circulating library

noun

1. a library whose books can be borrowed by its members or subscribers.
2. lending library.

circulating library

noun

1. See lending library
   another name (esp US) for lending library
2. a small library circulated in turn to a group of schools or other institutions
3. See subscription library
   a rare name for subscription library

Word History and Origins

Origin of circulating library¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

But even rich English people do not carry about with them a circulating library assortment of cheque books.

From Project Gutenberg

The monster-misery of literature is—The Circulating Library!

From Project Gutenberg

So much for the measure of the maw of the circulating library.

From Project Gutenberg

An old set of my own books, that looked as if it had been bought out of a bankrupt circulating library.

From Project Gutenberg

She wrote several novels more suited for the circulating library than for serious reading.

From Project Gutenberg