The Kaiser Library in Kathmandu, Nepal is a government-run public library. It's part of the Keshar Mahal complex. Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana founded the library in 1907 for his son, Kaiser (Keshar) Shumsher Rana. Rare and old literature on Buddhism, Tantrism, and astrology are housed in the library. Some of them are handwritten on palm leaves.
More than 60,000 books, papers, journals, and manuscripts are housed at the library. Rare books, manuscripts, paintings, photos, animal trophies, and other artifacts abound. As a result, this library is regarded as one of the top historical and archaeological libraries in the country. The complete collection is divided into three groups:
- Kaiser collection
- General Collection
- Manuscripts Collection
- New Collection (Books from Nepali Medium and Books from English Medium)
- Children Corner
- Periodicals Collection
The Kaiser Collection covers a wide range of topics including philosophy, theology, astronomy, social science, military science, game, hunting, gardening, medicine, literature, history, and biography. The majority of the books are in English, with the remainder in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Nepali. Aside from that, the library's collections include a number of notable artworks, photos, sculptures, antique maps, and newspaper cuttings.
In addition to Kaiser's Collection, a new collection was created in 1970. New books in a variety of disciplines are added to this library every year. Students, teachers, government employees, researchers, and the general public all utilize the new collections on a regular basis. Dictionary, General Knowledge, Computer Science, Philosophy, Religion, Social Science, Politics, Law Management, Pure Science, Technology, Literature, History, Biography, Guide Book, and other disciplines are included in the New collection. The New Collection has been divided into three sections: English Medium Books, Nepali Medium Books, and Children's Books.
In a given year, Kaiser Library subscribes to 43 volumes of newspapers and periodicals. Donations and exchanges have resulted in the receipt of a number of magazines. There are other magazines from Kaiser Shumsher's personal collection.
Library Hours
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16 Kartik to 15 Magh)
- 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Friday)
(Library is closed on Saturday and other government holidays.)