'阅览室' (yuè lǎn shì) literally combines three characters: '阅' (yuè), meaning 'to read' or 'to peruse'; '览' (lǎn), meaning 'to view' or 'to survey'; and '室' (shì), meaning 'room' or 'chamber'. Together, they form a compound noun meaning 'reading room' — a quiet, designated space in libraries, schools, offices, or community centers where people can sit and read books, newspapers, magazines, or other printed materials. The repetition of reading-related characters ('阅' and '览') emphasizes the purposeful, attentive nature of the activity.

This word is formal and neutral in register, commonly used in institutional contexts rather than casual speech. It implies a public or semi-public space with seating, lighting, and often borrowing restrictions — unlike '书房' (study), which refers to a private home office or personal reading area. You’ll see '阅览室' on signs, library directories, and official announcements, especially in educational and government buildings.