from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Library \Li"bra*ry\ (l[imac]"br[asl]*r[y^]), n.; pl. {Libraries}
(-r[i^]z). [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.
[1913 Webster]
2. A building or apartment appropriated for holding such a
collection of books. --Holland.
[1913 Webster]