19th Library Day: 681 Libraries Closed Across Nepal, Separate Federal Law Needed
Nepal is observing the 19th Library Day under the main slogan, “Children, Youth and Elderly: The Library Is a Destination for All.” However, data show that most community and public libraries across the country remain closed due to the absence of a clear state policy and legal framework.
Data and Current Situation
According to the available details, of the 928 community and public libraries across the country, only 227 are operating properly, while 681 remain closed.
Although resources, human resources, and infrastructure are essential to ensure the sustainability of libraries, the absence of a legal framework has created obstacles to their establishment, operation, and development.
Historical and Legal Background
The beginning of legal documentation related to libraries in Nepal is considered to date back to 1869 BS, when King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah issued a Lalmohar to establish and operate the “Pustak Chitai Tahabil” at Basantapur Palace.
Before the Education Act, 2028, permission was required to open a library. Although regulations formulated under the Act included some provisions regarding the establishment and operation of libraries, they were not sufficient.
As a result, there was prolonged confusion over whether the authority to register and regulate libraries rested with the then District Education Office, District Administration Office, or local bodies.
Policy and Constitutional Provisions
The issuance of the National Policy on Library and Information Services, 2064 is regarded as an important achievement for the sector. Similarly, the Library and Information Management Directive, 2069 was also issued.
However, although policies were introduced, problems have persisted because no separate law was enacted to implement them.
The Constitution of Nepal, 2072 has raised new hopes for the library sector. The Constitution recognizes the importance of libraries by including them in the lists of powers of the federal, provincial, and local levels.
Various Task Forces and Drafts
Various initiatives have been undertaken from time to time regarding library and book policies.
A National Book Policy Draft Task Force was formed under the coordination of senior journalist Harigovinda Luintel, a Library Master Plan Task Force was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. Tulasi Prasad Bhattarai, and a draft Library Automation Plan was prepared under the coordination of librarian Indira Dali.
The Way Forward and Current Need
It has been pointed out that libraries need to be child-friendly, equipped with disability-friendly infrastructure, and connected with communities to develop a reading culture.
There is also a need to preserve old, rare, local knowledge and cultural materials while making digital archiving, e-resources, and information technology integral parts of library services.
Just as roads take people to physical destinations, libraries lead people to destinations of knowledge. Therefore, libraries should be given the same level of priority as physical infrastructure.
For this, the major need today is to enact a separate federal law on library and information services covering the country’s entire library sector.
Annual Day