Kathmandu Valley Public Library reopens after 114-day closure

The Kathmandu Valley Public Library reopened its doors on Wednesday, ending a 114-day closure that stemmed from a protracted dispute over unpaid rent. The Social Welfare Council (SWC) had padlocked the premises on April 13, citing accumulated dues for two buildings at Bhrikutimandap.

The reopening occurred in the presence of representatives from the SWC, the District Administration Office in Kathmandu, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-28, and the library management. This development follows a decision by Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Sita Badi, placing the library under the council's temporary operational control. Khaga Nath Regmi, the council's head of administration, stated that the council had formally requested library representatives for the reopening after deciding to assume responsibility.

However, the library's future operational model remains unclear. The dispute originated when the lease agreement expired in 2009. Although no formal renewal occurred, the library society continued paying rent at a 75 percent concession, arguing its status as a non-profit public institution. The council later demanded full rent, claiming the library owed Rs28.5 million in arrears, which stalled negotiations.

Questions were also raised about the government's authority to unilaterally place the library under the SWC's management. Library representatives argued that as a registered non-profit, it had consistently paid rent, conducted audits, and served the public for over two decades. They questioned the government's control over an institution largely built on public contributions and donations, with approximately 70 percent of its collection donated and operations sustained by membership fees and donor contributions.

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the library will temporarily operate under the council.