Only 227 out of 928 libraries across country operating properly: Report

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, June 26: Of a total of 928 libraries, which were opened across the country since 1917, only 227 have been found to be operating properly.

According to a survey conducted by Read Nepal and Shanti Volunteer Association in coordination with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology showed that 681 libraries have been shut down over the years.

The surveyors had prepared a list of 60 questions based on which the survey was conducted.

The ministry’s under-secretary Yadav Chandra Niraula informed that the full report of the survey will be made public on the second national conference of public and community libraries on June 29 and 30.

Similarly, Read Nepal’s Bhola Kumar Shrestha said, “Many libraries which were opened without proper management couldn’t operate for long.”

Read Nepal is recently operating 69 libraries in 43 districts across Nepal.

“We provided Rs. 1 million to all the libraries.  They are now operating effectively in the respective localities attracting children, youths as well as elderlies,” said Shrestha.

Read Nepal’s Chij Kumar Shrestha added, “Libraries cannot operate on a long run without a long-term plan. They also need to be under the jurisdiction of respective community. We have libraries operating for more than three decades.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders also argued that the government needed to focus on protecting the libraries and increase its number together.

“Libraries are public’s university as it allows everyone to come and seek knowledge. Libraries play an important role in educating the communities,” said Binod Gurung of Shanti Volunteer Association.

Making public the second national conference, Niraula said, “The government plans to establish at least one public library in all the 753 local levels soon. The government is providing a grant of Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 1 million to 98 libraries across the country.”