Nepal Observes 17th National Library Day with Nationwide Programs

Nepal is observing National Library Day today with a variety of programs organized across the country. This annual event, celebrated on Bhadra 15 in the Lunar calendar, marks the day in 1869 BS when then-King Griwanayuddha Bikram Shah approved the law for the establishment of libraries by placing the royal red seal on it.

This year, the 17th National Library Day is being observed under the slogan “Library for Continuous Education.” The main organizing committee, led by Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Deepak Kafley, is coordinating the celebrations. One of the key events includes honoring the best librarians and readers for their contributions.

A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Education during the fiscal year 2078/79 revealed that there are 928 community and public libraries across Nepal. However, only 227 of these libraries are functioning properly, highlighting the need for further improvement in the library system.

Rajendra Pandey, the General Secretary of the Nepal Community Library Association, emphasized the importance of ensuring all libraries operate effectively. He also called for policies to encourage the establishment of new libraries in areas where they are needed, underscoring the vital role of libraries in promoting continuous education and community development.