'Library is useful to develop reading culture'

Kathmandu, Aug 31: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has pointed out that local-levels, provinces, federal government and community should establish well-managed and well-equipped libraries with a strong legal basis, budget and technology, saying libraries is useful to develop reading culture. 

At a programme organised by Library Day Main Celebration Committee on the occasion of the 18th Library Day here today, Minister Gurung underscored that libraries of the country are the centres of education, research, reading culture and social transformation.

Also the Spokesperson of the government, he mentioned,"Disparity and limited access between urban and rural areas have created a vast difference in dissemination of knowledge. So libraries are not only the places to store books. It should be redefined as the centre for overall development of the society." 

Libraries still have relevance in the present digital era, and they have been making citizens strong by providing digital access, e-books, research materials and a safe study environment, according to Minister Gurung, who also argued that libraries have become important places for research, innovation and skill development.  

Similarly, library campaigner Indira Dali stressed the need of establishing public library from local level by making library act. Arrangement of child room should be made in every library in order to develop reading culture. 

On the occasion, Gyanudaya Library and Information Centre, librarian Jagadish Chandra Aryal and library campaigner Grihaman Shrestha were honoured. (RSS)