CIRCULATING LIBRARY Meaning and
Definition
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A circulating library, also known as a lending library, is a establishment that lends books and other reading materials to the public for a specific period of time. It is a space where individuals can borrow books and return them once they have finished reading, allowing for the sharing and access to a wide variety of literature.
Circulating libraries originated in the 17th century and gained immense popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were initially established and operated by private individuals, societies, or institutions, with the purpose of providing affordable access to books, particularly for those who could not afford to buy their own copies. Over time, however, many circulating libraries became publicly funded and were managed by local authorities or educational institutions.
The collections of circulating libraries vary widely, encompassing a multitude of genres, fiction and non-fiction books, periodicals, and sometimes audiovisual materials. The loans are typically free of charge or subject to a nominal membership fee, allowing members to borrow a predetermined number of items for a specified period, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
With the advent of digital technology and the internet, traditional circulating libraries have gradually evolved into virtual libraries or e-libraries, offering electronic books (e-books), online resources, and literature accessible in various digital formats. Nonetheless, physical circulating libraries still exist in many communities, providing a valuable service in giving access to knowledge, promoting literacy, and fostering a love for reading.
Common Misspellings for CIRCULATING LIBRARY
- xirculating library
- virculating library
- firculating library
- dirculating library
- curculating library
- cjrculating library
- ckrculating library
- corculating library
- c9rculating library
- c8rculating library
- cieculating library
- cidculating library
- cifculating library
- citculating library
- ci5culating library
- ci4culating library
- cirxulating library
- cirvulating library
- cirfulating library
Etymology of CIRCULATING LIBRARY
The term "circulating library" originated in the mid-18th century in England. It is derived from the Latin word "circulatus", which means "to move in a circular manner". The word "library" comes from the Latin "librarium", which means "bookcase" or "place for books".
In the 18th and 19th centuries, a circulating library referred to a subscription-based library where members paid a fee to borrow books for a specific period. The books were rotated among the members, hence the term "circulating". It allowed individuals, especially those who couldn't afford to own their own books, to have access to a wide range of literature.
The popularity of circulating libraries peaked during the Victorian era when literacy rates increased, and people sought to expand their knowledge and entertainment through books.
Similar spelling word for CIRCULATING LIBRARY
