library
library
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "library" is /ˈlaɪ.brə.ri/ or /ˈlaɪ.bri/. The first is more common in American English, and the latter is common in British English and also heard in American English.
/ˈlaɪ/
/brə/
/ri/
Word Form Variations
Noun: library (singular), libraries (plural)
Adjective: library (used attributively, e.g., "library card") - no comparative/superlative forms
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films, music, and other materials, for use by the public or members of an institution.
Synonyms: archive, collection, information center, resource center, media center
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "bookstore" as a contrasting place for purchasing books)
Definition 2: A collection of books or literary materials, especially one owned by a person or institution.
Synonyms: collection, assortment, stock, compilation, repertory
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "single item" as contrasting with a collection)
Definition 3: (Computing) A collection of pre-written functions, classes, or scripts that can be used by other programs to perform specific tasks.
Synonyms: module, toolkit, framework, API (Application Programming Interface)
Antonyms: standalone program, core system, kernel
Definition 4: A room or set of rooms in a private house where books are kept.
Synonyms: study, den, bookroom, private collection
Antonyms: bedroom, kitchen, living room (as contrasting types of rooms)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to a library or its contents. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: bibliographic, archival, collected, documented
Antonyms: personal (when referring to personal vs. public ownership), uncataloged
Examples of Use
Books:
"The dusty old library in the mansion held secrets whispered through its ancient tomes." (Fictional example from a mystery novel)
"He spent countless hours in the university library, poring over research papers for his dissertation." (From a non-fiction academic work)
"The programmer decided to use an open-source library to handle the complex data encryption." (From a textbook on computer science or programming)
Newspapers:
"The city council approved funding for the renovation of the main public library, adding new digital resources." (The Daily Nation)
"A new report highlights the diminishing role of school libraries due to budget cuts." (The Standard)
"Google just released a new AI library designed to make machine learning more accessible to developers." (TechCrunch)
Online Publications:
"How to get the most out of your local public library – beyond just borrowing books." (Lifehacker.com)
"Python developers frequently rely on a vast library of pre-built modules to speed up their projects." (A coding tutorial on "Real Python,")
"Explore our extensive library of free stock photos and videos for your next project." (A call to action on a stock media website, e.g., "Pexels.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "We found the map hidden in the ancient library of the old king." (Dialogue from an adventure film, e.g., "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade")
Television Series: "Tonight's challenge: find the rare book hidden somewhere in this enormous library before time runs out." (Instructions on a game show or reality competition, e.g., "The Amazing Race" or a mystery show)
Song Lyrics: "Lost in a library of dreams, where every page holds silent screams." (From a more metaphorical, introspective song)
Video Games: "Your mission is to infiltrate the enemy's data library and download their schematics." (In-game objective in a stealth or sci-fi game, e.g., "Deus Ex")
Podcasts: "In this episode, we're diving into the vast library of classical music to uncover hidden gems." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., "Composer's Cut")
General Public Discourse:
"I'm going to the library to pick up the book I reserved." (A common everyday statement)
"Do you have a large personal library at home, or do you prefer e-books?" (A question in a casual conversation about reading habits)
"My son just got his first library card, he's so excited!" (A parent talking about their child)
"This new software comes with a comprehensive library of pre-made templates." (Discussing software features)
"We need to update our internal training library with the latest compliance videos." (A statement in a professional setting)
10 Famous Quotes Using Library
“A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.” – Henry Ward Beecher
“When in doubt, go to the library.” – J.K. Rowling
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges
“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” – Andrew Carnegie
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein
“A library is a hospital for the mind.” – Anonymous
“What a school thinks about its library is a measure of what it feels about education.” – Harold Howe
“A good library is a place, a palace where the lofty spirits of all nations and generations meet.” – Samuel Niger
“To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books.” – Carlos María Domínguez
“Cutting libraries in a recession is like cutting hospitals in a plague.” – Eleanor Crumblehulme
Etymology
The word "library" has a clear and logical origin, tracing its roots back to Latin.
It comes from the Old French word librairie, which meant "a collection of books" or "a place for books."
This Old French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word libraria, meaning "a bookshop" or "a collection of books." The Latin word libraria itself comes from liber, which meant "book" or "parchment."
So, when "library" first appeared in English, around the late 14th century (during the Middle English period), its meaning was already very close to what it is today: "a place where books are kept for reading or study, or a collection of books." The connection to "book" (liber) is very strong and consistent throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Library
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "library":
To hit the library: To go to the library, typically to study or do research.
Library card: An identification card allowing someone to borrow materials from a library.
The digital library: A collection of digital resources, often online, accessible like a physical library.
Personal library: A collection of books or other media owned by an individual.
To comb the library: To thoroughly search through a library's resources for information. (Synonymous with "meticulous research")
A walking library: A person who is extremely knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects.
The library of life: Metaphorical for the sum of all human experiences, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated over time.
Software library: A collection of pre-written code routines or programs for developers.
To get lost in the library: To become engrossed in reading or research within a library for a long time.
Book of knowledge: (Synonym for what a library represents) A vast source of information or wisdom.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of library from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
