| | A '''library''' is a place set apart to contain [[book]]s, [[periodical]]s, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or [[reference]]. A library may be part of a commercial establishment and not deal with the public. In the 19th century lending libraries were common, where people could rent books. After [[Andrew Carnegie]] set up 3000 libraries in the US, Britain and Canada (1900-1920), the [[public library]] has been a major factor. Colleges and universities maintain libraries for their students, as well as research collections that are open to the public. | | A '''library''' is a place set apart to contain [[book]]s, [[periodical]]s, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or [[reference]]. A library may be part of a commercial establishment and not deal with the public. In the 19th century lending libraries were common, where people could rent books. After [[Andrew Carnegie]] set up 3000 libraries in the US, Britain and Canada (1900-1920), the [[public library]] has been a major factor. Colleges and universities maintain libraries for their students, as well as research collections that are open to the public. |