reading room

American  

noun

1. a room set aside for reading, as in a library or club.

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Etymology

Origin of reading room

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The decision to revoke Wilde's pass for the library - then the British Museum reading room - was recorded without comment in the trustees' minutes for 15 June 1895.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

Library staff told The Times that the official policy is to have an attendant present in the reading room at all times as someone reads special collections books.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Local stained-glass expert Raymond Nyson is credited with the main and Smith reading room leaded glass of this superb Gothic Revival space.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

“The F.B.I. has continually demonstrated its commitment to accommodate the committee’s request, including by producing the document in a reading room at the U.S. Capitol,” the bureau said in a statement on Monday.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2023

The reading room, housed right up in the dome of the building, was formerly the chapel of the Royal Bethlehem Hospital—the old Bedlam.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan