To be considered a library, there is no strict or universally agreed-upon number of books required. However, common opinions and sources suggest the following:
- The American Library Association (ALA) suggests that a public library often has thousands of books, with a rough minimum of about 5,000 books to "feel" like a traditional library, especially for public lending and professional curation.
- Others say that having around 1,000 books in a collection can qualify it as a library.
- Smaller private or personal libraries may contain only hundreds of books and still be called a library, particularly if the collection is organized and curated.
- Historically, collections with even a few dozen items (like scrolls or tablets) have been considered libraries.
- The emphasis is often more on organization, curation, and purpose rather than a fixed number: if a collection is arranged and used as a resource or for study, it can be called a library.
- Informally, people consider personal collections of several hundred to over a thousand books as libraries, even if small or digital.
In summary, a minimum of around 1,000 books is a commonly cited benchmark for calling a collection a library, but smaller collections can also qualify based on organization and intent. There is flexibility, and the definition depends on context and personal view.
