Top 5 libraries in Kathamndu

Public Library is an open space to get easy access towards knowledge. All big cities have public library. Beside this, developing country like Nepal should depend upon public library. The capital kathmandu have dozens of public library, but all of those may have not cover all generes.

Here, we listed the best public libraries in the Kathmandu valley :

1. Nepal National Library

The Nepal National Library was established in 1957. This library is now the copyright library operating under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of Nepal government. This library is situated at Pulchok, Lalitpur, near the UN complex. This library hosts about 84,000 volumes of books, journals, and other resource materials in many languages such as English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Nepali. However, there is no membership provision and lending services as of now.

2. The Kaiser Library (Kaiser pustakalaya)

The Kaiser Library was established in 1907 by Chandra Shumsher in the name of his son, Kaiser Shumsher Rana. As of now, this public library is run by the government and is located inside the Kaiser Mahal palace complex in Kanti Path. This library has some ancient and rare books on Buddhism, astrology, and Tantrism. But, one could not borrow the books and other resources from this library as there is no provision for membership.

3. The Kathmandu Valley Public Library

It was established on July 9, 2005. It is located at Bhrikutimandap, near many colleges. The KVPL has a collection of over 60,000 books, reports, and periodicals written in Nepali, Sanskrit, Newari, and Hindi languages. It has two buildings. One can read books and receive book lending, e-library, and newspaper reading services from the new block. There is a separate section for children and an information desk in the old building.

4. The Nepal Bharat Library

It was established in 1956. Presently, this library is situated at the NAC (Nepal Airlines Corporation) building in New Road. This library is generally known as the Indian Library as it is managed by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. There are 62,000 plus books, all major Indian and Nepali newspapers and magazines in this library. This is a centre of knowledge on Indian history, politics, literature, economy, society, medicine, and many other subjects. The annual membership fee of this library is Rs 100 with Rs 1,000 refundable security deposit. As of now, the library is closed for the public.

5. American Library

It is located inside the US Embassy in Nepal, at Maharajgunj. This library was established in 1952 as a part of the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section. The library service is just one aspect of the American Spaces. This library has more than 6,000 books including American novels, business works, non-fictional works, English language learning and reference materials, and many more.

It is also the storehouse of many American movies, documentaries, journals, and eLibraryUSA. The annual membership fees of this library vary from Rs 200 to Rs 300. This library is not open to the public presently.

 

** Posted again (previously posted March 24, 2021)