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Kathmandu library padlocked, sparking debate on Nepal's value of knowledge

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Kathmandu Valley Public Library, one of the capital's oldest public libraries, was padlocked by the government on April 13.
  • The Social Welfare Council cited unpaid rent of approximately 30 million Nepalese rupees as the reason for the closure.
  • The closure sparked public discussion about the value of libraries and the absence of a widespread library culture in Nepal.

Kathmandu's oldest public library has been padlocked for over 90 days, sparking public concern and debate about the value of knowledge and public spaces in Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley Public Library, managed by the Social Welfare Council, was shut on April 13 due to alleged unpaid rent amounting to 30 million Nepalese rupees.

No one talks about libraries in Nepal.

— Abhi SubediProfessor and writer Abhi Subedi's observation on the general lack of public discourse surrounding libraries in Nepal.

The closure prompted an unusual public conversation, with many questioning how a public library in the heart of the capital could simply disappear. Researcher Pratyush Onta expressed dismay on X, stating, "If you can’t innovate to financially support the largest public library in existence in your rich capital city, then don’t tell me your new ministry of innovation is going to do any good." This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety about the future of public reading spaces in Nepal.

It looks like the Kathmandu Valley Public Library is going to be closed permanently. If you can’t innovate to financially support the largest public library in existence in your rich capital city, then don’t tell me your new ministry of innovation is going to do any good.

— Pratyush OntaResearcher Pratyush Onta's critical comment on X regarding the library's potential permanent closure and the government's innovation initiatives.

Professor and writer Abhi Subedi noted that libraries in Nepal are rarely discussed, suggesting a lack of a true library culture. He explained, "It could not become a culture in Nepal that people could become members of libraries and get books from there." This points to a society where reading and public intellectual engagement are not deeply ingrained.

It could not become a culture in Nepal that people could become members of libraries and get books from there.

— Abhi SubediProfessor and writer Abhi Subedi's reflection on the absence of a strong library culture in Nepal.

Estimates suggest the library houses around 60,000 books, journals, and reports. Writer and editor Bimal Acharya highlighted on X that the library, established two decades ago by book lovers, has approximately 3,000 members and 200 daily visitors. Its potential permanent closure raises questions about Nepal's priorities regarding public knowledge institutions, echoing historical struggles for intellectual freedom.

A library with around 3,000 members and about 200 daily visitors, established two decades ago through the efforts of a few generous book lovers, is now on the verge of disappearing.

— Bimal AcharyaWriter and editor Bimal Acharya's concern on X about the library's current state and its potential disappearance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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