Archives overlapped houses? (9)

I believe the answer is:

libraries

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'houses?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for libraries that I've seen before include "They house books" , "Book depositories" , "facilities for readers" , "Reading rooms" , "Collections" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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