(room_id, None)
+    room_metadata.pop(room_id, None)  # Clean up metadata
     message_hashes.pop(room_id, None)
 
 def get_client_ip():
@@ -201,15 +203,58 @@ def get_room_info(room_id):
         return jsonify({'error': 'Invalid room ID'}), 400
         
     if room_id in chat_rooms:
-        return jsonify({
+        room_info = {
             'exists': True,
             'message_count': chat_rooms[room_id].get_message_count(),
             'max_messages': MAX_MESSAGES,
             'user_count': len(room_keys.get(room_id, {})),
-            'max_users': MAX_USERS_PER_ROOM
-        })
+            'max_users': MAX_USERS_PER_ROOM,
+            'is_password_protected': room_id in room_passwords,
+            'created_at': room_creation_times.get(room_id)
+        }
+        
+        # Add metadata if available
+        if room_id in room_metadata:
+            room_info.update(room_metadata[room_id])
+            
+        return jsonify(room_info)
     return jsonify({'exists': False})
 
+@app.route('/api/rooms/public')
+def get_public_rooms():
+    """Get list of public (non-password-protected) rooms"""
+    try:
+        # Optional query parameters for filtering/sorting
+        sort_by = request.args.get('sort', 'activity')  # activity, created, users, messages
+        limit = min(int(request.args.get('limit', 50)), 100)  # Max 100 rooms
+        min_users = int(request.args.get('min_users', 0))
+        
+        rooms_data = get_public_rooms_data(sort_by, min_users, limit)
+        
+        return jsonify({
+            'rooms': rooms_data,
+            'total_count': len(rooms_data),
+            'sort_by': sort_by,
+            'timestamp': time.time()
+        })
+        
+    except ValueError as e:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'Invalid parameter values'}), 400
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error in get_public_rooms: {str(e)}")
+        return jsonify({'error': 'Internal server error'}), 500
+
+@app.route('/api/rooms/stats')
+def get_room_stats():
+    """Get general statistics about rooms"""
+    try:
+        stats_data = get_room_stats_data()
+        return jsonify(stats_data)
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error in get_room_stats: {str(e)}")
+        return jsonify({'error': 'Internal server error'}), 500
+
 # Socket event handlers
 @socketio.on('connect')
 def handle_connect():
@@ -255,6 +300,10 @@ def handle_disconnect():
             # Clean up empty rooms
             if room_id in room_keys and len(room_keys[room_id]) == 0:
                 cleanup_room(room_id)
+            else:
+                # Broadcast public rooms update if this was a public room with remaining users
+                if room_id not in room_passwords:
+                    broadcast_public_rooms_update()
         
         del user_sessions[request.sid]
         logger.info(f"User {user_id} disconnected")
@@ -266,6 +315,8 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
         room_id = data.get('room_id', '').strip()
         public_key = data.get('public_key', '')
         password = data.get('password', '')
+        room_title = data.get('room_title', '').strip()
+        room_description = data.get('room_description', '').strip()
         
         # Validation
         if not is_valid_room_id(room_id):
@@ -276,6 +327,15 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
             emit('room_joined', {'error': 'Invalid public key format'})
             return
         
+        # Validate metadata length
+        if room_title and len(room_title) > 100:
+            emit('room_joined', {'error': 'Room title too long (max 100 characters)'})
+            return
+            
+        if room_description and len(room_description) > 500:
+            emit('room_joined', {'error': 'Room description too long (max 500 characters)'})
+            return
+        
         client_ip = get_client_ip()
         user_id = user_sessions[request.sid]['user_id']
         
@@ -295,6 +355,13 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
             room_creation_times[room_id] = time.time()
             message_hashes[room_id] = set()
             
+            # Store room metadata
+            room_metadata[room_id] = {
+                'title': room_title or f'Room {room_id}',
+                'description': room_description or 'A chat room',
+                'creator_ip': client_ip  # For potential moderation
+            }
+            
             # Store hashed password if provided
             if password:
                 room_passwords[room_id] = hash_password(password)
@@ -303,7 +370,7 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
             ip_room_count[client_ip] = rooms_by_ip + 1
             is_first_user = True
             
-            logger.info(f"Room {room_id} created by {user_id}")
+            logger.info(f"Room {room_id} created by {user_id} with title: {room_title}")
         else:
             # Check room capacity
             if len(room_keys[room_id]) >= MAX_USERS_PER_ROOM:
@@ -358,7 +425,8 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
             'users': list(user_keys.keys()),
             'user_keys': user_keys,
             'message_count': chat_rooms[room_id].get_message_count(),
-            'is_first_user': is_first_user
+            'is_first_user': is_first_user,
+            'room_metadata': room_metadata.get(room_id, {})
         })
         
         # Notify others about new user
@@ -382,6 +450,10 @@ def handle_join_room(data):
         
         logger.info(f"User {new_user_id} joined room {room_id}")
         
+        # Broadcast public rooms update if this was a public room
+        if room_id not in room_passwords:
+            broadcast_public_rooms_update()
+        
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error in join_room: {str(e)}")
         emit('room_joined', {'error': 'Internal server error'})
@@ -446,6 +518,10 @@ def handle_send_message(data):
             'message_count': chat_rooms[room_id].get_message_count()
         }, room=room_id)
         
+        # Broadcast public rooms update if this was a public room
+        if room_id not in room_passwords:
+            broadcast_public_rooms_update()
+        
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error in send_message: {str(e)}")
 
@@ -495,12 +571,104 @@ def handle_share_session_key(data):
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error in share_session_key: {str(e)}")
 
+@socketio.on('request_public_rooms')
+def handle_request_public_rooms(data):
+    """Handle request for public rooms data via WebSocket"""
+    try:
+        sort_by = data.get('sort', 'activity')
+        min_users = data.get('min_users', 0)
+        limit = data.get('limit', 50)
+        
+        # Validate parameters
+        if sort_by not in ['activity', 'created', 'users', 'messages']:
+            sort_by = 'activity'
+        
+        min_users = max(0, min(int(min_users), MAX_USERS_PER_ROOM))
+        limit = max(1, min(int(limit), 100))
+        
+        rooms_data = get_public_rooms_data(sort_by, min_users, limit)
+        stats_data = get_room_stats_data()
+        
+        emit('public_rooms_data', {
+            'rooms': rooms_data,
+            'stats': stats_data,
+            'sort_by': sort_by,
+            'timestamp': time.time()
+        })
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error in request_public_rooms: {str(e)}")
+        emit('public_rooms_error', {'error': 'Failed to load rooms'})
+
+@socketio.on('subscribe_public_rooms')
+def handle_subscribe_public_rooms():
+    """Subscribe client to public rooms updates"""
+    if request.sid not in user_sessions:
+        return
+        
+    user_sessions[request.sid]['subscribed_to_public_rooms'] = True
+    logger.info(f"User {user_sessions[request.sid]['user_id']} subscribed to public rooms updates")
+
+@socketio.on('unsubscribe_public_rooms')
+def handle_unsubscribe_public_rooms():
+    """Unsubscribe client from public rooms updates"""
+    if request.sid in user_sessions:
+        user_sessions[request.sid]['subscribed_to_public_rooms'] = False
+        logger.info(f"User {user_sessions[request.sid]['user_id']} unsubscribed from public rooms updates")
+
+@socketio.on('request_public_rooms')
+def handle_request_public_rooms(data):
+    """Handle request for public rooms data via WebSocket"""
+    try:
+        sort_by = data.get('sort', 'activity')
+        min_users = data.get('min_users', 0)
+        limit = data.get('limit', 50)
+        
+        # Validate parameters
+        if sort_by not in ['activity', 'created', 'users', 'messages']:
+            sort_by = 'activity'
+        
+        min_users = max(0, min(int(min_users), MAX_USERS_PER_ROOM))
+        limit = max(1, min(int(limit), 100))
+        
+        rooms_data = get_public_rooms_data(sort_by, min_users, limit)
+        stats_data = get_room_stats_data()
+        
+        emit('public_rooms_data', {
+            'rooms': rooms_data,
+            'stats': stats_data,
+            'sort_by': sort_by,
+            'timestamp': time.time()
+        })
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error in request_public_rooms: {str(e)}")
+        emit('public_rooms_error', {'error': 'Failed to load rooms'})
+
+@socketio.on('subscribe_public_rooms')
+def handle_subscribe_public_rooms():
+    """Subscribe client to public rooms updates"""
+    if request.sid not in user_sessions:
+        return
+        
+    user_sessions[request.sid]['subscribed_to_public_rooms'] = True
+    logger.info(f"User {user_sessions[request.sid]['user_id']} subscribed to public rooms updates")
+
+@socketio.on('unsubscribe_public_rooms')
+def handle_unsubscribe_public_rooms():
+    """Unsubscribe client from public rooms updates"""
+    if request.sid in user_sessions:
+        user_sessions[request.sid]['subscribed_to_public_rooms'] = False
+        logger.info(f"User {user_sessions[request.sid]['user_id']} unsubscribed from public rooms updates")
+
 # Background cleanup task
 def start_cleanup_task():
     def cleanup_worker():
         while True:
             try:
                 cleanup_expired_rooms()
+                # Broadcast updated room stats after cleanup
+                broadcast_public_rooms_update()
                 time.sleep(ROOM_CLEANUP_INTERVAL)
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.error(f"Error in cleanup task: {str(e)}")
@@ -508,6 +676,112 @@ def start_cleanup_task():
     cleanup_thread = threading.Thread(target=cleanup_worker, daemon=True)
     cleanup_thread.start()
 
+def get_public_rooms_data(sort_by='activity', min_users=0, limit=50):
+    """Get public rooms data - shared function for API and WebSocket"""
+    try:
+        public_rooms = []
+        current_time = time.time()
+        
+        for room_id, room_buffer in chat_rooms.items():
+            # Skip password-protected rooms
+            if room_id in room_passwords:
+                continue
+                
+            # Skip expired rooms
+            if room_buffer.is_expired():
+                continue
+                
+            user_count = len(room_keys.get(room_id, {}))
+            
+            # Apply user count filters
+            if user_count < min_users:
+                continue
+            
+            room_data = {
+                'room_id': room_id,
+                'user_count': user_count,
+                'message_count': room_buffer.get_message_count(),
+                'created_at': room_creation_times.get(room_id, current_time),
+                'last_activity': room_buffer.last_activity,
+                'is_password_protected': False
+            }
+            
+            # Add metadata if available
+            if room_id in room_metadata:
+                room_data.update(room_metadata[room_id])
+            else:
+                room_data.update({
+                    'title': f'Room {room_id}',
+                    'description': 'A public chat room'
+                })
+            
+            # Calculate activity metrics
+            room_data['minutes_since_activity'] = int((current_time - room_buffer.last_activity) / 60)
+            room_data['hours_since_created'] = int((current_time - room_data['created_at']) / 3600)
+            
+            public_rooms.append(room_data)
+        
+        # Sort rooms
+        if sort_by == 'activity':
+            public_rooms.sort(key=lambda x: x['last_activity'], reverse=True)
+        elif sort_by == 'created':
+            public_rooms.sort(key=lambda x: x['created_at'], reverse=True)
+        elif sort_by == 'users':
+            public_rooms.sort(key=lambda x: x['user_count'], reverse=True)
+        elif sort_by == 'messages':
+            public_rooms.sort(key=lambda x: x['message_count'], reverse=True)
+        
+        return public_rooms[:limit]
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error getting public rooms data: {str(e)}")
+        return []
+
+def get_room_stats_data():
+    """Get room statistics - shared function for API and WebSocket"""
+    try:
+        current_time = time.time()
+        
+        total_rooms = len(chat_rooms)
+        public_rooms = sum(1 for room_id in chat_rooms.keys() if room_id not in room_passwords)
+        private_rooms = total_rooms - public_rooms
+        
+        total_users = sum(len(users) for users in room_keys.values())
+        total_messages = sum(room.get_message_count() for room in chat_rooms.values())
+        
+        # Active rooms (activity in last hour)
+        active_rooms = sum(1 for room in chat_rooms.values() 
+                          if current_time - room.last_activity < 3600)
+        
+        return {
+            'total_rooms': total_rooms,
+            'public_rooms': public_rooms,
+            'private_rooms': private_rooms,
+            'active_rooms': active_rooms,
+            'total_users': total_users,
+            'total_messages': total_messages,
+            'timestamp': current_time
+        }
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error getting room stats: {str(e)}")
+        return {}
+
+def broadcast_public_rooms_update():
+    """Broadcast updated public rooms data to all connected clients"""
+    try:
+        rooms_data = get_public_rooms_data()
+        stats_data = get_room_stats_data()
+        
+        socketio.emit('public_rooms_updated', {
+            'rooms': rooms_data,
+            'stats': stats_data,
+            'timestamp': time.time()
+        }, broadcast=True)
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error broadcasting public rooms update: {str(e)}")
+
 # Error handlers
 @app.errorhandler(404)
 def not_found(e):
diff --git a/src/static/rooms.js b/src/static/rooms.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13546db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/static/rooms.js
@@ -0,0 +1,319 @@
+let publicRoomsData = [];
+let roomsRefreshInterval = null;
+let currentSortBy = 'activity';
+let currentMinUsers = 0;
+let isSubscribedToRooms = false;
+
+// Show the public rooms browser
+function showPublicRoomsBrowser() {
+    document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').style.display = 'block';
+    loadPublicRoomsWebSocket();
+    subscribeToPublicRooms();
+}
+
+// Close the public rooms browser
+function closePublicRoomsBrowser() {
+    document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').style.display = 'none';
+    unsubscribeFromPublicRooms();
+    
+    // Clear auto-refresh
+    if (roomsRefreshInterval) {
+        clearInterval(roomsRefreshInterval);
+        roomsRefreshInterval = null;
+    }
+}
+
+// Subscribe to live public rooms updates
+function subscribeToPublicRooms() {
+    if (typeof socket !== 'undefined' && socket.connected && !isSubscribedToRooms) {
+        socket.emit('subscribe_public_rooms');
+        isSubscribedToRooms = true;
+        console.log('Subscribed to public rooms updates');
+    }
+}
+
+// Unsubscribe from public rooms updates
+function unsubscribeFromPublicRooms() {
+    if (typeof socket !== 'undefined' && socket.connected && isSubscribedToRooms) {
+        socket.emit('unsubscribe_public_rooms');
+        isSubscribedToRooms = false;
+        console.log('Unsubscribed from public rooms updates');
+    }
+}
+
+// Load public rooms via WebSocket
+function loadPublicRoomsWebSocket() {
+    try {
+        showLoadingState();
+        
+        currentSortBy = document.getElementById('roomsSortSelect').value;
+        currentMinUsers = document.getElementById('minUsersFilter').value || 0;
+        
+        if (typeof socket !== 'undefined' && socket.connected) {
+            socket.emit('request_public_rooms', {
+                sort: currentSortBy,
+                min_users: currentMinUsers,
+                limit: 50
+            });
+        } else {
+            // Fallback to HTTP API if WebSocket not available
+            loadPublicRoomsHTTP();
+        }
+        
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Error requesting public rooms via WebSocket:', error);
+        loadPublicRoomsHTTP(); // Fallback to HTTP
+    }
+}
+
+// Fallback HTTP method
+async function loadPublicRoomsHTTP() {
+    try {
+        showLoadingState();
+        
+        const sortBy = document.getElementById('roomsSortSelect').value;
+        const minUsers = document.getElementById('minUsersFilter').value || 0;
+        
+        const response = await fetch(`/api/rooms/public?sort=${sortBy}&min_users=${minUsers}&limit=50`);
+        
+        if (!response.ok) {
+            throw new Error(`HTTP ${response.status}`);
+        }
+        
+        const data = await response.json();
+        publicRoomsData = data.rooms || [];
+        
+        // Also load stats
+        const statsResponse = await fetch('/api/rooms/stats');
+        if (statsResponse.ok) {
+            const stats = await statsResponse.json();
+            updateStatsDisplay(stats);
+        }
+        
+        displayRooms();
+        
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Error loading public rooms via HTTP:', error);
+        showErrorState();
+    }
+}
+
+// Refresh public rooms
+function refreshPublicRooms() {
+    loadPublicRoomsWebSocket();
+}
+
+// Update stats display
+function updateStatsDisplay(stats) {
+    const statsElement = document.getElementById('roomsStats');
+    statsElement.textContent = `${stats.public_rooms} public rooms • ${stats.total_users} users online`;
+}
+
+// Show loading state
+function showLoadingState() {
+    document.getElementById('roomsLoading').style.display = 'flex';
+    document.getElementById('roomsList').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('roomsEmpty').style.display = 'none';
+}
+
+// Show error state
+function showErrorState() {
+    document.getElementById('roomsLoading').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('roomsList').style.display = 'none';
+    document.getElementById('roomsEmpty').style.display = 'flex';
+    
+    const emptyElement = document.getElementById('roomsEmpty');
+    emptyElement.innerHTML = `
+        <div style="font-size: 3rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;">⚠️</div>
+        <h3 style="margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0; color: #ffffff;">Failed to Load Rooms</h3>
+        <p style="margin: 0 0 1rem 0;">Unable to connect to the server. Please try again.</p>
+        <button class="btn" onclick="refreshPublicRooms()">Retry</button>
+    `;
+}
+
+// Display rooms
+function displayRooms() {
+    const roomsList = document.getElementById('roomsList');
+    const roomsLoading = document.getElementById('roomsLoading');
+    const roomsEmpty = document.getElementById('roomsEmpty');
+    
+    roomsLoading.style.display = 'none';
+    
+    if (publicRoomsData.length === 0) {
+        roomsEmpty.style.display = 'flex';
+        roomsList.style.display = 'none';
+        return;
+    }
+    
+    roomsEmpty.style.display = 'none';
+    roomsList.style.display = 'block';
+    
+    roomsList.innerHTML = publicRoomsData.map(room => createRoomCard(room)).join('');
+}
+
+// Create room card HTML
+function createRoomCard(room) {
+    const activityClass = getActivityClass(room.minutes_since_activity);
+    const timeAgo = formatTimeAgo(room.minutes_since_activity);
+    
+    return `
+        <div class="room-card" onclick="joinPublicRoom('${room.room_id}')">
+            <div class="room-title">
+                ${escapeHtml(room.title || room.room_id)}
+                <span class="activity-indicator ${activityClass}"></span>
+            </div>
+            <div class="room-description">
+                ${escapeHtml(room.description || 'No description')}
+            </div>
+            <div class="room-stats">
+                <div class="room-stat">
+                    <span>👥</span>
+                    <span>${room.user_count} user${room.user_count !== 1 ? 's' : ''}</span>
+                </div>
+                <div class="room-stat">
+                    <span>💬</span>
+                    <span>${room.message_count} message${room.message_count !== 1 ? 's' : ''}</span>
+                </div>
+                <div class="room-stat">
+                    <span>🕐</span>
+                    <span>Active ${timeAgo}</span>
+                </div>
+                <div class="room-stat">
+                    <span>🆔</span>
+                    <span>${room.room_id}</span>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+    `;
+}
+
+// Get activity indicator class
+function getActivityClass(minutesAgo) {
+    if (minutesAgo <= 5) return 'activity-active';
+    if (minutesAgo <= 30) return 'activity-recent';
+    return 'activity-old';
+}
+
+// Format time ago
+function formatTimeAgo(minutes) {
+    if (minutes < 1) return 'just now';
+    if (minutes < 60) return `${minutes}m ago`;
+    
+    const hours = Math.floor(minutes / 60);
+    if (hours < 24) return `${hours}h ago`;
+    
+    const days = Math.floor(hours / 24);
+    return `${days}d ago`;
+}
+
+// Escape HTML to prevent XSS
+function escapeHtml(text) {
+    const div = document.createElement('div');
+    div.textContent = text;
+    return div.innerHTML;
+}
+
+// Join a public room - integrated with your existing system
+function joinPublicRoom(roomId) {
+    console.log(`Joining public room: ${roomId}`);
+    
+    // Close the browser
+    closePublicRoomsBrowser();
+    
+    // Fill in the room input with the selected room
+    document.getElementById('roomInput').value = roomId;
+    
+    // Clear password field since these are public rooms
+    document.getElementById('roomPasswordInput').value = '';
+    
+    // Trigger your existing join room functionality
+    const joinButton = document.getElementById('joinRoomBtn');
+    if (joinButton) {
+        joinButton.click();
+    }
+}
+
+// Event listeners for controls
+document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+    document.getElementById('roomsSortSelect').addEventListener('change', refreshPublicRooms);
+    document.getElementById('minUsersFilter').addEventListener('change', refreshPublicRooms);
+});
+
+// Close on escape key
+document.addEventListener('keydown', function(e) {
+    if (e.key === 'Escape' && document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').style.display === 'block') {
+        closePublicRoomsBrowser();
+    }
+});
+
+// Close on backdrop click
+document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').addEventListener('click', function(e) {
+    if (e.target === this) {
+        closePublicRoomsBrowser();
+    }
+});
+
+// WebSocket event handlers for real-time updates
+function setupPublicRoomsWebSocketHandlers() {
+    if (typeof socket === 'undefined') {
+        console.log('Socket not available, using HTTP fallback');
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Handle public rooms data response
+    socket.on('public_rooms_data', function(data) {
+        console.log('Received public rooms data via WebSocket:', data);
+        publicRoomsData = data.rooms || [];
+        
+        if (data.stats) {
+            updateStatsDisplay(data.stats);
+        }
+        
+        displayRooms();
+    });
+
+    // Handle live updates to public rooms
+    socket.on('public_rooms_updated', function(data) {
+        console.log('Received live public rooms update:', data);
+        
+        // Only update if the browser is currently open and we're subscribed
+        if (document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').style.display === 'block' && isSubscribedToRooms) {
+            publicRoomsData = data.rooms || [];
+            
+            if (data.stats) {
+                updateStatsDisplay(data.stats);
+            }
+            
+            displayRooms();
+        }
+    });
+
+    // Handle WebSocket errors for public rooms
+    socket.on('public_rooms_error', function(data) {
+        console.error('Public rooms WebSocket error:', data);
+        showErrorState();
+    });
+
+    console.log('Public rooms WebSocket handlers attached');
+}
+
+// Auto-setup WebSocket handlers when page loads
+function waitForSocketAndSetupHandlers() {
+    if (typeof socket !== 'undefined' && socket.connected) {
+        setupPublicRoomsWebSocketHandlers();
+    } else {
+        setTimeout(waitForSocketAndSetupHandlers, 100);
+    }
+}
+
+// Start the setup process
+document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+    waitForSocketAndSetupHandlers();
+    
+    // Auto-refresh every 30 seconds when browser is open
+    setInterval(function() {
+        if (document.getElementById('publicRoomsBrowser').style.display === 'block') {
+            refreshPublicRooms();
+        }
+    }, 30000);
+});
diff --git a/src/static/stylesheet.css b/src/static/stylesheet.css
index a515a5f..54156ab 100644
--- a/src/static/stylesheet.css
+++ b/src/static/stylesheet.css
@@ -616,4 +616,78 @@ ul.release-list a:hover {
 .laptopimg {
     max-width: 100%;
     object-fit: contain;
+}
+
+/* discovery */
+@keyframes spin {
+    0% { transform: rotate(0deg); }
+    100% { transform: rotate(360deg); }
+}
+
+.room-card {
+    background: #252525;
+    border: 1px solid #333;
+    border-radius: 8px;
+    padding: 1rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
+    transition: all 0.2s ease;
+    cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.room-card:hover {
+    background: #2a2a2a;
+    border-color: #00ff88;
+    transform: translateY(-1px);
+}
+
+.room-title {
+    font-size: 1.1rem;
+    font-weight: 600;
+    margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;
+    color: #ffffff;
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.room-description {
+    color: #b0b0b0;
+    font-size: 0.9rem;
+    margin: 0 0 0.75rem 0;
+    line-height: 1.4;
+}
+
+.room-stats {
+    display: flex;
+    gap: 1rem;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    font-size: 0.8rem;
+    color: #888;
+}
+
+.room-stat {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.activity-indicator {
+    width: 8px;
+    height: 8px;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    display: inline-block;
+}
+
+.activity-active { background: #00ff88; }
+.activity-recent { background: #ffa500; }
+.activity-old { background: #666; }
+
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+    .room-stats {
+        gap: 0.5rem;
+    }
+    
+    .room-card {
+        padding: 0.75rem;
+    }
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/templates/chat.html b/src/templates/chat.html
index df1bc31..1188b7e 100644
--- a/src/templates/chat.html
+++ b/src/templates/chat.html
@@ -7,13 +7,12 @@
     <meta http-equiv="X-Content-Type-Options" content="nosniff">
     <meta http-equiv="X-Frame-Options" content="DENY">
     <link rel="stylesheet" href="{{ url_for('static', filename='stylesheet.css') }}">
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="../static/stylesheet.css">
     <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="{{ url_for('static', filename='favicon.png') }}">
     <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/socket.io-client@4.7.2/dist/socket.io.min.js"></script>
     <!-- Everything Locally Hosted ( javascript files for frontend / client encryption )-->
     <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='script.js') }}"></script>
     <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='frontend.js') }}"></script>
-    <script src="{{ url_for("static", filename="rss.js") }}" async></script>
+    <script src="{{ url_for("static", filename="rss.js")}}" async></script>
 </head>
 <body style="overflow-y: auto;">
     <div class="chat-container">
@@ -61,6 +60,12 @@
                         <button class="btn" id="joinRoomBtn" aria-label="Join existing room" style="flex: 1; min-width: 120px; font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 3.5vw, 1rem); padding: 0.6rem 1rem;">Join Room</button>
                         <button class="btn btn-secondary" id="createRoomBtn" aria-label="Create new room" style="flex: 1; min-width: 120px; font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 3.5vw, 1rem); padding: 0.6rem 1rem;">Create New Room</button>
                     </div>
+                    <!-- Browse Public Rooms Button -->
+                    <div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; width: 100%;">
+                        <button class="btn btn-secondary" onclick="showPublicRoomsBrowser()" style="font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 3.5vw, 1rem); padding: 0.6rem 1.5rem;">
+                            Browse Public Rooms
+                        </button>
+                    </div>
                 </div>
                 <div class="status-text" id="statusText" style="font-size: clamp(0.8rem, 3vw, 0.9rem);">
                     <div class="loading-message">
@@ -77,13 +82,6 @@
                      alt="ByteChat Desktop Application"
                      style="width: clamp(200px, 50vw, 400px); height: auto; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); transition: transform 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; display: block;">
 
-                <!-- local testing image. uncomment if developing locally
-                <img class="laptopimg" 
-                     src="../static/laptop.png"
-                     alt="ByteChat Desktop Application"
-                     style="width: clamp(200px, 50vw, 400px); height: auto; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); transition: transform 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; display: block;">
-                -->
-
                 <!-- Desktop App Section -->
                 <div style="text-align: center; max-width: 600px; padding: 0 1rem;">
                     <h2 style="font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 5vw, 1.75rem); margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #00ff88;">Desktop Application</h2>
@@ -120,6 +118,180 @@
             </div>
         </div>
 
+        <div id="publicRoomsBrowser" style="
+            display: none;
+            position: fixed;
+            top: 0;
+            left: 0;
+            right: 0;
+            bottom: 0;
+            background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);
+            backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
+            z-index: 2000;
+            padding: 1rem;
+            
+            /* Center content */
+            display: flex;
+            justify-content: center;
+            align-items: center;
+            
+            /* Optional: allow content to scroll if it overflows on small screens */
+            overflow: auto;
+        ">
+            <div id="browserContent" style="
+                max-width: 95%;
+                max-height: 95%;
+                overflow-y: auto;
+                background: #fff; /* or whatever your modal background is */
+                border-radius: 8px;
+                padding: 1rem;
+            ">
+            <div style="
+                max-width: 800px;
+                margin: 0 auto;
+                background: #1a1a1a;
+                border-radius: 12px;
+                border: 1px solid #333;
+                min-height: 80vh;
+                display: flex;
+                flex-direction: column;
+            ">
+                <!-- Header -->
+                <div style="
+                    padding: 1.5rem;
+                    border-bottom: 1px solid #333;
+                    display: flex;
+                    justify-content: space-between;
+                    align-items: center;
+                    flex-wrap: wrap;
+                    gap: 1rem;
+                ">
+                    <div>
+                        <h2 style="
+                            margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;
+                            font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 5vw, 1.75rem);
+                            color: #00ff88;
+                        ">Public Rooms</h2>
+                        <p style="
+                            margin: 0;
+                            color: #888;
+                            font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 3.5vw, 1rem);
+                        " id="roomsStats">Browse and join active public rooms</p>
+                    </div>
+                    <button 
+                        class="btn btn-secondary" 
+                        onclick="closePublicRoomsBrowser()"
+                        style="
+                            padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
+                            font-size: 0.9rem;
+                            border-radius: 6px;
+                        "
+                    >Close</button>
+                </div>
+
+                <!-- Controls -->
+                <div style="
+                    padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
+                    border-bottom: 1px solid #333;
+                    display: flex;
+                    gap: 1rem;
+                    flex-wrap: wrap;
+                    align-items: center;
+                ">
+                    <select id="roomsSortSelect" style="
+                        background: #333;
+                        color: #ffffff;
+                        border: 1px solid #555;
+                        border-radius: 6px;
+                        padding: 0.5rem;
+                        font-size: 0.9rem;
+                        min-width: 120px;
+                    ">
+                        <option value="activity">Most Active</option>
+                        <option value="created">Newest</option>
+                        <option value="users">Most Users</option>
+                        <option value="messages">Most Messages</option>
+                    </select>
+
+                    <input 
+                        type="number" 
+                        id="minUsersFilter" 
+                        placeholder="Min users"
+                        min="0" 
+                        max="1000"
+                        style="
+                            background: #333;
+                            color: #ffffff;
+                            border: 1px solid #555;
+                            border-radius: 6px;
+                            padding: 0.5rem;
+                            font-size: 0.9rem;
+                            width: 150px;
+                        "
+                    >
+
+                    <button 
+                        class="btn" 
+                        onclick="refreshPublicRooms()"
+                        style="
+                            padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
+                            font-size: 0.9rem;
+                        "
+                    >Refresh</button>
+                </div>
+
+                <!-- Loading State -->
+                <div id="roomsLoading" style="
+                    display: flex;
+                    justify-content: center;
+                    align-items: center;
+                    padding: 3rem;
+                    flex: 1;
+                ">
+                    <div style="
+                        display: flex;
+                        align-items: center;
+                        gap: 1rem;
+                        color: #888;
+                    ">
+                        <div style="
+                            width: 20px;
+                            height: 20px;
+                            border: 2px solid #333;
+                            border-top: 2px solid #00ff88;
+                            border-radius: 50%;
+                            animation: spin 1s linear infinite;
+                        "></div>
+                        <span>Loading public rooms...</span>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+
+                <!-- Rooms List -->
+                <div id="roomsList" style="
+                    flex: 1;
+                    padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
+                    display: none;
+                ">
+                    <!-- Rooms will be populated here -->
+                </div>
+
+                <!-- Empty State -->
+                <div id="roomsEmpty" style="
+                    display: none; /* This should be none initially, not flex ; fuck CSS*/
+                    justify-content: center;
+                    align-items: center;
+                    padding: 3rem;
+                    flex: 1;
+                    text-align: center;
+                ">
+                    <div>
+                        <h3 style="margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0; color: #ffffff;">… No Public Rooms Found</h3>
+                        <p style="margin: 0; color: #888;">Check back later or create your own room</p>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+
         <!-- Chat Screen -->
         <div id="chatScreen" style="display: none;" class="chat-screen">
             <div class="room-info" id="roomInfo" style="display: none; padding: 0.6rem 0.75rem; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem;">
@@ -165,10 +337,6 @@
             </div>
         </div>
     </div>
-
-<!--    <div class="security-indicator" id="securityIndicator" style="display: none; bottom: calc(0.75rem + 80px); right: 15px; padding: 0.4rem 0.8rem; font-size: clamp(0.7rem, 3vw, 0.8rem); z-index: 999;">
-        🔒 End-to-End Encrypted
-    </div>
--->
+    <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename="rooms.js") }}"></script>
 </body>
 </html>
\ No newline at end of file