noun
or ath·e·ne·um ˌathəˈnēəm
( -s )
Etymology: Latin Athenaeum, a school in ancient Rome for the study of the arts, from Greek Athēnaion, a temple of Athena in Athens where poets read their works, from Athēna, Athēnē, major Greek deity, goddess of war, fertility, arts, and wisdom
1. : a literary or scientific association or club
2. : a building or a room in which books, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use : reading room, library