Skip to main content
to join a library

to join a library

2.0
To become a member of a library to borrow books and use services
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : unirse a una biblioteca
  • After moving to the new city, I decided to join a library to access more books.

Examples

  • You need proof of address if you want to join a library in this town.

  • She encouraged her children to join a library to develop their love of reading.

  • I want to join a library nearby.

  • Have you decided to join a library yet?

  • After moving to the new city, I decided to join a library to access more books.

  • You need proof of address if you want to join a library in this town.

  • She encouraged her children to join a library to develop their love of reading.

Antonyms

50 3.5

To choose not to take part in something

Surface Forms

join infinitive
joined past
joined past participle
joining present participle
joins third person singular

Morphology

join + a + library

The meaning 'to become a member of a library' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'join' (to become a member or take part) with 'library' (a place for borrowing/reading); the article 'a' does not affect compositionality. This is a common verb + noun membership pattern found across languages and in English, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Join a library comes from the simple image of joining a place full of books by signing your name and getting a card to be part of the library. So, to join a library means 'to become a member' so you can borrow books and use its services.