In Disney's 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast, the Beast gives Belle the library as a lasting gift.
After Belle expresses her love of reading, the Beast reveals an enormous castle library and tells her that it is hers. The moment marks a change in their relationship: instead of simply holding Belle captive, he begins to understand and support something important to her. The library also becomes a visual symbol of Belle's imagination and independence.
The scene is separate from the ballroom sequence, where Belle and the Beast dance to “Beauty and the Beast.” It is also distinct from the enchanted rose, whose falling petals represent the time remaining before the curse becomes permanent.
Some adaptations alter the details or add other gifts, but the famous 1991 animated scene specifically centers on the library. The 2017 live-action film recreates the library and expands its role in the characters' shared history.