State's Role in Library Preservation and Promotion: Education Minister Bhattarai
Education, Science, and Technology Minister Vidya Bhattarai emphasized the need for the state to take responsibility for the preservation, promotion, and development of a reading culture through libraries. Speaking at the 17th Library Day celebration held in Kathmandu on Saturday, Minister Bhattarai committed to transforming libraries into digital libraries by making them more technology-friendly, in line with the growing use of information and communication technology.
Minister Bhattarai acknowledged the lack of clear policies and laws regarding the operation and management of libraries in Nepal. She expressed her commitment to taking the necessary steps to establish relevant legislation.
She stated, "Laws, policies, and regulations are essential for library development. The Ministry of Education has already prepared a preliminary draft to revise the Library Policy of 2007." Highlighting that libraries are no longer limited to physical books, she stressed the importance of developing electronic libraries to create an environment for studying world-class books. Minister Bhattarai further noted that with proper legal and policy frameworks, managing library resources would become more straightforward.
Awards and Recognitions
During the event, Meena Dallakoti was recognized as the Best Librarian, and library activist Meena Thapa Giri was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, 'Moti Community Library' in Phalebas, established in 2016 in Khanigaun, Parbat, was declared the best among community and private libraries across the country.
Ratna Library in Baneshwar was awarded the 'Laxmi Prasad Devkota Memorial' honor, which carries a cash prize of NPR 50,000. Minister Bhattarai presented these awards and honors during the event.
Government's Commitment to Future Library Development
Bishwa Babu Pudasaini, the Chairperson of the Main Organizing Committee and Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the state's ongoing efforts to develop libraries that future generations can be proud of. He discussed the past services provided by libraries, their current state, and the potential services they could offer in the future.
