Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.