I tend to think that the main reason the librettos (or, as I have been admonished, "libretti," the plural in Italian) disappear from library copies is that people burn themselves a copy of the opera and just happen to "neglect" to return the libretto to the library, keeping it for their copy.

Oughta be a big fine for not returning the package intact.

You can buy copies of librettos (er—libretti) from some well-stocked music stores, or they can usually order a copy. I live in Seattle and go to Seattle Opera with some frequency. Seattle Opera is supposed to be the fourth largest opera company in the country, often featuring some top-rate, well-known singers.

One can buy copies of libretti from Seattle Opera. Used to be $3.00, but they may be more now.

Don Firth