Definition of library

The word "library" originated from the Latin word "liber," meaning "book." In ancient Rome, the term "liber" referred to a book or scroll, and a "liberarium" was a place where books were kept. During the Middle Ages, the word "liber" evolved into "librairie" or "librarie," meaning a collection of books. The first recorded use of the word "library" in English dates back to the 14th century. In the 15th century, the term "library" began to be used to describe a building or institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of written works. Over time, the definition of a library expanded to include not only books but also periodicals, manuscripts, and other forms of written and visual media. Today, the word "library" is used globally to describe a wide range of institutions and collections dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge.