libraries

[/ˈlaɪbrɛriz/ or /ˈlaɪbrəriz/]
nounpl: libraries (already plural; singular: library)
bibliotecas
1. buildings or rooms containing collections of books and other materials for reading, study, or reference
The city has several public libraries available to residents.
A cidade tem várias bibliotecas públicas disponíveis para os moradores.
2. collections of books or other informational materials organized for use
She has an extensive personal library of vintage novels.
Ela tem uma biblioteca pessoal extensa de romances antigos.
3. in computing, collections of pre-written code or functions that can be used in programs
The software includes several useful libraries for data processing.
O software inclui várias bibliotecas úteis para processamento de dados.
4. institutions that provide access to information and educational resources
Libraries serve as important community centers for learning and research.
As bibliotecas servem como centros comunitários importantes para aprendizagem e pesquisa.
Libraries hold significant cultural importance in both American and Brazilian societies as democratizing institutions providing free access to information and learning. In Brazil, public libraries (bibliotecas públicas) are increasingly seen as cultural centers. The United States has a strong library system including the Library of Congress. Digital libraries are becoming increasingly important in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
repositoriescollectionsarchivesreading rooms
Antonyms / Antônimos
bookstores (commercial vs. public)

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
bibliotecas
standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
bibliotecas
no significant regional variation
São Paulo
bibliotecas
no significant regional variation; major hub for institutional libraries
Portugal
bibliotecas
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; European Portuguese uses the same term

Related Words

bookslibrarianarchivesreadingbibliographycatalog

Related Idioms & Phrases

library science - the study and practice of managing libraries
digital library - collections of books and materials available online
library card - membership document for accessing library services
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