pustakalaya essay on library in nepali

E-Pustakalaya

E-Pustakalaya is a free education-focused digital library containing full-text documents, images, videos and audio files that can be accessed through an intranet or the internet. E-Pustakalaya users can read books, view videos, learn through interactive activities and listen to audio clips. E-Pustakalaya holds collections in Nepali, English and other languages of Nepal.

• Interactive Digital Learning Materials
• English | Nepali | Math | Science

KEY FEATURES

FREE AND OPEN

Accessible through offline server for remote, uninterrupted, and fast access

DIVERSE RESOURCES

Contains full-text documents, audio, video, images, and interactive educational software

CONTEXTUAL CONTENT

Hosts content in Nepali, Newari, Tharu, Tibetan and other languages of Nepal.

OFFLINE USE

Installable in low-power servers, ideal for those with limited or no internet access

FEATURED BOOKS

छन्दको छहरा (Chandako Chahara)

Developing Reading Habits in Children

कति वटा रोटी? (Kati ota roti?)

Teachers' Guide | English | Grade 6

More About E-Pustakalaya

Designed and created for.

We provide free and easy access to age-appropriate books that help improve children’s reading skills and develop a reading culture in schools. Our interactive digital learning modules, educational videos and reference materials help students do research projects and promote the habit of independent inquiry. We also have accessible books in Nepali language.

Teachers can benefit widely from our selection of books, various teaching resources and educational materials in core subjects as well as various other subjects such as agriculture, health, environment, and technology. We also have plenty of reference materials for professional development.

Communities

The communities around the schools can also access the content on the digital library on their laptops, tablets or mobile phones. The audio-visual content on health, livelihood and agriculture can be of great benefit to the community members. They can also use personal devices to download books to read later.

Our Sources

OLE Nepal has sought and received permissions from authors, publishers and organizations to add the materials that are found in E-Pustakalaya. An  advisory panel  consisting of prominent Nepali writers helped in the development of E-Pustakalaya. 

Maitri Trust UK, Nepal Library Foundation , India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) , and Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town have been OLE Nepal’s major partners and supporters in E-Pustakalaya development.

The use of the materials in E-Pustakalaya is governed by Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike copyright licenses.

Offline Intallations in Schools and Communities

At places where internet access is unavailable, unreliable and expensive, offline E-Pustakalaya provides an offline source of educational resources. If schools already have a computer network, they can add E-Pustakalaya installed server and the network will be ready with E-Pustakalaya. We can provide relevant information on low-cost, low-power and reliable machine for the server. If schools don’t have school computer network, we can also help install the network. The network equipment include Router/Switch, cable and server. We can also provide training and support as per requirement.

Current Projects

Empowering local communities through local language education and skill-based training.

Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2028

The LLEST Project targets two critical educational challenges in Nepal: the shortage of learning materials in local languages for early childhood education, and the lack of quality resources for skill-based training in rural areas. The project aims to enrich early learning with interactive stories in various local languages, while also enhancing vocational training accessibility through digital courses, focusing on bridging educational gaps in underserved communities.

Digital Learning Solutions

We develop free and open learning resources, designed with a student-centered approach and tailored to the local environment, to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.

Robotics and Programming

We train students and teachers to build and program robots using educational robotics kits, sensors, and easy-to-use graphical coding interfaces, fostering problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills.

Teacher Trainings

We empower teachers through comprehensive training in IT literacy, child-centric interactive teaching, and seamless integration of ICT-based instruction, utilizing practical teaching and interactive hands-on sessions.

Infrastructure Support

We help schools set up low-power and affordable computer labs connected to an offline server and WIFI router, providing access to learning resources in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.

Whether a short-term event, project, or longer-term commitment, we welcome you to join the effort. Don’t hesitate to reach out with the contact information below, or send a message using the form.

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For the love of books

Srizu Bajracharya

While e-books might have put a dent in the popularity of physical copies of books, they haven’t dissuaded many bibliophiles in Nepal from continuing to rely on physical books. Many ardent readers have gone a step further by creating their own book collection, some even worthy of rivalling small public libraries.

Some private book collections have also extended to the public’s reach, like scholar and historian Dilli Raman Regmi's private collection, which became Dilliraman Kalyani Regmi Memorial Library, and opened to the public in 1981.

“A book lover will always find a way to make a collection, a library of their own, and it won’t be all that surprising. It’s just a natural thing for them to do,” says 73-year-old Indira Dali, an advocate for public libraries and the former chair of the Dilli Raman Kalayani Regmi Memorial Library Development Board.

The Post recently sat down with some passionate bibliophiles—whose collection has been a significant part of their identity—to bring forth their stories about their love for books and how their collection increased to shape as a library in their homes and communities.

Indira Dali: ‘It has been my dream to read all my life.’

In Indira Dali and her husband Ninu Chapagain’s home library in Sanepa, there are books everywhere—on the shelves and inside boxes. With over 4,000 books, the room has limited space for people to move around.

Dali, a library advocate and a children’s book writer, often frequents the room to find books to help her with her manuscripts, essays, and reports.

“In the past, I used to have a lot of fiction books. But of late, I have begun collecting books that help in my research as a writer,” says Dali. “And that is what I think a home library should be able to do—to help one in one’s pursuit of work.”

Dali started collecting books long before she dreamt of being a librarian. When she was a girl, her father used to read her fairy tales like 'Cinderella' and 'Hansel and Gretel' in Nepalbhasa, and this, she says, drew her into the world of books. She vividly remembers her father’s bookshelves lined with his science and English books.

“It has been my life’s dream to spend all my time reading and become a learned person. Because of our family's weak financial state, my mother had to struggle a lot to send me to school, so I never took school for granted and focused a lot on studying. Naturally, books became my companion,” shares Dali.

In the many years that Dali has been collecting books, she has made it a point to find books by women writers and create a bibliography of women writers in Nepal. “A lot of those boxes you can see in my library are works by women writers. We must have that in documentation because works by women writers have not been documented as much as works by men have been. And because education for women started much later, you don’t find many books written by women,” says Dali.

Once Dali starts talking about books, it becomes evident how much she loves books. She speaks enthusiastically about her book collection and is quick to share what she says are must-read books.

“You must read Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra, Maxim Gorky, Leo Tolstoy, Nikolai Ostrovsky, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Parijat, and Laxmi Prasad Devkota. They were great writers. I used to sleep besides their books. And I used to copy the words of ‘Geetanjali’ by Tagore and ‘Lalitya’ by Lekhnath Poudel in my register copy. When I was younger, I have spent innumerable days reading the works of these splendid writers,” says Dali, her eyes lighting up.

Dali was also one of the leading people responsible for getting Jamal’s Nepal National Library building’s construction off the ground. Before Dali and her compatriot’s intervention, the project had been stalled for years due to the vested interest of business people and the country’s apathy for learning institutions like libraries . She is also passionate about children's libraries and has co-founded Community Child Development Library, a children’s library, in Sanepa. “If you want to cultivate a reading culture, you must start with children,” she says. “It was my father who helped me develop a reading habit, which has benefited me immensely.”

In a world where many are choosing e-books over physical books, Dali is a firm believer in the latter's importance.

“The relationship you have with a physical book is nothing in comparison to something you have in your device,” she adds. 

Priyansha Silwal: ‘We wanted to remember our Sanu with books.’

The sorry state of government-run public libraries in the country has made them one of the last places for people to think of as places to find books to read. But things are completely different at Sanu ko Pustakalaya, a community library, started by Priyansha Silwal and her family. The library opened in October last year. The well-stocked library, located in Manbhawan, Patan, is devoid of the musty smell that one usually finds in many public-funded libraries.

This newly opened community library was started in the memory of Silwal’s younger sister, who passed away around a year ago. The family started the library with their own book collection. The afternoon the Post visited the library, warm sunlight pouring through the windows bathed the room, and a handful of readers were lost in the world of books. At the library entrance, a portrait sketch of Silwal’s sister ‘Sanu’ welcomed readers inside their book world.

“We are a family of readers, and reading has been a significant part of getting through life. It’s the bridge to knowledge. But it has also been a comforting companion for us,” says Silwal, choosing her words carefully and softly, not wanting to disturb the other readers in the room. “I remember turning to books when my sister passed away—most of them were books she had gifted me. Reading helped everyone in our family deal with our grief.”

The idea of setting up a memorial library came to the family as it tried to gain a sense of balance. “Sanu was an avid reader, and the Sanu ko Pustakalaya is our attempt to remember her life by bringing a library where people could come and read, which Sanu loved to do,” says Silwal, an ENT doctor.

Before deciding to set up the library, the family, says Silwal, first researched the need for a public library. “We came to the understanding that most state-funded libraries are not user-friendly. As a result, they fall short in giving a good environment for people to spend time reading. Spaces like these have become quite uncommon in recent times, and so we thought it's an idea we could work on,” says Silwal.

The family’s book collection had about five hundred books, Silwal says.

“Our family collection was made up of my father’s economic books, my mother’s Nepali fiction books, and Sanu’s array of spiritual books and my English fiction, and classics books,” says Silwal.

Since the family’s collection wasn’t enough to start a library, they started racing out to family and friends to contribute to the cause.

“Many of them came forward and donated books and money for the library. And because we are new, we are still growing our collection,” says Silwal.

At present, Sanu ko Pustakalaya has a collection of over 2,500 books, and includes non-fiction, fiction, and children’s book sections. Currently, the Silwal family funds the library’s upkeep, but in the long run, the family hopes to sustain the library with the funds collected from the institution’s readers’ membership programme.

“This journey of setting up and sharing this library with the people has been a gratifying one,” says Silwal. “We have also realised that the joy of sharing books comes with much responsibility, and we want to make it a learning space that keeps evolving so people can make the best use of it.” 

Pushpa Raj Bajracharya: ‘I think of books I own as memories of my life that I can revisit whenever I want to.’

Sixty-one-year-old Pushpa Raj Bajracharya loses all track of time whenever he spends time in his home library. The room is his favourite part of his house, located in Chakupat, Patan.

“I started collecting books when I was about 11. And I began with the electronic engineering books that my elder brother had left behind. He was a very talented person. He even used to make radios out of matchboxes,” says Bajracharya, his voice soft and careful.

“As a child, I looked up to my brother, and I admired his creations. I wanted to learn from him and become like him. But unfortunately, my brother passed away when he was 22, and his books became the only way to get to know his works better. Reading his books made me fall in love with reading, and I eventually started collecting books and now have a home library of some sort,” he explains.

Bajracharya is a man of many talents; he is a sculptor, data engineer, computer technician, and also has a handicraft business. He says that he has never shied away from pursuing his interests and believes in always being open to learning new things in life.

“I love reading books and immersing myself in the knowledge it holds, but on the contrary, I was not very interested in school. I felt like schools limited us to only a few books, and as a young, impulsive, and determined boy, I was more into exploring books that were not part of my school curriculum. At that age, I had already understood the ability of books to broaden my knowledge,” he says.

Over the years, whatever new interests Bajracharya developed, he researched them by reading books. Books about science led him to understand religion, and books of religion led him to understand life, he says.

“When I was trying to understand parapsychology, I wanted to understand the idea of reincarnation, which eventually brought me to the world of Buddhist philosophy and science,” shares Bajracharya.

Today, Bajracharya’s book collection has many books on electronic engineering, parapsychology, psychology, and an extensive collection of Buddhist literature. His library is also filled with books and magazines he read as a child, such as ‘Science Today’ and ‘Science Reporter’ magazines.

When he pulls out a book titled ‘Journal of Rare Buddhist Texts Research’, Bajracharya eyes sparkle with excitement, like a child showing their favourite toy. Through the years, Bajracharya’s collection of Buddhist literature on the Newa Buddhist community of Patan has also made him a go-to person for Buddhist reading materials. And he doesn’t mind visitors who want to spend time in his library. Every now and then, his friends drop by to borrow books from him. And many student researchers rely on his collection. “Knowledge should always be shared. Although my library is not public, I don’t like to say no to people who want to read like me,” he says.

For Bajracharya, the books in collections are priceless. During his free time, he likes to revisit old books. “I think of books I own as memories of my life that I can revisit whenever I want to. They are phases of my life. Books, after all, embody knowledge that we all are after in life,” he says. “These collections were made with hard work. And they are my life’s most valuable possessions.” 

Mukesh Malla: ‘I wanted to build an inventory to help my writing.’

On the third floor of Mukesh Malla’s house in Bulbule, Chabahil is a room filled with art books. From catalogues of old exhibitions to books that delve into art history and culture, Malla’s collection is a treasure trove for those interested in arts. Malla can often be found reading on the library’s bed, which is also his preferred place to sit when writing analytical pieces about Nepal’s art practices. The air in the library is thick with the particular smell of old books.

Sixty-eight-year-old Malla is an artist and has written extensively about Nepali art and artists. He is also one of the eminent art critiquers in the Nepali art community. His first book was ‘Tulikaghat’, published in 1995. He also regularly writes art columns for Nagarik, a Nepali national daily newspaper. “I started writing in 1973 when I was living in Dharan. I used to read art pieces written by Raghubir Sahai for an Indian magazine called ‘Dinman’, and I think it was his writings that got me into art writing,” says Malla.

“At first, I took it up as a way of earning some money but eventually I became more passionate about it, and that’s how this collection you see here started,” shares Malla, beaming in front of his collection.

Malla’s home library is personalised and is more functional and practical than any library can be. He has files of his own published articles and stacks of photocopies of art-related books, which include a copy of ‘Investigating Modern Art’ by Liz Dawtrey, Toby Jackson, Mary Masterton, Paul Wood, that he collected while growing up. Malla even has a catalogue of Siddhartha Art Gallery’s 1991 exhibition of carpets by Yogendra Dangol and Kumbeshwor Technical School.

Malla started collecting art-related books and writings to work on his craft as a writer. “Good writing is not just about perfecting language but also about giving readers the right information to help in their critical thinking and analysis,” says Malla.

As a writer pursuing art writing, Malla felt that it was imperative to create an archive of books and reading materials to rely on to help make his writing truthful and factual.

“Today, my collection helps me map the development of art and critique the Nepali art practises rightfully,” he says. Malla, over the years, has collected over 1,000 books about art, of which hundreds and hundreds are Nepali documentations about art.

His repository is even considered significant in the Nepali art community and has drawn many visitors interested in understanding Nepal’s art history to his home.

Malla’s motivation for the collection, over the years, has fortified even more with the understanding that libraries in the country still do not have enough books on Nepal’s art history and literature. And even with his extensive collection, he remains a hungry bibliophile.

“It’s sad that our libraries still don’t have a good collection about Nepal’s art history. A lot of these libraries only curate lavish collectors’ books. It’s a shame that even after all these years, we don’t have a good art library,” says Malla. “Which is why I feel all the more proud of my collection and possessive of my handpicked books on art.”

Srizu Bajracharya Srizu Bajracharya was a Culture and Arts reporter for The Kathmandu Post.

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Prabidhi Info › Info › E-Pustakalaya Nepal, Free Digital Library with additional audio and video files

E-Pustakalaya Nepal, Free Digital Library with additional audio and video files

The COVID-19 lockdown has just been extended. This pandemic lockdown has kept all of us inside our home. For some keen learners, this is the perfect time. The learning platforms are giving away their premium courses all for free . One can make the best utilization of this lockdown learning new skills or reading books. Talking about the readers, we have a bit of good news for them. Nepal’s very own online reading platform, E-Pustakalaya is here. If you are an avid reader you probably do not want to miss this opportunity. Not only books, E-Pustakalaya has a collection of audio & video files as well.

OLE Nepal’s E-Pustakalaya

E-Pustakalaya is an education-focused digital library with the collection of books, images, video & audio files. This digital library aims to provide an open access to the reading material for everyone. Using E-Pustakalaya users can hold onto tons of books & documents, watch videos & listen to audio clips, play educational games and more. E-Pustakalaya has organized user interface. You can filter your selection from Media Type, Language, Education Level, Collections, and Keywords.

• Media section, there’s Document, Audio, and Video we have following-
• Language – English, Nepali, Newari, Sanskrit, Tharu, Hindi, Sherpa, Tamang, Dhimal, Magar, Thulung, Jirel, Limbu, Chinese, Gurung, Tibetan, Khaling, Thami, Darai, Maithali, Michif, Pali, Ukrainian, and Bhojpuri.
• Education Level- Primary, Secondary & Middle
• Collections – English Literature, English Children’s Literature, Nepali Literature, Monthly Newspapers & Magazines, Nepali Children’s Literature, Journals, Magazines, Newsletters & Pamphlets, Education-Related Materials, Teaching Support Material, Science, Agriculture & Biodiversity, Government Material, and 50 more.
• Keywords- Fiction, Children’s Book, Government of Nepal, Pathyakram Bikas Kendra and Nepal Sarkar.

E-Pustakalya is available on Android as well. This feature will be great for parents to help their kids in learning. For those who love listening to audio clips can have blast time listening to Seto Bagh, Ramayan, and many popular English novels. As there are education-related games, learning will be fun for kids. The web version is available in English and Nepali language.

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• Nepal National Library

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Nepal National Library (Nepal Rastriya Pustakalaya) has a rich history that dates back to 1957. The library was initially housed in SikriDhoka, which is a part of the complex of Singha Durbar, the largest palace in Asia at the time. The library was later moved to its present location, the Rana palace called HariharBhawan, in 1961. The library has gone through several changes over the years, including the suspension of lending facilities to catalog the entire stock. Despite the changes, the library continues to serve as a valuable resource for readers and researchers in Nepal.

Establishment of Nepal National Library:

• The Nepal National Library was established by His Majesty’s Government in January 1957 (Poush 2013 BS).
• The core collection was the personal library of Rajguru Hem Raj Pandey, spiritual advisor to the King, which had been purchased for the nation in 1956.
• The collection was initially housed in SikriDhoka, a building within the complex of Singha Durbar, a Rana Palace modeled on Versailles.
• At the time, Singha Durbar was the largest palace in Asia.
• The library was merged with the Central Secretariat Library which was also housed in Singha Durbar.
• The total collection of books and periodicals at the time of merging was 34,292.

Evolution of Nepal National Library:

• The post of “Chairman” was created at the establishment of the library, and Mr. GangadharParajuli was the first postholder.
• Two assistant Pundits, one Bahidur, and four Ardalis were also appointed at the time of establishment.
• In 1961 (2017), the Nepal National Library was moved to its present location, the Rana palace called HariharBhawan, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, where it occupies the southern wing on the first floor of the building.
• In the early sixties, the library produced an impressive series of publications, making ancient handwritten texts available in printed form.
• Lending services were started in 1961 but were suspended later to embark on cataloging the entire stock.
• In the early eighties, it was decided to suspend lending facilities in order to catalog the entire stock.
• A full card catalog for the Nepali, English and Hindi collections was finally completed in 1988.
• Since then, the holdings have been made available to all for reading and reference, but circulation services have not been provided to preserve the collection.

International Cooperation and Achievements of Nepal National Library

Nepal National Library has received support and cooperation from various international organizations, which has contributed significantly to its growth and development over the years. Here are some notable achievements of the UNESCO/DANIDA project and other international collaborations:

UNESCO/DANIDA Project:

• The UNESCO/DANIDA project, which lasted for five years, brought major changes to the overall development of the Nepal National Library.
• One of the significant achievements of the project was publishing the Nepal National Union Catalogue, which provided a comprehensive list of books and materials available in the library.
• The project also provided modern equipment and human resource development to improve the library's facilities and services.
• The project promoted the publication of children's literature and established branch libraries in different parts of the country.

Japanese Cultural Grant Aid:

• The Nepal National Library received micrographic equipment such as microfilm cameras, processors, readers, book binding, and cutting machines from the Government of Japan to preserve and conserve the library's materials.

Assistance from JICA Nepal:

• JICA Nepal has assisted the Nepal National Library in setting up the new wing of the Children's Section and its promotional activities.
• It has also provided books on Nepal and other reports in both Nepali and English languages.

International Membership:

• Nepal National Library is a member of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL), Conference of Directors of National Libraries of Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO), and UNESCO Network of Association Libraries (UNAL).
• Being a member of these international organizations has provided Nepal National Library with opportunities for networking, sharing resources, and collaborating with other libraries worldwide.

International cooperation has played a vital role in the development and achievements of the Nepal National Library. The UNESCO/DANIDA project, assistance from JICA Nepal, and membership in international organizations have helped the library to improve its facilities, services, and resources. These achievements have made the library a valuable resource for readers, researchers, and children in Nepal and beyond.

Children’s Library:

The Nepal National Library has a dedicated Children's Section that has been providing library services to young users since 1995. The section is located in a new building and has more than 4100 books in English, Nepali, and other languages. The collection includes colourful reference works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Guinness books to attract young readers. The English books are classified according to the Dewey Decimal Classification, while Nepali and other language books are colour-coded. The section has published a catalogue of its books.

The Children's Section also organizes various programs such as video film shows, CD-ROM demonstrations, story-telling sessions, Origami, quizzes, and how-to-use-reference-books programs to engage young readers. With the assistance of UNESCO/DANIDA, the Nepal National Library has sponsored the publication of nine children's books, including seven titles from the Nepalese Society for Children's Literature (NESCHIL) and two titles from the Pokhara Public Library. These titles are available for sale at subsidized rates from Kathmandu bookshops, and requests for a free set of these publications will be considered from schools and public libraries (while stocks last).

Some of the notable titles published through this initiative include "Tilaure Ra Phulaure" by Ram Kumar Pandey, "Bajyai! Bajyai! Geet Gaaun" by Victor Pradhan and Bharatkumar Bhattarai, "Ma Birami Chhaina" by Ranjushri Parajuli, "China-Jana Hamilai" by Sharada Adhikari (Dhakal), "Bal katha" and "Hamro katha" by the Pokhara Public Library, "Guru-Ma-Pa" retold by "RUMU," "Asta Chiranjibi" by Bishwambhar Chanchal, and "Indrajali Rukh" (The Enchanted Tree) by Enid Blyton, translated by Ramesh Vikal.

Public Libraries:

The following is a list of public libraries in Nepal with their brief history, services, and contact information:

Sarbajanik Vidyabhawan Library, Dharan: This library was established in 1947 and taken over by the Municipality in 1965. It is affiliated with the Nepal National Library as the Eastern Development Regional Library since 1998. It offers a lending service and organizes various programs. UNICEF supports a children's library on the lower floor of the same building.

Contact Address: Dharan,

Tel: 977-25-526115

Nepal National Library, Kathmandu:

The Nepal National Library was formed in 1957 by merging the collection of Royal Priest Pundit Hem Raj Pandey with the Central Secretariat Library. The library now houses approximately 84,000 volumes of books, journals, and other materials in various languages.

Contact Address: Kathmandu

Pokhara Public Library, Pokhara:

This library was the first regional library affiliated with the Nepal National Library in 1995. The Municipality provides the building and two library staff, while the library is managed by an energetic team of volunteer executive committee members. The library collections are being built up and currently hold about 4,000 books. Sixty-five newspapers and magazines are regularly received, and approximately 100 readers visit the library each day. The Pokhara Public Library also serves as a center for a Mobile Library Service to five local communities based on schools and BPEP Resource Centres. It has been designated as a western point of American Center to provide information services to the local community.

Contact Address: Pokhara, Tel: 977-61-521855,

Mahendra Library, Nepalgunj:

Established in 1947, this public library has celebrated its golden jubilee and is housed in its own building in Tribhuwan Chowk. It holds an impressive collection of over 10,000 volumes and is the only library in the Nepalgunj Municipality. It was affiliated as the Mid Western Development Regional Library in 1998. However, this library is now facing financial problems in paying staff salaries.

Contact Address: Nepalgunj, Tel: 977-81-525492

Kailali Public Library, Dhangadi:

Established in 1957, this library was initiated by the local people and has its own building. It holds a bookstock of 7,000 volumes in Nepali, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English, and 82 newspapers and magazines are regularly received. It was affiliated to the Nepal National Library as the Far-Western Regional Library in 1998. It organizes a monthly program of talks and discussions with a literary theme. Contact Address: Dhangadi, Tel: 977-91-521535

Temporary Office location: Sanothimi, Bhaktapur

Bagmati Province, Nepal

Phone No.: +977-01-6639620

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nnl.gov.np

Contact Details of Nepal National Library, Bhaktapur

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List of 10 well-known Library in Nepal

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein

Libraries have the vibe and energy to which nothing can be compared. It is peace and enlightenment to our mind. In addition, the library inspires us to achieve great achievements in life reminding us that there are still good things in this world. We never get enough elucidating about libraries, thereby here is the list of the Library around Kathmandu Valley to look through.

1. Kaiser Library

• Location: Kanti Path, Kathmandu
• Cost of Service: Free
• No.of Books Available: 22,000 volumes
• Types of Books: Religion, Philosophy, Astronomy, Military science, Game, Hunting, Gardening, Literature, History, and Medicine
• Website: http://www.klib.gov.np/

Kaiser Library was built in 1908 by Kaiser Shamsher. It is the most significant legacy in form of his private library called Kaiser Library. Kaiser Shamsher visited Britain with his father and inspired by the library and museum system. After he returned from there, he built his private library which is now known as Kaiser Library. He is fond of collecting books, antiques, animal trophies, painting, and photographs from an early age. As a result, Kaiser Mahal is a small museum too.

During Kaiser Shamsher’s existence, it was available particularly to his family member, notable scholars, and foreigners. It remains private for many years even after the revolution of 1950. In 1964, his wife and sons donated 34 ropanies of land including Kaiser Library, since then this is running under the Ministry of Education.

It has a collection of about 22,000 volumes of books and documents. These books cover a range of subjects like religion, philosophy, religion, astronomy, military science, game, hunting, gardening, literature, history, and medicine. About 90% of books are from the English language and 5% of books are from Nepali, Sanskrit, and Hindi language.

Besides that, there are many old paintings, sculptures, photographs, old maps, and press cuttings that are also part of the library collection. Every year new book collections are added from various subjects. Books are also categorized into 3 sub-sections like books from English medium, Nepali medium, and children collection.

Library Hours

• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
• 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16 Kartik to 15 Magh)
• 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Friday) (Library is closed on Saturday and other government holidays.)

The resources of this library are free for the public and available for reading inside it. All the book collections are kept in open access for readers. The entire collection is automated and users can search for information through the web. Some of the major services of it are:

• Free Internet Wi-fi Zone
• Reading room facilities
• Photocopy services
• Web databases facilities
• Internal loan services
• Training and Advisory services for the development
• Referral services

2. Kathmandu Valley Public Library

• Location: Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu 44600
• Website: http://kvpl.org.np/

The Society started the general public library services in a limited way both in respect of housing the readership and giving library services at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu from 9th July 2005. People of each walk have expressed their appreciation and support for the initiatives taken by the Society. Now, the Society is operating library services.

The vision of the Society is to develop the Kathmandu Valley library as one of the effective vehicles to attain the goals of making a society that’s educated, civilized, democratic, and peaceful. It will play a significant role in promoting Nepal as a modernized and developed country citizen by providing access to information for all.

• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)

(It is closed on Sunday and other government holidays.)

3. Nepal Bharat Library

• Location: Kanti Path, Kathmandu 44600
• Cost of Service: N/A
• No.of Books Available: 62,000 books
• Types of Books: Indian History, Economy, Politics, Literature, Culture, Society, Science & Technology, Medicine, Engineering, Mass Communication, Entertainment, peacekeeping, and other subjects.
• Website: N/A

Nepal Bharat Library was founded in 1956 and is currently positioned at Nepal Airlines Corporation Building, New Road. It remains one of the most important and most extensively used centers of study and research in Kathmandu.

Nepal Bharat library has about 62,000 books, which include a considerable group of Indian History, Economy, Politics, Literature, Culture, Society, Science & Technology, Medicine, Engineering, Mass Communication, Entertainment, peacekeeping, and other subjects. It houses an outsized collection of books in Hindi and an inexpensive collection in Nepali and Sanskrit. Reference books like Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Textbooks, and Handbooks also are available.

NB subscribes to any or all major Indian and Nepali newspapers including magazines. some regional (Indian) newspapers & magazines add features to the gathering. The magazine’s cover subjects like Education, Science & Technology, computing, Information Technology, Sports, Health, Fashion, Society, Art & Culture, Entertainment, Economy and Employment.

(Closed on Friday, Saturday and other government holidays.)

• Free access to reference materials
• Offers email and internet facilities to the users only for their study and research purpose
• Limited printing facilities
• Reading facilities

4. American Library

• Location: Maharajgunj Rd, Kathmandu 44600
• Types of Books: access on online databases from Oxford University and Cambridge University
• Website: http://www.alc.edu.np/bookslibrary/

Visitors to the American Library may benefit from the books, reference materials, magazines, videos, and knowledge services available within the library. Visitors may use the computers to access an extensive collection of online databases or other Internet resources.

Please note that this is found on the U.S. Embassy compound and every one visitor must withstand the safety check. Bring a photo ID with you and cell phones, cameras don’t seem to be permitted inside.

6 month student membership: Rs. 200 (Rs. 100 to renew)

6 month membership for non-students: Rs. 300 (Rs. 150 to renew)

• 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday)

(Closed on Saturday, Sunday and other government holidays.)

Membership Rules:

• Two books can be borrowed for 3 weeks at a time. Renewal is permitted if a book has not been reserved by another member. Overdue materials won’t be renewed.
• Membership is withdrawn and a fine is going to be charged from any member found defacing a book or removing a book without having it properly issued by the librarian.
• Members who are not any longer able or who do not wish to continue membership within the library are requested to show in their identity card for cancellation.

• If a book isn’t on the shelf, a member may fill out a reserve slip at the circulation desk and can be notified when it’s available.
• Members are charged for the price of any lost or damaged books.
• No additional books are going to be loaned to members with overdue books until such materials are returned. A reminder notice is going to be sent when a book is overdue. A fine of Rs. 2/- are going to be charged per day, per book after the maturity date. Repeated late return of books may end in the loss of borrowing privileges.

5. Awon Library

• Location: Thapathali Road Kathmandu, 44600
• Types of Books: Arts, Literature
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awonLibrary.bookclub/

AWON stands for Active Women of Nepal, a company for community service. This is placed opposite Hotel Himalaya, sneaked from the busy streets of Kupondole, and is a public body. It is been nearly 42 years and depends mainly on public donations of books and other publications.

The AWON Library dedicates its first level to non-fiction and magazine publications, while the third level is especially fiction. it’s relatively spacious and comfy as users are deeply absorbed in their reading, despite the slight noise from construction works outside. By applying for membership, you’ll be able to try up to 5 books for 3 weeks. there’s also a bit corner for children’s books.

• Monday-Friday : 1 – 6 P.M
• Saturdays : 10 A.M – 4 P.M
• Closed on Sunday

6. Central Law Library

• Location: Jamal Road Kathmandu
• No.of Books Available: 15,000
• Types of Books: Nepali, Indian, British, American Law Books
• Website: http://www.cll.org.np/

Central Law Library was established at the initiative of the Supreme Court of Nepal during the tenure of chief justice Biswanath Upadhyaya in 1993. The Asia Foundation and a few other foreign embassies put tremendous effort into the establishment which will include the supply of estimated 3000 volumes of law books, infrastructure, equipment’s and consultancy service, among others. UN Information Center Kathmandu supported the library in the early years.

The major objective is to boost the legal research system within the country. It may be the biggest law library within the country opened to the public. Researchers educate at the advanced level and lawyers comprise the largest number of its users. Fifty of them on average visit the here a day.

Currently, it has got approximately 15000 volumes of law books and other legal publications published within the country and abroad additionally. They have got a good collection of Nepalese, Indian, British, and American law books. Some embassies donated many of them. UNDP also supported it by providing valuable UN Treaty Series after the establishment.

• Monday to Friday: 12 to 6:45 P.M
• Saturday : 10:15 to 7:00 P.M
• Limited access to news, both printed and electronic (online) forms. 
• Offers email and internet facilities to the users only for their study and research purpose at the minimum cost.

7. Dilliraman Kalyani Regmi Memorial Library

• Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
• No.of Books Available: 35,000
• Types of Books: Books in Nepali, English, Sanskrit, French, Russian and other languages. Journals, periodicals on different subjects, rare manuscript preserved in microfilm
• Website: https://drkrmlibrary.org/

Dr. Regmi, a learned scholar, had a deep interest in reading books, journals, and newspapers of various subjects and collecting materials of archaeological significance. His search knowledge induced him to gather books, journals, newspapers, and materials of archaeological importance. He collected stone and metal sculptures of gods and goddesses and other archaeological collections, rare photos, etc. In 1980 he establishes Dilliraman-Kalyani Regmi Library and Museum at his own residence.

In 1981 he transferred his entire property including the library and museum to the Ministry of Education of His Majesty’s Government. He wanted it to stay hospitable to the final public for study and research.

8. Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub is a joint partnership between the U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu, and also the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce (FNCCI). It is a new and inventive space at the FNCCI building in Teku. The Hub offers a large range of resources for entrepreneurs including incubator desks, which give entrepreneurs a piece of space and access to a specialized library of books and computer resources. It is also receptive to the general public with books and programs for kids, students, and adults.

• Photocopying
• Newspaper Reading
• Computer Hall
• Children Library
• General Members: General Members are allowed to enjoy the same privileges as special members for one year.
• Special Members: Members are allowed to read books/documents during the opening hours.
• Sunday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Saturday: Closed

9. Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya

• Location: Patandhoka Road, Lalitpur 44700
• No.of Books Available: N/A
• Types of Books: Unique collection of monographs, periodicals, and ephemera, culture, history, Nepali Literature of different periods.
• Official Website: https://madanpuraskar.org/

Since over five decades of foundation, Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya (MPP) has been ceaselessly engaged in the collection and filing of distributed materials in the Nepali language.  The Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya is the foremost document of books, periodicals, ephemera, counting numerous other collections within the Nepali dialect.

The individual scholarly acquisitions of a Kathmandu schoolboy amid the mid-1940s afterward became Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya in 1955 A.D. As the individual collection developed, it pulled in endowments from a few scholarly identities, researchers, and teachers of Nepal and India. This presently holds a one-of-a-kind collection of monographs, periodicals, and ephemera which depicts diverse viewpoints of Nepalese society, culture, history, and Nepali writing of distinctive periods.

It’s collection is wealthy in uncommon materials, which are exceptionally defenseless for circulation. It is one of a kind and distinctive from regular libraries. The collections comprise bulletins, blurbs, flyers, standards, calendars, manuscript

• Sunday to Friday: 10 A.M to 5 P.M

10. Nepal National Library

• Location: Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal
• No.of Books Available: 34,292
• Types of Books: Nepali, Hindi, English collections
• Official Website: h ttps://nnl.gov.np/

The Nepal National Library was built up by His Majesty’s Government in January 1957 (Poush 2013 BS). The center collection was the individual library of Raj guru Sew Raj Pandey, otherworldly advisor to the Lord, which had been obtained for the country in 1956. The collection was moved to Sikri Dhoka, a building inside the complex of Singha Durbar, a Rana Royal residence modeled on Versailles, and said to be the biggest in Asia at the time.

The Nepal National Library was moved to its show area, the Rana royal residence called Harihar Bhawan, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, in1961 (2017), where it possesses the southern wing on the primary floor of the building. Within the early sixties, the National Library created an amazing arrangement of distributions, making antiquated transcribed writings accessible in printed shape. Loaning administrations were begun in 1961 and proceeded for a few a long time.

However, full classification and cataloging of the stock had never been carried out, and within the early eighties, it was chosen to suspend loaning offices in arrange to set out on the mammoth task of cataloging the complete stock. A full card catalog for the Nepali, English, and Hindi collections was at last completed in 1988. Since that time the property has been made available to all for perusing and reference, but within the intrigued of conservation, circulation administrations have not been continued.

• Sunday to Thursday: 10 A.M to 5:00 P.M
• Friday: 10:00A.M to 3:00 P.M
• Closed on Saturday
• Digital Library
• Audio & Visuals
• Maps & Photographs
• Report & Thesis

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Nepal Library Association

Dear NLA members, as all of us know that it's been a very hard time for all of us to stay confined inside our homes due to the sudden outbreak of SARS Novel-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic . Until the day-to-day life comes back to normalcy, we have to pass the time creatively and help others not to worry & suffer mentally. For this, we should ourselves become example and lead a life enthusiastically. Some of us Librarians have been doing excellent jobs in many ways, viz. giving links of useful websites, reciting picture books to children and feeding with useful messages. We have been doing our best personally, however The NLA too feels obliged to share something to our beloved users. Instead of complaining, whining, feeling bored & lazy, we can do something by keeping physical/social distance, e.g.

• Search for some positive meaning out of this current situation
• Do write daily journal (diary); Better start writing a book
• De-clutter your home/room OR help family members…
• Learn a new skill e.g. dancing, fine art etc.
• Read Carnegie, Vincent Peal, Hill, Tolle, Covey, Robbins etc & Biographies.
• Donate money, food thru the local govt./pol.representatives.
• Watch motivational movies
• Keep yourself updated with WHO, Govt & Parent institution…
• Take part in zoom meetings being held by NLA (will be notified)

Meeting With Right Honourable President of Nepal

Presenting a profile report of nla to the right honourable president of nepal, 3 the centenarian scholar sri satya mohan joshi launching the 1st issue of nla journal access at his residence, swearing-in ceremony, 4 former vc of tu prof. holding the 1st issue of nla's journal, नेपाल पुस्तकालय संघको नयाँ निर्वाचित कार्य समिति ।, 5 tu lis dept programme 2022, 6 nla directory 2021, nla international journal, int webinar malaysia, ifla global vision programme singapore, ifla bsla workshop nepal, library inauguration bhaktapur 2019, election of nla, first library day 2008, nla executive committee team, ifla regional seminar bkk 2022, recent activities view all, a delegation of librarians meets the rt. honourable president of nepal, nla publishes 'access', a peer-reviewed international journal, nla publishes a directory of its members, introduction.

Nepal Library Association (NLA) is a non-profit non-governmental organization. It was established with the mission to develop, promote and improve library & information services and library professionalism in Nepal. The NLA is a professional association established in accordance with the National Directorate Act, 2014 BS. It was registered at the District Administration Office in Kathmandu on 23rd October, 1980 (9th of Asoj 2037 B.S.) .

Present NLA Executive Committee

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Nepal Library Foundation

Pustakalaya Aawaj, September issue released

Pustakalaya Awaj is Nepal’s only magazine dedicated to library development in Nepal. The September, 2022 issue of the magazine is dedicated to NLF’s work.

You can access the issue here: https://www.nepallibrary.org/2022-Pustakalaya-Aawaj-Year-15-Number-3

Prison Library Campaign

Nepal Library Foundation strongly believes prisons should have facilities where prisoners can educate themselves and learn new skills. Upon their release, the knowledge and skill acquired in the prison will help them to rehabilitate into the society with honour and dignity. Until now, except a few libraries in prisons in western Nepal established about three years ago (NLF was involved in the establishment), Nepal’s prisons did not have libraries. Cognizant of this, about six months ago, the NLF Nepal started a campaign to establish libraries in all district level prisons in Nepal. The prisoners are consulted to decide the genera of books they would like have in the library. Generally, the library holdings consist of books on various skill development; Nepal and world history; general knowledge and so on. Besides providing books, NLF also trains the prison staff /prisoners in library management and in setting up a Book Club, where the inmates meet periodically to discuss books they have read. Nepal’s Local Government’s officials and prison officials have been very helpful in executing the project.   

Endowment Fund Campaign

Since its registration in late 2005 as a Canadian Charity with a mission to “enhance education opportunity to Nepali people through the medium of libraries”, the NLF has assisted in establishing libraries, both digital and conventional, in over 238 schools, communities and prisons across the country. Besides assisting in libraries, the NLF also provides training in library management; setting up ‘Book Clubs” to promote reading habits; setting up a ‘Home Library’ and advocates for library development in the country. We estimate over a million people have benefited from this work.

Nepal does not have a law that makes community or school libraries mandatory. The need to continue NLF’s work is therefore critical. The NLF is run entirely by volunteers and targeted project-based funding it receives from donors who value education and community service. This has made it possible to complete large number of projects, but has created enormous strain in managing its operating cost.

NLF Nepal has started a campaign to raise funds to establish an Endowment fund to address the situation and provide continuity to its work. The interest from the fund will be used to defray the foundations operational costs. We implore you to join the campaign and contribute to the fund. Your help will help us to open the doors of libraries across the nation.

E-Library User Training

The travel restrictions due to Covid limited NLF’s technical personnel’s ability of on-site visits to libraries to to provide technical support. To alleviate this situation, NLF started to provide basic training to set up a local area network of computers and to connect them to e-library server in NLF’s office in Kathmandu. Computer teachers in schools with NLF supported libraries were invited to join the training. Under this program, computer teachers Sri Shesh Kant Dhakal and Sri Rajesh Adhikari of Sri Tri-Sahid Secondary School, Sanja and Sri Bal Kalyan Secondary School, Lamjung respectively were trained and servers with e-library content were handed over to them.

Advisors to NLF, Nepal

Nepal Library Foundation, Nepal Board’s meeting of January 2022 appointed the following are NLF’s new advisors.  

• Govinda Bandi, ex-Minister of Law, Government of Nepal
• Ramesh Kharel, Former DIG, Nepal Police
• Mahabir Pun, Entrepreneur, Innovator and Social worker
• Ram Thapa, Patron, NRNA

They add to the current advisors Dr. Jugel Bhurtel and Dr. Binda Pandey and together bring over hundred years of experience in management; education and social work in Nepal. NLF greatly appreciates their willingness to advise the NLF as it moves forward in its mission.

E-Library in Sri Jan Jagrity, Secondary School, Solokhumbu

NLF provided technical support to install an e-library server in Sri Jan Jagrity, Secondary School in September 2021. There are 20 computers in the school. Eightytwo years old Prem Kumari Shrestha, a resident of Okhaldhungda, contribute her old age allowance to cover the cost of system management for this project.  The funding raising for the project was coordinated by NLF’s International Coordinator Shibaji Shrestha.

Women’s Computer Literacy Program

Following the very successful “Womens Computer Literacy “programme, in Sangam Library, Gaighat, Udayapur about six years ago, the NLF provided Computers to Chaturbhujeshwor Community Study Center (CCLC) Sukhepokhari Sarlahi to run their “Women’s Computer Literacy” programme. The three months long basic level course was completed in April 2021 with technical support from IT Plus Sarlahi.

CCLC chairman Mr. Yamini Kumar Deep says the next phase of the training shall resume after the CoVid lockdown is lifted. The course was run in accelerated time and completed in two months. Nineteen homemakers participated in the training.  

Home Libraries Initiative

During the period of lock down of the country due to CoVid-19 in 2020-2021, when access to libraries was restricted due to restriction in movement, the Nepal Library Foundation came up with the idea to promote every home to establish library within its premises. Consultation for execution of the idea started in January 2021 and by March, 2021, it had turned into a national campaign. The campaign’s mission is to encourage every house to systematically arrange books, magazines and other materials at a visible location in the house, for example the drawing room and promote reading.

By March “Home Library Coordinators” had been appointed in 18 districts. Generous donations of books have been received from publisher and a recognized writer Chayadatta Newpane and Mausami Shrestha, a Nepali resident in the USA. Newpane has donated two books each to 152 houses and newpane has pledged Rs. 2000 for ten poor families.

The municipality of Triguna , Udayayapur, Gaighat now requires a room dedicated to a “ Home Library” in all building permit applications. A copy of the municipalities’ order is included in the Gallery.

“Pustakalaya Awaj”, Nepal’s only magazine dedicated to library development, published a story on the development of the “Home Library” campaign in its April, 2021 issue.

Sangam Community Library and Suhrid Library - A Video Travelogue

A visiting team of Canadian volunteers travelled to Sangam Library and did a video this year. It includes the sights and sounds of people who're directly benefitting from this venture and the decades long work of the NLF team. Huge thanks to Dan Little and his team for creating a beautiful video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlptUN6ChBM

MoU signed among NRNA, NLF-Canada and NLF-Nepal

A Memorandum of Understanding for the partnership framework among Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepal Library Foundation - Canada (NLF - Canada) and Nepal Library Foundation - Nepal (NLF - Nepal) was signed 15 July 2020. The partnership is a key initiative to bring together the three main parties that are aligned in the development and growth of public libraries in Nepal. As per the MoU,

An Appeal for Nepal National Library

NLF Nepal has released a press communique with regards to the decsion of the Nepalis Cabinet to stop the contruction of a new building for Nepal National Library. See the communique here.

Sangam Community Library: NLF’s First Recognized Model Library

Established in the year 2003 the Sangam Community Library became the first library ever in the town of Triyuga in Udaypur District in Nepal. It served a community of 50,000 for nearly seven years, but fell into disuse around 2010 and was on the verge of closing down.

NLF Newsletter 2020 released

Please go to to the "Downloads" section or click here to view the PDF . 

Dolakha Learning Center Update

After the earthquakes of 2015, and the severe damage inflicted on the school buildings in Dolakha, the NLF was involved in the building of a learning centre composed of a computer room and a library and another room to provide a resource to the community and school after the school buildings were devastated. Apart from the building itself geotechnical work needed to be carried out. Significant assistance for this was provided by BGC Ltd, a Vancouver based engineering company.

NLF helps setup ten libraries inside prisons in Karnali Region

Nepal’s police officers are not usually known for establishing educational facilities in the prisons they manage however Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Mahesh Bikram Shah is an exception. He is an established author and the recipient in 2007 (2063 BS) of the Madan Puraskar, Nepal’s premier literary award. “I have always been interested in writing and literature but I had never thought prisoners might like to read and that prisoners would benefit from libraries” he says, “The epiphany moment occurred during my interaction with a prisoner about eighteen months ago.

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Libraries records of Nepal | Libraries in Nepal

Initiation of establishing libraries has come into practice since the Lichchhavi Period (300-874 AD). Presently, there are more than 1200 public libraries in Nepal.

First library of Nepal

'Pandit Pustakalaya' was founded by the family of Parajuli Pandits during the period of king Bichitravirya Shah of the Kaski Princedom, though the exact date is not available, but it ascertains the library was already established before the princedom merged to the unified Kingdom of Nepal in 1768.

First government library  of Nepal

Evidence shows that King Girvana Yuddha Bikram Shah had first commissioned to open a library with his royal decree at the Hanumandhoka Falace on July 28, 1812 appointing Kedamath Jha as the first librarian. During the Rana Premier Jung Bahadur's period in 1860, a govermment lbrary showed to have a library already established. However, the same orary with the name of 'Bir Pustakalaya' or library was established with Some other books collected by the Rana Premier Bir Shamsher after a dccade of his death in 1911. It was the first organized library in the country.

The same library tumed to be the National Archives or the Rashtriya Abhilekhalaya later.

National library  of Nepal

'Rashtriya Pustakalaya' or the National Library at Harihar Bhavan, Pulchok, Lalitpur, first initiated with those books bought from the personal library of Bada Gurujyu Hem Raj Pandey (an eminent scholar who had named his library as 'Bharati Bhavan' with the largest collection of books in that period) was established in 1956 and shifted to the present site in 1967 and opened to the general public. The library houses more than 90,000 books apart from magazines and journals. It has the largest collection of more than 50,000 olden manuscripts.

National Archive

'Rashtriya Abhilekhalaya' or the archive has a long history relating to the Malla Period. After the integration of Nepal it functioned as the Jaisi Kotha' until the end of the Rana Period. After the advent of democracy documents regarding external affairs were shifted to the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs and the remaining documents, copies of innumerable inscriptions and manuscripts were housed. Besides these, the archive has preserved more than 200000 ancient and medieval volumes of handwritten manuscripts in microfilms. The present National Archive was established on October 4, 1967 and located at Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu.

First public library  of Nepal

'Pustak Padhne Dalaan' was established by Ambika Prasad Lakaul in Tansen, Palpa district in 1930, which was renamed as 'Dhawal Pustakalaya' later.

First library listed in the catalogue of the international libraries

Shree Pashupati Pratap Pustakalaya' was established by Hem Lal Puri in memory of his deceased son, Pashupati Pratap Puri in 1936 in Taulihawa, Kapilvastu district.

Biggest library  of Nepal

`Kendriya Pustakalaya' or the central library at the Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, established in 1959 and shifted to Kirtipur in 1967 has housed more than 3, 50,000 books on multidisciplinary subjects, besides, a large number of journals, magazines, papers, etc.

Only archive of written and printed Nepali literary matter

'Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya' founded by eminent litterateur, Kamalmani Dixit in 1955 in memory of his mentor, Late Madan Shamsher JBR, serves as the only archive of written materials in Nepali language besides a library.

First library with only English books

The British Council Library, first started as 'British Reading Room' in 1952 at New Road, Kathmandu was the first English book library.

Largest public library  of Nepal

'Nepal-Bharat Library' established in 1956, housed in the building of Nepal Airlines, New Road, Kathmandu, having more than 65 thousand books on miscellancous subjects, apart from magazines, journals, newspapers and other periodicals, is the busiest library of Nepal due to its central location in the city.

First public braille library  of Nepal

'Divya Jyoti Braille Pustakalaya' established on June 20, 1987 by Kamala Chhetri and her colleagues, was the first blic library for the sightless.

First E-Library  of Nepal

`Sajha Shiksha E-Pati', an educational social network has started education based digital library with browsing, searching and linking facilitics for its more than 2,300 curricular materials on its website.

First mobile library  of Nepal

The first mobile bus library started its service with a view to help people of the remote areas on November 22, 2013 by the cooperation of the US embassy in Kathmandu.

First library journal

'Nava Nirman', a quarterly jourmal was brought out by Pashupati branch of the Nepal Pustakalaya Sangh, edited by Bashudev Vaidya (Poet Bashu Shashi) in 1955. 

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MPP has the largest collection of periodicals published in Nepali language. Now the library holds more than five thousand titles of the periodicals like newspapers, magazines, journals, bulletins and occasional papers. The catalogued periodicals can be browsed and searched using the periodical search .