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.

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)