Can I use the word “library” to refer to collections of things other than books or software?

Question

It makes sense to say "library of books". Is it legitimate to use the word "library" in other contexts.

For example, could one have a "library of hedgehogs" or a "library of apples"?

Answer 1

1. A place set apart to contain books, periodicals, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or reference, as a room, set of rooms, or building where books may be read or borrowed.
2. A collection of any materials for study and enjoyment

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/library

The word library is often used for categorical collections. It could be a collection of refrence materials. Books or other forms of media like audio cd's, DVD's and magazines are forms of reference and entertainment. You could simply say you have a 'collection of hedgehogs' or use a thesaurus to find synonyms.

Answer 2

I think a library implies that the objects are labeled or organized in some fashion, or used as a reference. So perhaps if you had a museum of stuffed hedgehogs from different time periods you could refer to it as a library of hedgehogs.