Library
/ˈlaɪ.brə.ri/noun
A collection of books and other printed or written materials for reading, study, or reference.
Did you know?The word 'library' traces back to the Latin 'liber,' meaning 'book,' which was often associated with sacred texts and knowledge passed down through generations.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leibh-
“to be smooth or to be free (from encumbrance), often related to the concept of freedom through knowledge.”
Latin
Latin
liber
“book; free, referring to the freeing power of knowledge.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
librarium
“a place for books, a bookcase.”
Old French
Old French
librairie
“a place where books are kept or sold.”
Middle English
Middle English
librairie
“a collection of books, often sacred or scholarly.”
Modern English
English
library
“a place where literary works are stored and made available for study.”
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