Li"bra*ry (lī"br?*r?), n.; pl. Libraries (- rĭz). [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's unabridged 1913