Li"bra*ry (?), n.; pl. Libraries (#). [OE. librairie, F. librairie bookseller's shop, book trade, formerly, a library, fr. libraire bookseller, L. librarius, from liber book; cf. libraria bookseller's shop, librarium bookcase, It. libreria. See Libel.]

1.

A considerable collection of books kept for use, and not as merchandise; as, a private library; a public library.

2.

A building or apartment appropriated for holding such a collection of books.

Holland.

 

© Webster 1913.