lending library

American  

noun

1. Also called circulating library, rental library.  a small library that is maintained by a commercial establishment, as a drugstore, and is composed largely of current books that are lent to customers for a fee.

2. Chiefly British. a public library that lends materials or the division or section of it that carries out this function.

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lending library British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US): circulating library.  the department of a public library providing books for use outside the building

2. a small commercial library

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Etymology

Origin of lending library

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

But some of its other projects—a pandemic-era lending library and the ongoing digitalization of 78 rpm records—have led to lawsuits now threatening the future of this repository of the past.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2024

Recently someone “rented” a movie and returned it to the lending library later.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2024

It is believed to be Europe's largest public lending library and houses one of the UK's most important Shakespeare collections.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2023

In addition, $2 million was appropriated for the creation of an e-bike lending library and ownership grant program.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

It was not a huge printing, only 1,500 copies, but Mudie’s lending library had bought 500 copies, which meant that many more people would read The Origin.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman