It's not true that libraries don't lend libretti. Several libraries in the
UK stock and loan a wide range of libretti from Gilbert & Sullivan, Rodgers
& Hammerstein, et al. We regularly lend our libretti (including "Salad
days") to other libraries.
Libretti could be unpopular with libraries because they get heavily marked
and bashed about. Also there are licensing restrictions on titles such
as "Wizard of Oz", which means you have to hire them en bloc from the
licence holders - at a cost.
Of interest may be the national database of music sets, Encore, which lists
vocal and orchestral sets available from libraries throughout the UK. It
can be seen at:-
http://www.peri.nildram.co.uk/encore.htm
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